Samuel Neal is the Lead Instructor for maintenance and crew chief training at the Sikorsky Training Academy. Sam’s charter is to provide leadership and oversight for all maintenance and crew chief instructors at the Sikorsky Training Academy, ensuring Sikorsky continues its outstanding flight training safety record. Sam also oversees customer training and ensures timely execution of maintenance and crew chief training contracts.   

Prior to joining Sikorsky, Sam served in the U.S. Army where his responsibilities included line crew chief, crew chief flight instructor, phase maintenance leader, and maintenance supervisor. Sam served during both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as Operation Atlantic Resolve.

Mr. Neal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Management, as well as a Master of Science in Business Administration in Aviation, and Master of Science in Leadership from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Sam also holds an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license and has accumulated over 1,700 mishap-free flight hours in H-60A/L/M/W and S70i platforms.