<a href="/topics/AAR_Corp.">AAR Corp.</a> operates its Aircraft Component Services division out of Garden City, where it trains people to repair the F16 fighter plane, repairs aircraft components, and is expanding to manufacture parts for <a href="/topics/Boeing">Boeing</a>, GE and the U.S. military. 
 Executive vice president Robert Sopp, 57, responsible for new business development, program execution, and strategy at <a href="/topics/AAR_Corp.">AAR</a>'s <a href="/topics/New_York_%28state%29">New York</a> and Amsterdam facilities, is keeping a close eye on the U.S. military defense budget. 
 The <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a>er's career started as a teenager, when his shop teacher at Sewanhaka High School directed him to the airline parts manufacturing company Arkwin, based in <a href="/topics/Westbury%2C_NY">Westbury</a>, where he was hired on the spot. He went on to earn a master's degree in engineering and, among other things, developed a way to purify oil for the hydraulic components for <a href="/topics/NASA">NASA</a>'s Space Shuttle orbiter program. Now his oil purification programs are easing wear and tear on commercial and military aircraft components worldwide. 
 Sopp says he's sorry to see high schools dismiss shop programs, but he's eager to see them partner with industry to give students technical training, and lower the <a href="/topics/Unemployment">unemployment</a> rate. 
 What skills are you looking for in potential employees? We have opportunities for technical people. We hire a lot of veterans because they have that extra [technical] training from the armed forces. Sometimes we hire good automotive technicians who didn't go to college but have some kind of on-the-job training in the automotive field at dealerships or as an independent automotive dealer. We take those skills and convert them into an aircraft component technician and teach them what they need to know here. 
 What classes should be offered for people to get into fields like yours? Companies like ours have to invest a lot in training. I think that high school principals should be getting aligned with industry so that they are offering programs that are more in line with what employers want. They should not only cater to college-bound students but also to students that end their education at high school. 
 What are the trends in your industry? On the military-government side, we usually see a surge of maintenance within 18 months after they return from war. That is when they are fixing everything, getting everything in shape, and getting everything mission-ready. If they are not spending money on new platforms and maintaining older platforms instead, that could help a company like AAR as well. 
 Out of all of your projects, what gives you the most satisfaction? The space shuttle program. My company really took a chance on letting me do that at that time . . . I have a plaque in my office of a flag that was on the first launch. 
<h2> Corporate snapshot</h2> 
 Name. Robert Sopp, executive vice president, AAR Aircraft Component Services, a division of <a href="/topics/AAR_Corp.">AAR Corp.</a> in Garden City 
 What it does. "We offer a full array of component repair, overhaul, exchange and replacement options tailored to individual customer requirements and designed to improve efficiency and reduce overall cost. Our expert technicians test, repair, overhaul and perform scheduled maintenance checks on high-value components, including avionics, instruments, pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, fuel controls and electrical accessories." 
 Employees. 7,000 worldwide with <a href="/topics/AAR_Corp.">AAR Corp.</a>; 205 on <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a> 
 Revenues. About $1.8 billion for <a href="/topics/AAR_Corp.">AAR Corp.</a>

