Who Is Michael Arizzi?
"From the Ground Up: My Aviation Story"
Aviation Maintenance Professional | FAA-Certified A&P Technician | Driven by Passion, Built Through Grit
My Story: The Big Picture
Thank you for taking a few moments of your valuable time to get to know me. My name is Michael Thomas Arizzi, and this is a brief story about my path and the many experiences that helped shape me into the aviation maintenance professional I am today.
Where It All Began
Some of my earliest memories involve looking up at the sky, smiling at the sound of airplanes overhead. I still recall the thrill of watching the Blue Angels roar over Fort Lauderdale Beach in the late '90s, and touring the iconic B-17 bomber during its annual visit to Boca Raton Airport. My brother would take me to the hardware store to buy balsa wood airplane kits and taught me how to build them—small moments that quietly fueled a passion I hadn’t fully realized yet.
Early Foundations in Responsibility and Self-Reliance
My first real taste of high-stakes work came through the commercial swordfishing industry in South Florida. As a boat captain and mate, I learned the importance of preparation, safety, and mechanical skill. When you’re offshore, you’re on your own—every task matters, and your planning, execution, and problem-solving can make the difference between success and danger. This lifestyle taught me discipline, technical thinking, and how to stay calm under pressure—skills that have served me well in aviation.
Finding My Way Back to Aviation
Through high school and shortly after, I stepped away from aviation, believing my future was on the water. I trained at Maritime Professional Training in Fort Lauderdale with the goal of becoming a QMED Engineer with the Merchant Marines. Though I didn’t pursue that path long term, I continued honing my mechanical skills while working as an automotive technician.
Everything changed when a close friend, Timothy Fonseca—then president of the nonprofit Millennial Wings and now a Delta Air Lines pilot—reintroduced me to aviation. After flying with him in his Piper Warrior, he recognized my aptitude and handed me a business card for the National Aviation Academy (NAA) in Clearwater, Florida. That was the turning point.
Becoming an A&P Technician
In 2016, I enrolled at NAA, a Part 147 FAA-approved school offering a 2,000-hour Airframe & Powerplant curriculum. Eager and determined, I graduated near the top of my class, earning my A&P certification as one of only 3 students out of 50 to complete the full certification.
While studying, I gained valuable hands-on experience with Quantem Aviation Services at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (KPIE), supporting UPS Air Cargo operations. In this fast-paced ramp environment, I operated tow tractors, container movers, and other equipment while learning how large cargo aircraft are managed on the ground. I was quickly promoted to Ramp Operations Manager and often stayed after shifts to shadow UPS line maintenance technicians—a sign of the curiosity and drive that still define my work ethic.
Professional Growth at Gulfstream Aerospace
After graduation, I was recruited at a school career fair by HI-TEK Professionals to work as a contractor for Gulfstream Aerospace. I began as a Repair Station Aircraft Maintenance Technician I, supporting scheduled maintenance on G650s. My work ethic and attention to detail were quickly noticed, leading to a full-time role with Gulfstream.
From there, my growth accelerated. I advanced to Technician II in record time, participating in special projects like aircraft service change (ASC) verifications and training the Field Airborne Support Team. On weekends, I worked with limited support, learning to be self-reliant while still meeting high standards.
This environment gave me exposure to far more than hands-on maintenance. I learned work scope management, customer communication, billing, quoting, warranty claims, parts sourcing, scheduling, and labor timekeeping. These experiences taught me the inner workings of both technical and managerial aspects of the repair station environment, including compliance with FAA regulations for both domestic and foreign-registered aircraft.
I also participated in numerous pre-buy and pre-sale inspections, aircraft registration changes, and interior refurbishment projects—broadening my understanding of business aviation operations from every angle.
Giving Back, Flying Forward
Outside of Gulfstream, I partnered with a mentor holding an IA (Inspection Authorization). Together, we performed 100-hour and annual inspections for a local flight school. In exchange for my labor, I began receiving flight instruction—allowing me to merge my skills as an A&P mechanic with my long-standing dream of becoming a pilot.
Driven by a desire to keep learning, I also launched a successful diesel performance business. Specializing in parts sales, consulting, and custom installations, the business was another outlet for expanding my knowledge and applying my leadership in a different mechanical arena.
Stepping Into Leadership
Eventually, I was selected by an aircraft owner to assist with an engine change in partnership with the Gulfstream FAST team—a key moment that led to my current role as Chief of Maintenance for GV Serial Number 501 (N99NG), operated by Northrop Grumman.
My Role at Northrop Grumman
On May 9, 2022, I joined Northrop Grumman to support their specially outfitted Gulfstream V, a flying test bed operated and maintained in-house under a delegated repair station. This position has broadened my perspective even further, giving me valuable insight into the regulatory, operational, and financial responsibilities of aircraft ownership and management. I've taken part in developing realistic maintenance budgets, compliance planning, and long-term operational strategies—all critical skills for leadership in aviation maintenance.
Achievements at Northrop Grumman
Some key accomplishments in this role include:
- Technical Leadership: Led a full 144-month inspection, uncovering and resolving critical discrepancies while ensuring aircraft readiness and exceeding testing milestones.
- Mentorship and Team Management: Provided guidance during organizational transitions, ensuring a safe and effective return-to-flight following extended downtime.
- Cost Avoidance and Procurement: Achieved over $1.8 million in cost savings through strategic sourcing and in-house repairs.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Acted as SME for classified systems, ensuring FAA-approved maintenance methods were upheld throughout complex test operations.
- Compliance and Certification: Supported DAR engagement for an updated experimental certificate, enabling an immediate return to flight.
- AOG Support: Personally resolved urgent discrepancies on a visiting C-37A by request of the 99th Airlift Squadron’s Director of Maintenance.
- Mission Success: Played a central role in the aircraft’s outstanding sortie completion rate—thanks to a combination of leadership, diligence, and technical precision.
Looking Ahead
My hands-on experience, combined with my dedication to compliance, leadership, and innovation, has laid a solid foundation for my future aspirations—specifically, advancing into roles such as Air Vehicle Manager or Director of Maintenance.
Every step of my journey has been guided by a few core principles: hard work, integrity, continual learning, and a passion for making things better. Whether it’s rebuilding a diesel engine, launching a family project, or preparing a high-performance aircraft for mission-critical flights—I take pride in being a problem-solver, mentor, and technician.
Above all, I’m still the kid who looked up at the sky, dreaming of airplanes.