In this episode of the Return to Service podcast, host Santosh Nachu sits down with Ben Reeves, Vice President of Sales at PowerStow, to explore the company’s innovative roller track system, designed to eliminate the need for manual baggage handling on aircraft. They delve into the importance of reducing workplace injuries in the baggage handling industry and how technology is enhancing equipment reliability and maintenance. Ben also shares his retirement plans and passion for boating. Finally, they look ahead to the GSE Expo in Europe and the significance of networking and fostering industry relationships in the GSE industry.

Aspire MRO and Launch Technical Workforce Solutions are working together on a large project to convert triple sevens from passenger to freighter. The demand for these conversions is driven by the aging wide body fleet and the need for more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft. The project involves extensive engineering and installation work, with Mammoth handling the engineering and parts acquisition and Aspire MRO handling the installations. The process of getting the STC and engineering done takes several months, and once that is completed, the production phase begins. Aspire MRO is focused on creating a culture that attracts and retains talented technicians, and they are also prioritizing diversity in their workforce. Aspire MRO and Launch Technical Workforce Solutions have formed a successful partnership based on trust, collaboration, and a shared culture. Aspire MRO provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for the aviation industry, while Launch Technical Workforce Solutions supplies skilled technicians. The key to their success lies in attracting and retaining the right people, paying competitive rates, offering overtime opportunities, and providing a path to promotion and leadership. The companies have also embraced digitalization, going paperless and implementing efficient processes that improve productivity and accountability. The culture of respect, fairness, and collaboration is a driving force behind their success.

Takeaways

• The demand for triple seven conversions from passenger to freighter is driven by the aging wide body fleet and the need for more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft.
• The conversion process involves extensive engineering and installation work, with Mammoth handling the engineering and parts acquisition and Aspire MRO handling the installations.
• The process of getting the STC and engineering done takes several months, and once that is completed, the production phase begins.
• Aspire MRO is focused on creating a culture that attracts and retains talented technicians, and they are also prioritizing diversity in their workforce. The partnership between Aspire MRO and Launch Technical Workforce Solutions is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared culture.
• Attracting and retaining the right people is crucial for success, and this is achieved through competitive pay rates, overtime opportunities, and a clear path to promotion and leadership.
• Digitalization and efficient processes have improved productivity and accountability within the companies.
• The culture of respect, fairness, and collaboration is a driving force behind the success of Aspire MRO and Launch Technical Workforce Solutions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:12 Demand for Triple Seven Conversions

06:43 The Engineering and Installation Process

09:21 From STC to Production

14:38 Tackling the Technician Shortage

24:55 Building a Successful Partnership Based on Trust and Collaboration

38:50 Embracing Digitalization for Improved Efficiency

45:32 A Culture of Respect, Fairness, and Collaboration

Summary: In this episode, Rick Ochs, CEO of Spirit Aeronautics, joins with Chris to delve into critical aspects of running a successful FAA Part 145 avionics shop. They discuss what it takes to create an environment where technicians can thrive and open and honest discussions can lead to innovative breakthroughs and solutions. The conversation highlights the ever-changing industry of aircraft avionics, the new solutions available from providers like Starlink, OneWeb and Gogo, and the upcoming obsolescence of air to ground internet connectivity on nearly 3,000 business jets by the end of 2025. They cover what it takes to create strong relationships with OEM avionics providers, and how that strong relationship is mutually beneficial to the OEM, avionics provider and the customer. Rick also discusses his involvement with the Youth Aviation Adventure Program, which aims to inspire and educate young people about aviation careers.

Takeaways

• Flight operations quality assurance (FOQA) is a powerful tool for analyzing aircraft data and improving safety and maintenance.

•Partnerships and collaborations are crucial for bridging technology gaps and driving innovation in the aviation industry. Creating a positive work environment and fostering a culture of teamwork and learning is crucial for the success of an avionics shop.

•Obsolescence is a major challenge in the avionics industry, and constant upgrades and solutions are necessary to keep up with technological advancements.

•Partnership relationships with OEMs are important for managing and maintaining avionics systems.

•The Youth Aviation Adventure Program is a valuable initiative that inspires and educates young people about careers in aviation.