Mark is the Chief Inspector of Aircraft Maintenance and Director of Quality Control for the Professional Flight Program (Flight Operations) in the School of Aviation & Transportation Technology, in which he is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, adherence to manufacturers' recommendations and industry best practices, and performance of aircraft maintenance operations to the highest possible standards of quality and airworthiness.
Mark graduated from the Indiana University School of Music in 1984 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Woodwind Instrument Performance, during and after which he enjoyed a brief career as a professional commercial musician. His life-long passion for aviation and mechanical propensity and aptitude led him to Vincennes University, where he earned an Associate of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology and graduated with Highest Distinction in 1986. While at Vincennes University, Mark also earned his FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic certificate and FAA Private Pilot certificate. Following a brief period as an aircraft maintenance technician with a regional airline, Mark joined Purdue University Flight Operations, at that time called Aviation Flight Technology, as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician in October of 1986. After completing FlightSafety International’s Mitsubishi Diamond/Beechjet Maintenance Initial training in the spring of 1987, Mark became heavily involved with the maintenance of a Mitsubishi Diamond 1A, which was added to Purdue’s Turbine Flight Operations (TFO) fleet in the summer of 1987. As the TFO fleet continued to evolve over the next several years, Mark enjoyed the many learning opportunities that were provided to him through FlightSafety International and CAE and he became increasingly integral to the maintenance operations of the turbine aircraft in the Purdue University fleet, which over the years has included the Beechcraft King Air C90, Beechcraft Super King B200, Beechcraft/Raytheon Beechjet 400A, Embraer Phenom 100, and Nextant 400XTi. In June of 1989, Mark earned his FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) certificate. Taking advantage of the generous fee remission program offered by Purdue to employees, Mark added a second undergraduate degree to his resume and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technology from Purdue University in the Spring of 1990. With a strong desire to advance his skills and capabilities as a pilot, Mark continued to earn additional pilot ratings and certificates and currently holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate for Airplane Single & Multiengine Land with Instrument Airplane Rating. In October of 1996, Mark was promoted to the newly created position of Chief Inspector of Aircraft Maintenance and Director of Quality Control. Mark also served as Director of Aircraft Maintenance during the period from July 2009 through January 2012, while continuing to serve in his position as Chief Inspector of Aircraft Maintenance. Mark has an emerging interest in flight simulation, both as a technician and as a pilot. Mark has enjoyed being an integral part of the Aviation Technology family for 35 years and is proud of his contribution to the world-class reputation of the Professional Flight Program and the School of Aviation & Transportation Technology.
