ADS-B – Don’t Delay!
Tue, 03/28/2017 - 10:06
jescobar
D.O.M. Blogs
Passion Breeds Success
Mon, 01/30/2017 - 15:41
jescobar
I have interviewed more than 50 DOMs and maintenance managers for our profile stories in D.O.M. magazine over the years. The interviewees span many different segments of the industry and all have different backgrounds and experiences. I have learned a lot from each interview and article I have written.
I’ll Take Troubleshooting for $500 Alex
Wed, 12/21/2016 - 10:21
jescobar
I’m a fan of Jeopardy, the TV trivia show hosted by Alex Trebek. Contestants in the show compete for monetary prizes based on how they respond to the categories in increasing dollar amounts and how they wager when a Double Jeopardy clue is found. A big part of winning is also how they wager and respond to the Final Jeopardy question. It’s a fun way to learn about subjects I would have never considered exploring.
Character
Mon, 11/28/2016 - 09:11
jescobar
Leadership
Wed, 10/19/2016 - 12:54
jescobar
I was reading an article today on SmartBrief.com. In the article, “Don’t assume that somebody else has it all figured out,” Elliot Begoun interviews Mark Jansen, CEO of Blue Diamond Growers. I would encourage you to read the article by clicking HERE.
Get Out Of Your Office!
Thu, 09/22/2016 - 15:56
jescobar
We just got done wrapping up our October/November issue of D.O.M. magazine. It is our largest issue ever (100 pages) and is full of management-focused articles for aviation maintenance managers. Look for it in your mailbox next month or in electronic version next week.
I interviewed Sam Haycraft for our cover story in the October/November issue. Haycraft is the executive vice president and co-founder of West Star Aviation, I’ve known Sam for years, but learned a lot when I sat down and interviewed him for the article.
Working Under Supervision
Thu, 08/25/2016 - 09:32
jescobar
One way that non-certificated persons (non-A&Ps) can perform maintenance on U.S.-certificated aircraft is under the supervision of a person with a mechanic or repairman certificate. A recent discussion at an NBAA maintenance committee meeting got me thinking on what “under supervision” exactly means.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016
Sun, 07/17/2016 - 21:15
jescobar
EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2016 is just around the corner. Will you be at the world's largest fly in and airshow?
Oshkosh is one week away. This will be my 15th year attending this great event. The D.O.M. magazine staff will be in attendance covering the events and searching for new products and services relevant to our readers.
Have You Heard the News?
Wed, 06/29/2016 - 13:47
admin
The Dunning-Kruger Effect
Thu, 05/26/2016 - 14:33
jescobar
2016 Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC) Winners
Wed, 04/20/2016 - 09:04
jescobar
Pictured at right, Presenting sponsor Snap-on's Tom Murray (left) and John Goglia (right) with Alaska Airlines Team Seattle, winners of the 2016 William F. "Bill" O'Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance. Photo courtesy of Steve Staedler/Snap-on.Are We Professionals?
Mon, 03/28/2016 - 11:33
jescobar
I attended a presentation by Dr. Tony Kern a few years ago at the NBAA Maintenance Management Conference (NBAA MMC). Dr. Kern discussed professionalism. He gave us some things to think about concerning what it means to be a true professional. Some would say they are professionals because they follow all the regulations strictly. He disagreed, saying that was akin to saying, “I do what I need to get by — I follow the MINIMUM standards.” The purpose of Dr.
Tips for Effective Staff Meetings
Tue, 02/16/2016 - 10:45
jescobar
Unless you work in a very small maintenance shop, chances are high your company has regular staff meetings. You might have weekly staff meetings with your shift supervisors and leads. You may need to attend regular staff meetings with upper management at your company. Staff meetings have become a way of life in many companies.
Staff meetings can be productive if done right. They can also be boring time-wasters if not done properly.
Mike Figliuolo at Thought Leaders, LLC offers three tips on making your staff meetings more productive:
Aviation Lawsuits
Fri, 01/29/2016 - 11:03
jescobar
Everyone probably knows a few lawyer jokes such as, “What’s the difference between a good lawyer and a bad lawyer? A bad lawyer makes your case drag on for years. A good lawyer makes it last even longer.” “How do you tell if it is really cold outside? A lawyer has his hands in his own pockets.”
We can joke about lawyers, but the sad truth is that our industry is burdened with an extreme amount of litigation. It is a scene that plays out all too often. An aviation accident happens. People are injured or killed. Lawsuits are filed seeking compensation for these injuries or deaths.
Happy 2016!
Wed, 01/13/2016 - 08:47
jescobar
Leadership Lessons from Darth Vader
Thu, 12/17/2015 - 14:47
jescobar
I have interviewed many aviation maintenance managers over the years. Just about every one of them would tell you that they developed their leadership skills by observing and learning from others as they climbed their career ladders. They adapted the positive skills from great leaders and learned what not to do from bad leaders.
Lessons Learned on the AT
Mon, 11/30/2015 - 10:08
jescobar
The week after Christmas last year, I went on my first backpacking trip with my brother and friends. We hiked a section of the Appalacian Trail (AT) in The Great Smokey Mountain National Park. This year, we are returning to backpack another segment of the AT in the Smokeys the week after Christmas.
I learned a lot last year before I stepped foot on the mountains. My brother has been backpacking for years, and our hours of conversations provided me with plenty of tips for the hike:
Send the Elevator Back Down!
Mon, 10/26/2015 - 10:09
jescobar
I don’t tend to watch much late night TV. I’m usually in bed after the weather forecast is finished on our local news. But on a recent business trip, I found myself channel surfing after the local news and stopped when I saw Kevin Spacey being interviewed. I don’t remember which talk show it was, as I was paying close attention to what Spacey was saying. His message was inspiring – "Send the Elevator Back Down!"
Trust
Wed, 09/23/2015 - 14:02
jescobar
Successful companies are built upon trust. Management trusts its employees to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities. Employees trust the company to provide a safe and productive work environment. Customers trust companies to provide products and services with value and quality. But what happens when trust is broken? There have been many examples of businesses struggling or failing because of betrayal of trust. Volkswagen is the latest example.
If You Are Ready to Test For Your A&P...
Fri, 08/21/2015 - 10:42
jescobar
...you might want to take your tests sooner rather than later! There have been some significant changes to FAA Order 8900.2A which covers Designated Mechanic Examiners (DMEs) and the Performance Test Standards (PTS) they are required to test to. These changes will affect the practical tests of the mechanic exams and are going to take effect October 1st for current DMEs. DMEs who are newly appointed before October 1 will need to meet the new requirement once they receive their designation, even if it is before the October 1 date.