Breaking it Down and Building it Up – Broderick Bebout Aims for A Career in Aviation Maintenance
One of the routine parental questions to a child in the early evening goes like this -- "What did you do in school today, Johnny?"
No routine answer from Broderick Bebout -- "Oh, we built a plane."
Not only does the sophomore in the College of Aviation's program in aviation technical operations bring the experience of constructing an aircraft in high school to his WMU career, but also along for the ride is being something of a poster child for the concept that a condition such as autism should not limit one's aspirations.
Bebout has called the Grand Rapids-suburb community of Ada "home" since 2015 when his family moved there from Chagrin Falls near Cleveland, Ohio. His mechanical bent took him to the West Michigan Aviation Academy (WMAA), based at the Gerald Ford International Airport, for his high school years where he initially focused on the engineering curriculum "because it's all about solving problems and being creative."
Being "creative" includes a sense of having an open mind and a bit of risk-taking, which led Bebout to sample the academy's ground school and flight program.
"Learning about flying got me hooked," says the academy's 2021 graduate. "The aviation industry is so exciting and always changing. AT WMAA, everyone is always pushing for better and coming up with new ideas." Taking part in the "build-a-plane" class and in the piloting program made it an easy decision for Bebout to switch to an emphasis in aviation. Still up in the air was -- what aspect of aviation? That plane-building course made a solid case for him to concentrate on aviation mechanics, but that was still somewhat on the horizon.
He was accepted into Western's flight program upon graduation, Bebout says, "but because of my medical status being on hold and the Covid pandemic, I decided to attend Grand Rapids Community College for a year." He had scrutinized what Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Purdue University's aviation programs had to offer, but neither seemed the perfect fit. He felt a connection to what WMU had to offer.
Sure, it was close to his Kent County environs but the overall strength of the aviation program served as the major factor for Bebout. "I feel like I am taking my drive and passion to the next level," he says. "Western aviation has some of the most passionate people I have ever met. In 'tech ops,' I am getting the right habits for the workplace."
Plus, there was a really familiar face there in Brian Jansen, who had been Bebout's instructor when he and his academy colleagues built a Carbon Cub EX-2 in class, and had since joined the College of Aviation faculty.
Converting components from a kit into something that can defy gravity is memorable enough, but there is something else that has stayed with Bebout.
"A fellow student inadvertently caused a mistake that cost $50,000," he recalls. "What was truly surprising was not the error itself, but the student's reaction. Rather than hiding or denying, he bravely owned up to it and participated in rectifying the situation."
Jansen's reaction was equally awe-inspiring, Bebout says. "He commended the student for his honesty and integrity, saying 'This is the safest kind of mechanic you can be -- one who admits mistakes.' Talk about a lasting impression. It fundamentally altered my perspective on what it means to be a mechanic.
"It taught me that in aviation, honesty and accountability are paramount," he adds. "Admitting mistakes is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to one's commitment to safety and professionalism. This valuable lesson has forever shaped my approach to my future career in aviation maintenance." Scanning the latest batch of headlines, it might be beneficial if industry folks brought in Jansen -- much less Bebout -- for some in-house professional development throughout the corporate hierarchy.
Overarching his career-preparation growth is "how working in aviation has been instrumental in navigating life with autism," he says. "Rather than letting it define me, I've embraced the presented opportunities. I've gained invaluable life experiences -- participating in building a plane and delving into the intricacies of flying -- at a young age that many others may not have had the chance to encounter.
"Crucial teamwork skills have been honed," he says, that "extend beyond the confines of the classroom" and aid him in "aspects of the real world, from securing employment to charting my future path to forging meaningful friendships. Aviation has provided me with a platform to thrive and to transcend perceived limitations, demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, anything is achievable."
This caliber of mindset has spurred Bebout to be the antithesis of a shrinking violet when it comes to being part of WMU campus life in Kalamazoo and at the Battle Creek airport. He's affiliated with the Skydive Broncos, the Aviation Student Council, and the WMU chapter of Alpha Eta Rho, the fraternal organization that links aviation with higher-education institutions to promote the industry's varied career opportunities.
There are resume-building assets in all three -- the networking and friendship aspects of the fraternity, a role in making the College of Aviation even better through his activities on the student council, and nurturing his courage to face fears as a member of the Skydive Broncos because "jumping out of an airplane is not something I thought I would ever do."
During a past summer, Bebout completed an internship at nearby Duncan Aviation in its airframe department. "I was beyond excited getting a really good look at what it's like in the industry," says Bebout, who builds computers in his leisure hours and kayaks throughout the summer. "On top of that, I won a scholarship that allowed me to take a course in Dallas, Texas, working on a Learjet for two weeks. And there may be a few more opportunities that I might end up with, such as the internship I will be participating in with WMU Fleet Maintenance this coming spring."
High on his "favorites" list is WMU's "incredible community of students and faculty. That sounds cliche, but that's because it's true. The people here are genuinely kind and incredibly passionate about what they do. Their positivity and dedication have had a profound impact on my education. It is reminiscent of my time at the West Michigan Aviation Academy."
One of the reasons for attending a comprehensive university is the chance to explore other disciplines and expand one's horizons. Bebout has experienced that. "I have really come to enjoy political science," he says. "The class has given me a better appreciation of how and why our government does certain things. I have no intention of becoming a politician -- right now -- but I am considering more studies in political science once I get my A&P (airframe and powerplant certification from the Federal Aviation Administration)."
When Western is in his rear-view mirror, Bebout sees himself working in either cargo or corporate aviation -- maybe in the developing drone industry. He's preparing for the latter by flying one to take aerial photos and videos above Lake Michigan dunes.
No matter what the future choice, for him there is one common factor -- "someplace warm."
