October 2014

Table of Contents

Sarah Says
30 Years of ARSA
Hotline Features
ARSA Works
Legal Briefs
ARSA on the Hill 
Regulatory Outlook 
Quality Time
Training 
Membership
AVMRO News Portal 
Upcoming Events

Sarah Says – Then. Now. Later

By Sarah MacLeod, Executive Director

The 30^th anniversary of the association’s formation enables us to look back to the time when a dollar bought a gallon of gas, 20 cents mailed a letter, Terminator was in theaters, Indira Ghandi was assassinated and Apple’s Macintosh computer came to market with an iconic commercial.

The ARSA board of directors first convened in October 1984 to establish objectives for the global civil aviation maintenance industry’s trade group:

• To reduce the occurrence of capricious actions on the part of major manufacturers.
• To serve as a lobbying organization before Congress.
• To represent the repair station community before the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other government agencies.
• To establish a liaison between the repair station community and civil aviation safety agencies to ensure the rights of companies to protest FAA actions are secured without the fear of reprisal.

In the three decades since I created those minutes, the world has changed but the issues impacting international repair stations continue. The lists of repair stations and members have expanded and shifted. The association has grown in fits and starts and survived its own near misses. The core purpose of those original objectives remains the same: to be the voice of global civil aviation maintenance.

Back then we had to beg, harass and harangue manufacturers, regulators, legislators and the media in order to be heard. Today, we are asked to participate in wide-ranging conferences, rulemaking and lawmaking activities and are quoted by the press.

In the past, we were instrumental in writing the current version of part 145, ensuring the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the FAA handle major and minor repairs appropriately under both systems in consideration of bilateral and technical agreements, negotiating legislative language on international drug and alcohol testing and ensuring establishment of numerous other interpretative and preventive measures.

Right now we are ensuring that a simple seven-letter word is reinserted in the regulations and teaching the government how to properly classify aviation maintenance professionals.

In the future we will adhere to our 20/20 Strategic Plan, become the “go-to” organization for regulatory compliance training for part 65 mechanics and repairmen as well as part 145 repair stations and lead coalitions to ensure that aviation maintenance is a technical career field of choice.

Now, as then, the association’s challenge is to always look ahead and help its members navigate an increasingly-hazardous regulatory environment. Join us in remembering where ARSA came from by visiting arsa.org/30-years-of-arsa. In the meantime, we will celebrate our 30^th birthday by charging ahead into the future.

Editor’s Note: This edition of Sarah Says has also run on MRO Network.

Return to Top of Page

 

30 Years of ARSA

A Look Back

By Crystal Maguire, Vice President of Operations

As the longest-tenured employee of the association’s management firm (going on eleven years!), I took it upon myself to look back at the association’s history to better understand how far we’ve come and how we got here. As verbalized by ARSA Managing Director & General Counsel Marshall Filler at the 2014 Strategic Leadership Conference in Montreal, here are some interesting tidbits I uncovered while plowing through three decades worth of newsletters and board meeting materials:

ARSA’s articles of incorporation were signed on June 14, 1984 in the District of Columbia (the association has since transferred its incorporation to the Commonwealth of Virginia where its management offices are located). The initial board of directors meeting was held on Oct. 24, 1984; presiding as ARSA’s first president was Charles B. Ryan from NORDAM, a company that continues to be a strong supporter of the association today (and, more importantly, located in my home town, go Hurricane!).

In March 1985 the association boasted 15 members, come June the list grew to 55 to include current members NORDAM, AAR Corp., Central Cylinder Service, Inc. (read this month’s member spotlight), Aircraft Electric Motors, Inc. and Fortner Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc. That same year the association debuted its flagship newsletter, the hotline. The first issue covered two “hot” topics: parts manufacturing authority (PMA) and product liability coverage. At that time the newsletter was issued quarterly until 1990 when it became a monthly publication.

The association’s annual budget that first year was $75,000 (today it has grown to $1.3 million); the association’s first positive cash flow was proudly announced in April 1992.

In 1987, ARSA almost met its demise but was pulled from the depths by the association’s executive director Sarah MacLeod (read on in the hotline to learn more).

In February 1991, ARSA accepted an invitation to join the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC), a newly formed body that would “establish a forum for discussion of possible rule changes early in the process.” ARSA was instrumental in the development of the committee which is now a cornerstone of the FAA’s rulemaking process. Indeed, in September 1994, Sarah was appointed vice chair of the ARAC; the association’s then-Managing Director Tony Obadal was quoted as saying, “In the surreal world of Washington politics, you occasionally are lucky enough to find a personality that is undaunted by the important task of making the government work. I am proud that one of those people is my law partner and our executive director.” ARSA continues to support the ARAC; Sarah has been assistant chair for the air carrier and general aviation maintenance group since 1996.

