AMTSociety Mx Logs Update

Feb. 10, 2010

State of AMTSociety Address
The address this month will center on numerous issues. First and foremost is to tell you on behalf of your board of directors and myself that we hope you and your family had a very Merry Christmas and that 2010 will be a good and prosperous year for all of us. It is a time for rejoicing and giving, a time for reflecting on things that were achieved during the past year, and also a time for thoughts on future growth, plans, and membership benefits.

On a sad note, one of our Lifetime Members passed away on Sunday Dec. 13, 2009. Howard R. DuFour would have been 95 on Jan. 10. Howard originally came from Detroit, MI. After being introduced to machine tools in technical high school, he was employed from 1932 until 1940 as a draftsman, photographer, and special machinist. During WWII his skills were needed to support the defense industry in Dayton, OH, culminating with an assignment on the Manhattan Project. Remaining in Dayton after the war he operated his own camera repair business. Starting in 1952 he worked in Dayton for Monsanto, Dabel, and National Cash Register, as an instrument machinist, tool and die maker, and machine tool and design engineer, respectively.

By 1976 as a master mold maker, he joined the staff at Wright State University supervising the work at its instrument machine shop. During his lengthy career he co-authored several technical reports and secured several U.S. patents.

Howard retired in 1991 and he devoted most of his time to researching the life and times of a kindred spirit, Charles Taylor. Howard was a big help and influence in making May 24 Aviation Maintenance Technicians Day, along with Richard Dilbeck from the Sacramento, CA, FSDO, Kenneth J. MacTiernan from AMTA, and myself to get the support from every state and therefore putting it on the calendar.

AMTSociety corporate sponsor Jennifer C. Baker was inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame. More than 500 aviation aficionados, families, and friends witnessed the induction of Jennifer and three other extraordinary Tennesseans at the 8th Annual Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame Gala and Induction ceremony at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation Nov. 14, 2009.

When Jennifer Baker visits elementary schools, she always talks to the children about Charles E. Taylor. Most people are familiar with Wilbur and Orville Wright, she says, but Charles Taylor, the father of aviation maintenance, is not as well known. Baker, who owns Baker’s School of Aeronautics near the Nashville International Airport, says aviation mechanics often don’t get the recognition and glory given to pilots. But they don’t do it for the glamour, she says. They do it because they love it. “They’re a different type of breed,” Baker says. “They are humble and passionate. They have a sense of pride about the safety of the aircraft.”

Jennifer began her career at the school in 1978, when it was King’s School of Aeronautics. Being new to aviation she quickly fell in love with the entire aviation world, especially the world of the aircraft mechanic. She became a partner with the owner and later took over the operation of the school. Jennifer taught A&P and IA courses for 16 years before buying out her partner and changing the name to Baker’s School of Aeronautics in 1994. She was named the FAA Tennessee Aviation Safety Counselor of the Year in 1999. She is a strong advocate for the aircraft mechanic and has served on numerous committees over the years to help promote the professional status and appeal of an aviation maintenance career. She is currently serving as the secretary (a position she has held since 2001) on the FAA/Industry AMT Awards Committee, as well as the Tennessee Mid-South Aviation Maintenance Committee. Jennifer is also a big supporter of AMT Day each year, celebrating with food, prizes, and a bluegrass band to complement the day.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Third Annual AMTSociety Scholarship Fundraising Golf Tournament. It will be held at the Rio Secco Golf Club March 15, just before the start of Aviation Industry Expo in Vegas. Visit www.amtonline.com to register.

Thank you for your support. Stay safe.
— Tom Hendershot

2010 IA renewal program
Feb. 10, 2010, Holiday Inn Phoenix West, 1500 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix, AZ
Feb. 24, 2010, Holiday Inn KCI & Expo Center, 11730 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO
March 16-17, 2010, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, Aviation Industry Expo
March 24, 2010, The Summit Conference & Event Center, 411 Sable Blvd., Aurora, CO

Corporate Sponsors: Pacific Oil Cooler Service Inc.
Pacific Oil Cooler Service Inc. started its operations in 1961 located at Oakland Airport. The original name was Johnson Inc. DBA Pacific Oil Cooler Service Inc. and was housed in a 200-square-foot building.

Paul Saurenman acquired the business in 1988 and moved it to a 1,200-square-foot building at Brackett Airport in La Verne, CA. The company was re-incorporated in 1989 to Pacific Oil Cooler Service Inc.

In 2003 Saurenman purchased Aero-Classics in Huron, OH, which has since been relocated to La Verne, CA. Aero-Classics manufactures new oil coolers for the general aviation world. Having its own engineering and development department, it offers customers coolers manufactured to spec.
Pacific Oil Cooler Service Inc. is a large overhaul and repair facility with an experienced staff. Currently, an overhaul without repairs runs four to five days. Pacific Oil Cooler has technicians that specialize in the Beaver, Warbird, and round/oval coolers.

Goodrich Corporation
Goodrich Corporation is a global supplier of systems and services to aircraft and engine manufacturers, airlines and defense forces around the world. From aerostructures and actuation systems to landing gear, engine control systems, sensors and safety systems, Goodrich products are on almost every aircraft. It is headquartered in Charlotte, NC.

Goodrich today is dramatically different from the company created in 1870 by Benjamin Franklin Goodrich. Once one of the world’s largest and most respected manufacturers of rubber products, it is now a global leader in the aerospace, defense, and homeland security markets.

Its markets include large commercial, regional and business aircraft, helicopters, defense and space, original equipment, and aftermarket.

George T. Baker Aviation School
George T. Baker Aviation School is located in Miami. The school is a public, tax-supported institution authorized by the Florida Department of Education and operated by the Miami-Dade County Public School System. It is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and the National Center for Aircraft Technician Training (NCATT) and is certificated by the FAA under Part 147 of the FAR Certificate # CT9T072R.

It offers instruction in aerospace technology, electronics, avionics, and aircraft maintenance (airframe and powerplant). Both high school and adult students, upon completion of their respective course of study, may receive certificates issued from NCATT, FCC, and the FAA. It is only one of two schools in Florida to be accredited by NCATT and the only school in the country to offer NCATT accredited courses to high school students.

The aviation program was started in 1939 at Miami Senior High School. In 1942 the program moved into the unfinished Roosevelt Hotel. In 1943 the building became known as the Technical High School and several other programs moved into the facility. In 1947 the building was renamed the Lindsey Hopkins Education Center. Classes were held there until 1958 when the aviation program moved into its present quarters adjacent to Miami International Airport. In 1961 the building was dedicated as George T. Baker Aviation Maintenance Technician School to honor Baker who, until his death, had been president of National Airlines, and had donated the land to the school board of Miami-Dade County.