Aircraft Propeller Service, LLC, a Global Aerospace Partners company, (APS, www.aircraftpropeller.com, Lake Zurich, IL), a global leader in aircraft propeller maintenance services, announced the appointment of Sam Collins as Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement. Sam brings over 15 years of broad experience in quality assurance, continuous improvement and technical services with leading aerospace industry companies.
According to APS President and CEO, Dan Colbert, “Sam’s experience working with highly recognizable aerospace companies -- supporting their various departments from a regulatory and capability perspective -- will be extremely valuable to APS. His involvement in diverse areas from product development and manufacturing to maintenance, along with his direct role in obtaining more than a dozen Supplemental Type Certificates for major aircraft modifications and hundreds of Part Manufacturer Approvals from the FAA will make him a great addition to our team.”
Directly prior to joining APS, Collins served as Director of Quality with Chromalloy (Oldsmar, FL), where he proved to be a solid change agent strengthening relationships between the company and local FAA Manufacturing Inspection District Offices (MIDOs), along with restructuring the company’s Quality Department. His efforts resulted in significant cost reduction and process improvements.
Collins’ career also includes his role as Director of Technical Services with Cirrus Aircraft (Duluth, MN), where he developed objectives for its new OEM Repair Station, as well as addressing its tooling and training requirements, including Repair Station and EASA manuals, procedures and forms. Additionally, he has served as Director of Quality for Airco Group (Wichita, KS) and Quality Assurance Manager at Avcon Industries (Newton, KS). His first position in the industry was as an A&P Technician with Business Jet Center (Tulsa, OK); a role he followed with other technical positions including Lead Inspector with Cessna Aircraft (Independence, KS), and A&P Technician with Beechcraft (Wichita, KS).
Collins earned his Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Spartan College of Aeronautics and a Master of Business Administration in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix. He holds several professional designations, including: Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR), Pilots License (Single Engine, Multi Engine, IFR with High Altitude and High Performance Endorsements), Inspectors Authorization (IA) and Airframe and Powerplant (A&P).
More About APS
APS serves as a one-stop-shop for props, handling in-house all blade inspections and repairs as well as repair of hubs, actuators and other components. Air carriers, OEMs, MROs, and asset managers worldwide have come to depend on APS for its competitive pricing, fast turnarounds, in-depth OEM technical support and comprehensive exchange pool. Today, APS serves over 800 customers, processes more than 5,000 flight-critical parts annually and sells an extensive parts inventory which it also repairs. The company holds key certifications and licenses; a testament to its high quality service and commitment to delivering the highest value and return on investment in every customer engagement. APS is a proven resource across key categories of regional turboprop MRO services, general aviation MRO services, parts sales and exchanges, technical support and Aero Technologies Governors. For more information, visit: www.aircraftpropeller.com or contact: 847-541-1133 (USA).
