Additive Manufacturing For Aircraft Parts Is Taking Off

It is no secret that additive manufacturing is the hot topic, especially in our fast paced aviation world. Many companies are exploring this new frontier of technology because of its unbelievable benefits. Pratt and Whitney are a perfect example of the new exploration in this uncharted world with manufacturing engine brackets using 3D printing. They have embraced two of many additive manufacturing techniques to make engine components, engine brackets specifically. Instead of using expensive slabs of steel to shape aircraft parts, the process of additive manufacturing enables Pratt and Whitney to layer materials together using absolutely no waste.

Not only does Pratt and Whitney expend no waste, they also are manufacturing parts that are lighter and cheaper.

This trifecta of efficiency is what the aviation industry is raving about and why companies like Pratt and Whitney and even GE Aviation has adopted this new technique in manufacturing.

GE has adopted laser-powered 3-D printers and inking machines to make aircraft parts that seemed like science fiction long ago. GE likes to call this next chapter in manufacturing the next step in our Industrial Revolution.

The Industrial Revolution was a transition from new manufacturing processes in the period that started in 1760.

Today, additive manufacturing starts a new chapter in the aviation industry.

The additive manufacturing process can increase the tempo of production, reduce waste, and produce designs that seems almost impossible with last generation manufacturing processes. Unusual brackets, new age propellers, and even new engine designs are now open door ideas with this new technology.

However, this new revolution for the industry is growing at a crawl. Additive manufacturing techniques will need to be improved before the entire market adopts the technique with open arms. Glitches and muddy precision is still very common unless a finer and more expensive 3-D printer is purchased.

It makes sense why our industry is an early adopter of this new technology in manufacturing.

Aviation costs are high and even the most minuscule reduction in any costs would be a substantial benefit to any aircraft part manufacturer.

This process is taking off with no emergency brake and is beginning to grow exponentially.

In 2016, GE Aviation will unveil 19 3-D printed fuel nozzles in a combustion system that can only be made using this method. They will lead the aviation industry with the first solid models of these unique parts. This exciting time is being called the new or 3rd industrial revolution and companies like GE and Pratt and Whitney are paving the way for others to lead.

Are you looking to streamline your supply chain? Fill out the form below and we'll be more than happy to help you out.

How To Accept Problems, Then Solve Them

In the fast paced, non-stop world of aviation, problems happen and they happen often.  Most people look at problems as a bad thing. They're afraid of them. It controls their every move. The more they're afraid of the problems, the bigger, more complex the problems will become.

This is the very reason we've adopted a core value here at Skylink, "Accept Problems, Then Solve Them." Sitting at our desk worrying about a problem does nothing. Getting to the root of the issue and solving it does. There are a number of ways we tackle problems.

Listening

We're active listeners. 

If it's a client showing concern, we listen. If it's a team member who has a problem, we listen. If it's a supply chain partner explaining a delay, we listen.

By listening, we hear the other person and can effectively translate what they are saying into solutions.

The art of listening is the first step to proper communication and problem solving.

If we're not listening, then we're not solving. And if we're not solving, we're not practicing what we preach.

Advice process

This concept isn't new for us but the methodology and practice will be a reoccurring topic in our daily communication.

We are a self-managed organization giving people autonomy to make decisions as they see fit. The only requirement when making a decision is to seek advice from the people who will be directly affected and people who have knowledge in the subject.

The advice process isn't the "manager" making the final decisions but instead it's the collective group working together for the best viable decision. The person leading the team then formulates the responses to output the right solution.

5 Whys

The simple question "why" is a great concept to actively engage a problem.

When a problem comes up at Skylink, we tackle the issue by asking "why."

Stubborn and recurrent problems are often symptoms of deeper issues. A "quick fix" may seem convenient, but it's really just a temporary solution and it may solve only part of the problem.

To solve it properly, you need to drill down through the symptoms to the underlying cause.

The 5 Whys is a simple, practical tool that is very easy to use. When a problem arises, simply keep asking the question "why" until you reach the underlying source of the problem, and until a robust counter-measure becomes apparent.

