Post Show Review

Informative seminars and training sessions as well as over 400 leading manufacturers exhibiting on 90,000 net square feet of exhibit space featuring the latest in ground support equipment, services and solutions, aircraft interiors and accessories, maintenance parts and supplies, fueling, training and avionics. With complimentary responses from attendees and exhibitors alike, the show's success has already generated an exhibit floor that is nearly 50-percent sold out for the 2004 event. "We are extremely pleased with the level of participation and support for the first time co-location of AS3/GSE International Expo," says Jill Hilgenberg, Show Director. "It's no secret that the aviation industry has been weathering some turbulent times over the last couple of years, but this event has provided a positive outlook on the recovery of the aviation industry."

The men and women who manage the procurement and logistics of ground equipment for the U.S. Air Force do not think of themselves as heroes, but they are aware of the importance of their role in war fighting and other military operations. Marianne Deuster, who heads the Ground Support and Vehicle Management Division of the U.S. Air Force Air Logistic Command (ALC) based at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, began her briefing for the GSE Expo exhibitors with the "No Air Power Without Ground Power" motto that focuses the logisticians on the essential role they are playing in the war on terror.

Ms. Deuster emphasized her mission statement "Know our customers, understand their needs and expectations, and provide the highest level of Aerospace Equipment and Vehicles Logistics Support possible." Fulfilling this mission has been a hard job. To ensure that their customers, i.e. the warfighters, are getting what is needed, they meet regularly with Working Advisory Groups and Product Improvement Working Groups. The members of these teams, the operators of the equipment keep the logisticians informed of real needs and of problems with present equipment. While military specifications sometimes seem extreme, conditions such as those encountered in Iraq call for equipment that can be operated in very tough environments. Yet, the Air Force wants to use commercial equipment as much as possible. The warfighters in Iraq and in the other U.S. military operations around the world require lots of equipment and they require it now. Ms. Deuster outlined some of the problems that her organization has faced and she thanked suppliers and manufacturers who stepped up to meet the challenge.

The military definition of aviation support equipment is much broader than the usual airline definition of GSE. Not only does it include many items that an airline would consider maintenance equipment, but it covers a variety of weapons handling equipment for anything from machine guns to nuclear weapons, all which must be handled with both care and speed.

Ms. Deuster noted that Warner Robins ALC handles 64,000 items with an inventory value of $6.3 billion dollars. Their procurement budget for three years is $760 million, coupled with an estimated repair budget of $25 million. They are responsible for over 7,000 Technical Orders. They do this despite a shortage of experienced personnel at Robins as many of the "old hands" stayed behind when the responsibility for support equipment was transferred from Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX.

The Robins ALC has been, and will continue to be, heavily involved in the efforts of the Air Force to convert to alternative fuels and, in particular, to hydrogen powered fuel cells. Carl Perazzola, who heads their Advanced Power Technology Office, participated in the standing room only Expo session - Electric Power - Fuel Cells, Batteries, Hybrids, which took place on the last day of the show. Attendees were brought up-to-date on the many avenues that the branches of the military are following in the development and implementation of alternative power sources.

The ALC utilizes the Federal Business Opportunities web site found at www.fedbizopps.gov to advertise Federal government procurements over $25,000 and Ms. Deuster encourages small businesses to work with the Air Force. The Warner Robins Air Logistic Center Small Business Office website is www.robins.af.mil/smallbusiness/index.htm - George Prill

Seminars
Seminars and training sessions have been important to both AS3 and GSE Expo shows in the past and this year was no different. NATA and PAMA had several opportunities for owner/operators, technicians, and other attendees with a full series of informative sessions including the NATA Safety 1st Trainer Seminar and the Washington Update. PAMA offered many technical seminars as well as the popular PAMA Maintenance Olympics for the aircraft maintenance technician attendees.

On the GSE Expo side of the house, the conference schedule offered daily seminars within the overarching themes of Environment, Alternative, and Traditional Fuels; Terrorism, Homeland Security; and Equipment Management and Maintenance.

On behalf of Ground Support Magazine, Airport Business, Aircraft Maintenance Technology, and Cygnus Expositions; we thank all who participated in this year's show and look forward to seeing more of you in 2004.

Tee time

Although now part of the large ITW GSE Group, J&B Aviation continued its tradition of opening each GSE Expo with an invitational golf tournament at one of Las Vegas' many courses. This year's get together, the company's fifth annual event, saw 14 teams totalling nearly 60 players do battle on the lush fairways of the city's Angel Park Golf Club.

All teams posted excellent scores, with 12 of the 14 coming in under par. However, the winning foursome of Bob Maier (Parsons), Mark Zuroske (Insul-8), Mitch Chokas (HKS) and Ron Steger (Airmotive) proved too hot to handle with an eight-under-par 63.

Those keen to know whether the Ground Support Magazine representative prospered or just perspired in the desert heat will be heartened to know that his team placed fourth - albeit thanks completely to the accuracy of team mates Scott Twining (Hobart), Dusty Sloan (Ameribridge) and Irwin Haber (PDI).

- Richard Rowe