In April 1993, ARSA held its first repair station symposium, an annual event that continues to attract aviation industry leaders around the world (shameless plug: pledge now to sponsor the 2015 event).

When asked what the association’s greatest achievements have been over the last thirty years, Sarah points to the 52 pages of part 145 NPRM comments she drafted over Thanksgiving break in 1999 – she’ll proudly remind you that 70 percent of those suggested changes were adopted – and receiving the Nuts and Bolts award from A4A in April of 2011. Beyond any individual act, the greatest achievement of the association is it has become the “go to” organization for regulatory agencies, Congress and the media on aviation maintenance issues (yes, that’s also one of Sarah’s points).

The association has truly come a long way and I am happy to be a part of its future. Happy Birthday, ARSA; here’s to the next thirty.

 1985 – Members Getting Members

In the first issue of the ARSA hotline – which has been dutifully delivered without interruption since March, 1985 – then-Executive Director Tony Obadal issued a challenge to the association’s growing membership:

“The need is known, we have the support of industry leaders and publications, and the confidence and cooperation of the FAA and congressional staffs. If each of you will spread the word, promote ARSA and get just three more repair stations or distributor/supplier associates to join up, we can be assured of a successful organization.”

In honor of 30 years as the voice of the aviation maintenance industry, take up Obadal’s three-decade-old challenge (and save some money in the process).

• For each paid membership referral, the referring member will receive a credit of 10% of the applicant’s dues on its forthcoming membership renewal. For example, if you refer a $1,800 member, you will receive a credit of $180 towards your next membership renewal.
• The maximum benefit is 100% of the referring member’s annual membership dues.
• The applicant must clearly indicate on its application the name of the member company that referred it for membership.

To get started, visit ARSA’s members getting members page. For more information, contact us at arsa@arsa.org.

Click here to see the entire March, 1985 hotline.

Almost Over Before it Really Began

Shortly after the initial formation of the association, two of its principal supporters took on other activities.

• H. Grady Gatlin was an aviation attorney who started with the FAA; after which he ended up in private practice. The law firm that formed the trade association (The Law Firm of Anthony J. Obadal, P.C.) was renting office space to him when ARSA was created; indeed, he was the reason the industry decided to explore the formation of an association.
• Robert Feeler was a well-known aviation consultant with extensive technical knowledge and a personal relationship with Grady.

Both gentlemen left the association after only about six months for other endeavors. Grady began working for a government contractor that ultimately drafted one of the many rewrites of part 145. Bob took on more private clients, leaving little time for the fledgling organization.

With the loss of the technical expertise, Tony Obadal requested Sarah MacLeod take a letter dissolving the association; Sarah refused to take the dictation (yes, she actually took dictation), instead she told her “boss” that she would learn the industry and run the association.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Thanks to Sarah’s resolve – along with the steadfast support of the aviation maintenance industry – ARSA continues to stand up for contract repair stations. To see more, visit the ARSA Works page.

Joyeux Anniversaire

MONTREAL – On Oct. 15, the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) celebrated its 30^th birthday with a reception and dinner to open the 2014 Strategic Leadership Conference (SLC). The event continued on Oct. 16 with a full agenda that explored the state of the aviation maintenance industry.

For participants, the invitation-only SLC is a yearly opportunity to explore the issues most important to repair stations, their customers and the flying public. Through a series of speakers, panels and discussions, this year’s participants investigated public relations and international market development; providing executive-level industry leaders a forum to explore the future of global aviation maintenance.

For ARSA, 2014’s SLC was a perfect opportunity to celebrate three decades of service. In October of 1984, the association’s board of directors convened its inaugural meeting. Industry representatives worked with the fledgling staff to define a set of objectives for the one trade group that would be devoted to the unique needs of civil aviation maintenance.

“Looking back on those initial meetings and activities, it is amazing how far the industry has evolved while facing some of the exact same challenges today as in yesteryears,” said Sarah MacLeod, ARSA’s executive director, who was integral in its founding.  “Thankfully, the association is in a better position to address issues in the short and long term due to its record of persistence and perserverance.”

“My father was one of the association’s earliest supporters, so supporting ARSA is as much of a family enterprise as my own business,” said Gary Fortner, ARSA board member and vice president of engineering and quality control for Fortner Engineering in Glendale, California. “For 30 years, this has been my repair station’s runway to a larger world – a single voice that stands up and keeps this industry strong.”