The 5 Whys uses "counter-measures," rather than solutions. A counter-measure is an action or set of actions that seeks to prevent the problem arising again, while a solution just seeks to deal with the situation. As such, counter-measures are more robust, and are more likely to prevent the problem from recurring.

Each time you ask "why," look for an answer that is grounded, in fact: it must be an account of things that have actually happened – not events that might have happened. This prevents the 5 Whys becoming just a process of deductive reasoning, which can generate a number of possible causes and, sometimes, create more confusion.

Keep asking "why" until you feel confident that you have identified the root cause and can go no further. At this point, an appropriate counter-measure should become evident."

Contingencies

We make hundreds of decisions every day.  One of the ways we expedite problem solving is by having contingencies in place at every level. Or at least know the worst case scenario.

A good example is in repairs. If we have a repair in process for a pooling rotable and the units goes BER, what's our backup? If we already have the contingency in place when the units goes BER then we've expedited the resolution process.

Contingencies are crucial throughout our entire operation. 

It's very important that everyone on the Skylink team knows and understands how to accept problems and solve them. We live and breathe this and when were all in sync, problems are a mere speed bump into the flow of the Skylink way.

Are you afraid of problems? Do you encounter problems on a daily basis? Fill out the form below and let's chat about how to get you to overcome these obstacles.

Why No One Is Listening To You

How does it feel, being ignored? You pick up the phone and get voicemail. You email and get no reply back. You text only to be ignored. In the world of fast paced jets, communication moves at the speed of idle dirt. Dealing with aircraft maintenance supply chain partners is a chore.

It's like babysitting a child that doesn't listen.

Nowadays, we have social communication mediums like Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, and the ancient phone, text and email. Yet, listening and communication skills are at an all time low. It's a mind numbing epidemic.

So why are people not listening to you? Why does it seem like nobody cares?

It's Not A You Problem, It's a Who Problem

When supply chain partners don't actively engage you in a conversation, it's not a you problem, it's a who problem.

It's very common to have a need and to have to pull teeth to work through a problem and find a solution. The person you should be relying on most is out to lunch with their phone turned off. They say "I-care-a-lot-about-you" but actions speak louder than words.

I'll give you a quick checklist to identify the who problem:

• They don't reply to your email for hours
• You don't have a cell phone number for them
• You leave voicemails and they never return your call
• You leave voicemails and it takes days to get a call back
• They don't accept your social media requests so you can build trust a rapport with them
• They are hard to find on the internet
• You have no way to text them
• They're never on Skype
• They don't have Whatsapp
• You can't call them after hours or on the weekends
• Every time you talk to them it always sounds like they have something more important to do

This is why we have 24/7 dedicated Account Managers.

You can contact them personally any time you want. People who we can create the greatest value for and who benefits from our solutions has entire access to their Account Manager. It's about creating a "WOW" experience.

When you're not being heard and you identify it's a who problem, look at your options and figure out another way.

The Downfall of Demands

Another big issue it the constant pressure of demands, it could be you doing the demanding or the other party.

Constant demands will have the other party running. Communicating and listening together is entirely different.

Here's a great example. We had a new customer contact us and every time we engaged them in a solution for their rotable RFQ needs, they would demand a "cheaper" price. It was never good enough and pretty soon we became disengaged. With the prices we were quoting they got 100% logistical support, 24/7 access to a dedicated Account Manager and unparalleled service.

They know that they can trust us and we do as we say. There's no having to babysit us. In this particular situation it was a matter of $100 that they demanded we come down to. It was a constant demand of lowering prices and a constant demand of shipping things faster than agreed upon.

Every time we worked with this client it was a demand. It was never collaborative.

Are demands sometime necessary? Yes, of course, but doing more demanding and less communication and collaborating gets most people nowhere.

Listening is much more productive than talking and it's a critical flaw in a lot of supply chain partners communication style. Know the who and watch out for the constant demands.

Do you feel like your constantly ignored? Do your supply chain partners have a listening problem? Well fear no more my friend. Fill out the form below and let's show you how good listening skills is done.

