Aviation Week's MRO 2004 Conference Examines Aerospace Maintenance and Safety

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has emphasized the need for improved aircraft maintenance, oversight, and training, areas that will be central to discussions at Aviation Week's MRO 2004 conference. Panels will feature industry experts, including John Goglia, NTSB Board Member, and Gary Eiff, Associate Professor of Aviation Technologies at Purdue University, who will discuss a study suggesting a potentially significant underreporting of aviation accidents linked to maintenance. The conference will also explore the implications of a new FAA certification process, effective maintenance staff development, and the challenges faced by third-party providers. Keynote speakers include America West Airlines' Chairman, President, and CEO, W. Douglas Parker, and executives from various aerospace companies.

Key Takeaways:

• The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommends improvements in aircraft maintenance, oversight, and training.
• A study by Gary Eiff and Purdue University suggests that a percentage of aviation accidents linked to maintenance may be underreported.
• The FAA is considering a new certification process for maintenance providers.
• Effective maintenance staff development is crucial for airlines, with examples of successful strategies available through case studies.
• Third-party providers face significant challenges in meeting diverse airline standards.
• America West Airlines' transformation into a top-performing maintenance organization will be presented by W. Douglas Parker.
• MRO 2004 features a comprehensive program of industry-focused conferences, with aircraft maintenance technologies and services showcased by over 300 exhibiting companies.
• Aviation Week's MRO 2004 is produced jointly by Aviation Week and the Air Transport Association, with a focus on safety and maintenance operations across the civil and military sectors.

Statistics:

• 8.5% annual growth rate expected for the MRO market in Latin America.
• More than 300 companies will exhibit at MRO 2004, showcasing aircraft maintenance services and technologies.
• Aviation Week has a core audience of 1 million professionals and enthusiasts.
• MRO 2004 has over 50 sessions and presentations from leading aviation organizations.
• The McGraw-Hill Companies generated $4.8 billion in sales in 2003.
• The McGraw-Hill Companies is a global information services provider with 322 offices in 33 countries.

Sources:

• Aviation Week's MRO 2004 conference program, April 20-22, 2004
• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
• Purdue University study on aviation maintenance
• Aviation Week's website
• The McGraw-Hill Companies' press release (February 27, 2004)