MEET THOMAS NORTON

What is your role at AIRBORNE TAMPA?
“Lead Quality/Level 2 NDT Inspector. Assign and assist the inspection team with primary/buyback inspections, aircraft releases, and perform NDT tasks on all customer aircraft.”

How long have you worked at AIRBORNE TAMPA?
“12.5 Years. I hired in as a quality inspector.”

What interested you / how did you get started in aviation?
“My older brother dropped out of aviation school and went into engineering. When I graduated high school, my father handed me the books and said, "These are paid for this, is what you are doing.”

Do you remember your first flight? Tell us about it.
“Midway Airlines Chicago, Midway airport to Pittsburgh. I was 16 sitting at a window seat looking out at the wing.”

What’s your favorite vacation or travel spot?
“Curacao.”

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
“The ability to teleport. I hate being stuck in traffic.”

What did you want to be when you grew up?
“A meteorologist. A weatherman.”

What do you like to do outside of work (hobbies, etc.)?
“Spending time with my family.”

What would you tell others interested in working at AIRBORNE TAMPA; interested in aviation?
“Have an open mind and be ready to learn. There are a lot of people with vast knowledge who are more than happy to share it with you. Hands-on experience is much more beneficial than what you learn from a textbook.”

What’s your favorite quote?
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather is a lack of will.”