Posted by Diane Heiserman on Wed, May 08, 2013 @ 03:50 PM
Reproduced with permission from Avionics News, May 2013
Gary Harpster of Duncan Aviation addresses the Aircraft Electronics Association membership for the first time as chair of the board at the 2013 AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas.
At the 2013 Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention & Trade Show, Gary Harpster of Duncan Aviation was elected as the new chair of the AEA board of directors. Recently, Patricia Luebke, Avionics News contributor, spoke with Harpster to learn more about his background and aspirations as AEA’s newest chairman.
What does being AEA’s chair of the board of directors mean to you?
One thing I’ve learned throughout the years is that people assimilate new information in a multitude of different fashions. I’ve always prided myself at being able to listen and not form any opinions until the final person has spoken. I hope I can use this characteristic in this new role. The AEA has been working hard to become a sound resource for accurate aviation information, so when we convey a message to the members, we need to be conscious about how it’s perceived. The AEA has a good track record, and I want to build on that.
Do you have a specific agenda in your new leadership role?
I’m not so sure I have a specific agenda, as much as a desire to contribute 110 percent of whatever is asked of me during this time. There are lots of different avenues a person could delve into, but I want to make sure the board supports a coordinated effort that returns the most benefit to the AEA members. I know one effort will be to introduce members to the various committees the AEA has and encourage more members to find a topic of interest and serve on a related committee. It is vital that we continue to seek opinions, network with each other and become more involved in our industry and its future.
Is there a particular area that interests you as chairman?
Duncan Aviation is the largest privately held MRO (maintenance repair and overhaul) facility in the world, so we not only work on a large variety of aircraft on a daily basis, we have worldwide exposure, as well. I’m hoping I can pass on ideas for other facilities to consider as work opportunities and/or solutions. Right now, the AEA has a great relationship with the FAA, so I’d like to get a chance to contribute ideas that would allow our members to do what they enjoy with a less cumbersome bureaucracy and, hopefully, fewer paperwork challenges
What is your background?
I grew up next to Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Neb. We lived about 3 miles from the airport, so whenever there was an opportunity, my sister and I would ride our bikes by the airfield and wait on the approach end of the runway for aircraft to pass overhead. As soon as they were right on top of us, we would stand up and let the prop blast blow us down the hill. This avionics was in the early 1960s, long before we had the security we have today. We would come home smelling like kerosene that permeated our clothes, so my mother knew right away where we’d been. I still can’t help but look up every time a plane passes overhead.
Click here to read Patricia Luebke’s complete interview with Gary Harpster.
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Posted by Diane Heiserman on Wed, May 01, 2013 @ 01:00 PM
Contributed by Roger Ausbury, Sales Technical Specialist
Ed Boggs, Airframe Team Leader, discussing careers in aviation at Lakeview High School.
Recently Fred Wilkins Lead Airframe Mechanic, Ed Boggs, Airframe Team Leader and I attended Lakeview High School’s Parent-Teacher conferences in Battle Creek, Michigan. Alongside colleges, banks, military recruiters and school clubs, Duncan Aviation had a booth.
I’m sure you’re wondering, “What is an aviation company is doing at a Parent-Teacher conference?” Well, consider this. How many times has a message from school actually made it home to you, the parent? From my own personal experience with my sons, whenever the communication actually did make it home it was cryptic, vague and sometimes had no resemblance of the intended message.
To bridge the communication gap between the school and home, Lakeview High School started to invite local businesses and organizations to Parent-Teacher conferences to be available should parents have questions about a potential involvement with their student.
Our goal in attending this event was to make students, parents, teachers and administrators aware of careers in aviation and specifically what we do at Duncan Aviation. We also wanted to share information about the future of aviation and the projected high demand for technicians.
Many parents and teachers asked us about the closing of the control tower at the Battle Creek airport and how it would affect our business. We assured them that aircraft will continue to come to Duncan Aviation for maintenance needs. The closing of the control tower will now require pilots to communicate with other aircraft through radio headsets; and that there are many uncontrolled airports around the country that pilots frequent.
During the conference, a family was browsing nearby when the father suggested his son talk with us about future career opportunities. Not interested the son said, “No, I want to go into Engineering.” Having heard this, Fred Wilkins grabbed a Duncan Engineer Career Sheet to the young man and said, “Here you go.” The dad smiled, the son said “Oh” and mom winked at Fred.
After a conversation about what Duncan Aviation is all about, they took more of our materials and continued on. The dad later returned to talk further about aviation.
