Delta aviation maintenance technician Joe Tedesco shares his journey and passion for safety in a recent feature by The Minnesota Star Tribune.
Meet Joe Tedesco. Joe is an aviation maintenance technician (AMT) for Delta at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. On Sept. 1 (Labor Day), Joe was profiled in the Minnesota Star Tribune in a story that highlights his unique path to Delta and the critical role AMTs play in ensuring safe and efficient flight operations.
Written by reporter Bill Lukitsch, the article traces Tedesco’s journey from Hollywood camera operator to aircraft mechanic — a career change sparked by a coin flip.
“Sometimes you have to leave it to fate,” Tedesco said of his decision to pursue aviation maintenance nearly a decade ago.
Tedesco moved to Minnesota for his career with Delta, but his fascination with flight began in childhood, inspired by stories from his uncle, a U.S. Air Force mechanic at Edwards Air Force Base. After starting his aviation career in Arizona repairing helicopters that toured excited visitors over the Grand Canyon, Tedesco joined Delta three years ago. He currently works on the Line Maintenance team at MSP, where quick-turn repairs keep aircraft safe and on schedule.
The line operates 24/7, and each day presents a new challenge — from climbing atop aircraft to repair Wi-Fi receivers to changing brakes in the Minnesota winter. Tedesco emphasized the importance of teamwork and attitude in overcoming tough conditions.
“You can have a really uncomfortable job, but if you’re working with a great team, you can still have fun and get the job done,” he said.
One of the article’s central themes is Tedesco’s commitment to safety.
“Nobody likes delays, and I assure you, as a technician, we don’t want to make that plane delayed any more than our passengers,” he said. “However, I won’t release an unsafe aircraft, and neither will any tech I work with. We take a lot of pride in that. The mechanics creed: Treat it like your parents are flying on it. And quite often they are, because our parents fly for free.”
Tedesco also shared that what drew him to Delta — employee satisfaction and a commitment to safety — became a source of pride in his work.
“I know I can go to my management with any safety concern, and it will be addressed,” he said.
Outside of work, Tedesco said he enjoys Delta’s employee travel benefits. A certified divemaster with more than 400 logged dives, he frequently visits Bonaire, a Caribbean island known for its shore diving.
“It’s a lot of fun. And a lot of freedom,” he said, adding that he also enjoys his new home in the Twin Cities. As an animal lover, he volunteers with The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota.
The Star Tribune profile offers a glimpse into the human side of Delta’s people-powered operations that consistently lead the industry, while underscoring the dedication and expertise behind every safe flight. Tedesco’s story is a testament to the passion and professionalism that defines Delta’s Technical Operations team and the people who help connect the airline’s customers to the world safely and efficiently.
