Her Story
About Katie
Katie Millard is an accomplished aviation professional with more than 23 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, aircraft records, technical documentation, and aviation operations. Based in Anchorage, Alaska, she began her aviation career at age 14 in the parts department of her father’s aviation company, gaining early experience in inventory and aircraft operations. Since then, she has worked with several Alaskan aviation operators, including FedEx, PenAir, and Sterling Airways, developing extensive expertise in aircraft records management, maintenance tracking systems, regulatory compliance, and aircraft conformity.
Katie currently serves as a Maintenance Technical Writer at Grant Aviation, where she manages and audits aircraft maintenance records, develops and revises maintenance manuals, analyzes maintenance data, and supports compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations and FAA-approved procedures. She works closely with leadership, maintenance, operations, IT, and quality teams to ensure accurate documentation and efficient maintenance processes. Her previous work also includes implementing maintenance tracking systems, supporting aircraft acquisitions and lease transitions, and conducting records audits and conformity inspections. One of her most significant accomplishments was helping launch Aleutian Airways and bring its Part 121 certificate into operation, supporting aircraft additions and proving runs across Alaska.
Katie is currently pursuing an associate degree in Aviation Maintenance at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, building on coursework she previously completed at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She also holds a Property and Casualty Insurance License and has earned several Google AI certifications, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Outside of aviation, Katie is a mother of two who enjoys traveling with her family, automobile restoration, and supporting dog rescue efforts. Her career reflects a strong commitment to accuracy, reliability, professionalism, safety, and continuous improvement within the aviation industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the great mentors and teachers I have had throughout my career. I’ve been fortunate to work with knowledgeable leaders who were always willing to share their experience, teach me, and give me opportunities to grow. From learning aircraft records and maintenance from experienced professionals to being guided by my father, I’ve benefited from people who genuinely invested in my development. Their willingness to share their knowledge has shaped the way I approach my own work and motivates me to do the same for others.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to prioritize your education from the beginning. I chose to focus on work and financial responsibilities first, and while that worked for me, balancing school and work later has been challenging. Whether you pursue a trade or another career path, having an education gives you something valuable to fall back on and can open more opportunities. It may be difficult to juggle both, but there are more flexible options today, so I encourage women to invest in their education early.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is maintaining aging aircraft, especially when parts and engine support become harder to find. Many operators have to rely on retired aircraft for parts or invest heavily in overhauling older planes to keep them in service. At the same time, newer aircraft offer opportunities for growth, although they are expensive and require careful planning. I also see opportunities in expanding my skills and education, particularly because having additional certifications such as an A&P can open the door to more roles within aircraft maintenance.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Reliability, integrity, and trustworthiness are the values I consider most important in both my work and personal life. I take pride in being someone others can count on, even when I don’t know how to do something right away. I’m willing to ask questions, learn, and figure things out rather than give up or cut corners. I believe that being dependable and maintaining integrity has helped me earn the trust of others and given me opportunities to take on meaningful responsibilities.
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