Meet Kevin Hill
Each month we are going to bring you closer to the people that make up the Falko Team.
This month we are focusing on Kevin Hill, who is our Technical Manager.
How did you get into Aviation?
From as long as I can remember, Aviation has been a passion of mine. From being taken by my parents to air shows like Mildenhall Air Fete, to sitting at the end of the various runway’s at weekends wondering where that next aircraft was going, Aviation was all I wanted. I was lucky enough to get a work experience placement at age 15 with RFS Aircraft Engineering, later known as Flightline Aircraft Engineering. I volunteered at weekends, cycling in on my bike, assisting the engineers work on the aircraft.
At the age of 16 I was offered an Apprenticeship, which involved moving to Exeter for periods of time, which of course I accepted. I set about my path on becoming a Licensed Aircraft Engineer, moving 250 miles away from home in the process.
Briefly describe your career path which led to your current position?
Having completed my Apprenticeship with Flightline Aircraft Engineering, I moved to ATC Lasham to gain heavy maintenance experience on larger aircraft. From there, I joined SR Technics at their Stansted Line Station and gained my A320 series type rating. Having always wanted to work again for an airline, I had a fantastic opportunity to join BA CityFlyer where I gained my Embraer 170/190 type rating. I joined the FALKO team in August this year, having wanted to become involved with aircraft leasing, which has always been an interest of mine.
How would you describe your current role and responsibilities?
My role is to manage the overall aircraft, from end of lease to delivery to a new operator. In-between, managing storage programs with the MRO’s and Aircraft Asset Health monitoring.
What do you enjoy about your role at Falko?
I am learning new skills every day and being involved with all aspects of aircraft leasing, from commercial to CAMO, really makes each day more interesting than the last.
What challenges do you see facing your industry?
Striving to make each aircraft more efficient, cleaner, and quieter is what will make the next generation of aircraft successful. Gone are the days of seeing 4 engine aircraft, shaking the houses down and trailing black smoke.
What is one thing within the aviation industry that your clients have to deal with that you want to fix?
Not necessarily my clients, but aviation-related, I would like to see airfields stop being built over for housing. Many airfields with British history are being built on or being consider so. We need to preserve these areas to allow generations to come, to enjoy what was one of our greatest successes in modern history.
What’s your favourite Movie?
Would you expect anything different… TOP GUN
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I have my Pilots Licence and have a share in a Piper Arrow. I try and fly as much as I can with my wife/family and friends. If I am not flying, you will find me over the golf club, in the rough, looking for my ball!