Skylink Teams Up With Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

This week we invited the prestigious Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to come in and take some retired spare parts off our hands for their classrooms. We were delighted to donate these parts as it provides a great hands on learning experience for the prospecting students attending the University. Moreover, it was great to team up with a well known university that has grown its roots from the first flight of the Wright Brothers back in 1903.

The Truth About Aircraft Engine Transport

If you lived in a world where turbine engines grew on trees, aircraft engine transport would be irrelevant. Unfortunately this is not the case.

Moving engines is a task all airlines will experience at some point. You may even experience it several times a year depending on your fleet size.

You put trust into the companies you designate to organize the logistics of its transport. And trust is important.

These are machines that can cost as little as $250,000 and skyrocket to multi-million dollar assets. There’s no room for error and we see constant mistakes from our experiences with freight forwarders who have moved our engines.

When you’re shipping your engine keep this in mind.

Be Prepared For The Unexpected

Rarely do things go according to plan 100% of the time. There may be schedule changes, import issues, improper documents, mother nature, or many other things

When it comes to aircraft engine transport, the number one delay is cargo carriers bumping the freight. When and if you decide to ship your engine air freight allocate time for delays.

Delays are common and unavoidable and will undoubtedly occur. Whether it's a flat tire during land transport, loading issues, lazy freight forwarders or the 1,000 other things, delays are certain. Adding an additional 7 days to your transport time is ideal.

Unless you’re AOG in which the higher fees will ensure expedited shipment.

Another common problem with engine transport is unclassified HAZMAT. You will be shocked at how many shippers and freight forwarders don’t think engines are HAZMAT. It is ideal to tell your shipper that your engine is hazardous material from the beginning. This will avoid last minute DG documentation and the proper process for dangerous goods export.

Aircraft Engine Transport Reliability

Moving your valuable assets is important and we live in a world where international transport is required.

Just as you would when you choose an aircraft spare parts vendor, you must choose a partner or freight forwarder who can manage your shipment properly.

Without choosing the right partner your engine will experience significant delays, transport issues and even damage.

When there is communication through the entire logistics process, you’ll be less stressed, your asset will be in good condition and your life will be much easier.

Do you have issues with engine transport? Are you looking for a transport partner? Click here and we can help.

A $20,000 Shipping Mistake and How To Avoid It

When you purchase a component for your aircraft, no matter the cost, you expect it to arrive in good condition, right? This isn't some crazy dream I've come up with.

You spend the money, so you expect the part being shipped to withstand a rough transit ride to your facility.

Makes sense, right?

Just recently we purchased a $20,000 beam assembly from an OEM. Yes, an OEM! When the beam arrived the shipping box was ripped, but we've also seen MUCH worse. After further inspection, we noticed that the grease port fitting was bent through the beam assembly. As you can see from the picture, the package was severely under packed and the damage could have been avoided with proper shipping measures.

It's about preparing for the worst in transit and not having to spend money insuring the shipment.

Here are 5 steps you can tell your aircraft parts supplier to follow and avoid a shipping nightmare for your rotable parts:

1) Use the fist rule

By using the fist rule your aircraft parts supplier should be able to fit their fist between the aircraft part and box. This is a minimum of what should be allowed between the part and box.

2) Measure with your finger

Enough bubble wrap should go around the unit to create a 1 inch barrier around the component.

Fun fact: From the tip of your finger to the first joint is about 1 inch.

3) Use appropriate stickers

If the material is fragile, make sure fragile stickers are on the box. A little secret, if you put a "Be Careful: Glass" sticker on the box, it's more likely your forwarder will treat the package with respect.

4) Take pictures

Make sure your aircraft parts vendor takes a picture of the box prior to departure. This will make sure they stay accountable and ship in an appropriate box.

5) Choose the right method

If you have a very expensive part, or if it's fragile, make sure to ship it air. You'll avoid the bumpy road and mass handling from one truck to the next.

By avoiding careless shipping methods you can ensure that your aircraft parts supplier ships your expensive material appropriately. This will not only save you money, but also time from resolving the problem.

By working closely with your vendor, they'll know how you expect your material to be shipped and adapt their processes.

Make sure they ship smart and avoid the issues with transit damage.

How do you want your packages shipped? Have you ever incurred a problem? Tell us about it. Comment below.