Aviation Interns: Mishael Herrmann
Missionary aviation was—and is—my passion!
Though my dad taught me to love mechanics, the thought of fixing airplanes and helicopters intimidated me. And I knew that even if I became a good aviation mechanic, I would have difficulty overcoming the stigma of being a female.
I dragged my feet as long as I could, until the Lord convinced me to go to an airframe and powerplant technical school. After a year of training, and not much positive interaction with an all-male class, I earned my mechanic’s license. I graduated with feelings of inferiority and a sense that something was wrong with me for having a desire to be an aircraft mechanic.
My multiple attempts to get a job straight out of school confirmed my fears. This is not going to work, because nobody wants to see past my gender—or so I thought.
After five months, I decided to call JAARS and see if they had a spot for an intern mechanic—now! And I believe that is precisely how I put it while on the phone with a JAARS recruiter.
When asked how long I wanted to intern, I said, “As long as you’ll take me!” To my surprise, they received me with open arms a month later.
I had not turned a wrench in six months. What do I do if they ask me to describe the major components of a pressure carburetor? What if they expect me to do a 100-hour inspection on a Helio Courier (which I knew nothing about) with minimal supervision?
When I reported to the hangar, my eye caught the most gorgeous helicopter I had ever seen, a Bell LongRanger. My first thought? They’ll never let me touch it! To my surprise, my first project was to help my supervisor replace all of the LongRanger’s high-pressure hydraulic lines in the turbine section.
A month later, I was repairing some electrical squawks on the same helicopter, riveting, painting and even using my imagination creating upholstered engine inlet and exhaust covers. I was well-supervised, and whenever I had questions about a specific project, various experienced mechanics quickly answered.
I knew then that these people loved to teach, despite my gender, and that changed my perspective on being a mechanic. Now, at the close of my six months as an intern, I’m working on my third reciprocating engine overhaul for the mission field. I love it!
The relationships and experience I have gained through this internship program have been invaluable to me as I continue to pursue my goal of also becoming a pilot. I have been encouraged in knowing I can do the job ... and do it well.
And it’s given me greater determination to finish what I started.
—Mishael Herrmann
