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.

Tim Wade, Director of Environmental Health and Safety for FlexJet, discusses the importance of a strong safety reporting system and the processes he implemented at Constant Aviation and FlexJet. He emphasizes the need for easy and streamlined reporting, utilizing QR codes and online forms. Tim also highlights the value of data in identifying trends and making improvements, as well as the importance of building trust and a reporting culture within the organization. He shares insights on metrics, risk assessments, and the role of leadership in promoting safety.

Takeaways

• Implementing a streamlined safety reporting system, such as QR codes and online forms, can encourage employees to report incidents and hazards more easily.
• Data analysis is crucial in identifying trends and making improvements in safety practices.
• Building trust and a reporting culture within the organization is essential for effective safety reporting.
• Metrics, such as the number of reports per 10,000 hours and the number of medium or higher risk reports, can provide valuable insights into the organization's safety performance.
• Leadership plays a critical role in promoting safety and creating a culture of continuous improvement.

Chapters

• 06:02 Transitioning from Constant Aviation to FlexJet
• 07:48 Implementing a Streamlined Safety Reporting System
• 14:55 Using Data to Drive Safety Improvements
• 24:49 Metrics: Measuring Safety Performance
• 28:04 The Role of Leadership in Promoting Safety
• 31:54 Overseeing Safety for a Global Organization
• 36:58 Concluding Remarks and Contact Information

Summary

Rodrigo Goncalves, Founder and Owner of RG Aviation, shares his experience of obtaining the 145 cert for his repair station. He explains that the process involved building relationships with the FAA, being persistent, and working diligently. He emphasizes the importance of tool calibration, organization, and cleanliness in the shop. Rodrigo also recommends seeking help from professionals for writing manuals and not getting discouraged by the cost. He highlights the need to follow approved manuals and be prepared for base inspections. Overall, the process took about two years, but Rodrigo's determination and teamwork led to the successful certification of his repair station. RG Aviation focuses on maintaining a clean and organized shop to ensure safety and efficiency. Rodrigo instills a strong work ethic and leads by example, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and organization. He believes that a clean shop reflects positively on the company and instills confidence in customers. Rodrigo's goal is to provide jobs and help his team succeed. RG Aviation offers aircraft maintenance services, including scheduled and unscheduled inspections, STC installations, and rotor and fixed-wing maintenance. Rodrigo acknowledges the shortage of mechanics and aims to create a repair station with a better work-life balance.

Takeaways

• Building relationships with the FAA and seeking guidance from professionals can help in the process of obtaining the 145 cert.
• Persistence and determination are key to overcoming challenges and delays in the certification process.
• Tool calibration, organization, and cleanliness are crucial for maintaining a repair station.
• Following approved manuals and being prepared for base inspections are essential for compliance.
• Obtaining the 145 cert can open up opportunities for career progression and owning a repair shop. Maintaining a clean and organized shop is crucial for safety and efficiency in aircraft maintenance.
• Leading by example and instilling a strong work ethic is essential for creating a productive and organized work environment.
• RG Aviation offers a range of aircraft maintenance services, including inspections and STC installations.
• There is a shortage of mechanics in the industry, and creating a repair station with a better work-life balance can help attract and retain talent.

Chapters

02:05 Motivation behind Obtaining the 145 Cert

04:06 The Application Process

06:19 Writing Manuals and Getting Help

08:24 Submitting Documents and Revisions

11:04 Revisions and Process Details

13:21 Importance of Ease and Flexibility in Manuals

20:29 Maintaining a Clean and Organized Shop

23:34 Aircraft Maintenance Services Offered

36:09 Addressing the Shortage of Mechanics

Suresh Narayanan, CEO of Jets MRO, discusses the issue of technician turnover in the maintenance market. He explains that mechanic turnover rates are between 40 and 50 percent, which leads to delays and increased costs for operators. To address this problem, Narayanan created Jets MRO with a focus on improving culture, leadership, benefits, and schedule for mechanics. By giving employees ownership and sharing financial information, Narayanan has fostered a culture of engagement and alignment. This approach has resulted in a robust pipeline of mechanics and improved on-time performance for the company. Jets MRO is a new startup MRO company that aims to fix the broken processes in the aviation industry. They focus on treating mechanics better and providing transparency to customers. The company is built for mechanics, and their customers are maintenance managers and DOMs of fleets or multiple aircraft. Jets MRO offers scheduled maintenance, drop-in services, and pre-purchase inspections. They are also building partnerships with other companies to provide a more holistic service to their customers. The company is focused on being professional, transparent, and customer-centric.

