Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) NEXT GEN Award
Aviation Program Chair Randy Chapko from the College of Aeronautics recently received the 2015 Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) Award. The purpose of the award is to showcase exceptional individuals who have remarkably contributed to the aircraft maintenance industry.
Chapko received the award for his contributions as the Aviation Program Chair at the College of Aeronautics and for his military service as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician in the United States Air Force (USAF). Chapko’s passion for aviation maintenance dates back over a decade ago when he joined the USAF in May 2002. After 6 years in the USAF, he enhanced his aircraft maintenance career by attending Hallmark University and receiving his Federal Aviation Administration Airframe & Powerplant certificate.
Following graduation, he excelled as an A&P Mechanic in San Antonio which eventually landed him a position as an Aviation Instructor at Hallmark University. To learn how AMT is used in Chapko’s dedication to aircraft maintenance education and passion for helping others succeed paved the way to his current role as Aviation Program Chair.
“Working at Hallmark University has afforded me the opportunity to give back to the aviation industry on a daily basis. We’re training the future of aviation maintenance by exposing our students to a “real-world” environment, in which we receive input from our program advisory committee made up of leaders from the aviation industry.” – Randy Chapko
Along with ensuring a positive learning environment for future aircraft maintenance technicians, Chapko’s service goes beyond the classroom and into the San Antonio community.
“Each year here at Hallmark I host the San Antonio Wings Academy, which is a group of at-risk kids from deprived homes. We give them a tour of our campus, an aviation activity to perform, and give them hope.” – Randy Chapko