James Featherstone
Summary
Accomplished Avionics Technician, Instructor and Maintenance Manager with a robust background on F/A-18F and EA-18G Aircraft systems. Effective in troubleshooting and maintenance coordination, complemented by strong leadership and communication skills. Proven track record in delivering training and assessment programs, enhancing workplace safety practices with a keen attention to detail and technical proficiency.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Avionics Maintenance Manager
Boeing Defence Australia - MRO Services
06.2021 - Current
- Mentored and developed junior maintenance personnel.
- Performed B2 MAML Certifier and Aircraft Dispatch duties providing flightline operation management to a growing workforce.
- Co-ordinated operational maintenance activities to provide continued airworthiness and customer satisfaction (RAAF).
- Conducted Aviation Safety Report investigations and implemented actions to foster continued safety culture and to improve processes.
- Performed technical training and assessment to MRO maintenance staff supporting workforce capability.
- Collaborated with other workplace trainers to develop new training packages and overhaul existing packages to support MRO capability.
Ground Training Instructor - Avionics
82WG Technical Training Flight
01.2019 - 06.2021
- Delivered instructor led training for F/A-18F and EA-18G avionic system courses, Ground Handling, Safety and Famil and Night Vision Goggle Maintenance within the classroom, workshop and flightline environment.
- Facilitated and assessed student system troubleshooting utilising the Integrated Visual Environment Maintenance Trainer (IVEMT).
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans, course content and structure to deliver current and effective training to maintenance personnel across 82 Wing and Boeing Defence Australia
- Hazchem management IAW Work Health & Safety SafetyMan as unit Hazardous Chemicals Safety Advisor (HCSA) 2019 - Present.
Avionics Technician/Supervisor
6 SQUADRON
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Performed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on F/A-18F and EA-18G platforms in both tradesperson and trade supervisor roles
- Flightline operations - Launch Chief and Line Supervisor duties
- Incorporated H8, H10 and H12 software upgrade packages across fleet
- Contributed user end feedback and ideas as part of IETM upgrade to MDARTS
- Identified and logged technical publication discrepancies using TPDR's
Avionics Fitter/Technician
79 SQUADRON
11.2010 - 12.2014
- Certificate IV Aeroskills - Avionics fitter logbook training IAW RAAF Registered Training Organisation.
- Performed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on Hawk 127 aircraft.
- Flightline operations - Launch chief and supervisor
Education
Advanced Leadership And Management
Southpac Aerospace
10-2024
Certificate IV Training And Assessment - TAE40116 -
Inspire Education
07-2022
Certificate IV in Aeroskills - Avionics MEA40607 -
RAAF School Of Technical Training
RAAF Base Wagga 11.2012
HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFICATE -
Maitland High School
East Maitland, NSW11.2007
Skills
- Knowledge of aircraft systems, maintenance requirements and ACEA Military Aviation Maintenance Licence processes
- Experienced with technical training packages and soft skill programs (NTS)
- Contextualise and implement training programs and processes relevant to the workforce requirement
- Experienced in training development and improvement processes
- Ability to identify future MRO resourcing needs
- Plan and coordinate training schedules around operational workflow and shift patterns
- Supervisor and personnel management experience
- Experience in leadership and mentoring positions
- Sound knowledge of environmental, health and safety practices and procedures
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Training and qualifications
DASR 66 Military Aircraft Maintenance Licence (MAML)
- Licence Number: AUS.DASR66.008053
AGSVA Defence Security Clearance
- Negative Vetting level 1 (NV1) expires year 2025 (Currently extended)
Defence Aviation Safety Bureau DFSB
02/23 Aviation Safety Officer Course (Initial) Completed 30 Jun 2023.
References
Patrick Kelly
Product Support Training and Maintenance Capability
Maintenance Operations Planning Analyst
07 5362 0196 | 0455 291 898
patrick.kelly8@defence.gov.au
James McLaughlin
Product Support Training and Maintenance Capability
ACEA MRO Maintenance Aviation Safety Coordinator
0412 840 411
james.mclaughlin3@defence.gov.au
Timeline
Avionics Maintenance Manager
Boeing Defence Australia - MRO Services
06.2021 - Current
Ground Training Instructor - Avionics
82WG Technical Training Flight
01.2019 - 06.2021
Avionics Technician/Supervisor
6 SQUADRON
01.2015 - 01.2019
Avionics Fitter/Technician
79 SQUADRON
11.2010 - 12.2014
Advanced Leadership And Management
Southpac Aerospace
Certificate IV Training And Assessment - TAE40116 -
Inspire Education
Certificate IV in Aeroskills - Avionics MEA40607 -
RAAF School Of Technical Training
HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFICATE -
Maitland High School
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