Passing it on to the Next Generation: Cleve Kellum

At UTI, we're proud to have Cleve Kellum, an experienced aviation instructor, guiding our students. Our program is designed to set students up to test for their Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license.⁷⁹ The training includes hands-on learning and instructor-led classes to prepare students for three Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) tests. Once passed, students earn their A&P license.

A Lifetime of Passion for Aviation

Cleve brings a rich background in aviation, starting out as a crew chief for B-52 bombers in the military back in 1985.

“Aviation has always been a passion for me, and maintenance is just what got me started,” Cleve shares.

The best part of the job for Cleve is giving back. He considers himself fortunate to have gained the experience he has, and he loves passing on that knowledge to those following in his footsteps.

“It’s a good fit to be able to give back to the guys who are coming behind me,” he says.

In the classroom: Embracing the hands-on

Our students come from all walks of life. Some are fresh out of high school while others are looking for a career change. Cleve makes it a point to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and ready to learn.

The student’s favorite part, according to Cleve, is the hands-on aspect of our program.

“The students love the hands-on,” says Cleve. “Some of the things that we’ll do is we’ll take an engine off an aircraft, overhaul it, change tires, rotate the tires, do composite material… and actually build an airfoil. And those are just some of what we do here.”

Broadening Career Horizons

As Cleve says, now is a great time to train in A&P. Not only is it an in-demand skill learned, but A&P offers a lot of versatility. There might even be opportunity to perform maintenance on rockets—anything that involves composite material can be a field to pursue, according to Cleve.⁷⁷

“If you enjoy working with your hands,” says Cleve, “not only does it (an A&P license) work in aviation, you can also work in a specialty field like avionics, sheet metal and even composites.”

For Cleve, teaching is about passing on his knowledge to the next generation. He takes great pride in knowing that he's helping shape the future technicians in aviation.

“I plan on flying aircraft and I hope I can look out there and see someone that I’ve trained and I’ll feel comfortable that I’m passing it along and passing it along properly,” shares Cleve.

Our Airframe & Powerplant Technician program is available at many of our campuses throughout the country. To learn more about it, head to our programs page. To get started training for a career where you can work with your hands in a field you’re passionate about, head to our get info page.¹