Not all heroes wear capes—some wear high-vis vests and spend their days (and nights) keeping planes ready for takeoff. Meet Chance, one of our Heavy Maintenance Representatives (MRO). If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep an airline’s fleet running smoothly and on schedule, Chance’s story is the perfect place to start.
Like many in aviation, Chance’s path wasn’t exactly a direct flight. After serving in the Navy, he planned to transition into aviation but found the field overmanned. Fast-forward a few years—after working in West Texas oilfields and using his GI Bill to earn his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification—Chance found his way back to aviation. He’s worked on everything from Saab 340s to general aviation aircraft, picking up skills and stories along the way.
It was a contractor email that set the course for his next big step. “I hadn’t considered it until I received a random email looking for a contract rep. After starting the role, I realized I had found my place in aviation. I love my job!”
As an MRO On-Site Representative, Chance works with everyone from planning and engineering to materials and vendors, ensuring our aircraft go through their heavy maintenance checks safely and efficiently. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes coordination and federal oversight, but Chance thrives in that role. His favorite part? The people.
“The people I've dealt with at Sun Country have been awesome! Not many positions reach across so many different departments like we do, and the community I have found has been great.”
One project that stands out to Chance is the induction of aircraft N852SY into the fleet. “It was a huge team effort involving materials, engineering, logistics, multiple vendors, and us reps, overcoming challenge after challenge to turn 852 into a Sun Country plane and bring it into our fleet.” It was a perfect example of the teamwork and persistence that defines his work.
With a travel-heavy schedule that takes him across the country—and sometimes beyond—Chance's role keeps him on the move. "My role is 100% travel. I work nine 21-day rotations per year, for a total of 189 days on the road, and I love it. While the time away from family is hard, I make new family and friends on the road at the various MROs I deal with. And the 21 days off in between rotations is nice."
Chance’s advice to anyone considering a career in aviation maintenance? “The aviation industry is not always an easy industry. If you don’t have a passion for aviation, the long days, the night shifts, the missed weekends, holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc., may not be worth it to you. But if you enjoy travel, meeting new people, being the go-to person for help, requests, and problems, this is the position for you!”
Even though he's constantly on the move, Chance closed things out by reminding us how he feels connected to the team. “The Sun Country team operates as a much more closely-knit team than other airlines I’ve worked for or with. The open door and phone policy of the people at the Director and VP level makes you feel like so much more than just a number.”
Chance’s journey shows that success in aviation comes in many forms, with countless opportunities along the way. If his story inspires you, the Tech Ops and Maintenance department is full of paths to explore. Together, we Fly Forward.