“ARSA does so much for the repair station community,” said Gary Jordan, president of ARSA’s board of directors and president and CEO of Jordan Propeller Service in San Antonio, Texas. “Celebrating its birthday this week is very fitting. Industry leaders come together every year at the SLC to tackle the challenges that face us now and plan for successes to come. We’re honoring this association’s history by charging ahead into its future.”

Join the association in looking back to the beginning – and at all that has happened since. Visit http://arsa.org/30-years-of-arsa/ to reflect on the work ARSA has done and consider what is ahead.

###

2004 – You Make it Possible

In his 2004 message to membership, then-President Gary H. Garvens reviewed the association’s recent accomplishments and looked ahead to its challenges for 2005. Garvens spoke of new developments that in the past decade have become dependable components of ARSA’s value to its members – the Strategic Leadership Conference, expanded hotline coverage, ARSA-led coalitions tackling regulatory issues, new publications and legal resources, etc.

He closed the update with a simple truth: “Your ARSA membership makes these products, services and initiatives possible.” The association’s members have always been, and will always be, the bedrock of its responsibility to aviation maintenance.

Since you make it possible, see how ARSA works for you – explore the member benefits page.

Click here see the entire October, 2004 hotline.

Still Sexy

In 1993’s special symposium edition of the hotline, executive director Sarah MacLeod declared regulations “sexy at last!”

It was a month of firsts – the first Sarah Says celebrated the first symposium – and Sarah heralded a new era of regulatory awareness:

“The Annual Repair Symposium held the attention of over two hundred registrants because substantive and current information on aviation regulation is the prophylactic which will keep business alive in the years to come. The days of paying attention to our business and regulatory habits, only after a problem is discovered, are in the past…

The success of the Symposium is an excellent sign that all businesses involved in the maintenance industry are realizing that their bottom line is being directly impacted by non-uniform regulatory application. Okay, regulatory compliance isn’t all that sexy, but it will keep you safely in business.”

Of course, the work is never done. The 2015 Legislative Day and Annual Repair Symposium will be held from March 18-20 in Arlington, VA. Registration opens soon, so make sure you’ll be there to continue bringing sexy back to aviation regulations.

Click here to relive the 1993 Annual Repair Symposium

 

Hotline Features

ARSA Board, New President Look Ahead
By Brett Levanto, Director of Operations

WASHINGTON – On Oct. 17, Jim Perdue, vice president and manager of sales for SONICO, Inc. in Moses Lake, Washington, was elected president of the Aeronautical Repair Station Association’s (ARSA) Board of Directors at the group’s annual meeting in Montreal.

An ARSA board member since 2006, Perdue previously served as treasurer and then vice president, following the typical trajectory for leaders of the volunteer body. Outgoing president Gary Jordan, president and CEO of Jordan Propeller Service in San Antonio, Texas, will remain on the board.

“We’re entering an important year for the association,” said Perdue. “We’re going to help Congress reauthorize the FAA, address the challenge of finding and growing a skilled technical workforce, expand our influence internationally and continue to provide the finest regulatory compliance support in the industry.

“I’m glad that Gary [Jordan] will still be around, of course, and I’m thankful to have such great, experienced board members working with me. This is a great time for ARSA and its members.”

Gary Hudnall, general manager of Jet Center MFR in Medford, Oregon, has risen from secretary to vice president – now a heartbeat away from the top position. Warner Calvo, quality and safety directory at Coopesa, R.L. in Alajuela, Costa Rica and the board’s newest member, completes the corps of officers as the association’s new secretary.

Overall, directorship on the eleven-person board – which represents a broad range of international maintenance interests – will be unchanged for 2015. For more information, visit http://arsa.org/about-us/board-of-directors/.

###

DOT Looks Forward to ARSA’s 60th Birthday

By Brett Levanto, Director of Operations

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is working to develop a detailed, 30-year plan to outline the future of the nation’s transportation network – a “system of systems.” Over the past several months, DOT policymakers have been hosting town hall meetings and webinars to stimulate discussion and gather feedback from industry members regarding not only the state and direction of the industry but also the agency’s role in its development.

“The resulting 30 year plan is envisioned to provoke a frank conversation among the users, developers, managers and public officials who will shape the network.  In short, this document aims to frame critical policy choices including the possible consequences of alternative approaches to those choices.   The 30 year plan will NOT prescribe specific actions or outcomes, nor will it advocate specific policy solutions.  Ultimately, the readers and those who follow us will be left to consider and plan the specific trajectory of our national policies to meet our future national transportation goals.”

