Employee Spotlight: Lauren Closson

Where are you from?
Barryton, Michigan (a town of 400 in central Michigan)

What did growing up there mean to you?
Barryton will always be home to me. I have never lived anywhere else, besides living an hour south while studying aviation maintenance at School of Missionary Aviation in Ionia, MI, and now in Bemidji. Almost all of my family is in Barryton, and I love the stillness of living in the country.

How would you describe your interest in aviation?
I can’t remember a time not being around aviation in some way. I love the excitement that aviation brings people – the way they look at aircraft in wonder whenever they are around them. It’s truly a unique thing.

For me, aviation is not an interest, it’s a passion. Ask almost anyone I know and they will tell you I am an airplane nerd. If you are willing to hear me ramble about airplanes, I will talk your ear off. 

Why warbirds? 
I love history as much as I love airplanes, so warbirds are the perfect combination of the two. I enjoy experiencing living history, and that is exactly what warbirds are. The stories that travel with those planes are always incredible. They also look and sound really cool! Some of my earliest memories are being around warbirds with my family at museums and airshows, including Oshkosh.

What are your long-term goals in the aviation industry?
My current goal is to learn as much as I can while earning my A&P certifications. I studied missionary aviation in maintenance school, and I hope to one day work with a missionary aviation organization. In all of that, I want to share my passion for aviation with others.

How did you decide to become a mechanic? 
My dad is a small engine mechanic, so I have always been around machines, shops, and tools. I never thought I’d be a mechanic, though. My original intent was to be a missionary pilot, and I was encouraged to earn my A&P certifications before starting flight training to have the mechanical knowledge to troubleshoot and repair a plane in remote places. 

I wasn’t in my maintenance training long before realizing it was what I wanted to do as a career. I think my passion for aviation, familiarity with repair, and enjoying hands-on work came together in just the right way over time. 

What things have you learned about restoring vintage aircraft?
I have learned what a massive undertaking warbird restorations are. I knew they took a long time, but it truly takes a lot of perseverance, manpower and collaboration to get them back in the air.

Besides warbirds, what are some of your hobbies and interests?
I really enjoy creating things, especially three-dimensional art. I make rubber figurines and do amigurumi crochet. I like hiking, spending time with family and friends, and listening to music.

What advice do you have for aspiring A&Ps interested in the vintage side of aviation?
Always ask questions! I know that can be a hard thing to do, but aviation as a whole doesn’t leave much room for mistakes. If you’re not sure about something, ask. 

I’ve found that people who know a lot about vintage aviation love to talk about it, and share their knowledge. Take advantage of that.