Most aviation students choose between flying or repairing aircraft. Casey Raymond chose both.
Casey is graduating from the University of Maine at Augusta with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation paired with an Aviation Maintenance Technician School certificate, an uncommon paring that requires significant technical training, discipline, and adaptability.
From Discovery Flight to Dual Qualification
A 2020 discovery flight first sparked Casey’s interest in aviation while she was still in high school. When a medical diagnosis temporarily grounded her plans, she turned to UMA’s early college program to get a jumpstart on her academics until she could begin flight training.
That adaptability continued to shape her experience at UMA. While enrolled in UMA’s flight program, Casey joined the inaugural cohort of the university’s Aviation Maintenance Technician School and is now among the program’s first 12 graduates.
Today, Casey is qualified to fly commercial aircraft, teach as a flight instructor, and repair a wide range of aircraft, including airliners and helicopters. Her combined training gives her experience from both the flight deck and the hangar, opening opportunities across multiple areas of aviation.
Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Beyond her studies, Casey co-founded the Wild Shore Aviation flight school, was an active member of Women in Aviation International, and, at just 20 years old, served as chair of the Katahdin Wings Chapter of the Ninety-Nines.
One of the experiences she values most has been working with aviation summer camps, helping young people discover aviation, while encouraging the next generation to see themselves in the industry.
Staying Open to Opportunity
Rather than following a single, rigid path, Casey has built a career around curiosity and a willingness to explore new possibilities.
“It is important to keep yourself open and not be blind to opportunity,” she said. “I don’t constrain myself with hard goals. There are jobs I want to do, and I prepare for them and work toward them because they are fun, and I want to be happy.”
Looking ahead, Casey plans to fly humanitarian missions serving remote communities, where her ability to both pilot and maintain aircraft could prove especially valuable.
Friend and flight instructor Jonathan Ward once said, “Sometimes you meet people in life that you know are going to change the world. Casey is one of them.”
Casey’s path reflects the kind of hands-on, community-focused experience UMA encourages students to bring into their careers. Congratulations, Casey, on your award and all you have accomplished! Great things are on your horizon.