2016 AMT Next Gen Award: Christophe Luce

Christophe Luce, 39, was born in Albert, a community in the Somme department in Picardie in northern France, and grew up with a connection both to the events of World War I, as well as to the nearby town of Méaulte, the birthplace of famed French airplane pioneer Henry Potez.  Potez established an factory in Méaulte to build aircraft in 1924 (this factory today operates under the name Stelia Aerospace, as part of the Airbus group). "My grandfather worked at the Méaulte factory as an Adjuster, first on Potez’ planes, then on German planes during World War II, and later on components for both the Sud Aviation Caravelle and the famed Concorde. It was through this deep family connection with aviation that I developed a passion for the industry."

He was hired as full-time engine technician at SECA (now Vector Aerospace France), and now is mobile repair team leader for the PT6A and PW100 lines, and also as head of Vector Aerospace France’s PW100 hot section inspection (HSI) repair area. He has supported 399 MRT events worldwide to date (spanning from Guinea on the west coast of Africa to Laos in Southeast Asia).

Luce has had comprehensive training on PT6A (PT6A-27/28, PT6A-41/42 & PT6A-64) and PW100 (PW118, PW120, PW121, PW124B and PW127 series).

Alex Youngs, Vector Aerospace vice president stratedy and analysis, says, "The Mobile Repair Team is truly the face of the company ‘in the field,’ and is called on at all times of the day, and on every day of the week, to get operators with an aircraft on the ground (AOG) flying again. Christophe quickly became an invaluable member of the MRT team: after acquiring the necessary certification approvals required to sign-off engines in the field, he soon demonstrated the flexibility and availability central to the MRT role, with customer satisfaction always being his priority. Christophe has developed a reputation as a highly regarded manager, bringing to the role deep technical insight, an overarching focus on operational safety, and an innate passion for customer service. In 2016, Vector Aerospace France nominated Christophe with its “Employé Référent Distinction,” recognizing him for his deep expertise and exemplary behavior. The values displayed daily by Christophe – including communication, sharing, respect, sense of service, loyalty, and trust – truly reflect Vector’s core principles."

Luce says, "I commit myself to provide a quality finished product, meeting customers’ requirements, and ensuring full satisfaction. I always meet the deadlines promised to customers, and provide reliable troubleshooting services to operators in AOG situations, no matter where or when."

As for future goals, Luce plans to give the best of himself, share his knowledge, inspire new colleagues, and to continue to improve himself and evolve.