Highlighting Women in Aviation by Spotlighting Air Wisconsin’s Maintenance Apprentice Training Instructor Ashley Haase

Ashley Haase’s aviation journey is filled with inspiring mentors, unexpected turns, and, most importantly, an unwavering passion for all aspects of this industry. Her aviation career started as an A&P Mechanic to a SOC Duty Manager to her current role as Maintenance Apprentice Training Instructor. Ashley is happy to share her experiences, hoping to inspire others that it’s always possible to start their aviation career. Throughout Women’s History Month, we want to recognize Air Wisconsin’s industry leaders and hear their stories.

Wearing a real Rosie the Riveter’s Coveralls. The outfit belonged to Ashley’s family friend who’s mother helped build Avro Lancasters in Canada.

We asked Ashley about her journey and other questions about women involved in aviation. Here’s what she had to say:

What inspired you to get your A&P License?

A friend invited me to volunteer at EAA’s Kermit Weeks Hangar. There, I worked alongside an incredible group of mechanics who continued to teach me about aircraft maintenance and truly inspired me. My first inspiration came while working on a WWII Prop Driven Drone. One of the mechanics brought over an article featuring Norma Jean holding a propeller of the same type of drone. He told me that women, too, can become A&P Mechanics. Secondly, Jeff Skiles was the Chairman of the EAA Young Eagles Program at the time and kept his airplane at the hangar, so he would occasionally be there, too. I had a conversation with Jeff (I had no idea who he was at the time. I found out after our conversation and was quite surprised.) about what I wanted to do with my future (I was one year out of high school at this time). I was signed up for Flight School at the time because it would be an incredible career to help others gain their wings and learn how to fly. He shared an alternate route idea of getting my A&P first and then working to pay for my ratings over time since I loved working on airplanes. Long story short, I changed my program to Airframe & Powerplant the next day and got the one spot that opened up. It was meant to be!

What was your first job in aviation?

I started my A&P career while finishing up my last year of avionics. I got an internship at FVTC maintaining the Flight Student’s aircraft which consisted of Cessna C-172’s and Beechcraft Duchess BE-76’s and I also worked at a WWII Aircraft Restoration and Maintenance Facility 1-2 times per week as well. Upon graduating, I got my first full-time job as an A&P at Basler Turbo Conversions working on C-47’s and converting them to modern day flying machines (BT-67s)!

When did you catch the aviation bug?

Working as an A&P mechanic was challenging, fun, and rewarding! Growing up, I watched a lot of WWII documentaries and movies with my dad, which developed an interest in WWII history for me, talking about the cool airplanes from that era. While working to earn my A&P, I knew if I could find the opportunity, I wanted to work on a WWII aircraft with the dream of becoming a “modern-day Rosie the Riveter.” I am grateful to be able to say that that dream came true! I worked on everything from various Corsairs, P-51 Mustangs, F4F Wildcat, F8F Bearcat, Stearman, AT-6 Texans, tons of C-47s, and converted C-47s to modern-day flying machines called BT-67s. It felt surreal getting the privilege to work on aircraft that I love so much, in an industry that I love, and around people who also have a passion for aviation.

Tell us about the start of your career with us and where you are today.

Seeking more personal and professional growth, I began my career at Air Wisconsin Airlines, where I worked as a SOC Duty Manager. The SOC or Systems Operations Control is best known as the heart of the airline. All airlines have one. Did you know it takes a TON of people to make one flight to leave on time? One of the many things I learned in this role. Think of the SOC Duty Manager as a music conductor. Their job is to make sure the various departments are working in harmony as one big team, solving the various challenges that can arise and keeping flights flying on time as much as possible. You never know what each day will bring, and that is what makes this role so interesting!

Last June, I took on a new opportunity as the Mechanic Apprentice Training Instructor here at Air Wisconsin. In this role, I have worked to develop and manage our Aircraft Mechanic Apprentice Program. We bring on a total of 20 students Between our 3 maintenance bases (Appleton, WI – Milwaukee, WI, and Dayton, OH), who are in an Airframe & Powerplant Certificate Program actively taking classes. These students get to work on our CRJ-200 aircraft alongside our A&P Mechanics. They get to apply what they have learned in school and gain real-world, hands-on experience. I also provide new apprentices with a required 2-day company indoctrination course. They learn about a variety of topics from company policies and procedures to an overview of the CRJ-200 Aircraft. My goal for this course was to connect what they have learned in A&P school and how it applies to the real world of commercial aviation. It is exciting to have this available for students as there wasn’t much like this when I was a new A&P. Such a great opportunity for them!

Ashley installing Exhaust Pipes on a R-2800 – This engine belongs to the now Airworthy Glenview FG-1 Corsair.

What would you say to other females looking at the industry?

You truly can be anything you want to be. Don’t be intimidated by the fact that the industry of aircraft maintenance is male dominated. The industry continues to change, and there are more women working in the field now than ever before. It all starts by taking the leap of faith to pursue your dreams. Don’t let anything get in the way and enjoy the journey! As Rosie the Riveter says, “We Can Do it!” And so can you!

What is one piece of advice you have gotten that has stuck with you?

If you are doing something and aren’t getting the result you want. Stop. Take a step back and think about what you’re doing. That pause can relieve the buildup of frustration and help you determine a different approach to get the desired result. This applies to working in maintenance and life in general. It has not failed me yet!

Any advice to the next generation of mechanics?

Aviation is defined as: The flying or operating of aircraft. To operate aircraft and keep them flying safely and soundly, it takes an Airframe & Powerplant mechanic who is certified to do so. In this role, the opportunity is provided directly to those studying to become A&P mechanics, and we get to help them build and develop their skills with real-life experience as future mechanics in the industry. With the large quantities of mechanics retiring in the industry, we need them now more than ever.

Ashley performing an Oil Change on a C-172 while interning at FVTC. 

We’re proud to have Ashley on our team and to see her utilize her experience to find future mechanics to thrive under the wing.

Ashley H. speaking on a Girls On The Fly Panel for EAA and inspiring young aviators to pursue future careers in aviation!