For more information on the plan’s development, and a link to the most recent webinar presentation, visit https://www.transportation.gov/administrations/office-policy/30-year-plan-trends-presentation-92014. If you have ideas, questions or concerns about transportation in 2044 – ARSA’s 60th year – contact the DOT Public Engagement Team at 30Years@dot.gov.

2014 Strategic Leadership Conference – Maintenance in Montreal

By Brett Levanto, Director of Operations

ARSA’s 2014 Strategic Leadership Conference (SLC), the Association’s annual invitation-only gathering of aerospace executives, industry allies and policymakers, featured strategic discussions about the future of the maintenance industry and the association’s role in serving the political, operational and economic needs of the aviation community.

This year’s conference was hosted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) at its Montreal Conference Center. ARSA continued a tradition it began in Hamburg, Germany in 2012 – an international venue and focus for even-year SLCs.

For ARSA, 2014’s SLC was also a perfect opportunity to celebrate its 30^th birthday. In October of 1984, the association’s board of directors convened its inaugural meeting. Attendees observed this milestone with a celebratory reception and dinner on Oct. 15.

Joyeux anniversaire! ARSA’s 30th bday in Montreal. http://t.co/pUpE2SczoU @airlinewriter @AvWeekLeeAnn @AdamKSnider http://t.co/yLfF71SXXr

— ARSA (@ARSAWorks) October 17, 2014

The full SLC program began in earnest on Oct. 16. After a brief welcome and introduction, Kevin Hiatt, senior vice president at IATA, provided the keynote address. Hiatt described IATA’s core values and highlighted the ways that the aviation community can “increase value through partnership.”

The day’s agenda included panels on public relations as well as international business and an open-forum assessment of ARSA’s work and discussion of key issues for the association to address moving forward. Panelists from IATA and ICAO joined industry representatives and ARSA moderators to discuss how to grow a skilled, technical workforce as well as identify and manage the risks facing the aviation community.

Attendees were treated to the world premier showing of the aviation maintenance documentary that ARSA produced in association with Leading Edge Television Series. Stay tuned for full rollout of the video, along with guidance as to how your company can make the most of it.

To re-live the 2014 SLC, visit http://arsa.org/news-media/events/slc/; all event materials, including speaker presentations, are available for download.

Mark your calendars for the 2015 Annual Legislative Day and Repair Symposium: March 18-20 in Arlington, VA.

Say Aloha to IA Renewal

By Brett Levanto, Director of Operations

Continual learning is a key component to aviation safety, regulatory compliance and professional development. A beautiful setting is an added bonus.

The Honolulu Aviation Mega Conference attracts maintenance professionals from throughout the Pacific region – including Japan, Guam, and Saipan. Attendees represent a broad range of maintenance interests including rotorcraft, airline, military and educational.

What:
Honolulu Aviation Mega Conference

When:
Thursday Jan. 15 and Friday Jan. 16, 2015
7:30 am to 4:30 pm each day

Where:
Honolulu International Airport
30 Rodgers Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96819
7th Floor of the Inter-Island Terminal (Hawaiian Airlines)

Registration:
No prior registration required
Conference is free to attendees

Contacts for Additional Information:
Merritte Wilson
808-837-8357
Merritte.h.wilson@faa.gov

Ed Lee
808-837-8382
Edwin.lee@faa.gov

Some Planned 2015 Presenters:

• Pratt & Whitney
• Airbus Helicopters
• Turbomeca Engines
• Bell Helicopter
• Concord Batteries
• Cleveland Wheel & Brakes
• Dallas Airmotive
• Lycoming Engines
• Tempest Spark Plugs

To see more of what’s happening in the aviation world, visit ARSA’s events page and industry calendar.

ARSA Endorses Component Control as Preferred Provider for Third Year in a Row

MADRID – On Oct. 7, Component Control announced it is continuing for a third year as ARSA’s exclusive preferred provider of MRO and logistics software solutions.  Component Control’s Quantum MRO and Logistics software provides a best practices platform for aviation repair organizations to efficiently and comprehensively manage MRO processes while promoting adherence to rigorous quality and regulatory standards.

“Over the past two years our membership has shown enormous support for our preferred partnership with Component Control and the value its software brings to their daily business practices,” said Crystal Maguire, VP of Operations, ARSA. “The success of our members is paramount so we’re pleased to continue this exclusive preferred partnership that has proven to be a trusted resource for our membership.” ARSA preferred providers must have a reputation for quality, strong and credible industry references, and an established record serving the needs of the ARSA membership.

