07/29/2026
LAOTW ✨ Selena Bourne
My journey into aviation didn’t begin with airplanes—it began with a passion for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). After graduating, I spent two years inspecting natural gas pipelines, where I learned the value of precision, integrity, and the responsibility that comes with ensuring safety.
Everything changed when I started working for a FAA Part 145 repair station. From my very first day, I knew I had found where I belonged. Aviation inspired me and gave my work an even deeper purpose.
Whenever the NDT department slowed down and other shops needed an extra set of hands, I was always willing to step in. Whether it was helping airframe, avionics install, or the landing gear shop, I embraced every opportunity to learn more about the aircraft from the inside out. Those experiences gave me the hands-on experience I needed to earn my Airframe rating in 2023 and deepened my appreciation for the teamwork that aviation demands.
In February 2025, I took the leap and founded my own NDT company. My mission is simple: to provide inspections performed with honesty, precision, and unwavering integrity. Every inspection represents someone’s trust, and I never take that responsibility lightly. I genuinely care about the safety of every aircraft I inspect and strive to deliver work that reflects the highest standards of our industry.
For women considering a career in aviation, my advice is simple: remain curious and never stop learning. Some of the most valuable opportunities in my career came from being willing to step outside my immediate role and learn from those around me. Aviation is an industry that rewards competence, humility, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Focus on building your knowledge, earning trust through your work, and maintaining your integrity. The rest tends to follow.
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