Father-Daughter Duo Shares Aviation Passion at Aerospace Maintenance Competition

The Aerospace Maintenance Council’s Competition at MRO Americas in Orlando this year was extra special for Marco Tijerina. While it was his sixth time competing, this year was different because his daughter, Samantha, was making her competition debut.

Marco has spent 15 years as an aircraft technician with United Airlines, and his path to aviation was inspired by his own father. "My dad wanted to be an aircraft mechanic. He wasn't able to do it, but when he mentioned it, it got me thinking," Marco explained. His father would take the family to the airport to watch aircraft take off and land, planting the seeds of interest. Already experienced as an automotive and motorcycle mechanic, Marco saw aviation as the natural next step in his career.

Samantha grew up immersed in the aviation world thanks to her father's career. However, it was not until after high school that she seriously considered following the same path. "My dad had a serious conversation with me. He said, ‘Aviation has always been good to this family. It kept food on the table and a roof over your head. If it's what you know and if it's what you like, go for it," said Samantha.

During this year’s competition, Samantha made her debut with her school, Chennault Aviation Maintenance Academy. She and her father shared three of the same competition events, even faced off head-to-head in their first event, the Perfect Point E-Drill Fastener Removal.

Marco was able to pass along valuable tips and tricks to his daughter through his many years of competition experience. His United Airlines teammates also provided support and guidance to Samantha and her teammates from Chennault throughout the competition. Samantha told Aviation Week that the camaraderie between all of the teams was a great experience.

Samantha currently works with United Airlines in its configuration management and technical records department. She intends to follow in her father’s footsteps once she graduates with her airframe and powerplant certification this December. She is passionate about encouraging others to consider aviation maintenance as a career.

"The aviation industry welcomes everybody, anybody, all walks of life and all different backgrounds," she emphasized, noting that the community is always willing to help newcomers succeed.