Isn't it Ironic?
It’s like rain on
your wedding day
It’s a free ride
when you’ve already paid
It's the good advice
that you just didn't take
Lyrics to “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette
Isn’t it ironic? The best mechanics on the floor are typically the ones promoted to management and supervisory positions. Unfortunately, the knowledge and skills that make someone a great mechanic aren’t the knowledge and skills they need to become a great leader or manager. Some larger companies have structured leadership development programs in place for potential management candidates. Unfortunately, most companies don’t have a structured system for training current and future managers, and those placed in positions of management responsibility often find themselves struggling to learn the new skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their new jobs.
There are several resources available to help mechanics make the transition to management smoother and to help current managers become more successful.
Conklin and de Decker will once again host a Helicopter Operator Management Course in conjunction with HAI Heli-Expo in Orlando, FL March 1-6. Bill de Decker will lead the six-day course “designed to give new or current managers of civil helicopter operations the management skills they need for success in today’s highly demanding and complex operating environment.”
Conklin and de Decker also announce a new Helicopter Maintenance Management Seminar (HMMS) in Dallas, TX March 28-29. The two-day course will give current, new and prospective maintenance managers tools to help them gain control of the many complex variables that managers face on a regular basis. Topics include:
- The Principles of Management
- Budgeting
- Inventory
- Information Systems
- Regulatory Issues
There is another great resource for maintenance managers. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) hosts an annual Maintenance Management Conference (MMC). This year’s 26th annual conference will be held April 5-7 in San Diego, CA. Don’t let the name fool you. This conference isn’t just for NBAA members or those who manage business aircraft maintenance operations. Every mechanic who aspires to become a manager and all current managers will benefit from the event.
You can go to to page 44 to learn more about these upcoming seminars and conferences.
Another good course is Global Jet Services’ Aviation Interpersonal Maintenance Management (AIMM) course. I attended this course a few years ago and found it extremely informative. Presented by Global Jet Services’ president J.D. McHenry, the AIMM course provides the knowledge to become a good leader and manager. You can learn more at www.globaljetservices.com.
Last, but not least, our sister publication Director of Maintenance (D.O.M.) magazine is a magazine about the business of aircraft maintenance. Each issue covers topics to help current and future managers hone their skills. If you are not already receiving the magazine, you can sign up for your free subscription at www.DOMmagazine.com.
Thanks for reading!
Joe Escobar | Editorial Director