Genuine Aircraft Hardware Helps Stock Our Parts Racks

Written By Beth White

In April 2025, the WOMEN BUILD PLANES team had the chance to take a virtual tour of Genuine Aircraft Hardware with Tamara Nunley. During the visit, Tamara walked us through the world behind aircraft parts: how they are sourced, documented, packaged, tracked, and shipped with the attention to detail aviation requires. We learned that no matter the part–from the smallest washer to a large chunky bolt, each has a paper trail with traceable documentation.

Tamara shared the story of the company her father built and the legacy she continues today. We love these Lunch & Learn opportunities, because for our team, this virtual visit made visible an entire part of the aviation ecosystem many never get to see.

Inspired by the team’s questions, curiosity, and interest—and by Habitat for Aviation’s work to grow the next generation of aircraft mechanics—Genuine Aircraft Hardware made an extraordinary in-kind donation. Six months later, nuts, bolts, screws, washers, cotter pins, and more arrived at our warehouse on a pallet in a semi-truck.

Throughout the fall, winter, and spring, this generous donation has launched a full sorting and organizing effort in our warehouse. Disa “Granny” Tatro has led the charge, learning the language of aircraft hardware one bin, label, and part number at a time. With her working inventory, Granny has become George and Cliff’s go-to person for the bits and bobs that keep our projects moving. We need it, she knows where to find it!

Thanks to Genuine Aircraft Hardware, Habitat for Aviation can now walk to our own parts rack when we need a spare washer, bolt, screw, cotter pin, or fitting for the airplanes we are building, repairing, and restoring.

We are deeply grateful to Tamara Nunley and Genuine Aircraft Hardware for investing in our builders, our mentors, and the future of aviation maintenance. Our success depends on people who understand both the big picture and the smallest details—and who care enough to help the next generation learn both.

Beth White

Education Possibilitarian, Artist, Writer, Doula, Mentor, Aviatrix, Breast Cancer Survivor, Pilot-in-Command at Habitat for Aviation

Born and raised in Vermont, Beth worked in a variety of schools in New England, including The Met, which is Big Picture Learning, flagship public high school in Providence, Rhode Island. After a decade in the classroom, Beth returned to the University of Vermont to earn a PhD in educational leadership and policy studies. She is an education possibilitarian, artist, a writer, a Doula, a mentor and aviatrix and most recently, after winning a tough battle with breast cancer, Beth founded Habitat for Aviation to inspire the next generation of airplane mechanics, avionics, specialists and pilots.

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