“Quantum is a proven business software solution for enabling aviation organizations to optimize their operational performance and compete successfully for profit in the market and grow their business,” said Z. Baron, CEO of Component Control. “We look forward to continuing and growing our value relationship with ARSA and its membership.”

###

Return to Top of Page

ARSA Works

To see all the ways that ARSA is working as the voice of the aviation maintenance industry, visit our ARSA Works page.

Safe Data, Safer Skies

ARSA’s Word on Bonded Repair Size Limits Draft Policy

Hotline Throwback – 1994: Bread Upon the Water

Legal Briefs

“Seriously” be Ready for New Rule Implementation

By Ryan Poteet and Laura Vlieg

On August 12, 2014 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a final rule amending Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 145. It becomes effective November 10, 2014.

As reported in ARSA publications, the final rule contains a critical seven-letter omission; it removes the word “serious” from the service difficulty reporting requirements in § 145.221. That change was made without notice or opportunity for public comment, based upon the agency’s mistaken justification that the word had been “removed through notice and comment rulemaking…[and] inadvertently inserted by a separate final rule.” (Emphasis added.)

In reality, after the word “serious” was removed from the reporting requirement in 2001, it was deliberately and correctly reinserted as a direct consequence of public comments. In the 2003 rulemaking, the “FAA agree[d] with the repair station industry concerning the word ‘serious’” and stated that “[i]t was not the agency’s intent to require repair stations to report ‘any’ failure, malfunction, or defect.” Therefore, the agency was “reinserting the word ‘serious’ before the word ‘failure’ in § 145.221(a).”

The new rule’s omission prompted ARSA, industry allies, and ARSA members to request that the FAA reinsert the word “serious” into § 145.221 before the November 10 effective date. While we are confident that the agency will correct its misstep, our diligence requires us to inform members of their options if the problem is not addressed before the rule is implemented.

From a business standpoint, there are two options: attempt to comply with the new requirement, or simply comply with the current rule until the agency issues the correction and/or guidance to its employees on the matter.

With respect to the first option, as ARSA members have pointed out in comments submitted to the September 22 petition for rulemaking, compliance compels submitting reports on all failures, malfunctions, and defects. A plain reading of that requirement means reporting information on not only every unit received, but also every piece part within that article. If it is even possible to comply, it would mean hiring new employees just to keep up with this onerous new reporting obligation.

The other option is to comply with the current version of the section by reporting only “serious” failures, malfunctions and defects until the agency addresses the matter. If, during this unlikely hiatus, an FAA representative threatens or takes enforcement action, consider fighting the improperly implemented reporting requirement using these steps:

1. Discuss the matter with ARSA so that the proper strategy can be outlined and information can be reported to decision-makers in the agency’s hierarchy.
2. Wait for a letter of investigation (LOI).
3. If a LOI is received, respond within ten days using this template.
4. If the agency doesn’t withdraw the action and issues a notice of proposed civil penalty (NPCP); request a copy of the enforcement investigatory report (EIR) and an informal conference with the FAA lawyer using this template.
5. After receiving the EIR, if the agency has not corrected the rule, hire a lawyer to present your case through an informal conference with the FAA’s legal office. The LOI template response provides the information needed to defend an enforcement action that is based upon an improper rulemaking.
6. If the matter has not been resolved, your lawyer should request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).

The administrative hearing process is similar to other court proceedings. The FAA will file a complaint and the repair station will be required to respond by filing a motion or an answer. ARSA’s LOI template response provides the support for its belief that an ALJ would terminate the proceedings because the FAA will be unable to establish the repair station committed a violation of a valid regulation.

Simply put, the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.) prescribes certain procedural requirements that agencies must follow in order to give their rules the force of law. Unlike general policy statements or interpretive rules, regulations that impose binding obligations on the public (i.e., “substantive” and “legislative” rules) must be properly noticed and submitted to the public for comment.

Due to the agency’s fundamental APA error, repair stations have the ability to prevail in any potential enforcement action under the new rule by using the administrative legal process. If this course of action is required, the association’s LOI response template will be invaluable in establishing the proper record for review.

That said, the association is confident that the agency will correct its unfortunate misstep in removing a vital seven-letter word before the implementation date.

Stay tuned.

This material is provided as a service to association members for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or professional advice, and is not privileged or confidential.

