Minutes of Chapter Meeting

• March 8, 2005 Meeting at Lane Aviation, 5:30
  
  Greetings everyone,

  We are happy to report an excellent turn-out for the March meeting; First and foremost, we want to thank NETJES, Inc. for coming to the rescue and sponsoring the evening meeting! The managers, directors and vice presidents who take time out their busy schedules to contribute to the worthy efforts of aircraft maintenance professionals is highly commendable. We would like to especially thank John Greier, Tom Fullerton, Bill McNeel and other Netjets employees for their contributions. Even with many members attending the PAMA National convention in Las Vegas, we had 57 members and guests in attendance. We want to thank Terry Huff, Columbus State A&P Instructor for introducing his students to this professional activity.  Also, Wes Hines, recent recipient of the Charles Taylor Award, was in attendance again with his protégé Jean Richardson. Wes should be commended for his effort s in helping aspiring mechanics get a professional start. Jean is working on her written exams; If anyone would like to help her, I am sure she would appreciate it. Let me know, and I will be glad to introduce you.

  Before we forget, THANK YOU sponsors of the raffle! Without your contributions it would be difficult to continue our sponsorship of mechanic training. This month we would like to especially recognize API, ASCO, Lane Aviation, Dallas Airmotive, Raytheon, COPAMA, Tritex, City National and of course, anyone I may have overlooked. Thanks again!

  ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  Louie reminded everyone of the Ohio Aviation Maintenance Symposium at Columbus State Community College at Bolton Field, March 16 & 17, 2005. Jeff Gruber encouraged anyone interested in a unique experience to consider participating in judging at the Ohio Junior Science Fair, to be held March 19, 2005 at the down-town campus of Columbus State. There is still time. Contact Jeff at jgruber@cscc.edu.

  A&P Mechanic Openings: We have recently received notice of openings available at PSA Airlines (US Air). Few details are available at this time, however, if you are interested, please contact Rachel Hernandez at rachelhernandez@psaarlines.net.  We will post additional information on the chapter web-site http://www.copama.org as soon as we receive it.

  Roger Olson, FFA Safety Inspector, presented to Mr. Clifton Marr the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. Many of you may remember Cliff as the department chairperson of the Aviation Maintenance Technology at Columbus State Community College or as a friend in the industry. Congratulations go out to Mr. Marr for his contribution to the industry for over 50years!

  Welcome new members: Gerald MacDonald and John Waibel!

  PRESENTATION:

  Dave Hessler, with Aerosafe, provided a fascinating look at the complex affair of accident investigation. He started with the role of the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) and the extensive background in activities to serve and support the need to determine probable cause and further aviation safety.

  Dave encouraged mechanics who may become involved at an accident scene to document all activities. He emphasized the importance of the smallest details and not to assume too much until all details have been noted.

  We also received advice on not contaminating an accident scene by disturbing material without careful attention detail.  He admonished everyone to exercise logic and reason in observing and obtaining information relevant to the situation.

  Dave also cautioned about an industry shift in attention about the cause of an incident, from the manufacturer’s fault, to infractions of regulations by maintenance personnel. He encouraged people to participate in policing our activities and report unsafe conditions.

  Dave suggested that maintenance personnel have an obligation to share the responsibility for safety with pilots, the FAA, manufacturers and others.

  In closing:  The March 2005 meeting was a fine example of the members of our industry coming together. The sharing of information, emulating professionalism, supporting education and setting an example for our young technicians is the purpose of our organization.

  Remember to check the web site for new information.  Mark your calendar for the April 12^th meeting sponsored by T&W--Electric-Starter/Generators.

  Yours in professional aircraft maintenance, Cliff Kelling, Secretary
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