The Aerospace Executive Podcast

A Center of Excellence to Transform MRO with Tony Bailey

On this episode, I talk with Tony Bailey, a 30-year MRO veteran, who is involved in the creation of the MRO Center of Excellence in Ohio.

With a massive divide between technology and current skills occurring, the MRO Center of Excellence aims to bridge the gap and ensure the people, processes, and skills are growing as fast as new technologies.

The MRO Center of Excellence is a public-private partnership involving multiple OEMs, Academic Institutions and Government entities that will help ensure the future of aviation.

 

 

We’re seeing constant changes across industries, and we have to start working with them. This means we need to speak to the newest additions to the industry. College and high school students alike should be told about the aviation industry and the career opportunities. Aviation requires us to keep going higher- the only way to do that is by boosting young people into practical experience.

 

Guest Bio

Tony Bailey is a former United States Marine, who went on to pursue a career in aviation. After obtaining degrees in Aviation Science and Aviation Maintenance Technology, among other qualifications, Tony has enjoyed a successful career in the aerospace industry. What sets him apart is his ability to see how the industry is changing, and where it needs to be adapted. Tony is currently involved in a project with the state of Ohio to create an MRO Center of Excellence, and is excited about the project’s growth in the future.

To get in contact with Tony, you can email him at: tbailey@maonoolc.com

Learn more about the MRO Center of Excellence at www.amrocenterofexcellence.org

 

 

Learn More About Your Host:

Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.

 

Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Where Did All Our Pilots Go?

Our industry is at a crossroads. The older generation of pilots is about to retire, and the younger generation is either restricted from the cockpit or they don’t view piloting as a career path.

So…  we now have a pending shortage of people and the ramifications will be huge!

Unfortunately, time, the unions and the government are not on our side… 

In this episode, I talk with Matt Johnson about how the pilot shortage became what it is today, and how this issue could be resolved.  

 

 

As an industry we have to start to get our arms around how to either keep pilots in the cockpit longer, or quickly grow a pipeline and get them experienced so that we’ve got a future that we can deal with. -Craig Picken

 

Learn More About Your Host:

Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.

Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Chaos Is King! Embrace Change.—with Bob Sullivan

Aviation has experienced massive change in recent years. How can companies embrace the changes and benefit from them?

 

 

Every time you have a monumental change, it helps you become thankful for the culture you have in your company. –Bob Sullivan

 

Bob Sullivan, Chief Administrative Officer of OneSky Aviation talks about pilots, travel patterns, a flourishing industry and the importance of hiring talented people who are really good at what they do.

 

Guest Bio:

Bob Sullivan is the Chief Administrative Officer at OneSky Flight portfolio. With over 25 years of experience in Human Resources, Bob is passionate about ensuring everyone involved in aviation work in harmony with one another. Bob’s enthusiasm for treating everyone as a valuable cog in the machinery is what keeps companies under the OneSky Flight portfolio unique from their competitors. To find out more about OneSky Flight, go to http://www.onesky.com/. To learn more about Bob, see https://www.linkedin.com/in/careerforward.

Why Business Aviation Is Shooting Itself In the Foot

The benefits of business aviation are immeasurable. But the perception of the corporate jet?... not so much. The perception that it’s an industry that only benefits the top 1% exists because it’s an industry that keeps shooting itself in the foot.

 

Just as Americans supported anti-business policies in the 1930s, after the extravagance of the Roaring 20s, people are still reeling from our most recent “Great Recession.” And, the political landscape continues to change, and move to the left. One only need watch the recent State of the Union address to see that fact.

 

 

Every time we portray business aviation as a luxury, we isolate those who would never experience it. -Craig Picken

 

Business aviation is a $180 Billion industry that supports thousands of jobs and helps numerous companies reach their goals. Perhaps that’s a better story to tell than the one being told on CNBC’s “Secret Lives of the Super Rich” and on the pages of various lifestyle magazines.

 

Come join Matt Johnson and I as we discuss various ways to change the perception, and highlight the benefits of business aviation.

 

 

 

Learn More About Your Host:

Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.

 

Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Is Aerospace Consolidation a Bad Thing, or Just a Thing?

 

The aerospace and aviation industries are changing as result of consolidation. Driven by need and the demands of large OEM’s, Rockwell Collins, UTC, B/E Aerospace, Esterline, Embraer and Bombardier and others have taken some dramatic steps to ensure shareholder value.

Where does this leave the little guy? Is he sunk, or is there room for entrepreneurial spirit? How does he compete if he’s, defacto, competing against his customer?

In a quick 20 minutes, my good friend Matt Johnson and I discuss the coming changes that smaller players will face. 

