I enjoy writing the “Parts Bin” column for D.O.M. magazine. The responses I have received have been surprising. Not only have people offered their opinions freely to me, but in many ways, writing this column has helped me see on a professional level that others were feeling exactly the way I was. We have a tough industry full of new and novel technologies, designed to deal with what seems to be ongoing battle to comply with regulations and economic pressures that challenge the existence of aviation itself.
D.O.M. News
11/28/2012 - 09:53
When buying an aircraft, a good pre-purchase evaluation is the best possible use of time and money. Over the years, I have participated in hundreds of these evaluations and have always, without exception, discovered details needing attention and questions needing answers. The end result is always a much clearer understanding for the buyer of the aircraft’s maintenance program and maintenance cycle and a realistic expectation of the ongoing maintenance costs. This is the information a buyer must have in order to make a purchase decision.
11/28/2012 - 09:50
In a recent survey of domestic and international repair stations certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), more than half of those responding (57 percent) indicated they struggle to obtain instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) from one or more manufacturers. The results of that survey, conducted by the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) in September 2012, show that ICA availability continues to plague the industry despite FAA regulations requiring that they be provided.
11/28/2012 - 09:23
Part two of a three-Part Series
11/28/2012 - 09:08
Maintenance facilities continue to struggle with the issue of compliance with a “current” manufacturer’s maintenance program as required by FAR 43.13(a). Although the FAA has provided some guidance on this issue, situations continue to arise that present unanswered compliance questions. The FAA’s Office of Chief Counsel recently addressed two real-life scenarios involving this issue in a July 18, 2012, legal interpretation.
11/28/2012 - 09:04
In problem solving part one, we delved into identifying the problem and the difference between a problem and symptom. Part two worked on analysis of the problem and now we are going to start to collect data, analyze that data and identify the root cause. Parts one and two appear to be going backwards in time to ensure we are looking at a problem and not a symptom, and here we are going to start to move forward.
11/28/2012 - 08:25
You have probably heard someone in your company make the statement “we’re all salesmen.” This usually happens in the third or fourth quarter of the fiscal year when executives are making a companywide push to make their year-end sales numbers. The approach is meant to get everyone — accountants, admins, sales assistants … everyone — fired up and eager to get as many new sales in the door before year’s end. But for many of these groups, and often for maintenance professionals, being a “salesman” isn’t what they signed up for.
11/28/2012 - 08:17
I write this column as I am catching up from NBAA2012. The D.O.M. magazine staff attended the NBAA show last week in full force and had a productive show.
11/27/2012 - 22:39
Orlando, FL - Boca Raton, FL-based Precision Turbines announces major developments in its MRO programs for government agencies, introduced its first STC, and used its presence at the recent NBAA Convention in Orlando to raise money for charities supporting U.S. military veterans.
11/27/2012 - 22:27
Baker Aviation, a full-service aircraft maintenance, management and charter company in North Texas, announces the appointment of Ray Goyco Jr. as its chief operating officer.
11/27/2012 - 22:25
Bethesda, MD - JDA Aviation Technology Solutions (JDA) announces that Weatherford, OK-based start-up charter operator Spencer Flying Services LLC has obtained its Part 135 certificate after contracting with JDA for its 135 Pro certification support program.
Spencer Flying Services signed its agreement with JDA in December 2011 and achieved certification using 135 Pro in eight months. 135Pro is a Part 135 certification support program designed to simplify the process and lower costs associated with obtaining a Part 135 certificate.
11/24/2012 - 01:23
WICHITA, KS – Greenwich AeroGroup Inc. announces that the first-ever business aviation flight test for Iridium OpenPort Aero system was completed without issue. The hour-long flight test took place in late October on a Bombardier Challenger 604. The testing crew utilized four iPads and two smart phones to test speed levels, access Web sites, download data, send e-mail and texts and make phones calls over the Iridium network.
11/24/2012 - 01:17
Cambridge, U.K. - The business aviation arm of the Marshall Aerospace Group has created a dedicated aircraft sales and brokerage business. Based at its Cambridge Airport, U.K., headquarters, the business will focus initially on acquiring and selling pre-owned business jets and turboprops. Experienced senior business aviation sales executive Howard Povey will head the new operation as he joins the company's management team as sales director.
11/24/2012 - 01:08
Basel, Switzerland - AMAC Aerospace has delivered the first BBJ 777-200LR (long range) ever to be completed for a private customer in the Middle East. The aircraft was brought to AMAC by Aviation Link, Saudi Arabia, who took delivery of the completed aircraft from AMAC’s facility in Basel following the conclusion of 19 months’ completion work, involving more than a combined 500,000 man hours.
11/24/2012 - 01:02
Coppell, TX - Superior Air Parts Inc. announces that Glen Golden has joined the company as its vice president of sales and marketing. Before joining Superior Air Parts, Golden owned Enhanced Aircraft Systems, which specialized in sales and marketing programs for companies developing STCs and PMAs. Prior to that, he was president of Engine Components Inc. (ECI). From 1988 to 2006, Golden held various management positions with Aerospace Products International (API).
11/24/2012 - 00:55
Hartzell Engine Technologies LLC of Montgomery, AL, and Lamar Technologies LLC of Marysville, WA, recently executed a transaction to exchange certain product lines within their respective portfolios. Hartzell has sold to Lamar its electronics business unit, consisting of voltage regulators, overvoltage sensors, master control unit (MCU) and battery analyzer products. Lamar has sold its starter and alternator product lines to Hartzell.
11/21/2012 - 11:05
In March, at HELI-EXPO 2013 in Las Vegas, Helicopter Association International (HAI) will premiere a new safety education initiative called the HAI Rotor Safety Challenge. This program, developed in coordination with the FAA Safety Team and the HAI Safety Committee, will include safety events, forums, and education sessions, conveniently scheduled on show days March 5 through 6. The program will include sessions created specifically for maintenance professionals.