Gary Johnson

aviation maintenance technology
Gary Johnson, Aviation Department Head, graduated from Huron High School in Huron, SD, the University of South Dakota Springfield from the autobody program, and Lake Area Technical Institute's aviation maintenance program. He was a member of the United States Navy from 1969 - 1979 as an aviation structural mechanic and flight crew. While in the navy he became qualified in the following areas: ANSI-TC-1A qualified aircraft non-destructive inspection, X-ray, Ultrasonic, Eddy current, Liquid penetrant, Magnetic particle, Quality assurance Inspector, fixed wing and helicopter, Qualified aircraft TIG welder, 4130 steel, Stainless steel, Nickel-based steel, Aluminum, Magnesium, Director of maintenance, Agana Guam and Yuma Arizona flying clubs. South Dakota post-secondary vocational teacher credential in aviation maintenance technology. Federal Aviation Administration mechanics examiner for Airframe and Powerplant.

Greg Klein

aviation maintenance technology
Greg graduated from Lake Area Tech in 1977 with his Airframe and Powerplant certificate and entered the Air Force as an aircraft maintenance technician. While in the Air Force he maintained F-4D Phantoms, Lockheed T-33 Shooting Stars, and F-15A Eagles. He also maintained aero club Cessna 172s and taught an airframe and powerplant course on a part-time basis.

Tony Wiegman

aviation maintenance technology
Tony was first introduced to flying by his uncle in Graceville, MN where he grew up and helped on his father’s farm. With a “knack” for being mechanical and loving the wind in his face, an ultra light was purchased and “tested to its limits” for years to come. After high school, Tony attended and graduated from Wilmar Votech studying and working in diesel mechanics until he discovered his true passion, aviation. It was then that he attended Lake Area Tech from 1987 to 1989 studying airframe and power-plant and graduating with the D. D. Miller award. Immediately after graduation, Tony was employed by Island Airways out of Charlevoix, MI which served as an air taxi and charter company for Beaver Island and the surrounding areas in northern Michigan. Tony was the Director of Maintenance and serviced a fleet of 4 Britten Norman Islanders, Cessna and Piper Aircraft. During Tony’s time with Island Airways, he was also instrumental in arranging a fly-in from the “Yankee Lady”, a B-17G WWII bomber, which opened eyes and educated people to a touch of aviation from our past. Until recently moving to South Dakota with his wife, Tony also enjoyed servicing aircraft in his surrounding communities and was an active member in the local flying club.