UDC’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program launches four-decade career for graduate Tolson

Kevin Tolson knows all about chartering a new path. He was among the first classes to complete the Aviation Maintenance Technology Program at UDC in 1979.

Born and raised in Northeast DC, Tolson grew up working with his father, a mechanic and truck driver. His father was also his role model. He and his six siblings grew up believing they could do anything through education and training. While Tolson never got to be an aircraft mechanic as he had hoped, he plays a critical role in their upkeep.

“The job is no joke. We can’t have mistakes on any aircraft,” Tolson said. “Once I write a manual, we do a combined validation verification — one for the military and one for the FAA to ensure the data is correct. The manual contains instructions on how to do anything as a starting point for mechanics on the military side as well as an approved FAA manual on the commercial side.”

Tolson fondly reflects on how he got his start at UDC, which laid the groundwork for a career that spans nearly four decades in aviation. It all began with long days of study that included about eight hours a day at the hangar at Reagan National Airport and then another two hours in the classroom on the Van Ness Campus. His hard work during the long days landed him on the Dean’s List and in the National Honor Society.

“I’m proud to have gone to UDC, and I’m happy to know that the Aviation program is still going strong,” Tolson said. “I feel honored to know that my HBCU gave me the foundation that I needed to be successful. You are going to learn at an HBCU because it’s a family of people who want you to succeed.”

Attending UDC has also been a family affair. Four of his siblings and a long list of cousins have attended the University. His youngest brother, Robert Tolson, earned three undergraduate degrees from UDC in mechanical, electrical and civil engineering. He owns Tolson Consulting, LLC, which focuses on engineering and construction for intelligent transportation systems and tolling projects.

Tolson’s cousin, Barrington D. Scott, has served on the University of the District of Columbia’s Board of Trustees since 2015.

Counting himself fortunate, Tolson makes it a point to mentor and support younger people interested in the field.

“I try to give back by teaching what I’ve learned on the job and in construction,” he said. “I’m always willing to show someone how to do something, but the expectation is that they go back and continue to learn. Someone can show you, but you need to understand for yourself how and what makes it work.”

He is making a significant contribution working in the aerospace industry as a Product Support Engineer at Boeing in Long Beach, Calif., where he has written technical manuals for military aircraft since 1998 and commercial aircraft prior to that.

Tolson is responsible for planning, writing and coordinating the preparation of technical manuals for maintenance on the L-1011 aircraft, with a breakdown for 60-75 different technical systems. He also works on 23 communication systems for military personnel or vendors for maintenance and repair. 

With certifications in software and hardware, he has been called upon to write a series of integrated product manuals. He also researches and analyzes engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, vendor data and logistic support analysis to prepare descriptive information and instructions covering operations, maintenance, service, overhaul and repair for specific military aircraft.  

Though he has worked on the commercial side, he has spent most of his career writing maintenance manuals for military aircraft.  

“I love my job because it’s technically focused, and I work independently on special projects,” Tolson said. “I’m a person who believes in education and coming up through the ranks the right way. I think everyone should pay their dues.” 

Tolson earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aerospace and certifications in Aviation Maintenance Technology Airframe and Power Plant. He also earned the FAA Airframe and Powerplant license. 

He holds six licenses and has a Secret U.S. government clearance. Tolson has also received an Avionics Technician certificate and the FCC 1st Class License from Northrop University in Inglewood, Calif.  

During his lengthy career, he has worked as an Engineer Writer at Northrop Corporation Electronics Division in Hawthorne, Calif.; Project Coordinator/Technical Writer at Rockwell International North American Aircraft Operations in El Segundo, Calif.; and a Service Publications Engineer at Lockheed Martin in Burbank, Calif.  

Tolson has been recognized for his diligence in resolving issues and implementing systems. Among his accolades are the Outstanding Achievement Awards from both Rockwell and Northrop Grumman. 

The Department of the Air Force also recognized Tolson for his work on the ARC-210 (a family of radios for military aircraft), a highly visible project throughout the Air Mobility Command and the Air Force Material Command. 

The Department of the Air Force incorporates all the elements of the U.S. Air Force, and it is administered by a civilian secretary appointed by the president and supervised by a military chief of staff.

Tolson also received the Target Accountability Award for his work at Northrop Grumman on technical manuals and being a representative for the Peacekeeper Program at the Depot to help the company reach its goals.   

In addition to his work at The Boeing Company, Tolson is the sole proprietor of KETO Engineering and Construction and is a licensed general building contractor. Though he works at Boeing from 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., after work and on some weekends, he is busy building houses and other construction projects. He has also gotten his family involved.  

“I can do design, installation and repair,” Tolson said. “I’ve built several houses. This is a hobby for me and something that reminds me of working on projects with my dad. My sons and wife help me.” 

Tolson has been married for 38 years and has three adult sons, one of whom has a degree in Industrial Engineering.