Katrin Andrews, 28, of Lane Powell, was born a dual U.S. and German citizen. Having grown up partly in Anacortes and partly in Germany, her mother’s homeland, she says Seattle is lacking in authentic German restaurants. She tells us about her pre-law role in the restoration of World War II aircraft, her connection to Paul Allen and what it’s like to be a statistic in the field of aviation law.
L&P: What is your favorite German word?
KA: Spätzle. It’s those little egg noodles.
L&P: How did you get into the world of aviation?
KA: When I was a senior at the UW, through a strange set of circumstances, I was put into contact with the president of [an Arlington-based] company importing Alpha Jets [strike and trainer aircraft] from Germany. He needed a German-speaking assistant to help him with the process. I began working on translating Alpha Jet aircraft and engine manuals. I once translated a 1,500-page Alpha Jet engine overhaul manual.
L&P: Where do the World War II aircrafts come in?
KA: After doing that for six months, this guy who knew what I was doing said, “I want to steal you.” He owned the company that managed Paul Allen’s Flying Heritage Collection, and he asked me if I could work on helping him manage the collection. One thing I did was translate World War II aircraft and engine manuals. I helped restorers around the world get historical documents they needed to provide them with these manuals.
L&P: How did you find your way into law?
KA: I always knew I wanted to go to law school [at Seattle University]. When [my first employer’s] chief Alpha Jet pilot learned that I had gotten into law school, he said, “I have an aviation [law] contact for you.” That was Kit [Narodick], the chair of the aviation practice here at Lane Powell. I think, today, having a niche is really important.
L&P: Aren’t you in a male-dominated industry?
KA: A lot of the seminars I go to, I am the only female and I’m also a lot younger. I went to the National Business Aviation Association convention in Atlanta. We went out to the airport to see the static display of business aircraft, and when I got on board the Gulf Stream Five, the sales rep said, “Oh, are you the flight attendant?” I was shocked.
L&P: Hit us with the oddest jargon in the aviation industry.
KA: So, a “wet lease” is a … well, maybe it’s too technical.
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