Summary

Larry Shack from the Greater Toronto Airport Authority discusses the Lyft (Long-Term Investment in Facilities and Terminals) program and the airport's plans for growth and modernization. He highlights the increase in traveler demand and the need for infrastructure expansion to accommodate the projected growth. Larry also emphasizes the airport's commitment to sustainability and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. He mentions the use of autonomous vehicles and technology to improve safety and efficiency. The challenges faced by the airport include labor capacity and maintaining a high level of safety. Larry shares his insights on data-driven decision-making and the importance of expecting the unexpected in the aviation industry.

Takeaways

• The Greater Toronto Airport Authority is implementing the Lyft program to invest in long-term facilities and terminals to accommodate the projected growth in traveler demand.
• The airport is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and is exploring innovative solutions such as hydrogen fueling stations and electrification of assets.
• Autonomous vehicles and technology play a significant role in improving safety and efficiency in airport operations.
• Challenges faced by the airport include labor capacity and maintaining a high level of safety, which are addressed through data-driven decision-making and collaboration with industry partners.
• Expecting the unexpected is crucial in the aviation industry, and a focus on exceptional customer service and safety is essential for success.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Lyft Program
• 11:31 Discussion on Growth and Sustainability
• 20:07 Challenges Faced by the Airport: Labor Capacity and Safety
• 25:06 Data-Driven Decision-Making and Collaboration in the Aviation Industry

Episode Description:

Join Santosh Nachu in a discussion with Matthias Moulinier, Product and Customer Success Director at ADVEEZ, as they explore how telemetry is revolutionizing fleet management, enhancing safety, and optimizing maintenance operations. Matthias shares insights from his extensive experience at ADVEEZ and discusses the latest industry trends, challenges, and solutions.

Key Topics Discussed:

Introduction and Background

• Matthias introduces himself and his role at ADVEEZ.
• Overview of ADVEEZ and its focus on the aviation GSE market.

Understanding ADVEEZ's Solutions

• Development of fleet management solutions for GSE.
• Evolution from simple access control to comprehensive telemetry.
• Integration with different types of GSE, including both motorized and non-motorized equipment.

Key Challenges and Solutions in GSE Management

• Importance of safety in GSE operations.
• Ensuring drivers are properly trained and authorized.
• Gathering and utilizing data for better fleet and maintenance management.

Trends in the GSE Industry

• Increased focus on safety and proper usage of equipment.
• Optimization of fleet size and maintenance schedules.
• Impact of COVID-19 on workforce experience and safety culture.

Innovative Features and Functionalities

• Use of embedded sensors to detect driving patterns and enhance safety.
• Speed reduction features in specific areas to prevent accidents.
• Pre-checklists and real-time data sharing between ramp operations and maintenance teams.

Integration with OEM Telemetry Systems

• Collaboration with OEMs to integrate telemetry data.
• Flexibility in using ADVEEZ's own hardware or existing OEM systems.
• Enhancing OEM telemetry with ADVEEZ's operational features.

Future Directions and Industry Innovations

• Expansion of telemetry features to cover battery state of charge and charging status.
• Continuing development of new functionalities to meet industry needs.

Notable Quotes

• "We are trying to make those GSE connected as now we have a lot of things that are connected and with every functionality and features that we've developed in the past 13 years."
• "Telemetry is the tip of the spear... it replaces a lot of guessing, time-based schedules, etc. It would be much better from an overall maintenance program perspective to track it and manage it by usage."

Resources Mentioned

• ADVEEZ
• Localeez Platform

Connect with ADVEEZ

• Website: adveez.com
• LinkedIn: ADVEEZ on LinkedIn

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