Innovative Approaches to Overcoming Aircraft Maintenance Challenges

Insights on Elrod’s Professional Background

I am a third-generation pilot with my Private Pilot’s Certificate. I graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and Unmanned Systems and have always been involved in the world of aviation.

My first job in the industry was as a line service technician at my local airport. I have been with Republic Airways since 2019, where I started as an Aircraft on Ground (AOG) analyst. I quickly moved to a supervisor role and then acting manager of AOG, Loan & Borrow, RON and Transportation.

I am now the Manager of Maintenance Contracts and I am responsible companywide for Republic Airways’ maintenance contracts, management of on-call maintenance providers, tooling, GSE and vehicles.

Challenges in Negotiating and Managing Aircraft Maintenance Contracts

By far the most significant challenge for me is the number of maintenance providers in the industry. Many of the smaller “mom and pop” providers have closed up shop leaving many markets a singular provider. This creates a lack of competition, increased rates and longer response times as short-staffed providers work to service all customers.

“Push your personal limits and learn from your mistakes. Be honest and respectable and let your work speak for itself”

Prioritizing Sustainability in Long-Term Maintenance Contracts

At Republic Airways, we are always striving to be the BEST. It’s imperative to consider a partner’s environmental outlook and what they are doing to reduce emissions. However, safety and service come first. A maintenance partner with an environmental impact statement, who utilizes renewable resources and operates an electric fleet of vehicles and GSE, is a major bonus, but it can only stand on the shoulders of safe and reliable service.

Managing Urgent Maintenance Needs

I tend to stay away from any contracts that mandate exclusive service. If an on-call service provider is busy working another airline’s aircraft, I need the option to pivot to another provider with no lapse in service. Having exclusive agreements is detrimental to the safe, efficient and reliable operation of the airline.

Staying Updated on Aviation Maintenance Trends

Before I entered the workforce, conferences seemed like a waste of time and money to me. After attending a few, I quickly realized how valuable they can be. It’s hard to find a better opportunity for networking with both industry leaders and colleagues; and conferences have provided me so much firsthand information on what is happening in aviation. I also subscribe to aerospace and industry journals and magazines that provide more detailed insights. I am always searching for the next best tool or service model to increase efficiency and reliability. I also welcome demonstrations of new techniques or tools, where the maintenance and engineering teams can review firsthand.

Advice for Aspiring Aerospace Professionals

Never stop learning. Always be on the lookout for new opportunities to increase your knowledge and skill to new heights. Push your personal limits and learn from your mistakes. Be honest and respectable and let your work speak for itself. Finally, make time to network at events, conferences and around the office. Networking will build a peer group that you can utilize for vendor, equipment and process referrals. Networking also has the power to strengthen relations with vendors to create a partner-oriented, cohesive, long-lasting relationship that will put you above the competition.