In a nutshell that was how nearly all our conversations that evening went, as people by and large are unaware of what a career in aviation has to offer. Because of our presence at a high school Parent-Teacher conference, there are now about 25 more people who are aware.
Duncan Aviation is committed to encouraging future generations to get interested in careers in aviation. Every year, many Duncan Aviation representatives attend and talk to thousands of High School students, parents and teachers, educating them about the wide range of career opportunities available.
Duncan Aviation Recruiting Events
The following are recent career recruiting events attended by representatives from Duncan Aviation attended.
February 21-22 – Wyotech: Collision/Refinishing and Trim & Upholstery programs, Blairsville, PA
February 28 – Purdue Aviation Technology Career Fair, West Lafayette, IN
March 21 – Joint Base Langley-Eustis Job Fair in Fort Eustis, VA (Military)
March 27 – Lakeview High School, Michigan (High School)
April 2 – Hiring our Heroes, Lincoln, NE (Military)
April 5 – WMU School of Aviation Career Fair, Battle Creek, MI
April 11 – Hiring our Heroes, Battle Creek, MI (Fort Custer)
April 16 – Duncan Aviation job shadowing and tours for High School sophomores. Battle Creek, MI
April 19 – Harper Creek Middle School Career Exploration Day, Battle Creek, MI
April 25 – Marshall High School Career Fair, Marshall, MI
May 7 – Aviation Workforce Development Think Tank - Industry Leaders meeting in Minneapolis to brainstorm ideas on how to address a looming technician shortage in our industry.
May 21 – Duncan Aviation Career Day at Aviation Institute of Maintenance Kansas City, MO
June 11 – Otsego Middle School (7th & 8th Grade) Career Exploration Day, Otsego, MI
July - MCAS Miramar, San Diego, CA
More Than a Paycheck
Nowhere are aviation jobs more sought after than at Duncan Aviation. With a retention rate unheard of in the industry, a job at Duncan can come to mean way more than just a paycheck. For many, it's acquiring a level of expertise that is sought after and respected by OEMs and suppliers alike.
Click here to view current job openings at all Duncan Aviation locations.
Roger Ausbury is the Sales Technical Specialist located at Duncan Aviation's Battle Creek, Michigan, facility. Besides providing airframe sales support, he specializes in helping people not take themselves so seriously, dream interpretation and uniting Minnesota Vikings fans everywhere. His aviation career began in 2002.
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Posted by Diane Heiserman on Wed, Apr 17, 2013 @ 10:06 AM
Duncan Aviation recently welcomed four additional Regional Managers to support operators worldwide. Richard Gardner, Allan Orsi, Andy (Anand) Fernandes and Rodolfo Rodriguez join Arjen Groeneveld, Regional Manager in Europe, in an effort to better support customers throughout the world. Each Regional Manager travels their region, meeting with aircraft operators, management organizations and other service providers with the goal of maintaining and building relationships, providing customer service, listening to operators and learning more about each region’s regulatory issues and processes while engaging in industry forums.
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Brazil
Allan Orsi is located in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He has prior work experience with Honeywell do Brasil, Embraer, Bosch and Aerostation. Allan has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and an International Trade Technical degree. Contact Allan Orsi.
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India
Andy Fernandes supports India. He has been with Duncan Aviation since 1999 and will continue his current responsibilities as an Avionics Installations Sales Rep, serving a dual role as he supports operators in India, traveling to India several times a year. Andy holds a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance and a master’s degree in Aviation Safety. He has worked for Swiss Air and as a mechanic and project manager for Duncan Aviation in Lincoln. Contact Andy Fernandes.
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Mexico
Rodolfo Rodriguez supports Mexico. Prior to joining Duncan Aviation, he was a Naval Officer for the Mexican Navy, retiring after 21 years of service. Rodolfo has a Naval Sciences degree in Engineering and is authorized for internal combustion engines and gas turbine engines. Make it a point to attend the Aero Expo April 18-20 in Toluca, Mexico, and stop by Duncan Aviation’s booth #21 to visit with Rodolfo and other Duncan Aviation representatives. Contact Rodolfo Rodriguez.
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New Zealand
Richard Gardner supports the regions of Australia and New Zealand. His experience includes employment with Air New Zealand and Pacific Turbine and owner of SinglePoint Assist, an international AOG support network. He holds many licenses including an Airframe & Powerplant from the Federal Aviation Administration, Civil Aviation Authority Airframe and Engine license and licenses in New Zealand, Latvia, Trinidad and Tobago. Contact Richard Gardner.