Return to Top of Page

ARSA on the Hill

Regulatory Outlook

Look Back and Learn – ARSA Compendia

Throughout October, ARSA celebrated its history by looking back – in brief snapshots – at three decades as the voice of aviation maintenance. There’s a reason that the association keeps such a careful record of its work, of course. Beyond nostalgia, there is value in the deep repository of legal analysis, regulatory interpretation and compliance instruction that the firm of Obadal, Filler, MacLeod and Klein has provided for association members over the years.

In honor of ARSA’s 30 years, and in support of the regulatory compliance knowledge of your own organization, take this opportunity to build your historical record by collecting ARSA compendia.

Compendium: noun \kəm-ˈpen-dē-əm\
a collection of things (such as photographs, stories, facts, etc.) that have been gathered together and presented as a group especially in the form of a book

Click here to go to the publications page and make your purchase today.

Final Documents/Your Two Cents

This list includes Federal Register publications, such as final rules, Advisory Circulars, and policy statements, as well as proposed rules and policies of interest to ARSA members. To view the list, click here.

Return to Top of Page

Quality Time

Editor’s note: The views and opinions expressed by contributing authors do not necessarily state or reflect those of ARSA and shall not be used for endorsement purposes.

Enhancing the Efficiency of the MRO through Technology

By Mohan S Perumal, Ramco Systems. © 2014 Mohan S Perumal ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The MRO is a key component to keeping aircraft in the air – safely and efficiently. The mechanic is called to do multiple things in servicing a component, an engine or an aircraft. These highly skilled and important functions are the heart and brain for the equipment and the industry. The more time s/he allocates to ‘actual’ servicing tasks, the better the outcome, for the customer, the public, the job and the MRO business.

Any ‘tool’ that reduces a mechanic’s paper work and other administrative tasks frees crucial time to do ‘real’ work – ‘wrench time.’ As a direct result, owners realize a cumulative positive impact on the business’ bottom lines.

Talk about stating the obvious!

In reality, exploring the deployment of technology-driven ‘tools’ into most MROs’ daily work routines brings to light several significant needs for improvement.

In this and subsequent articles we will explore the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, systems and applications that can be used to enhance an MROs efficiency. This knowledge will, in turn, open doors for deployment of newer, tested and credible technologies to achieve even greater business benefits.

To set the stage, let us look at the simple yet profound example of the use of technology in fulfilling our banking needs. Most, if not all, of us seldom go to a bank these days. From reviewing statements to paying bills and transferring funds–it is done using smart phones, tablets or at least a computer! This reduces time expended on this routine task, freeing us to expend it on more valuable pursuits. This example has a serious parallel to the MRO workplace.

To begin, let us look at the routine task of labeling and tagging parts. The picture provides a simple evolution.

The change from hand written, paper labels to bar codes was good. However, only the part number and serial number could be bar coded. Today Quick Response (QR) codes can contain all the information available on a given article. The data can be generated and incorporated on a tag or in or on the component itself along with human-readable information. Scanning the QR code can provide information on time between overhauls (TBO), service bulletin incorporation, etc. The data will help decision making for picking articles and repairs and tracking performance.

A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) can even store more information and does not require a scanner. Walking through the area, the tag can tell the person where an article is located, what its performance and/or life status. This allows distant decision-making and ensures the right part is picked for the right application.

Click to expand the image.

These technical advances have increased efficiency and are routinely used on the airline operations and passenger side of the business, from the electronic boarding passes on smart phones to the RFID checked bag tags that allow the routing of the bags to the correct flights. When such tools are already in action supporting the safety and efficiency of the aviation industry, it is time to deploy similar tools in MRO operations.

Here is a sample QR Code; use your smart phone QR code scanner available through a free app to read the information!

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Ramco Systems, hence shall not be liable for any damages arising out of the same.

Membership

Member Spotlight – Central Cylinder, Omaha, Nebraska

By Kelsi Oliver, Communications Coordinator

Past
It was the early 70s. George Czarnecki was an IA and pilot who saw a need for an FAA certified repair facility in the central Midwest. For the next 10 years, Czarnecki built his business, Central Cylinder Service, Inc., putting in 40 to 60 hours a week on the side while continuing his work as a mechanic and corporate pilot. In 1983, he turned his full attention toward Central Cylinder.

Czarnecki undoubtedly faced innumerable challenges getting Central Cylinder off the ground (pun intended), but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. The Czarneckis turned their passion into their business before Silicon Valley made startups hot – and doing it while dealing with the government. “Trying to get FAA approval to what we wanted to do was really hard,” Dan Czarnecki, chief inspector and shop manager, remembers. His memory highlights not only the challenges of those early days, but also the very foundation of ARSA’s purpose in support of its members.

