"The effects of aircraft emissions on the current and projected climate of our planet may be the most serious long-term environmental issue facing the aviation industry." By David Esler

At last count, among all of its diverse operating companies, NetJets, Inc., had 734 business jets in its worldwide stable. NetJets Aviation, the conglomerate's higher-profile fractional ownership division, accounted for 440 of them in its North American operation. So it knows about maintenance management.

Although now vice president for business development at Portland, Ore.-based EVS-manufacturer Max-Viz, Lou Churchville chalked up considerable experience in previous postings with maintenance service businesses and aircraft completions and modification centers. This gave him a window into how repair stations operate and the potential pitfalls to look for when evaluating them.