Air Plains Services A&P Wins Flight Scholarship

WELLINGTON, KS (July 23, 2019) – Nolan Mayden, an A&P licensed mechanic at Air Plains Services, has been awarded a 2019 Chuck Freeland Memorial Scholarship for flight training, given annual by the Aircraft Electronics Association. Air Plains Services is a world leader in general aviation engine and avionics upgrades.

“When I was 16, I had an hour and half of free flying lessons and I fell in love with it,” Mayden said. “Over my time at Air Plains, I’ve done some training at AEA and when I heard about the scholarship, I applied – and I got it.”

A native of Abilene, Kansas, he moved to Wichita and earned his Airframe & Powerplant license at the National Center for Aviation Training at WSU Tech. Mayden, 23, has been with Air Plains two years. He said having a pilot license will greatly enhance his ability to advise customers on the complexities of advanced avionics.

“As an installer, it is my responsibility to ensure all aircraft systems perform together and are operational before delivery to the customer,” Mayden said. “Having a pilot license will help me understand how the equipment operates in a realistic environment and would be exceedingly beneficial to help diagnose any anomalies associated with the avionics installation.”

The Freeland scholarship is part of the largest scholarship program for avionics and aviation maintenance technicians in the world, according to AEA. Chuck Freeland, who died in 2013, was involved in the avionics industry for more than 30 years, and served in various sales, marketing and flight department positions with several avionics manufacturers. He was an ATP-rated pilot with approximately 9,800 hours in various single- and twin-engine aircraft and served on the Board of Directors for the AEA Educational Foundation.

“Nolan has integrity that is rare today,” said Eric Papon, Air Plains avionics service manager. “He knows his job and knows it well. His attention to detail ensures our avionics installations leave in perfect working order…every time.”

Mayden will begin his flight training this summer with Wings of Wichita Aviation based at Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT).

“A pilot’s license is another step forward in the long line of things I’d like to accomplish within aviation,” Mayden said. “I am looking forward to my time at Air Plains and to continuing to provide the best service I can for our customers.”

For more information about the complete range of avionics offered by Air Plains, or to take advantage of the skills of the entire team at Air Plains for engine upgrades, aircraft maintenance or aircraft refurbishment, call 1-800-752-8481 or +1-620-326-8904, or visit www.airplains.com.