ISTAT Online

At a Glance: Sloane Churchill of mba Aviation

Jetrader spoke with Sloane Churchill, ISTAT Certified Appraiser and director of engines and inventory valuations at mba Aviation, about what she likes most about the industry, the most challenging part of her profession, who has had the greatest influence on her career and more.

Jetrader: What do you like most about the aviation industry?

Sloane Churchill (SC): Aviation for me is deeply personal. I am the third generation in my family to work in aviation, so it really is in my blood. I love that aviation keeps me connected to my family and does so for families around the world. I’ve also found that aviation, for many people in the industry, is a real passion project. Because of that, I’ve met some of the most wonderful people who dedicate their whole careers to furthering the industry, which is an amazing thing. 

Jetrader: What is the most challenging part of your profession?

SC: As an appraiser, the most challenging part of the job is definitely keeping up with changes in the market, particularly in periods of uncertainty. During COVID-19, it was a massive challenge determining value impacts when assets were not trading and market data was not widely available to inform value movements. However, since the pandemic, the market has been moving so quickly, particularly on the engine side where I specialize, that keeping up with market movements can be challenging. On the other hand, building those relationships with different participants in the market that we rely on for data points can be an extremely rewarding part of the job.

Jetrader: Who has had the greatest influence on your career?

SC: I would say the person with the greatest influence on my career by far
is my father. He not only shared with me his lifelong love of aviation, but his work ethic, dedication, humility, empathy and curious nature that guide me in my career today. In my current role, the biggest influence on my career
has been my boss, Lindsey Webster. As a woman coming up in this industry, Lindsey has been the best mentor I could have asked for. She is not just the leader of mba’s appraisal team, but she is a valued leader in the industry, and her breadth of knowledge, experience and passion for what she does is inspiring. She has really taken the time and effort to help shape me into the appraiser I am today. She pushes me not just to constantly improve and grow in what I do, but also to be a well-rounded leader and mentor to my team.

Jetrader: What was your first job?

SC: My first internship during graduate school was with SkyWorks Capital. It was my first real job, and I learned a tremendous amount about the industry while there. At SkyWorks, I was first exposed to appraisals and valuations and realized this was the direction I wanted to take my career.

My first job once I finished graduate school was with mba Aviation as an analyst on the appraisal team. I was very lucky to love what I do right out of the gate. I loved how every day on the job was different and exciting, and I was learning as much as I possibly could. However, I only got about eight months of “normalcy” before COVID-19 hit and we had to reassess practically everything. Now I blinked and I’m a director and I’ve been with mba for six years! It has been a fantastic journey.

Jetrader: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the industry?

SC: So many things! The most important thing is to build genuine connections and relationships. Commercial aviation is hugely relationship-driven, so building your network is extremely important. In a similar vein, try to find a mentor — someone who inspires you and can help guide you through your early career. Ask questions, work hard, volunteer for opportunities that will challenge you and try to learn as much as you can.