From shop floor to field service: meet Jason Briggs

Strong technical expertise, a deep commitment to customers, and a passion for continuous development characterize the work of Liebherr’s Field Service Representatives. Jason Briggs, based at Liebherr-Aerospace in Saline, Michigan (USA), is a compelling example of how experience, determination, and teamwork come together to support operators worldwide.

Jason Briggs was appointed Field Service Representative (FSR) within the Liebherr Aerospace Saline, Inc. customer services department in April 2024. After 16 years with Liebherr, he transitioned from the hydraulic shop to the technical support team, where he now provides proficient and timely technical support as well as field service for internal and external customers.

A career built from the ground up

Jason began his career at Liebherr Aerospace Saline, Inc. in 2004 as a receiving clerk and inspector until 2008. Following a short period outside the company, he returned to Liebherr and moved to a shop technician position, then advanced through the ranks to hold the position of hydraulic shop supervisor. This hands-on experience across multiple functions laid a strong foundation for his current role as FSR.

Today, Jason’s position addresses customer issues and ensures effective, long-term problem resolution and customer satisfaction.

Strengthening technical credibility

To further support his role, Jason recently completed his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification.

For FSRs, technical credibility is essential. They work directly with airline engineers and operators, and the A&P license provides a strong foundation for communication, troubleshooting, and trust. While not mandatory for all FSRs, this certification strengthens professional credibility, establishes a shared technical language, and demonstrates a commitment to mastering the systems that support Liebherr products in service.

A non-traditional path to certification

Jason’s journey to certification was far from traditional. With more than a decade of experience in the Liebherr repair shop in Saline, he had a solid technical foundation, but attending a full-time A&P school was not feasible while supporting a family and working full time. Instead, he pursued the FAA’s on the Job Training (OJT) pathway.

In close coordination with the local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), Jason began mapping his everyday repair and overhaul work at Liebherr to the FAA’s Airman Certification Standards (ACS). The variety of components he worked on over the years allowed him to match a significant portion of the ACS requirements directly to his existing experience, forming the backbone of his OJT documentation.

To complete the remaining ACS skills, Jason contacted several local Fixed Base Operators until he found a mentor: Tom Pyle at Ace Aviation in Ann Arbor. Under Tom’s guidance, he gained the additional hands-on experience he needed, logged each task, and ultimately earned the FAA approval in December 2024.

Commitment, support, and achievement

In May 2025, Jason attended Baker’s School of Aeronautics in Lebanon, Tennessee (USA) – an FAA recognized A&P test preparation and testing center – successfully passing all written, oral, and practical exams. On May 13, 2025, he officially became an FAA licensed Airframe & Powerplant mechanic.

Although Jason does not seek the spotlight, his journey reflects the dedication and persistence that define Liebherr’s best field service representatives. While most of his ACS experience came from years of routine repair and overhaul work in the Liebherr shop in Saline, he emphasizes the support he received along the way: “As I transitioned into the technical department and prepared for the testing phase, the team – and later the tech team – offered encouragement, insight, and a strong foundation that helped me stay focused through the final steps of earning my license. Their backing made a meaningful difference,” Jason reflects.

Jason’s experience demonstrates that – even through a non-traditional path – the A&P license is both achievable and highly valuable for those supporting Liebherr operators worldwide.