What It Takes to Keep F-35 Fighter Jets Mission-Ready: Ryan Bass

In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide Podcast, René sits down with Ryan Bass, who began her aviation career as an F-18 engine mechanic in the Navy and now works on Lockheed Martin’s F-35 flight line. From helping launch the very first test aircraft to supervising a team of maintainers, she shares how grit, technical skill, and determination shaped her path.

Tune-in as they discuss:

• How she went from a small-town graduate to working on F-18s around the world
• The process of building, testing, and launching the F-35’s three models
• The challenges of proving herself in male-dominated maintenance and management roles
• Advice for anyone considering an A&P license or a military-to-civilian aviation career

Ryan’s career highlights the skill and discipline it takes to keep some of the world’s most advanced aircraft mission-ready. From Navy flight lines to the F-35 program, her perspective shows both the challenges and the pride of working in aviation maintenance. It’s a look at the people and processes behind the jets that define modern airpower.

About Ryan Bass

Ryan Bass grew up in the small town of Ridgway, Colorado, where her graduating high school class had just 14 students. At 16, she left school and made the pivotal decision to join the U.S. Navy, knowing it was her path to a bigger future. By 17, she was in boot camp, and in 2003 she was stationed in Japan.

Her years at Lockheed were marked by both challenges and milestones, including working on the F-16 program, enduring layoffs and a strike, and eventually becoming a leading mechanic on the flight line. In 2018, she achieved another breakthrough—earning a promotion to become the only female supervisor on the flight line, overseeing ground operations where jets are broken in and readied for flight.

Inspired by her work, Ryan decided to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. In 2024, she began flight training while continuing her full-time role at Lockheed. By shifting to a three-day workweek, she was able to balance her career with training, flying four days a week. After two years of dedication, she earned her Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine ratings. Today, Ryan continues her leadership role at Lockheed while building flight hours to prepare for her next chapter as a professional pilot.

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Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community!

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