Randy Collins
Randy was born into a military family in New Jersey — his father served in the Army for 23 years. The family moved around a bit until finally settling back in New Jersey. After high school, Randy enlisted in the US Air Force, where he learned how to work on Sikorsky CH-3E and HH-3E helicopters. He left the Air Force after four years and entered the world of general aviation working on helicopters.
He obtained his Airframe & Powerplant Certificate (A&P) and later his Inspection Authorization Certificate (IA) from the FAA in the mid 1980’s. He still holds both certificates. He has been on the FAA Safety Team for more than 15 years, and three years ago he became a Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR).
Randy has worked primarily at CFR 14 Part 145 Certified Repair Stations around New England since the late 1980’s. He has worked primarily on helicopters, including Hiller 12E, Bell 47, Bell 206B/L/407, Bell 222B/U, Agusta A109A, A109E, AW109SP, Sikorsky S-76, Aerospatiale (now Euro Copter) AS-350 & AS-355, Enstrom F-28F, 280F, & 480, along with a host of small aircraft from Cessna, Beech, Piper, Money, etc. He has attended several factory schools for helicopters for maintenance and component overhaul.
He has held the position of Technician, Chief Inspector, and Director of Maintenance in various organizations throughout his career, currently serving as the Director of Maintenance at LifeFlight of Maine.
Randy lives in Veazie with his wife, Lehann, of 38 years, their son Ryan, and their little dog Dynomite. Lehann works for Literacy Volunteers of Bangor. Ryan is a published author — four books currently with more on the way. He is also a YouTube personality known as the Omni Viewer. Randy and his family enjoy long walks and boating.
