The high score of the "Arch Rivals" in the seven-event display of professional skills edged out the second-place finishers, Bombardier Aerospace "Hot Wrenches." The first-time team from Southwest Airlines placed third.
In winning this year's PAMO title, Midcoast Aviation successfully defended their 2004 gold medal. "Arch Rivals" team members are: Bill Fields, Brian Bauwens, Tim Kennon. The team was coached by Vinnie Venditto, a previous team member.
In the fourth PAMO competition, 18 of the maintenance industry's top technicians competed in two days of events. Events included Safety Wire, Hardware Identification, Hydraulic Line Fabrication, Electrical Connectors, Rigging, Aircraft Technical Publisher's Data Research and FlightSafety International's Troubleshooting.
Other teams competing in PAMO 2005 represented Dassault Falcon Jet, JetBlue Airways, and General Dynamics Aviation Services.
"We present the Maintenance Olympics as a forum to demonstrate the high degree of technical skill and professionalism that maintenance technicians apply at work every day," said Tom Yanus, PAMO chair and program manager, Charles Taylor Department of Aviation Maintenance Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. "This year's competitors were at the top of their game and truly represent the best of our industry."
Snap-on Tools is the primary sponsor of PAMO. Underwriters for 2005 were Bombardier Aerospace, Dassault Falcon Jet, FlightSafety International, and Midcoast Aviation. Underwriters were Aircraft Technical Publishers, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Rockwell Collins, and Standard Aero.
Rules and details about the Olympic events are available on the PAMA web site at www.pama.org. The next Maintenance Olympics will be held during PAMA's 2006 Symposium, March 28-30 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
PAMA is the national association dedicated to enhancing professionalism and recognition of the Aviation Maintenance Technician through communication, education, representation and support -- for continuous improvement in aviation safety. For more information about PAMA, visit www.pama.org or contact national headquarters at 866-865-PAMA.
