Profile Photo: Richard Hellings, M.S.

Richard
Hellings, M.S.

Phone: 903.233.4225
Email: RichardHellings@letu.edu

  • Chair, Department of Applied Aviation Sciences

  • Associate Professor, Applied Aviation Sciences



Began teaching at LETU in Fall 2015

 

BACKGROUND

I was born and raised in Cape May Court House, New Jersey where God led me to important lasting choices in my early years of life. When I was five, I trusted in Jesus after hearing my mom give her testimony in church. Three years later, I attended a missions conference where Ken Enright, a missionary pilot spoke. I felt God was calling me to be a missionary pilot, too. To that end, I attended boarding school at Lancaster Mennonite High, learning many technical skills before heading off to college, where I earned my Airframe and Powerplant license and various Pilot ratings.

God continued to call me into missions and led me to serve with Missionary Aviation Repair Center (MARC) in Alaska for eight wonderful years. As I worked with various interns and students on mission trips, I felt my calling shift back toward education. God opened up places for me to teach in Seattle and then at LeTourneau University.

I met my wife in Texas after hearing her speak at her church in Dallas. Our prayer is that we can continue to be involved in the lives of young men and women who will serve as missionaries both vocationally and avocationally. We are committed to joining God in the work He is doing at LeTourneau University, in our neighborhood, and in the world.


EDUCATION

  • M.S. in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • B.S. in Aviation Technology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • A.S. in Aviation Maintenance Technology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

FAA RATINGS

  • Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
  • Inspection Authorization
  • Single/Multi - Engine Commercial w/ Instrument

 


Experience

2012 - 2015

Faculty

Everett Community College

2004 - 2012

Mechanic/Inspector

Missionary Aviation Repair Center

2001 - 2004

Instructor

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

2001 - 2004

Mechanic

Engine Repair Station, NX42404M


PROFESSIONAL CLASSES

  • Unmanned Aerial Systems - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Aviation Non-destructive Testing and Technology - Bethune-Cookman College
  • Magnetic Particle Testing - Smart Associates, Inc.
  • Penetrant Testing - Smart Associates, Inc.
  • PT6 Heavy Maintenance - Standard Aero
  • PT6 Hot Section Inspection Training Course - Standard Aero
  • TapRoot Safety Course - Medallion Foundation, Inc.
  • Quest Kodiak 100 Initial Aircraft Maintenance - Spokane Turbine Center
  • Teledyne Continental Motors Factory School - Teledyne Continental Motors

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

  • University Aviation Association (UAA)
  • Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
  • Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA)
  • Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
  • Academy of Model Aircraft (AMA)

PRESENTATIONS

  • Lessons Learned: Lost Student – University Aviation Association
  • Pedagogy, Technology, and Solutions for Professional Technical Programs - Washington State Assessing, Teaching, and Learning Conference
  • Technology in Aviation Maintenance Programs - Teaching and Learning Retreat