My Story and Professional Background

I was born and raised in the UK to British parents. My mother remarried a gentlemen in the USAF while he was stationed in England. I moved to the states in the early 90's. I've lived two thirds of my life between Texas and California.

My dream as a young adult was to be a firefighter. Somewhere around mid-late 90's is when things changed and life happened. I fell into the Aerospace/Aviation Industry.

I started working for a small privately held FAA Part 145 repair station in Texas. If you're not familiar (The term Repair Station refers to a maintenance facility that has a certificate issued by the FAA under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations ( 14 CFR ) Part 145 and is engaged in the maintenance, inspection, and alteration of aircraft and aircraft products). I was there for almost 5 years. I had the chance to work in operations and supply chain. This was the first time my mind was blown. I couldn't believe how much aircraft parts cost and what they sold for. 

I worked for another FAA Part 145 Repair Station for a short time in a similar role before accepting a Purchasing Manager role in Los Angeles, California working for my 3rd FAA Part 145 Repair Station. 

I really enjoyed my time there, I met my late mentor and good friend while working for that company. While there I had the chance to really learn the business and understand the buying and selling side of the aircraft aftermarket. In 3 years I had bought and sold 12+ million dollars worth of new and USM (Used Serviceable Material) to third parties, airlines, manufacturers, and to the military. The aerospace industry was truly a "Goldmine". 

After 3 years with that company I was ready for some serious growth. I accepted a new role about 50 miles away in Orange County, CA, working for a large Fortune 500 Aerospace Manufacturer, running their FAA Part 145 Repair Station. This was my best career move. Tons of growth, training programs, phenomenal operating systems and amazing exposure to all areas of the business. I truly owned my destiny. 

After 10.5 years great years with that company I was ready for another new challenge. I took a role working for another large corporation, running their FAA Part 145 Repair Station.

Then, 20+ years in the Industry I was ready for a new challenge. I knew how to fix problems (big and small operational problems) that exist within manufacturing and the aftermarket world. I knew how to broker, buy and sell aircraft parts. I knew sales and marketing. I knew Operations and Quality. I knew Supply Chain, the entire SIOP process. I knew how to hire the right people, coach, mentor and empower massive work forces. I knew all the pain points of the hourly and salaried work forces felt for every role. I knew how poorly some people are paid. I'd seen what the cost of poor leadership did to the people and to company bottom lines. I'd seen what solid systems deployed looked like, correctly coupled with great leadership. 

I saw an opportunity. An opportunity to do something different! 

I turned my knowledge and expertise into a coaching and consulting business that I can work remotely.

Hi, I'm Curtis Hickling. Founder and Sr. Lead Consultant of Airplane Media LLC,. Owner of AircraftProfit.com (Airplane Media LLC)