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“With these Regional Managers now located in key areas around the world, Duncan Aviation can continue to provide support to operators and maintenance organizations while learning the industry nuances present in each region,” says John Slieter, Vice President of Sales for Duncan Aviation. “They are a group of enthusiastic aviation professionals. Each one has a strong desire to assist operators in safe and efficient flying.”
Experience. Unlike Any Other.
Duncan Aviation is the largest, family-owned maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in the world providing complete acquisition sales and support services for business aircraft. We provide premier aircraft services–delivered on time–for a wide variety of business aircraft at our facilities across the United States.
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Posted by Diane Heiserman on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 @ 06:00 AM
At Duncan Aviation, we believe our most valuable assets are our team members. Each one has a story to tell that exemplifies the Duncan Aviation above-and-beyond attitude we have for our customers. And each one will tell you that what they do is “all in a day’s work.”
Regis Biarrieta, Rapid Response Engine Technician, flew to a country amid political uncertainty to help a customer and flew out just in time.
When your aircraft is AOG in another country amid political election uncertainty, do you have a Rapid Response Team who will work with a sense of urgency and get you flying before the airport is shut down?
Meet Regis Biarrieta
Just days before the presidential election in Venezuela and the threat of a possible airport shutdown, Regis Biarrieta, Rapid Response Engine Technician, battled road closures and heightened security to get a stranded customer’s aircraft up and running. He succeeded, just in the nick of time.
Duncan Aviation received word a customer’s engine was leaking oil and a mechanic was needed as soon as possible. To complicate an already undesirable situation, the Venezuelan elections were concluding in five days and rumors were flying that the airport would be shut down and all aircraft with N-Numbers would be grounded.
The customer planned to fly Engine Tech Regis Biarrieta out on his backup aircraft, but it was experiencing some mechanical difficulties, so he opted to fly Regis commercially and wound up sending him to another part of the country less affected by the election-related security.
Just a few hours later, Regis made his way to Simon Bolivar International Airport of Maiquetia where the aircraft was parked and immediately began troubleshooting to identify the parts he needed – all while next to the heavily-guarded Presidential hangar. He located the necessary parts at an airport just an hour away, but the roads were closed, rendering them useless.
With just a few days left and an ever-increasing sense of urgency, Regis decided to call his team lead back in Florida to track down and expedite the parts. Fortunately, the customer’s other jet was up and running and ready to leave Tampa, Florida. The pilot picked up the parts on his way out of the United States.
Using an alternate airport and land route, the parts arrived. Regis fixed the engine and as they were taxiing out, he noticed they were the very last corporate aircraft with an N-Number left in the airport. He breathed a sigh of relief as they departed – just in time.
Duncan Aviation has team members from the Australia to Florida and our backgrounds are even more diverse. But a common thread that ties us all together is an inherent sense of doing the right thing and a positive attitude that allows us to be a step above the rest.
It’s the people within a company who create such a strong brand. Duncan Aviation is an experience, unlike any other. We share stories like this one within the company daily as a reminder to all team members just how much our customers mean to us and what it takes to create that exceptional experience time and time again.
If you’d like to read more stories like this one, visit www.DuncanAviation.aero/experience.
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Posted by Diane Heiserman on Thu, Mar 07, 2013 @ 02:00 PM
Contributed by Jeannine Falter, Vice President of Business Development
Developing the future leaders of business aviation.
Three years ago I joined the NBAA Corporate Aviation Management Committee (CAMC). The committee’s mission is to provide guidance to business aviation department leaders that will help them be more successful and effective. Management trends, developing departmental objectives, policies, standards, personnel selection, training, fiscal control and operational evaluation are just a few areas of focus. One of the committee’s most important offerings is the annual NBAA Leadership Conference.
The 2013 NBAA Leadership Conference was recently held in Austin, Texas. Unlike any other aviation conference or meeting, speakers at this two-day conference are not necessarily aviation-related. They are top-notch leadership experts. This year, conference speakers focused on how leaders leave a legacy and inspire the future. Conference participants heard riveting messages and left the conference energized and motivated to become a better leader in all aspects of their lives.
The demographics of business aviation clearly indicate that in the next two decades, our industry will be hit hard by retirements. Many well-known faces will most certainly move on from their day-to-day management roles. As one of these “baby-boomers,” it is time to ask myself what my legacy will be and what my succession plan is. These are questions our industry faces as well: What is the business aviation industry’s succession plan?
We obviously need to do everything we can to attract the best and the brightest to aviation—providing them with critical learning experiences in leadership and technical skills, and a positive work environment so they will stay engaged and grow business aviation into the future. How, exactly, do we do that?
