From classroom to cockpit: How SCC launched Stephen Blair's aviation career
Published on Nov 10, 2025
Somerset Community College (SCC) would like to celebrate Veterans Day by putting one
of our alumni in the spotlight.
When Stephen Blair of Berea was 26, the 2008 recession forced him back into college with a family to support. He had no idea that a simple Google search and a frequently mentioned topic would lead him down a path that would shape the rest of his life.
Reflecting on his time studying pre-pharmacy and general education courses at the University of Kentucky right out of High School, Blair realized that these subjects did not ignite a passion for his career or meet his immediate financial needs. That’s when he discovered Somerset Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Program – a decision that would change everything.
“I have not had to worry about a job since AMT school at SCC,” Blair shared. “I never imagined I would be where I am today. Going to SCC was the best decision I ever made for my career.”
Today, Blair now spends his days flying for the Kentucky Army National Guard and preparing to fly the Airbus 320 for Frontier Airlines, where he holds a contingent job offer. When he’s not in the air, he’s working on aircraft as a part-time business. It’s a life he never envisioned back when he graduated from Rockcastle County High School in 2002. These skillsets all began at Somerset Community College (SCC) with the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Program.
Blair’s story is a reminder that discovering your dream career can happen at any age
and sometimes, the most challenging moments lead us exactly where we need to go.
From 2010 to 2012, Blair studied at SCC before going to work in aviation maintenance. Over the next 13 years, he has worked in all aspects of aviation, which include General Aviation, Commercial Aviation, Fixed-wing and Rotor-Wing aircraft modification team, where he helped build Black Hawk helicopters.
It was during his time at Lockheed Martin that Blair’s supervisor, a retired command sergeant major, encouraged him to join the Army. Inspired by his coworkers and driven to expand his career, Blair enlisted in the U.S. Army in February 2014. Two years later, he advanced his skills further, by attending Army flight school. In 2018, he deployed to support missions along the Southwestern U.S. border.
Today, Blair is a Program Manager for the U.S Army Aviation Center of Excellence, where he helps educate the next generation of aviation professionals. When he’s not traveling between Alabama and Kentucky to balance work and family, in his free time, he works with his local community to create an aviation maintenance pathway and supports his local airport by managing his aircraft maintenance business.
One of his career highlights came when he was promoted to the rank of Captain by NASA Astronaut and U.S Retired Navy Captain Reid Wiseman.
“SCC stands out compared to my other academic experiences because how they keep in touch with their students,” Blair said. “They are passionate about every student.”
Dave Phelps, a retired AMT SCC instructor and esteemed substitute instructor for SCC,
brings nearly 40 years of industry experience to the table. An alumnus from the class
of 1986, he has played a significant role in shaping future aviation professionals.
Former student Blair often reaches out to him for guidance and insights, reflecting
the lasting impact Phelps has had on his students.
"Blair is an exceptional student among many other students who have stood out. There is nothing he couldn’t do,” Phelps said. “Blair has literally taken off from the start at SCC and flown to the top. I know he isn’t done yet.”
Blair holds an Airframe & Powerplant with Inspection Authorization (IA) privileges and graduated with an associate degree from SCC. He also finished a bachelor's degree from Thomas Edison State in Aviation Maintenance.
SCC students can take advantage of the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship to help pay tuition fees in high-demand fields like AMT. An opportunity Blair encourages students to take!
"The students often refer to our AMT program at SCC as one of Kentucky's best-kept secrets. With a proud history dating back to 1970, we are committed to upholding the legacy established by our predecessors,” Phelps remarked. “Now in our third generation of AMT instructors, we are eager to pass on the rich tradition of aviation excellence at SCC to the next generation."
You can start as early as January at SCC. The classrooms and hangar are ready for the next class. Enroll today at somerset.kctcs.edu for free. In just four semesters (2 years), you could graduate with certificates in AMT and be qualified to take the Federal Aviation Licensure test for AMT. Like Blair, this could be the door to your future success.
