Published by Tom Thinnes on Fri, Dec 27, 2013
Growing up in Corry, Pennsylvania, Abe Herr, a 2010 graduate of Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation, was surrounded by transportation. Although the little city, located in Erie County near the northwest border of New York, was better known as a railroad town, it also had an aviation connection.
Being the manufacturing location of the Climax Locomotive Works, the railroad had a big impact on the city. It was also the home of Charles F. Ritchel, who engineered a small, one-person dirigible during the mid-1870s. This lighter-than-air craft wasn’t the only thing to take to the skies over Corry. For Herr, the craft that caught his attention had wings, a propeller, and landing gear.
Over the course of one’s life, it is often stated it is better to be lucky than good. Fortunately for the aviation industry, Herr’s childhood house happened to be in the landing pattern of the Corry Airport. “The airport was close by my house,” he said, “so I was a regular over there. Not only did I get to watch the planes flying, I would also attend various fly-ins held there. I was fascinated by flight, and I knew this was something I wanted to do.”
After years of watching aircraft, the time came when Herr evolved from passive observer to engaged participant. He began flying while in junior high. As most new to the experience would attest, his first flight was a mixture of excitement and anticipation, but it was almost his last. “Yes, my first flight was pretty nerve racking,” Herr recalled. “The landing was incredibly turbulent and nearly changed my mind. However, I persevered and gained a lot of confidence on my second flight.” Herr continued flying at the Corry Airport until, unfortunately, his training plane took off. The flight school sold the aircraft and left the eager young pilot with lots of ambition but no outlet.
Not to be deterred, Herr began looking for universities that would meet his requirements. “At that time in my life,” he said, “I wanted to be an engineer and get my pilot’s license. Using technology, I plugged my requirements into a college search engine and 12 schools were listed,” one of which was Western Michigan University. Being a discriminating consumer, he arranged college visits in the quest to find the right fit. “Visiting the campus,” Herr said, “I immediately fell in love with Western, both the main campus and the College of Aviation. I was very impressed with the new Cirrus aircraft and had an opportunity to sit down and talk with the Dean Dave Powell. All of this sold me on attending WMU.”
With his college choice firmly made, Herr enrolled as an Aviation Flight Science student with an ambition to double-major in engineering. However, as he gained an understanding of aviation maintenance, his interest moved away from engineering and he soon declared his second major: Aviation Maintenance Technology.
Based on his initial visit to Western Michigan University and his experiences as a student, Herr wanted to share his enthusiasm for both aviation and WMU with other prospective enrollees. Knowing the benefits the University offered, especially to students from out of state, Herr became a student ambassador with the Office of Admissions. “The best part of this job was being able to brag about WMU, and inform new students about all of the great things the University has to offer,” Herr said recalling his experiences. “But, truthfully, the best part of the job was the fact I met Cari (Puska, his future wife and a May 2010 graduate of Speech Pathology and Audiology).”
Double-majoring in Aviation Flight Science and Aviation Maintenance Technology is no easy feat. For most students, this typically takes five years. Not Abe Herr. Much like that junior high pilot, Herr attacked his degree with diligence, finishing the programs in three and a half years and graduating in December of 2010. In addition to his academic load, Herr participated in internships and took advantage of opportunities that would directly impact his future career ambitions. He interned at Duncan Aviation, UT Flight, and the WMU Fleet Maintenance Department. He was also able to attend a King Air school on a scholarship from the National Business Aviation Association.
Currently, Herr is an aircraft mechanic/pilot for the Maryland State Police. His primary duties include the daily maintenance and repair of all medical-evacuation aircraft used by the state police: AW 139 helicopter, Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin helicopter, Cessna 210 and Beechcraft King Air 350. He often uses his WMU flight background with the Cessna. “The Cessna has become invaluable to our department as we are deployed to repair some of our aircraft. Instead of driving to the location, we are able to fly, which greatly reduces the turn-around time.”
The turbulence Herr experienced on his first flight is often felt in his daily life. Any given day brings a number of different maintenance scenarios. “My day brings just about anything to the table,” he said. “Based on the situation of our aircraft, I could be deployed to any part of Maryland to fix one of them. I’ve fixed aircraft in the field, in our hangar; I’ve even worked on one of our helicopters on the top of a hospital. You just never know.”
Regardless of where the job takes him, Herr’s favorite part is the extreme pace required to perform at an optimal level, and knowing he is part of a team that is providing an invaluable service to the people in Maryland. As Herr says, “We have a purpose in the state!”
Thinking back to Western Michigan University brings back fond memories. “If I had to pick my favorite, it would be a tie – flying around Lake Michigan ranks up there as well as all of the sporting events at WMU.” In his commercial aviation course he completed a cross-country flight with another student pilot. For this exercise, the two chose to fly around the lake.
“I got to see a full day from the sky,” he said. “We took off early enough to see the sun rise, and since the journey took the entire day, by the time we were landing in Battle Creek, the sun was setting.” To top it off, the scenery left a lasting impression. “This was the first time I saw a wind farm. We were flying in Wisconsin and there it was - these large wind machines stretching across the horizon. Added to this was witnessing logging trails in the Upper Peninsula and some incredibly beautiful waterfalls. Just a spectacular day.”
Coupled with his memories as a member of the “Lawson Lunatics” at the WMU Bronco hockey games, it is easy to understand why the memories are tied. He said “for me, going to the sporting events at WMU was pretty special.” As Herr points out, the sporting events provided great times and some great friendships were forged. “All of the students from Henry Hall (the Aviation Residence Hall) gathered together and attended the games. It wasn’t uncommon for 30 to 40 of us to head to the games. We had such great camaraderie and fun. These were the times when lasting, life-long friendships were made.”
Herr is passionate about his career and his time at Western Michigan University. “What I learned at WMU was invaluable,” the alumnus said. “I remember walking into my first job, and I was terrified. However, based on my preparation at Western, I was 100-percent confident I could handle the responsibility. I knew there was still going to be a lot of learning that needed to take place, but I was prepared and ready for the challenge. WMU established a strong foundation.”
In return, Herr is determined to help the next generation of aviation professionals. Based on his experience and the knowledge of what it takes to be successful, Herr has demonstrated a strong commitment in giving back. As a recent alumnus, he volunteered to deliver the keynote address to the new crop of aviation students in the fall of 2010. “Networking is so important in this industry,” he told them. “I began making connections as a student and have been pretty successful. I want to share my story with the new students. The more they know, the easier this industry becomes.”
Herr has already been in touch with WMU about job opportunities and possibilities in his industry for future graduates. “I know the quality that is produced at WMU and I want more Broncos around me.”