 

 

If Boeing succeeds, it will change the industry. –Craig Picken

 

Takeaways

• Boeing’s move into “Global Services” means they are now competing against their former suppliers. But $60 Billion is a BIG number.  If successful, Boeing will transform an entire industry.

 

• Innovation in the industry is alive and well. And, it’s coming from smaller, more versatile players with quick reaction times. Don’t ignore them.

 

• Smaller companies need to find strong players who can multi-task. The successful “big company” executive doesn’t necessarily bring the right skills to a start-up.

 

Learn More About Your Host:

Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.

 

Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Changes & Challenges in Today's Aviation Industry with Paul Lange

With so many shifts happening in the aviation industry, the big question is whether regulators and stakeholders are keeping up with the changes. What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to pilots, mechanics, and airports? What are the demands that regulators have to meet? How can consumers protect themselves in an age of charter by-the-seat aviation? On this episode, aviation attorney Paul Lange shares some of the exciting and challenges changes happening in our world.

 

What we’re doing on a day-to-day basis is dealing with the future of what our industry is going to look like in the next 5,10, and 15 years. -Paul Lange

 

Takeaways + Tactics

• “Democratization of Business Aviation” presents significant regulatory challenges.
  
  
• Insurance companies DO have a say.  And their regulations may be stricter than those of the FAA.
  
  
• It’s not just pilots and mechanics— airports are also threatened by legislation and the perceptions of people living near them.

 

At the start of show, we talked about how the charter industry has changed and evolved from the days of illegal charters, and how regulatory boards still have to catch up to all the new developments taking place.  We talked about whether these new charter companies can lawfully operate with an on-demand air carrier certificate or a commuter authority. Paul also shared on the work he’s doing in the new developing areas of aviation, why airports are under attack and some recent legal cases in the industry. We also mentioned how a person getting a charter jet can protect themselves in the event of an incident.

We also discussed;  

• Pilot shortages and mechanics
• Legal ramifications of the Falcon 50 crash in South Carolina and the Hinman grey charter case
• The standard of FAA regulations

People are finding innovative ways to fly and make money off of aircraft, and it’s driving the huge wave of change that’s hitting the industry right now. As the democratization of business jets rises, regulatory boards need to be prepared. They need to be ready to provide standards and guidance material to keep up with the new needs of the industry, new ways to bring talented pilots into the industry and new ways to protect the public. We are a dynamic industry with a lots of changes happening and a lot of opportunities. It’s something to be excited about.

 

Guest Bio

Paul Lange represents aviation businesses in solving significant and challenging problems. His background litigating and trying to verdict judgment aviation matters nationwide before federal and state courts as well as administrative agencies, sometimes simultaneously, brings a breadth of opportunities to the table when seeking to resolve disputes at their earliest opportunity or in complicated business structures restricted by regulatory overlays. In addition to remaining current trying cases, Paul’s transactional and aviation regulatory practice includes formation, mergers and acquisitions of fixed base operators (FBO’s), air carriers, air charter brokers, public charter operators, maintenance and repair organizations (MRO’s), and the purchase, sale and lease of aircraft. Go to http://lopal.com/.

 

The Future of Business Aviation w/Scott Ashton

The future of business aviation is changing as companies recognize the benefits of using corporate shuttles and private jets. What will be the impact of smaller companies in the aerospace industry? Why do many companies use private jets as part of their branding tactics? And why will technology never replace face-to-face business meetings? In this episode, Scott Ashton shares on the future of business aviation.

 

Aviation is an entrepreneurial enterprise led by entrepreneurs. -Scott Ashton

 

Takeaways + Tactics

• While the goal is to lower the prices for business aviation, this is impossible at the moment, as the wages of pilots and other costs are on the rise.
  
  
• Many corporations are now looking into corporate shuttles to save time when sending their people over to engage with clients. In just a matter of hours, a corporate shuttle can fly back and forth, and this can’t be done by airlines.
  
  
• Video conferences, email interactions, and phone conversations don’t build the same amount of trust as a face-to-face meetings do.

 

At the beginning of the episode, we talked about the costs of business aviation and how corporations and smaller businesses save time by using corporate shuttles.

We also covered:

• The competitive advantage of smaller businesses in the aerospace industry
• Why a revival of the aerospace industry is only possible if we attract more young people to it
• How working for a small business is more rewarding

 

Many businesses use private jets as a branding tactic. Mid-level executives, engineers, and salespeople use private jets when meeting with clients, not necessarily because they need to but because it’s a branding and authority move. For many businesses, investing in a private jet is a business need when negotiating with clients.

