Kenosha, Wis., February 22, 2016 – The best-of-the-best in aviation maintenance from around the world once again square off against each other in the industry’s premier annual event, the Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on. The event is held at the MRO Americas 2016 Convention, April 5-7, at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas.
The Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on has become a widely attended international aviation experience. It gives certified AMTs from major airlines, MROs and OEMs, as well as military personnel and students in FAA Part 147 schools, the chance to test their skills against their peers.The two-day competition runs from 1 to 5 PM Tuesday, April 5, and 9 AM to 4 PM Wednesday, April 6. The awards presentation is from 9 to 11:00 AM Thursday, April 7.
“The competition is about raising the public’s awareness, and also the industry’s awareness to the knowledge, skill and training that all aircraft and spacecraft technicians must possess to perform our duties,” said Ken MacTiernan, Chairman, Aerospace Maintenance Competition.
This year’s field is one of the strongest ever as more than 40 teams representing seven countries are expected to participate. Some of the more notable teams include: American Airlines; United Airlines; Southwest Airlines; Air China; Qantas Airlines; FedEx; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical College; Salt Lake Community College; Boeing; Embraer and AAR.
The teams will compete in 22 events that challenge their knowledge, skill and team work. The team with the overall best score takes home the grand prize in aviation maintenance – the William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance. Presented by Snap-on, the coveted award signifies the highest standard of excellence in aviation maintenance. The O’Brien Award is a traveling trophy that debuted at the 2013 competition. The winning team receives the honor of displaying the 5-foot tall trophy in their facility for a year. In addition to the trophy, Snap-on is awarding more than $75,000 in tools and equipment as prizes to the top finishers in the competition. Last year, the five-member team from FedEx Indianapolis won and took the trophy back home to Indiana.
John Goglia, famed aviation safety and maintenance consultant and former National Transportation Safety Board member, said that the event serves as a perfect venue to celebrate and honor the work that AMTs routinely perform everyday around the world to keep aircraft flying safe.
“These talented men and women often don’t get the credit they deserve, but they’re out there when it’s cold and snowing, using their skills to get passengers where they need to be,” said Goglia, president, Aerospace Maintenance Council, which hosts the Aerospace Maintenance Competition. “This event epitomizes just how technical this industry is, and the Aerospace Maintenance Council is proud to showcase the best of what the aviation maintenance profession has to offer.”
Snap-on supports aviation technicians around the world through its commitment as the official tool sponsor for the Aerospace Maintenance Competition. Snap-on is providing all the tools and equipment used by the participants during the competition, as well as providing planning and logistical support.
“We take great pride in supporting the aviation industry with customized solutions engineered specifically for professional AMTs and AMEs,” said Andy Ginger, president, Snap-on Industrial. “Aviation is a critical industry for Snap-on; we’re proud to continue our partnership with the Aerospace Maintenance Council and the great work they do to showcase the best-of-the-best in aviation maintenance.”
Attendees to the MRO Americas 2016 Convention will also be able to tour Snap-on’s Advanced Technology Lab (ATL) vehicle. The ATL is a customized interactive lab on wheels, bringing Snap-on’s expertise in aviation to its customers for hands-on demonstrations. On display are the latest innovations in hand and power tools, tool control and asset management, and specialty aviation tools and equipment.
For more information about Snap-on, call 877.740.1900, or visithttp://www.snapon.com; for information on the Maintenance Skills Competition, visithttp://www.aerospacemaintenancecompetition.com/general-information/about/
About Snap-on Industrial
Snap-on Industrial is a division of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics, equipment, software and service solutions for professional users. Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as customers in industry, government, agriculture, aviation and natural resources. Products and services are sold through the company’s franchisee, company-direct, distribution and Web-based channels. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2.9 billion, S&P 500 Company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