AAR Corp. operates its Aircraft Component Services division out of Garden City, where it trains people to repair the F16 fighter plane, repairs aircraft components, and is expanding to manufacture parts for Boeing, GE and the U.S. military. Executive vice president Robert Sopp, 57, responsible for new business development, program execution, and strategy at AAR's New York and Amsterdam facilities, is keeping a close eye on the U.S. military defense budget. The Long Islander's career started as a teenager, when his shop teacher at Sewanhaka High School directed him to the airline parts manufacturing company Arkwin, based in Westbury, where he was hired on the spot. He went on to earn a master's degree in engineering and, among other things, developed a way to purify oil for the hydraulic components for NASA's Space Shuttle orbiter program. Now his oil purification programs are easing wear and tear on commercial and military aircraft components worldwide. Sopp says he's sorry to see high schools dismiss shop programs, but he's eager to see them partner with industry to give students technical training, and lower the unemployment rate. What skills are you looking for in potential employees? We have opportunities for technical people. We hire a lot of veterans because they have that extra [technical] training from the armed forces. Sometimes we hire good automotive technicians who didn't go to college but have some kind of on-the-job training in the automotive field at dealerships or as an independent automotive dealer. We take those skills and convert them into an aircraft component technician and teach them what they need to know here. What classes should be offered for people to get into fields like yours? Companies like ours have to invest a lot in training. I think that high school principals should be getting aligned with industry so that they are offering programs that are more in line with what employers want. They should not only cater to college-bound students but also to students that end their education at high school. What are the trends in your industry? On the military-government side, we usually see a surge of maintenance within 18 months after they return from war. That is when they are fixing everything, getting everything in shape, and getting everything mission-ready. If they are not spending money on new platforms and maintaining older platforms instead, that could help a company like AAR as well. Out of all of your projects, what gives you the most satisfaction? The space shuttle program. My company really took a chance on letting me do that at that time . . . I have a plaque in my office of a flag that was on the first launch. Corporate snapshot Name. Robert Sopp, executive vice president, AAR Aircraft Component Services, a division of AAR Corp. in Garden City What it does. "We offer a full array of component repair, overhaul, exchange and replacement options tailored to individual customer requirements and designed to improve efficiency and reduce overall cost. Our expert technicians test, repair, overhaul and perform scheduled maintenance checks on high-value components, including avionics, instruments, pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, fuel controls and electrical accessories." Employees. 7,000 worldwide with AAR Corp.; 205 on Long Island Revenues. About $1.8 billion for AAR Corp.

Business

Technology

BZEXEC13

Executive Suite: Robert Sopp, Garden City

Garden City

Newsday

bzexec13  Robert Sopp cropped 2.12.12

Business Trending

Wallet Watch

LI's priciest home sales

People on the Move

Latest real estate news

Most Popular

Latest Videos

Latest videos

Police are only addressing the supply, but demand is what fuels the illicit sex trade, experts say. Newsday political reporter Bahar Ostadan has the story.

'If you don't address demand, you don't address the problem'

There have been 23 closures due to shark sightings at Queens' Rockaway Beach and that has other South Shore beaches on alert. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'They're coming to visit more often'

DeVuono describes her scheme to an undercover investigator in January 2022.

See the undercover video of the DeVuono sting

Joe Tosini, owner of River Center Shopping Center in Riverhead, said the businesses in the center lost power during Saturday's storms and that their electricity wasn't restored until late Tuesday afternoon. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

'We're still behind'

The foundation paid for staff events at wine bars, a $2,000 limo ride and a Gracie Mansion gala. Newsday investigative reporter Peter D'auria, Richard Kessel, current chairman of the Nassau Health Care Corporation and Albany Law School professor Randle Pollard discuss.

'It should exist for the benefit of the hospital'

Sign up for the Daily Business newsletter

Business Newsletter Widget

Some Long Island parents are questioning the benefits of the i-Ready K-8 educational program, which offers online lessons and assessments to 17 million students nationwide.

I-Ready backlash: Why some LI parents want the program out of the classroom

Business Article Bottom Module

Promotions, hires and new jobs for Long Islanders

People on the Move: See who's been promoted on LI

The state rushed out COVID-19 relief to struggling businesses during the pandemic. Years later, some Long Island recipients are being told they did not qualify — and must pay it back.

COVID grant clawback hits 17 LI businesses

Meta has pulled the plug on a feature of a recently launched AI tool following criticism that it made Instagram accounts fodder for use in creating AI-generated images.

Amid criticism, Meta reins in new AI tool that automatically accessed public Instagram images

The Federal Reserve's rate-setting committee is split over whether inflation is likely to stay elevated or whether it will cool once the Iran war winds down, according to minutes released Wednesday.

America In Focus: Fed officials divided on US inflation views; US home prices hit all-time high

Major German carmakers are experiencing sharp quarterly sales declines in China, the world's biggest auto market.

