The aviation industry, like life, is full of obstacles, but with passion, persistence, and dedication, the sky is never the limit—it’s just the beginning. – Erica Beene
Erica Beene’s passion for aviation began as a little girl when she accompanied her father to class while he taught at A&P school. This early exposure sparked a lifelong love for aviation that has only deepened as she becomes more involved in the civilian sector.
Right after high school, Erica joined the Navy and became an Aviation Machinist Mate, working on P3-Orions and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets—oh, how she misses the sound of jets. During her time in the Navy, she had the privilege of being mentored by an incredible man with whom she still maintains contact. He recognized her drive, which matched his own, and motivated her not just to meet expectations but to exceed them and excel in everything she does.
After her Navy service, she began working on the maintenance contract at Ft. Rucker, supporting Army pilots in training. Over the years, she has held various roles for the contract across multiple airframes, including UH-60A/L/M, CH-47D, AH-64D, and OH-58D. Her positions ranged from Maintenance and Maintenance Lead to Crew Chief in Test Flight on AH-64D and OH-58D helicopters, each providing valuable insights and knowledge that have shaped her career.
During her tenure at Fort Rucker, she completed her Associate of Science in Business Administration and her Bachelor of Science in Resource and Technology Management from Troy University—all while maintaining full-time employment. Shortly after welcoming her first son, she earned her FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certification. Currently, she is pursuing an MBA at Troy University and anticipates graduating from the program by late fall of this year.
In 2021, she and her husband relocated to Huntsville to provide their boys with more opportunities and to immerse them in a larger city with a strong presence in STEM and the aviation industry, which she is deeply passionate about. This move also allowed her to explore greater career challenges in aviation.
Erica shares, “Navigating this male-dominated industry has presented numerous challenges as a woman. Acceptance isn’t easily granted, and adversity is often a companion in this field. However, my unwavering passion for aviation and dedication to my craft have propelled me to excel and leaves a lasting mark over my 23-year career in aviation maintenance.
Yulista has provided me with the opportunity to further my career in aviation, beginning as an Aviation Quality Inspector and progressing to my current role as an Aviation Quality Supervisor. Working in quality isn’t always easy, but the ability to observe and evaluate various program levels from an external perspective brings valuable insights. The true reward comes from witnessing the team’s hard work come together to create a quality product that we can all be proud of.”
If she could share one piece of advice, it would be to persist relentlessly. Never allow others’ opinions of your potential to impede your progress, alter your determination, or divert your focus.
To sum up her love of aviation, she shares one of her favorite quotes that resonates deeply: “Never interrupt someone doing something you said couldn’t be done.” – Amelia Earhart. The aviation industry, like life, is full of obstacles, but with passion, persistence, and dedication, the sky is never the limit—it’s just the beginning.
