WMU Alumnus, WMU Aircraft Mechanic and Maintenance Supervisor
WMU College of Aviation Hall of Honor Class of 2011
Larry Hoikka left his small town of Crystal Falls, MI. in 1958 to attend the WMU Aircraft Maintenance Technology program in the big city of Kalamazoo. He earned his Airframe and Powerplant certificate in 1961 and soon began repairing and inspecting airplanes for local fixed base operators. In 1965, after serving in the Coast Guard, Larry began working for WMU as the aviation program’s chief mechanic. Over his 30 years of service, Larry established and maintained an outstanding aircraft safety record. As a student he was a member of the Sky Broncos and later served as the precision flight team’s coach, leading it to a National Championship in 1983. Larry also taught classes for both pilot and mechanic students. He personified reliability, top-quality performance and served as a mentor and inspiration to all those who worked for him or with him.