MX Expertise Value: Professional Growth
The aviation maintenance industry’s success depends largely on investing in staff development and career advancement. Sally Hassan’s journey from an aspiring pilot to a certified IA inspector at Global MX exemplifies how strategic professional growth benefits both technicians and repair stations.
The Value of Education
Hassan’s path into aviation maintenance began with financial realities that redirected her career aspirations. “When I started thinking of 
having a career in the United States and settle down here, my main thing was to be pilot. But at that time, it wasn’t an option for me financially,” Hassan explained.
Her discovery of maintenance training proved transformative. “The maintenance idea popped up for me and I went to visit the school. I just loved it from the start of the tour. I signed up that day,” she recalled.
The commitment to education extended beyond initial training. Hassan emphasized the importance of continuous learning, particularly when GMX supported her IA certification pursuit. “Ray Clapp and Nicole Jeffords encouraged me to get my IA. Then my title changed to IA Floor Inspector,” Hassan said, highlighting how employer investment in staff education creates mutual benefits.
Training & Experience
Hassan’s career progression demonstrates the value of diverse experience in building expertise. After obtaining her license in 2018, she immediately entered specialized work. “In two weeks after I got my license, I got a call from recruiters to do travel mechanics AOGs,” she noted.
Her experience at a company in Duluth proved particularly formative. “That place was really good. I learned a lot from that job. From there I came back to Philadelphia and I became a lead tech,” Hassan explained, adding that this position taught her to work with various aircraft types including “Embraers, Boeing’s, Airbuses, and even private jets.”
The COVID-19 pandemic created unique learning opportunities. “When COVID hit… I got a job with air medical. And I started doing essential AOG 24 hours for them,” Hassan said. This experience proved invaluable: “That’s another place that taught me a lot about working on the road and making decisions. It gave me a lot of confidence.”
On the Floor: Day-to-Day
Hassan’s daily responsibilities reflect the multifaceted nature of advanced MX work. “Everybody’s goal here is to get the plane back to service on time with quality and safe maintenance. This is my focus,” she explained.
Mentoring represents a significant portion of her duties. “There are some young people we have right now. They are new and need to learn. I show them the right way to do the things. The paperwork, the maintenance, what is right, what is not right.”
Hassan has expanded her role to fill critical gaps. “I try and knock out most of the avionics because I am familiar with those jobs.”
Skills & Specialty
Hassan’s troubleshooting methodology demonstrates advanced technical thinking. “Every time I get a situation, it’s new. That’s why troubleshooting is very challenging because it’s something comes up out of nowhere.”
Her systematic approach proves effective: “I just like to first take a moment and focus on the system. This is my thing. I focus on the system and I try to figure out how that system works.”
Hassan finds satisfaction in complex challenges. “I feel like I am in tune with troubleshooting…figuring out what’s causing a problem. I like challenging stuff. It’s a puzzle for me.”
Her multilingual skills add value in diverse work environments. “I speak my mother language, which is Turkmen, the old language and I speak fluent Arabic. I speak the new Turkish language and English,” providing communication advantages in international aviation contexts.
Choosing Global MX
Hassan identified several factors that distinguish GMX in the competitive aviation maintenance market. Quality remains paramount: “At GMX we get it done on time, but at the same time we focus on quality and the safety of the plane. We don’t just pencil whip it so we can make our goal on time. No. We work hard focusing on safety and quality.”
Honest communication sets GMX apart from competitors. “Another thing I like about GMX. We are honest with the customer. We tell them straightforward. This is the timeframe. It may be more if we find major issues.”
The collaborative work environment creates additional value. “Communication is good, teamwork is good, and I do see safety and quality taken into consideration too,” Hassan explained, emphasizing how positive workplace culture translates into superior customer service.
Hassan’s career trajectory illustrates how investing in staff development creates measurable returns for Part 145 repair stations through enhanced expertise, improved safety outcomes, and stronger customer relationships built on competence and trust.
Contact Global MX today to discuss your scheduled or unscheduled maintenance needs.