Detail Dawg team members with SIU School of Aviation faculty and alumni toured the Delta TechOps Center at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. (Photo provided)
April 23, 2025
SIU aviation technologies students do well in aircraft maintenance contest
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Seven students in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s aviation technologies program fared well in the 2025 Aerospace Maintenance Council competition in Atlanta.
The Detail Dawgs, a registered student organization, placed in the top 10 in six different events in the 46-team scholastic division. In all, 86 teams from eight countries competed in 27 different events. The competition provides an opportunity for “current and future aviation maintenance professionals to showcase their abilities and see how they stack up against their peers around the world,” said James Barker, an assistant professor in aviation technologies.
The competition consists of 27 competitive maintenance challenges in areas such as avionic/electrical troubleshooting, standard/aero engine fan blade removal, thrust reverser control fault troubleshooting and repair, fuel nozzle replacement and cargo floor lock. Contestants have a set amount of time to complete each task, but students are also judged on professionalism, their ability to use tools and safety equipment properly, and their knowledge level, Barker said.
Team members include Ian Campbell, Tyler Dufresne, Liam Dunn, Kaifeng Guan, Erik Longo, Christopher Markle and Hannah Sales.
The team placed in the top 10 in the following events:
- Third place — avionic/electrical trouble shooting.
- Fifth place — APU starter and render safe.
- Sixth place — Air data.
- Ninth place — Safety wire.
- 10th place — Rigid tube assembly repair.
Campbell, a junior in aviation technologies, said that Detail Dawgs allows students to “hone their skills learned in the classroom and compete on the international stage.”
“We also have the opportunity to network with other mechanics and representatives from many aviation companies. Networking is paramount to our future careers.”
After the event, the team toured the Delta TechOps Center at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The tour was hosted by SIU Aviation alumni Thomas Swehla and Lucas Lenz.