Published 8th July 2025
At Republic Airways, safety always comes first. We know that when you give the right people, the right resources and the right training, our airline will succeed. That’s why we are so invested in our maintenance team and technical operations. One of…
Before joining Republic Airways, Jason Heath would regularly travel for work in video production. He realized the flight to his destination was always more exciting than the work when he got there. “I’m a self-confessed airline nerd; even before getting into the aviation industry,” Jason says.
Aaron Spear is the Republic Airways Manager of Maintenance at Reagan National in Washington, D.C. However, that’s not the only title he’s had while working here. In fact, Aaron has grown over the course of a 25-year career at Republic Airways from Technician to Superviser, and now to Base Manager.
Christopher Crispim-Gaspar was looking for some stability after leaving the service, but he didn’t want to leave aviation behind. That’s when he found the Aircraft Maintenance Military Transition Apprentice Program (AMMTAP) at Republic Airways. Now, as the Program’s first graduate, Christopher is growing in a steady civilian aviation career at Republic.
After high school, Christopher became a Crew Chief in the Air Force, maintaining F-22s. While he and his wife were planning for their future, Christopher realized that he needed a solid foundation on which they could build a life. His wife, a fellow service member, had plans to join the National Guard at her six-year mark, and Christopher wanted to find a stable career sooner rather than later to help support his family.
His transition to civilian life had him working across the country in New Hampshire and South Carolina while his wife was stationed in Alaska. “Doing long distance and trying to find a career path — life was hectic,” Christopher remembers. “When my wife was transferred to Washington, D.C., it got even more hectic.”
Christopher flew out to Alaska to prepare for their move to D.C., but still didn’t know exactly what he was going to do for work. “I was just packing and looking for jobs. Packing. Looking. Packing. Looking,” says Christopher. “I almost gave up. That’s when I found out about AMMTAP.”
“It was exactly what I was looking for,” Christopher explains. “I had these years of experience in aircraft maintenance, but needed a way to get my licenses.” Through the Program, Republic was able to put Christopher on the path toward the stability he was looking for. The Aircraft Maintenance Military Apprenticeship Program is a three-month program that includes all of the training necessary to obtain the required licenses to work as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT).
“As soon as I was accepted, I started studying,” explains Christopher. “It moved quickly from there.” Christopher and his wife moved to D.C. on February 1st, and on February 3rd, he was on a flight to Indianapolis for INDOC. “At the very beginning, I was a little scared,” says Christopher. “What I quickly realized, though, was that everyone wanted me to succeed. Everyone was willing to help me.”
“Republic gave me the time and the resources,” Christopher says. “I spent two months just studying. I wasn’t expected to do anything else. Passing my tests was the only goal.” Christopher found support from his supervisors, his coworkers and his wife. “She was quizzing me all day long,” laughs Christopher. He was able to pass his tests, a feat which he attributes to the support he received. “Being allowed the time to dedicate to training really helped.”
Now, as the first AMMTAP graduate, Christopher feels right at home doing what he likes. “For me, the maintenance is a lot easier than the studying,” he explains. “With the comprehensive training I received, it was a smooth transition.”
“Republic gave me this opportunity. They paid for the training, the flights and the hotels. It was up to me to make the most of it.” Christopher isn’t done learning. He’s looking to keep growing and is back in school for his bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance with Embry-Riddle. “AMMTAP opened a lot of doors for me,” Christopher says. “When I first applied, I thought I was taking a chance on this program, but really, Republic was taking a chance on me.”
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