Embry-Riddle Fuels Eagle’s Journey as She Pursues All Things Aviation

To say that Nichole Stall has gone all in on aviation would be a serious understatement. At age 23, the California native is working toward a B.S. in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus while she also builds her time and experience as an aviation technician and a pilot of both airplanes and helicopters.

Although her journey is just beginning, Embry-Riddle is helping Nichole set her course toward a range of crucial aviation milestones that can open doors to successful careers in the sky and on the ground.

Currently, Nichole works as a technician at COC Aerospace and is on a quest to earn her Airframe & Powerplant license to go along with her licenses to fly fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.

She recently took time out from school, work and flight training to share some highlights of her adventures as a student of aviation so far.

Tell us about your background and how you first got interested in aviation.

I am from Whittier, California, but we moved to Newbury Park when I was in elementary school and have lived here since. My dad has always been an aviation junkie and took me to air shows throughout Southern California. I also spend a lot of my time traveling and have always enjoyed being in the air.

Why did you choose Embry-Riddle for your A.S. and B.S. degrees in Aeronautics?

Embry-Riddle has a reputation that I trust, and they had the best degree programs for everything I wanted to do. The Embry-Riddle community has always been so supportive in addition to helping provide so many of the tremendous opportunities I have been given.

Tell us how you landed at COC Aerospace and the work you’re doing now.

I used to work for a company that specialized in SOCATA-Daher TBM turboprop aircraft. I started as a detailer, then worked my way up to an apprentice aircraft mechanic under their station license, where I gained hours for my A&P license.

I later found myself in the office as a Logbooks and Record Maintenance technician. In this role, I recorded all maintenance activities, inspections, repairs and alterations performed on aircraft in the logbook maintained by SOCATA-Daher, and updated work orders and log entries in accordance with FAA, Daher and Pratt & Whitney standards.

I also abided by Daher’s and the FAA’s direction regarding the Pilot's Operating Handbook and other revisions based on Service Bulletins and updated Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). I entered and printed Airworthiness Directives listings for each plane that underwent maintenance.

My supervisor communicated with data analysts to discuss insurance, management systems and the scheduling and monitoring of SOCATA-Daher TBM engine health to support my role in releasing planes that passed inspections and were verified as airworthy.

I used my A&P hours and FAA experience to land a job at COC Aerospace, which specializes in supporting the Northrop F-5/T-38 aircraft family. The company provides life extension, upgrades and maintenance solutions for these aircraft.

COC also supports global customers with parts, technology and solutions, leveraging over 50 years of experience in the aerospace industry. The company is an AS9100 Rev D certified supplier and collaborates with major aerospace firms like Northrop Grumman and Airbus Defense.

At COC, I build and overhaul parts for T-38 and T-5 aircraft, including landing gear, drop tanks, leading edges, and trailing edges. I use hand and pneumatic tools to assemble mechanical parts and subassemblies according to diagrams, specifications, blueprints and engineering drawings made by the U.S. Air Force.

I also use advanced technologies such as photogrammetry, laser tracking and electronic discharge machining to enhance aircraft performance. I also spend a lot of my time collaborating with global customers and strategic partners.

I am currently overhauling the landing gear for the Kratos supersonic UAV drone. This project involves disassembling the existing landing gear, inspecting each component for wear and damage, and refurbishing or replacing parts to ensure optimal performance and safety.

I collaborate with engineering teams to incorporate the latest technologies and materials, enhancing the landing gear's durability and reliability. This overhaul is crucial for maintaining the UAV's operational capabilities and supporting its tactical missions.

Not only do I spend a lot of time in the shop overhauling parts, but I also use the Inventory Locator Service (ILS) to efficiently source parts for the Northrop F-5 and T-38 aircraft. By leveraging ILS's extensive database, I identify and procure critical components from reliable suppliers.

I also collaborate with various companies to re-engineer obsolete or hard-to-find parts, ensuring they meet current specifications and standards. Additionally, I broker parts by negotiating deals and managing transactions between manufacturers and clients, ensuring that the necessary components are delivered on time and at competitive prices.

Tell us more about your pursuit of an A&P license.

As a Mechanic & Avionics Apprentice specializing in the Daher Socata TBM, I diagnosed issues, documented maintenance tasks, and stayed updated with industry trends and systems while upholding safety standards.

I recorded maintenance activities, inspections, repairs, and alterations in maintenance logbooks, ensuring meticulous documentation. I maintained and refurbished de-ice boots and systems integrated with the TBM, ensuring they met industry standards.

Utilizing hand and pneumatic tools, I assembled mechanical parts and subassemblies according to diagrams, specifications, blueprints and engineering drawings for Garmin Avionic Systems. In an actuator shop, I maintained and tested actuators using specialized machines.

Tell us more about your flight training.

I started my pilot journey in the summer of 2021, focusing on private fixed-wing aircraft, where I logged my first 10 flight hours. When I began working at the TBM maintenance shop, I gained turboprop experience and was given the opportunity to boost my total flight time.

This got me to my current 16 hours (in piston and turboprop). In the summer of 2023, I expanded my skills by starting to fly a Robinson R-66, adding flight hours towards my rotary-wing certification.

What is your ultimate goal, and how will Embry-Riddle help you reach it?

After I complete my bachelor’s in Aeronautics with a minor in Economics, I want to pursue a Master of Space Operations.

My ultimate goal is to fly for CalFire, as my dad worked for the Los Angeles County Fire Department for more than 32 years. In that process, I also want to dive into defense companies such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin or L3 Harris.

I am embarking on part of this journey this fall as I am currently coordinating employment at Northrop Grumman. I have also longed to fly as a helicopter pilot for aerial electric line workers.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

A Bible verse that means a lot to me and helps keep me going is Psalms 121, 7-8: “The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”