Developing the future leaders of business aviation and re-investing in those working in our industry today are passions of mine. They are why I am active on the CAMC committee, and why Duncan Aviation chose to be a platinum sponsor for the leadership conference this year. We believe it is an excellent way to invest in the future and ensure the ongoing success of business aviation for years to come.
I encourage you to attend the NBAA Leadership Conference next year. And I strongly encourage business aviation companies and individuals to invest in the future and help sponsor the conference. Sponsorship dollars invested in this particular conference determine in large part the speakers we can engage and the thought-provoking experience that attendees have.
The 2014 NBAA Leadership Conference will be held the week of February 17, 2014, in Atlanta. As co-chair of next year’s conference, I will be working with Bob Hobbi, owner of Service Elements in Phoenix, to line up speakers. Please contact me if you have suggestions or comments regarding the conference or if you would like to consider becoming a sponsor.
And think about the legacy you are leaving.
Contributed by Jeannine Falter, Vice President of Business Development for Duncan Aviation and co-chair for the NBAA Leadership Conference to be held in 2014 and 2015.
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Posted by Diane Heiserman on Thu, Feb 28, 2013 @ 03:00 PM
Contributed by Jeannine Falter, Vice President of Business Development
“The legacy you leave is the life you lead.” – James Kouzes, leadership educator, speaker, author and 2013 NBAA Leadership Conference Keynote Speaker.
Leadership Legacy: Inspiring the Future was the theme for the 2013 NBAA Leadership Conference held in Austin, Texas, Feb. 11-12. This theme reflects the NBAA Corporate Aviation Management Committee’s (CAMC) desire that attendees leave with a heightened awareness and commitment to make a positive difference in their personal life and in the lives of their family members, team members, and their companies. After speaking with a number of the 300+ attendees, I believe the conference was a success and that those who attended think that their company will benefit from the two days they spent focused on improving their leadership skills, thinking about their legacy and how they can influence the future, and networking with other business aviation leaders.
Below are just a few of the many takeaways from the great conference speakers.
“Preferred Future Planning is not really about the future. It is about folding the future back on the present so that you can make better decisions today. What can you do today to prepare better and impact the future? …The future is not something that happens. It is something that we do.” – Glen Hiemstra, futurist.
“Your team is a direct reflection on you as a leader. Invest in your best.” – Cheryl Cran, author and leadership change expert.
“Whatever you are doing, give it 100%. Be in the moment. … In order to live fearlessly, change your focus from yourself to others. You can’t be self-conscious when you’re thinking of something bigger than you.” – Craig Zablocki, humorist and author.
“You can’t lead from an office. You have to be out there. Gather opinions, understand the issues, listen and probe.” – David Everitt, recently retired President of John Deere & Company’s Ag & Turf division.
“Leadership is a choice. A conscious choice to work first on yourself and then in turn to positively impact the lives of those around you. … Our willingness to accept the world around us for what it is ignites our readiness to live, work and lead in it.” – Mark Fernandes, Chief Leadership Officer with Luck Companies.
“Do things for the right reason and let life surprise you.” – Bryan Dodge, motivational and leadership expert.
The 2014 NBAA Leadership Conference will be held the week of February 17, 2014, in Atlanta. As co-chair of next year’s conference, I will be working with Bob Hobbi, owner of Service Elements in Phoenix, to line up speakers. Please contact me if you have suggestions or comments regarding the conference or if you would like to consider becoming a sponsor.
Contributed by Jeannine Falter, Vice President of Business Development for Duncan Aviation and co-chair for the NBAA Leadership Conference to be held in 2014 and 2015. For more updates from Duncan Aviation, please follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Posted by Diane Heiserman on Wed, Oct 03, 2012 @ 11:15 AM
Over 250 high school students and teachers gather to tour Duncan Aviation and learn about aviation career opportunities.
Over 250 high school students, teachers, sponsors and parents gathered this morning at Duncan Aviation in Lincoln, Nebraska, to explore the unique career opportunities available in the aviation industry. Representatives from Colleges and Universities, Tech Schools, Aviation exhibitors, Aviation Media, Government Agencies and Military organizations were on hand to talk with interested students.
Todd Duncan addressed the group explaining, "to be in the aviation industry is more than a job, it is a career. One that you can be proud of with advancement opportunities limited only by your imagination."
All students in attendance are elible to win scholarships totalling $3000.
