AOG Life | On The Road with David Mudd

When you ask David Mudd what it’s like to be part of Stevens Aerospace’ AOG team, he doesn’t start with statistics or titles. He starts with stories. The kind of stories that remind you aircraft maintenance isn’t always hangars and scheduled inspections—it’s often soaking wet on a rain-slicked ramp, battling customs out on the islands, or driving eight hours to change a Learjet tire.

David is based in Orlando, Florida, and has been with Stevens since 2022. With a military background as an F-15 crew chief in the Air Force, followed by years of civilian experience in hangars and on the road, he’s the kind of technician who sees every job as a mission. “I almost look at each job like a special forces assignment,” he says. “The goal is to get the airplane back up—safely and quickly. That’s it.”

Down to the Wire in Panama City

One of David’s most memorable stories took place in Panama City, Florida working a Latitude. The aircraft needed a temporary window repair, and while the forecast hinted at rain, no one predicted the Florida skies would open up as fast—or as dramatically—as they did.

“We had just finished the repair,” David says. “I got the sticker in, the red tag out, shut the door—and the sky opened up like a waterfall. If we were five minutes later, water would’ve poured right into that airplane.” He got soaked, sure, but the airplane stayed dry and was ready to fly. “That was one of the fastest post-maintenance inspections I’ve ever done,” he laughs.

Tall Tails and King Airs in Tallahassee

On another call, David and a former partner were sent to Tallahassee to assist a King Air with elevator trim tab issue. “King Airs have a T-tail, so you’re dealing with a tail section about 20 feet off the ground,” he says. The local Million Air FBO stepped in to help, offering up airline-style airstairs that were just the right height. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes teamwork that keeps flights moving—and relationships strong.

Sundays and NASCAR Tire Changes

David doesn’t sugarcoat the long drives. One Sunday, the day before he was about to start his off-week, he got the call for a Learjet sitting on a flat tire in Pensacola—an eight-hour drive each way. “By the time I got up there, it was almost 7 PM. We couldn’t get our jack under the plane, so we worked with the FBO to roll it up onto a ramp,” he says. “That tire change was like a NASCAR pit stop. In and out.” He got back to Orlando just in time to hand the AOG van keys over to his counterpart Monday morning.

From Florida to Boston—and Beyond

In one unforgettable week, David worked his way from Daytona Beach to Hilton Head, then hopped a flight to Boston to service a Global aircraft. “We needed a specialty tool, and Sun Country Maintenance based at the airport had it. They were gracious enough to loan it to us without hesitation,” he recalls. “That’s one thing I love about this job—every day is different. One week you’re crawling under a jet in Pensacola, the next you’re chasing down parts on the islands. No two calls look the same—and that’s exactly why I love it."

The Islands: Tools, Customs, and a Dead Starter

David’s favorite AOG mission? Turks and Caicos. A Phenom 300 had lost a generator in flight and was grounded. When David and his partner arrived, everything looked normal—until they removed the starter. “We spun the shaft by hand and it sounded like a bag of rocks,” he said. “Just pure grinding. We knew immediately—it was toast.”

The job didn’t stop there. The team had to flush the engine oil system multiple times after finding metal shavings, open the gearbox for inspection, and wait two full days while parts sat tied up in customs. “We stayed in close contact with 

the customer, kept the aircraft secure, and were ready to go the moment everything cleared. In the end, we got the job done right—and got them back in the air.” 

Why He Chooses AOG Life 

David’s been in hangars. He’s done the 9 to 5. But nothing compares to the pace, independence, and adventure of AOG. “Right now, it feels like AOG or nothing,” he says. “It’s not always easy, but the schedule works for my family. Seven on, seven off means when I’m home, I’m really home.”

And for anyone thinking about joining the industry?

“You get out of it what you put into it,” David says. “If you stay motivated and efficient, the work-life balance is possible—even in AOG.”