Present
Now it’s 2014. George Czarnecki’s Central Cylinder has grown, but kept to its roots as a humble family business. Czarnecki’s wife, Linda, and sons Dan and David put their hard work toward Central Cylinder’s mission every day. They maintain a small size – about nine employees – to preserve quality but “keep the relaxed environment.”

What do they value most? Well, that’s easy. “Reputation,” Czarnecki replied. Their quality work and commitment isn’t just their business ethic, it’s their marketing plan. “We have no advertising budget whatsoever,” Czarnecki discloses. “We advertise strictly by word of mouth. And we stay very busy that way.”

Today, most of Central Cylinder’s business is overhauling Continental and Lycoming engines, where they’ve taken advantage of the opportunities presented in the thriving industry. “Now we do have aftermarket people so there are choices other than the OEM to buy from. That helps everybody out from a prices and parts availability standpoint,” Czarnecki said.

Future
Czarnecki believes the biggest challenge in today’s market is keeping up with the ever-changing regulation and passing on the knowledge. “Put that down because that will be everyone’s answer,” he says.

Many things have changed throughout the past 30 years, but one thing has stayed the same: Central Cylinder has stuck with ARSA. The company has been an integral part of the association’s story since the beginning and helped make it what it is (read elsewhere in the hotline “You Make it Possible”). Czarnecki specifically appreciates other members’ availability to brainstorm ideas and solve problems. Their appreciation has even been documented in a hotline edition earlier this year: a feature in the May edition looked back to a 1985 thank you note ARSA received for helping deal with the government as the company expanded its operations.

ARSA looks forward to continuing that work with all of its outstanding members well past this 30-year anniversary milestone.

Are you an ARSA member who would like to be in the “Member Spotlight?” If so, please contact Kelsi Oliver at Kelsi.Oliver@arsa.org.

Have You Seen this Person?

Each month, the hotline spotlights key regulatory, legislative, and business leaders making important contributions to the aviation industry. This month we look at Jason Dickstein of Washington Aviation Group.

 Jason Dickstein, President, Washington Aviation Group

If this face looks familiar, it is because from 1992 through 1997 Dickstein worked as Associate Counsel for the law firm managing ARSA. He fondly remembers his “good cop/bad cop” negotiations with Executive Director Sarah MacLeod, with whom he enjoyed brainstorming solutions to tough problems.

“Sarah was always good to me,” Dickstein recalled. “I was young and stupid, but I had worked in immigration law, criminal law and labor law environments so I had a (probably undeserved) confidence in my own abilities. Sarah may seem like she knew the regulations better than anyone but she needed someone to bounce ideas off who could get things done. I got things done for her. She gave me a lot of opportunities to get right into the middle of things – working with the FAA to set policy and with the members to solve problems. I was always excited to step up to the challenge.”

“One of my favorite memories of Sarah,” Dickstein described, “was when I was on an ARAC [Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee] committee. The charter clearly stated that its actions were not insulated from legal liability. One of the working groups was planning industry action that would have been anticompetitive, illegal (outside of the protections of the Noerr-Pennington doctrine) and would have disadvantaged some ARSA members. I insisted the course of action was illegal to the working group chair and that a better way to accomplish the committee’s goals was needed. That evening the chair called Sarah demanding that she remove me from the working group. Sarah told him, ‘Well love, if Jason tells you that something’s is illegal maybe you ought to consider that he is right.’”

Dickstein continued “The next day the working group chair and I worked out a compromise that was legal and fit ARSA’s needs; he and I eventually became good friends. But it all went the right way because Sarah had enough confidence in what I was doing to support me.”

What is Dickstein up to now? In 1997 he took the position of General Counsel for the Aviation Suppliers Association (ASA), but soon developed a conflict with the ASA President…a good kind of conflict…he wanted to date her. So, in 1999 he started his own law firm and in 2001, married ASA’s President, Michele Dickstein.

Washington Aviation Group, PC focuses on maintenance, manufacturing and distribution issues for aviation companies and trade associations. The firm represents the Air Carrier Purchasing Conference (ACPC), the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA), ASA, and the Modification and Replacement Parts Association (MARPA) as well as air carriers, repair stations, manufacturers and aircraft parts distributors.

“[Washington Aviation Group] assists companies with anything you can do to an aircraft part,” Dickstein explained. “Shipping rules (like import, export and hazmat), quality assurance systems implementation to support compliance, production to meet a customer’s national regulations, maintenance issues…we even support aircraft and inventory transactions (including legal support for disassembly of end-of-life aircraft) as well as business purchases and sales.”

