Aircraft Maintenance Technology

NOV-DEC 2017

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46 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY A s a child Adam Thacker grew up in Phoenix, AZ. He remem- bers going to a dirt lot next to Phoenix International Airport with his family to watch aircraft take off and land. He knew at a young age that he wanted to be a part of the aviation community. Thacker received his initial aircraft training while in the U.S. Marine Corps. Prior to leaving the military he received permis- sion from the FAA to test for his Airframe and Powerplant license and received A&P; certification in 2002. Thacker received an associate's degree in aircraft maintenance technology from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis in 2008. He received a bachelor of science in technical management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in October 2010, graduating Cum Laude. After serving in the military, he worked at Gearhart Aviation and AAR Indianapolis as a maintenance technician. He moved up the ladder to aircraft quality control inspector and is now quality assurance auditor at AAR. Nominated by Shawn McFarland, EHS manager, AAR Aircraft Services - Indianapolis: "In June 2006, Adam joined AAR-ASI as an A&P; technician. Eventually his career path led him into the role as a quality assurance auditor, which is his current position. Adam has many strong attributes that he presents daily, as both auditor and investigator. Adam routinely goes out of his way to educate teammates on AAR-ASI's requirements and expectations during both audits and investigations. He also helps them understand the federal regulations, as they apply to the issue at hand. Adam's unselfish commitment to his profession has afforded him the opportu- nity to assist other start-up sites that AAR has undertaken over the past several years. He has made multiple trips to MRO stations that include Duluth, MN; Lake Charles, LA; and Rockford, IL." Thacker helps customers understand the federal regulations as they apply to the issue. Thacker always exhibits enthusiasm when working with customers during audits. This has helped him build effective relationships with both local customer rep- resentatives and their QA departments and the FAA. One of his career goals is to obtain his ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) certification so he can continue to grow and prog- ress within the aviation community. Another goal is to become an independent consultant once his daughters are grown. "This would allow me to work and travel the world with my wife while still being a part of and contributing to the aviation community," he says. It is also his personal goal to know the people he works with to do everything within his power to help him or her thrive. ADAM THACKER Quality Assurance Auditor, 38, AAR Aircraft Services - Indianapolis P eter DeSutter's father worked full time active duty at the Air National Guard when he was growing up and his uncle is a private pilot that was always willing to take him up for a flight. While he was in high school he had the opportunity to tour the Northwest Airlines (now AAR) facility in Duluth, and he knew it was what he wanted to do. He received training at Northland Technical and Community College in Thief River Falls, MN. Mentors include Rob Coretz and Robert Jared at Omni Air international; Brian Loomer, Mark Ketterer, and Mark Osiecki at AAR; along with all the experienced mechanics DeSutter has worked with over the years. Advanced training includes factory training on many types of commercial aircraft, ASAP, SMS, ETOPS, RVSM, lower minimums, Lean Six Sigma, Advanced Excel, and Bell leadership training. He has received FAA AMT awards and AAR Ideas Matter awards. DeSutter started his career as an aircraft technician at Sun Country Airlines in Minneapolis, after a year he transitioned to Omni Air International where he worked for over 12 years. When AAR re-opened the former Northwest Airlines Airbus facility in Duluth, he moved back to his hometown to work in the facil- ity that inspired his career path. Currently, he is the program manager for the AAR MRO in Duluth, MN. He is the first point of contact for all commercial issues dealing with AAR's custom- ers. He's responsible for all the commercial aspects of the business from administering contractual estimates to final billing. Nominated by Mark Ketterer, vice president operations, AAR MRO Services Duluth: "Peter joined AAR Aircraft Services in Duluth, MN, his hometown, in 2013 and quickly advanced from the maintenance supervisor role into a program manager position for the MRO. Pete's strong back- ground in all phases of the aviation industry and his incredible work ethic have helped him excel. Managing the intricacies of contracts, assisting in negotiating new contracts, and focusing on business development have proven to be Pete's strongest attributes. Pete's "doing it right" attitude and desire to grow and learn will certainly prepare him for top leadership positions in the aviation industry for years to come." DeSutter is excited when he has the opportunity to talk to others about the industry. "I enjoy helping others understand the aviation maintenance experience," he says. "I especially like when I can give young children the opportunity to see airplanes up close, the excitement on their faces is priceless." His goal is to be an industry leader and influencer in the fast- changing business of aircraft maintenance. PETER DESUTTER Program Manager, 38, AAR MRO Services Duluth, Duluth, MN

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