Travel around the world, or even within a single country, and you'll find human factors principles applied unevenly in aviation maintenance due, in part, to uncertainties among maintenance leaders and inspectors as to what this field is all about.
The Transportation Department's June report on significant rulemakings revealed that the draft rule on drug-testing of certain foreign repair station employees is now expected to be released this week, pushed back from late May. And the FAA's projected publication date for a final rule on safety management systems for Part 121s slipped to early October from early September. Washington A Tough Transition
Embraer and Kenya Airways want to establish the airframer's second authorized service center in Africa for commercial aircraft, to specialize in E-Jets.
As airlines continue to watch engine expenses, MROs are being asked by their customers to design customized approaches to service and provide material solutions. The conversation is forcing MRO vendors to search for answers outside their facilities.“A decade ago, the focus of engine maintenance contracts was on supporting the customer—at the time of the shop visit,” says Kristin Kenny, director of Pay Per Hour Programs for Pratt & Whitney Canada. “Now, contracts must be structured to take into account a complete understanding of the customer's operation.”
1. Performance Excellence Manufacturer: Huntsman Advanced Materials Applications: Huntsman Advanced Materials, part of the Huntsman family of companies, specializes in synthetics, adhesives and laminating systems for both aircraft manufacturing and repair. The company is just one of fewer than 600 suppliers to earn a 2012 Boeing Performance Excellence award. www.huntsman.com
As regional carriers readjust their maintenance needs and operations, a growing number of independent MROs are benefiting as new business comes their way.
The RB211 program bankrupted Rolls-Royce, forcing the U.K. government to step in and save the project and the company. Both recovered—Rolls-Royce is still delivering and developing engines, and the RB211 will go down as one of the most versatile and successful engine series of the jet age.
1. By The Book Provider: Aeronautical Repair Station Association Offerings: ARSA specializes in regulatory compliance training. The association's courses focus primarily on the requirements of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations pertaining to design, production and maintenance, and on gaining Inspection Authorization acceptance from the FAA. Standard and customized courses are available. www.arsa.org Link 606 2: More Lean Provider: Duggan Associates
1. Racing Ahead MRO: Applied Composites Engineering Offerings: Indianpolis-based Applied Composites Engineering (ACE) got its start in 1982 in the motor racing industry. By 2007, the company's focus was 100% aerospace, including manufacturing and aftermarket support. ACE has 12,000 sq. ft. of dedicated MRO space and services radomes, engine nacelles, flight controls, interior components, and more for airline and business aviation customers. www.appliedcomposites.com Link 610 2. Chasing Dreams
FAA officials have long touted efforts such as the agency's systems safety approach as more efficient uses of its resources. The congressionally mandated budget cuts are putting this to the test—and industry had better hope the agency is right.
In September 1996, Embraer announced the arrival of its regional jet family in North America when Continental Express ordered 200 ERJ 145s. Even though only 25 of the commitments were firm, the message was clear: Embraer's 50-seat market entry was going to be a major player in the world's biggest aviation market. Recently, a few ERJ 145s were involved in a very different kind of transaction that delivered an equally emphatic, but different message.
An American Airlines-US Airways merger offers the combined carrier clear opportunities to leverage existing assets as part of a long-term MRO strategy that mixes in-house and outsourced work. Just how much work will stay in the new American's hangars is anyone's guess, however, particularly considering the apparent clash of philosophies.
New-generation turbine engines are being designed to run hotter for better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. This requires a second generation of thermal barrier coating (TBC) technologies that offer greater protection for costly engine components such as the high-pressure turbine blades and vanes. “The new generation of ceramic TBCs, which are referred to as 'Low K TBC,' will provide lower conductivity, resulting in greater insulative conductivity,” says Ravi Shankar, director of coating and process technologies for Chromalloy.
As the average age of the global commercial fleet continues to get younger, is the corresponding aftermarket becoming more mature? In the last three years, the average aircraft age has decreased to 11.9 from 12.2 years, according to Aviation Week data. While that is not a precipitous drop, it is significant in that it corresponds to younger aircraft and engines being torn apart because their values are higher individually. (Don't miss the AW&ST package on life cycles in this issue.)