The firm provides an unusual breadth – litigating cases for clients, lobbying for regulatory and policy changes, supporting transactions and helping clients develop compliance systems (so they are less likely to need the litigation part of the practice).

Dickstein has chaired and served on rulemaking committees in the United States and in Europe. He also taught for five years at Northern Virginia Law School. Today, he teaches and speaks at aviation conferences, meetings and private sessions around the world (including ARSA’s Annual Repair Symposium) and he writes regular columns for several different aviation industry magazines.

Just like Sarah, he continues to believe in the importance of protecting the client by education and providing strategies for compliance.

Jason and his wife Michele live in the Northwest suburbs of Washington, DC with their three children: William, Matthew and Cate.

To learn more about the Washington Aviation Group, please click here.

Take Advantage of ARSA’s Members Getting Members Program, Get 10% Off on Membership Dues

The best form of advertising is word of mouth. Use the Members Getting Members Toolkit to recruit an ARSA member and your company will receive a discounted membership rate for your next membership term. Get more information at http://arsa.org/membership/members-getting-members/

Return to Top of Page

Target Your Message: Advertise Today in ARSA’s Newsletters and Website!
ARSA recently updated its menu of advertising opportunities for arsa.org, the hotline and the ARSA Dispatch. Take advantage of these great opportunities today to showcase your company, a new product or event. For more information go to http://arsa.org/advertise/

Exhibit, Sponsor the 2015 Repair Symposium
As the maintenance industry’s top event devoted exclusively to regulatory compliance, the ARSA Symposium attracts a highly qualified professional audience. Use this opportunity to promote your company while showing support for ARSA. Get more information at http://arsa.org/news-media/events/arsa-symposium/arsa-annual-repair-symposium-sponsorship/

Return to Top of Page

A Member Asked…

Return to Top of Page

AVMRO News Portal

ARSA strives to provide resources to educate the general public about the work of the association’s member organizations; should you need to provide a quick reference or introductory overview to the global MRO industry, please utilize AVMRO.ARSA.org.

AVMRO Industry Roundup

ARSA monitors media coverage on aviation maintenance to spread the word about the valuable role repair stations play globally by providing jobs and economic opportunities and in civic engagement. These are some of this month’s top stories highlighting the industry’s contributions. You can explore these stories through ARSA’s Dispatch news portal.

Return to Top of Page

Upcoming Events

Previous issues:

Return to Top of Page

The FAA is very concerned about counterfeit aircraft parts. They call them Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUP). Having any in your inventory could be a legal disaster!!

• There is only one centralized DataBase of Suspected Unapproved Parts – Over 60,000 of them. Find the ones on your shelves before the FAA fines you.
• There is only one integrated PMA/AD System. Find ADs that apply to or reference any of almost 1,000,000 PMA parts. Do multi-level PMA research.
• Due Diligence is the key phrase and The Aviation DataBase^® is the only source for an easy and inexpensive way to do it. Head off the legal problem before it occurs.
• There is a User friendly and searchable copy of the Flight Standards Information Management System (FAA Order 8900.1) in The Aviation DataBase^®.
• Do you need an Aviation Regulatory Library?: Over 18,000 ADs – Large & Small AC, Over 1,500 Type Certificate Data Sheets, Over 1,200 FAA Advisory Circulars.
• Call Aviation DataSource, Inc. (800) 952-8844.You can be using The Aviation DataBase^® within minutes.

the hotline is the monthly publication of the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA), the not-for-profit international trade association for certificated repair stations. It is for the exclusive use of ARSA members and federal employees on the ARSA mailing list. For a membership application, please call 703.739.9543 or visit http://arsa.org/membership/join/.

This material is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, consulting, tax or any other type of professional advice.

Law, regulations, guidance and government policies change frequently. While ARSA updates this material, we do not guarantee its accuracy. In addition, the application of this material to a particular situation is always dependent on the facts and circumstances involved. The use of this material is therefore at your own risk.

All content in the hotline, except where indicated otherwise, is the property of ARSA. This content may not be reproduced, distributed or displayed, nor may derivatives or presentations be created from it in whole or in part, in any manner without the prior written consent of ARSA.

ARSA grants its members a non-exclusive license to reproduce the content of the hotline. Employees of member organizations are the only parties authorized to receive a duplicate of the hotline.

ARSA reserves all remaining rights and will use any means necessary to protect its intellectual property.

© 2014 Aeronautical Repair Station Association