she grew up flying model airplanes with her father, which were built from scratch. She also helped with the weight and balance needed to determine the distance, elevation, and speed for them, and thus first became interested in aviation. Mielke currently works for Cirrus Aircraft as a technician layup, building Vision Jet parts that range from ruddervators to engine bulkheads. Before this, she worked at Delta Airlines as a ramp agent, and was a load captain at FedEx prior to that. Her dream is to become a bush/missionary pilot, and one of the requirements for that is an A&P license, which is what brought her to Northland Aerospace! After researching schools and learning through word of mouth, Northland became the best option in her pursuit. She also has an interest in crafting homebuilt aircraft in the future. Kathryn Brown: Grew up in Seattle, Washington. Growing up, the biggest presence of aviation was simply knowing that Boeing was local to the area and employed many people; outside of that, she didn’t have many experiences that were specific to aviation. She originally wanted to go to school to become a veterinarian, but after much research, decided the career wasn’t for her. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, she spent a few years not really knowing what she wanted to do. A fateful move to Williston, North Dakota prompted her to take a job at the local airport, where she worked as a Line Service Technician for Signature Flight Support. Brown loved her job there, eventually taking on the title of trainer for new service techs coming in. While on the job, she met the mechanic that would stoke her interest for the maintenance side of things, Arlen Sandland. As a Northland alumni, he illuminated the aspects of being an aviation maintenance technician, and although she loved her job and the people she interacted with on a daily basis as a service tech, she wanted to pursue her A&P license. After coming for a tour at Northland Aerospace,
Brown solidified her decision, and hasn’t looked back since. In a general discussion, both students described a typical day in the classroom at NCTC. In the classroom, there is something new to do and learn every day, and it is clear how instrumental and important the knowledge will be for the future. It is a very hands-on environment, and very different from attending a university. It is fun working in the shop and getting partnered with new individuals, as you get to see how different people learn and how you interact. Mielke and Brown have had an opportunity to work on a variety of projects, as the hangar is host to a multitude of different aircraft, including a DC-9. The experience of the instructors themselves and their extensive backgrounds in aviation
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APRIL/MAY 2019 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 55