July/August 2024 - 24

40 UNDER 40
Ryan Knupp progressed very quickly and brilliantly in his aviation career. He is well respected
by everyone around him and is always willing to step in when help is needed. He understands the
Part 135 business very well and his decisions are always made with safety and aircraft availability
in mind. He is an excellent public speaker and is often asked to present departmental data to large
audiences. He also mentors any new employees who join the Maintenance Control department.
" No matter what position I am in, I always want to be the best in the business. Best mechanic,
best maintenance controller, best manager, etc, " Knupp said. " To do this I feel like you must
humble yourself at times and be aware of your shortcomings. From there you can focus on
bettering yourself in areas that need more attention. I try to make this a part of my everyday
routine; to ensure that I am being the best version of myself. "
Knupp received his A&P in 2014 and worked as an aircraft mechanic for seven years at LJ
Aviation and Interstate Turbine Management, where he gained experience and extensive knowledge
on many aircraft types. He began his journey at Wheels Up in 2021, where he was hired as
an Aircraft Maintenance Controller.
As a Controller, he worked with all MROs and internal stakeholders to ensure aircraft mainteRyan
Knupp
Maintenance
Shift Director
Wheels Up
Age: 30
AviationPros.com/55038772
nance progressed flawlessly and that aircraft were back into revenue service safely and quickly.
From that role, he was promoted to Lead Controller, then to Maintenance Control Manager,
where his leadership skills shone through.
In October 2023, he was promoted to Maintenance Shift Director, which is his current position.
In this role, he is responsible for all aspects of maintenance on about 150 aircraft, the overall
maintenance availability for five different fleet types, and a group of 35 controllers.
Knupp always does more than is asked of him. He volunteers to take on extra projects and is
always willing to learn new ways of doing business.
Michael Lineaweaver obtained his A&P at age 18 and was selected as director of maintenance
for a Part 135 helicopter operator at age 26.
" Becoming DOM of KIT HeliOps has been one of my proudest achievements, " said Lineaweaver.
From routine maintenance to large inspection projects, he said, " Every success for the
department feels like an accomplishment. Not so much as to toot my own horn - but because
of the team of top-notch mechanics I have the opportunity to lead. "
One of those mechanics is his former boss and mentor: Jeff Zimmerman, who Lineaweaver
said taught him about integrity as a mechanic and taking pride in quality workmanship.
Continuous improvement is a goal that Lineaweaver has for both himself and his team.
He's implemented new policies, training curriculums and standard operating procedures.
Early on in his career, he thought about getting out of the industry.
" I didn't initially realize how stressful it was, " he said. " The work mechanics do carries a lot
Michael
Lineaweaver
Director of Maintenance
KIT Helicopter Operations
Age: 27
AviationPros.com/55039759
24 JULY/AUGUST 2024
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY
of weight and is often out of sight, out of mind for many pilots/passengers. I also found that,
especially on the helicopter side of the industry, it often takes long hours and a lot of days
away from home to keep an operation running smoothly and safely. "
But he stuck with it, and after showing hard work, attention to detail and integrity, he
moved his way up the career ladder.
" I'm glad I stuck with it. It's rewarding and well worth it, " he said.
To those just starting out, he says mop up the shop floor - don't be afraid of grunt work,
learn practical fundamentals, gather as much knowledge from the senior mechanics as you
can, learn your limits and know when to reach out to someone more experienced.

July/August 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July/August 2024