Eric Verdon comes to Avatar with more than 46 years in the aviation industry. Eric Joined the US Air Force in 1973 and served his country for 26 years. He held many positions while moving up in the enlisted force and serving his country; including aircraft hydraulic mechanic, Manager of the Hydraulic and EGRESS, (Emergency Ground Rescue and Survival Systems) shops, Chief Maintenance Inspector, Production Supervisor, Support Staff Manager and Director of Maintenance.

Eric retired from the Air Force in 1999 as an E-8, Senior Master Sergeant, which is the top 3% of the entire enlisted force. While serving, he went to night schools and weekend seminars to receive an Associate Degree in Aircraft Pneudraulic Technology, a Bachelor Degree in Professional Aeronautics graduating with a GPA of 3.6, and, a Master’s Degree in Aerospace/Aviation Management, graduating with a GPA of 3.8. He also earned his A&P License.

Eric was the recipient of several awards, including 3 Air Force Commendation Medals and 2 Air Force Meritorious Service Medals. Eric served in Operation Northern watch and Operation Eldorado Canyon.

Upon “retirement” in June of 1999, he immediately went to work for Dee Howard in San Antonio TX as an A&P mechanic. At the end of 1999 Eric went to work as a line supervisor for United Airlines in LAX, Los Angeles California, one of the nation’s busiest airports.

In 2006, Eric left United to work for American Airlines, (AA), as a Manager of line maintenance, also at LAX. In 2011, still with AA, Eric went to work at JFK in New York and then in 2014 went to Ft Worth to work at TAESL, (Texas Aero Engine Service LLC), a joint venture with Rolls Royce and AA overhauling aircraft engines, Trents and RB-211’s.

Eric received numerous awards from the FAA, including a Ruby and Diamond Training Award and a Management Certificate. In 2015 Eric moved to Tampa to work for PEMCO Air World Services, now Airborne. In October 2019, Eric became the Director of Maintenance for Sky Palace Air until March of 2020 when Sky Palace closed.

Eric is from The Bronx, New York and now resides in Seffner, Florida with his wife Cathy, daughter Jennifer
and 2 grandsons, John and Gabriel.