 

Guest bio

Scott Ashton is the President on the board of directors at New England Air Museum, President and CEO at Corporate Service Supply and Manufacturing and a board member of EvoLux Transportation.

He has a diverse background that includes knowledge of finance, marketing, sales, finance modeling, mission analysis, and strategic planning. Scott is also an NBAA certified aviation manager and a certified flight instructor.

You can find out more about Scott here.

Don’t Change the Players, Change the Behaviors w/David Marquet

David Marquet show how Intent Based leadership turns compliant followers into engaged leaders— fueling performance and driving results.

 

Leadership isn’t about telling people what not to do. It’s about creating an environment where they can be great just the way they are. -David Marquet

 

Takeaways + Tactics

• People who feel valued drive results.  Make them a part of something big.
  
• A single leader who does all the thinking stifles growth and inhibits performance.  Force your teams to think, and they will grow.
  
• Top-down decisions forced on compliant teams don’t face scrutiny, and the results are often disastrous.

 

David Marquet expertly shows:

• How forcing people to make their own decisions will increase their job satisfaction and performance
• Why a great leader doesn’t need to know everything, but should continue learning
• How great leaders communicate in order to drive performance

 

Guest Bio

David Marquet is a nationally recognized speaker and the author of the bestselling book Turn the Ship Around!.

As the captain of a nuclear submarine, David experienced the power of intentional leadership and how much it changed his team. Today, he helps companies create leaders at every level and delegate flawless execution.

You can find out more about David’s approach to leadership and his educational materials here.

Leadership, Attracting Experts, and High Employee Engagement w/Krister Ungerboeck

 

Good leaders teach others how to become leaders themselves. As we grow our team, why is it important to stop giving answers and start helping others find solutions on their own? How can we attract experts to our company? Why should we strive to become better communicators? In this episode, Krister Ungerboeck talks about the most common leadership mistakes and what we can do to lead others to success.

 

Managers can be managed, but executives can only be led. -Krister Ungerboeck

 

For the Resources mentioned by Krister in this conversation, go to https://krister.com/aerospace

 

Takeaways + Tactics

• There is a big difference between leading small teams and larger ones.
• Good leaders teach others to ask the right questions… and find their own conclusions.
• The biggest enemy of entrepreneurs is ego. It’s okay to hire smarter.
• Empathy and high emotional intelligence are crucial qualities that good leaders develop.

 

At the beginning of the episode, we talked about how small teams are managed differently than big teams. Next, we talked about why it’s important to accept the fact that there are people who are better than us and more qualified to hold certain positions in our company.

We also covered:

• Why a big monetary compensation isn’t enough and what else we can offer to high achievers
• Why being a lone wolf in the world of entrepreneurship can cost you a lot of learning opportunities
• How we can learn to communicate better with our team and the role empathy plays in doing so

 

Resources

For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/

To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/

 

We can’t become better leaders and grow our business if we don’t learn to communicate more effectively. A crucial element in emotional intelligence is having empathy— the ability to put ourselves in somebody else's shoes even when we have nothing in common. Setting aside time for empathy exercises is crucial for leaders like us, as we have to connect, communicate and lead people on a daily basis.

 

Guest Bio

Krister Ungerboeck, The Leadership Archeologist, is a global leadership expert, award-winning CEO, coach, speaker and author. As the world’s first Leadership Archaeologist, Krister is a seeker of secrets. He’s a perspective-changing explorer who ventures beyond the edge of the comfort zone of most leaders and brings back tales of what he’s learned. He experiments with unique, sometimes outlandish approaches to building leadership skills in order to save leaders the time, money, and (possibly) embarrassment of experimenting on themselves. Go to https://krister.com/aerospace for a free Leadership Assessment and more!

Inspiring the Future Generation of Pilots and Engineers with Hank Coates

 

Hank Coates, President of the Commemorative Air Force, talks about how his organization inspires people to fight for their dreams.

Being a pilot or aerospace engineer was once considered a highly respected career path, but times have changed. How can we inspire the next generation to pursue career paths that are both in demand and high-paying?

 

 

A lot of young people these days don’t realize that there is a great career in being a pilot or an engineer. -Hank Coates

 

Resources

For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/

To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/.

 

Takeaways & Tactics

• Young people truly seek the role models that the previous generations had.
   
• It’s important to remember the amazing acts of heroism that real people did in the past. This gives hope to children who live in poverty or discouraging situations.
   
• The United States is the current leader in aviation, but not for long. There’s a world-wide demand for pilots and engineers, and we will lose the lead without new and upcoming talent.