Major German carmakers hit by steep China sales plunge as competition heats up

Renewable energy allies are trying to ensure that massive data centers will be powered by climate-friendly sources.

As gas plants rise to power AI, renewable energy allies are fighting for cleaner alternatives

Business Video Playlist

The price of childcare can be prohibitive for many Long Island parents. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports along with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa, Newsday business reporter Victor Ocasio and daycare owner Janna Rodriguez.

'Probably as much as rent or mortgage'

The overall inflation rate for the Long Island area is now 5.1%, up from 3.4% in May 2025. Newsday business reporter James T. Madore has more.

'Long Islanders are feeling the pain'

Recently passed state auto insurance reforms could help lower car insurance rates as much as 10% for New York drivers, according to some estimates. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'If it ain't now, it ain't happening. It's a dream.'

If approved, it would be the first new hospital on Long Island since 1980. Newsday business reporter James T. Madore has more.

'There are steps still to go'

The Riverhead Shake Shack, opening June 30, will be the chain's first on the East End.

Shake Shack set to open at Tanger Outlets

If approved, the 130,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World would feature an indoor aquarium, historical displays and taxidermy wildlife mounts.

Bass Pro Shops combines outdoor gear, tourist attractions

Amanda Pastore, of Levittown, feels the pressure to provide her son a birthday party like other children his age — but at what financial cost?

'I just want him to fit in with everybody else'

Median home prices rose 7.8% in Nassau and 6.7% in Suffolk in April. Newsday business reporter Jonathan LaMantia has more.

'Things are looking up in terms of the number of new listings'

Government data shows grocery inflation in the metro area has risen 1.5%. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Everybody is feeling the pinch'

A number of Long Islanders are picking up extra jobs in an effort to make ends meet. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Nearly a third of Long Islanders reported being financially strained'

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa shows you Newsday's new website where you can find stories, data and tips concerning your bottom line.

Introduction to Newsday's Wallet Watch

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa, Andrew Ehinger and Newsday business reporter James T. Madore look at why everything seems to cost more on Long Island.

'There's still nothing like Long Island'

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

A weaver from Huntington helped hide guns from the British at his home. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

America 250: The arsenal in Huntington

Riverhead shopping center back in business after 3-day power outage

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano joined the volunteers of Save the Great South Bay to clean oysters. The oysters are cleaned weekly and then placed back into the bay, where they'll be able to help filter the water.

Help boost the Great South Bay oyster population

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits Palmer Vineyards, where they host 'summer late nights,' which have become very popular.

Out East: Take a sip at this winery that's ready for summer

A draft rule introduced this month by House and Senate Republicans would significantly limit compensation for service-connected tinnitus and sleep apnea for veterans. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

LI vets concerned about bill that would reduce benefits

Juan Bonilla Lagos, who was arrested by ICE in October near his Plainview home, was freed from jail after nine months.

Plainview man detained by ICE freed from jail after 9 months 

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano visits L'Etoile in Oyster Bay. The French restaurant is in the building that used to be Snouder's Drug Store.

Historic LI building home to new French restaurant

As boaters set out on the water this summer, they will be paying more at the pump. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Boaters feeling the pinch at the pump 

Newsday food writer Erica Marcus explores the new farmers market at Station Yards in Ronkonkoma.

Farmers market opens at Station Yards

The number of IOUs issued by LIRR conductors for fare evasion fell by more than half from 2024 to 2025. Newsday transportation reporter Alfonso Castillo explains.

LIRR IOUs for fare evasion are down

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/video/newsdaytv-top-stories">Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories</a>

Newsday TV

NewsdayTV Top Item

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed shows us some great spots 'Out East' to visit this summer.

Out East Show: LI Aquarium, Patty's Berries and Bunches, Palmer Vineyards

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

Technology - megaslot

See the latest technology news, including stories on personal tech, driverless cars, apps and more.

Corporate snapshot

Most Popular

Latest Videos

Stay logged in.