Duncan Aviation is the largest family owned aviation maintenance company in the world and employs more than 2,000 aviation professionals around the world. To learn more about the career opportunities at Duncan Aviation, visit www.duncanaviation.aero/careers.
For more updates from Duncan Aviation, please follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Posted by Diane Heiserman on Thu, Sep 20, 2012 @ 01:00 PM
$3,000 in scholarships will be awarded to Aviation Career Day attendees.
To build a career in the aviation industry requires advanced training, knowledge of aircraft systems and how they work together, as well as a broad understanding of aircraft components and parts. For this reason, in the maintenance world, aircraft technicians are viewed with the highest esteem.
On October 3, Duncan Aviation will be hosting an aviation career exhibition, Adjust Your Altitude 2012 in Lincoln, Nebraska. There will be up to 200 high school students from Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas in attendance.
With the predicted technician shortage and a general decline in interest in aviation with high school and college graduates, Duncan Aviation is hoping to reverse this trend by organizing an aviation career day. The goal is to educate students about all of the unique career opportunities in aviation and pique their interest in the industry.
The day will consist of students visiting with representatives from Colleges and Universities, Tech Schools, Aviation exhibitors, Aviation Media, Government Agencies and Military organizations. Students will also get to experiment with some hands-on activities, including testing their aircraft maintenance skills.
This will be an educational, exciting and fun day with $3,000 in scholarships awarded to attendees! Visit aviationcareerday.net for more information.
For more updates from Duncan Aviation, please follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Posted by Diane Heiserman on Tue, Jun 05, 2012 @ 07:00 AM
Contributed by Erin Hart, Corporate Apprentice
At the foundation of any company stands its Core Values, the ideals that guide day-to-day interactions between employees, customers and competitors. They serve as the bedrock upon which decisions are made by the leaders of the company.
A number of years ago, a team of Duncan Aviation employees put to words what they felt made the company so unique. They identified the characteristics that lie at its very core; family atmosphere, strong work ethic, good values and team approach. These Core Values are now established into the heritage of the company. It is not required that employees have them memorized or learned. They were simply a description of who we are and how we do business every day.
Watch as Duncan Aviation team members express why the Duncan Aviation Core Values resonate so much with their teams and how they can be seen in every aspect of their workday.
Download a copy of Duncan Aviation's Core Values.
Erin Hart is a Duncan Aviation Apprentice working in the Marketing Communications department at the Lincoln Nebraska facility. She began working in aviation in 2007.
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Posted by Diane Heiserman on Thu, Mar 15, 2012 @ 06:00 AM
Contributed by Paul David, Human Resources Manager
Separating from military service? A well written resume will help you get noticed by hiring managers.
A resume has a singular purpose—to provide a snapshot of your skills that motivates the hiring manager to call you in for an interview. However the current job market is tight and hiring managers receive 30 resumes for every position they need to fill. Below are some military transition tips to write a resume for your aviation career that makes your military experience stand out above the crowd.
1. Create Your Resume Early
As soon as you’ve made the decision to separate from military service, you should begin creating a resume. If you wait until you’ve found an aviation career to apply for, you’ve waited too long. A resume is your first impression on a potential employer. It should not be rushed and thrown together at the last minute. A current resume can be easily tweaked and handed to a potential employer, even while you are still in active duty.
2. Tailor your resume
Do not submit a cookie-cutter resume. A resume that covers all your military training and skills for all possible career paths is too broad and will not stand out or get noticed. Create a summary of your skills and training that targets the current needs of the employer. Although you have many more qualifications than what is listed, focus on the skills relevant for the aviation career you are applying for. You can talk about your other qualifications verbally during an interview.
3. Keep an objective view
When listing your skills and qualifications, avoid subjective statements like, Able to perform troubleshooting and function-tests of aircraft systems and components. Although this may be a true statement, it is actually just your own personal opinion on your skill level.
Write objective statements that can be backed up with facts, such as Served as a Plane Captain, Engine Mechanic and Engine Shop Supervisor; working on A4, T38 and F5 aircraft, or Worked as an I-Level Communication/Navigation systems technician.
When separating from the military, my greatest piece of advice is to BEGIN EARLY. Write your resume and begin filling out applications several months in advance of your separation date.
25% of Duncan Aviation's team members are former and/or active service members. Visit http://www.duncanaviation.aero/careers/apply.php to view aviation careers at Duncan Aviation.
Paul David is a Human Resources Manager located at Duncan Aviation's Michigan facility. He specializes in strategic planning and HR metrics, recruitment, compensation and employee and community relations. His aviation career began in March 2008.
For more updates from Duncan Aviation, please follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.