Kenosha, Wis., April 27, 2018 – A dynasty of excellence in aircraft maintenance is forming in Northern Ohio as United Airlines Team Cleveland repeated as champions in the annual Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on.
 
United Airlines Team Cleveland topped 67 other teams from around the world, the most ever to compete, in route to capturing the famed William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance. It was awarded at the Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on, April 9-12, at the MRO Americas Convention in Orlando.
 
“It’s amazing winning this award again, there’s no other way to describe it,” said Jack Waldeck, aircraft maintenance technician, United Airlines. “The support we received from United was great, we couldn’t ask for anything more. We trained very hard, which is why this is so satisfying for us. We’re very excited to bring the O’Brien trophy back to Cleveland.”
 
Joining Waldeck on United Airlines Team Cleveland were Harold Dschuhan, Daniel Morrison, Garrett Morrison, R.J. Peterson, David Vance, Brian Hall (coach) and Russ Peterson (captain).
 
“It’s very gratifying to see the commitment from United and they’re behind us 100 percent,” Team Captain Russ Petersons said. “This year we had four teams entered in the competition (Cleveland, San Francisco, Houston and Orlando); it’s great having United behind all of us competing in the AMC.”
 
The William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance, is the grand prize for the team with the overall winning score in the Aerospace Maintenance Competition. The four-foot tall O’Brien trophy will be on display at United Airlines’ Cleveland maintenance facility for the next 12 months. The trophy, which features a bust of Charles E. Taylor, an aviation pioneer who built and maintained the first aircraft engine used by the Wright Brothers. Sponsorship of the Award is part of Snap-on’s continued commitment to the Aerospace Maintenance Competition and aviation maintenance technicians around the world.
 
“The Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on is designed to demonstrate the highly technical skills and knowledge that’s required of aviation technicians today,” said Tom Murray, Director of Marketing & Business Development, Snap-on Industrial. “We’re very proud of all the participating teams, and especially the talented professionals at United Airlines Team Cleveland for repeating as champions. When you take home the William O’Brien trophy, you’re the best of the best in the MRO profession.”
 
The Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on, and hosted by the Aerospace Maintenance Council (www.aerospacecompetition.org), is an event that gives teams of licensed AMTs, AMEs, international military personnel and qualified aviation maintenance students the chance to test their aviation maintenance skills against those of their peers. The competition included 28 challenges in areas such as avionics, safety wiring, fiber optics/flight control rigging, hydraulics, jet engine troubleshooting, workplace safety SMS and other tasks. Teams had 15 minutes to accurately complete each task; teams that finished their tasks in less than the allotted time received higher scores.  
 
“The Aerospace Maintenance Competition is about raising awareness among the public, and within the aviation industry, about the knowledge, skill and integrity that today’s aircraft and spacecraft engineers and technicians possess. The AMC was created to promote the craft so that others know what our responsibilities are, and newcomers know what to expect,” said Ken MacTiernan, chairman of the Aerospace Maintenance Competition.
 
School Category; Other Top Finishers
This year, 25 school teams entered the competition, with Aviation Institute of Maintenance Houston taking home top honors.
 
“When they announced we won, I think the tears started flowing a little bit,” said Michael Riccardelli, team captain and instructor, Aviation Institute of Maintenance Houston.
 
This is the school’s first championship in nine years at the AMC. Riccardelli said the team put in more than 200 hours of practice in preparation for this year’s event, and three returning team members collectively had more than 500 hours of practice.
 
“The reason why it’s important we come to the AMC every year is to get our students noticed and let the industry know that we have some really good technicians coming out,” Riccardelli said. “I’m very proud of our team, and excited for their futures as they embark on their careers. 
 
Top finishers in other categories included:
 
MRO/OEM Category

• 1st place: FedEx Express - Indianapolis
• 2nd place: Boeing
• 3rd place: United Airlines - Houston

 
School Category

• 1st place: AIM Houston
• 2nd place: Utah State University
• 3rd place: Broward College - Team 1

 
Military Category

• 1st place: United States Coast Guard - C-27J APO
• 2nd place: United States Coast Guard - Air Station Clearwater
• 3rd place: United States Air Force - McConnell 22 MXG/931 MXG

 
Commercial Category

• 1st place: United Airlines - Cleveland
• 2nd place: Alaska Airlines - Seattle
• 3rd place: American Airlines - Dallas

 
General Aviation Industry

• Phillips 66

 
International Category

• 1st place - Qantas
• 2nd place - Jetstar
• 3rd place - Flybe

 
Female Team Category

• 1st place – United Airlines/Chix Fix

 
United Competing with Professionalism Award

• Broward College Team 1

​Charles E. Taylor Professional AMT Award

• Industry: Staff Sgt. Christopher Culp, United States Army – 128th Aviation Brigade
• Student: Yolanda Gong / West Los Angeles College

 
Phoebe Omlie Scholarship Award (Phoebe Omlie was the first female to receive an FAA aircraft mechanic’s license in 1927).

• Jordan Bankhead – Utah State University
• Yolanda Gong – West Los Angeles College
• Rachel Lattin – Wichita Area Technical College
• Roy Quintuna – Aviation High School

 
In addition to the William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance, Snap-on provided all the tools and equipment used by the participants during the competition, and donated more than $75,000 in tools and equipment prizes to top finishers in the competition. More than 50 other companies, educational institutions, community organizers and individual volunteers contributed time, resources, prizes, product and airline miles to the event. Premium sponsors included American Airlines and Pratt & Whitney.
 
For more information about Snap-on, call 877.740.1900, or visit http://www.snapon.com. For information on the Aerospace Maintenance Competition, visit www.aerospacecompetition.com. To watch a recap of the 2018 Aerospace Maintenance Competition, visit https://youtu.be/sI0YcHDVyqo.
  
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 $3.7 billion, S&P 500 Company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
 
About Aerospace Maintenance Council
The Aerospace Maintenance Council is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports the aviation maintenance profession. The council’s flagstone event, the Aerospace Maintenance Competition, recognizes and celebrates the aviation maintenance technician, and raises awareness of the knowledge and skill required to maintain safe, airworthy aircraft, worldwide.
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The Aerospace Maintenance Competition showcases the talent required of aviation maintenance technicians to maintain aircraft and spacecraft in safe, airworthy condition. To further support of our future mechanics, AMC is proud to provide a scholarship in recognition of Phoebe Jane Fairgrave Omlie, the first female to receive an FAA aircraft mechanic’s license in 1927. Phoebe helped show the world that women were just as capable as men in repairing and maintaining aircraft.
 
Awards in the amount of $1,000-$2,000 were presented at the 2018 AMC on April 12 in Orlando. This year's recipients were:​

• Jordan Bankhead, Utah State University: Mr. Bankhead, a senior at Utah State University, has distinguished himself academically in the college’s aviation technology maintenance/management program, while working full time as a professional welder.  His extracurricular activities include the Society of Aviation Maintenance Professionals, where he serves as the chapter president.  Mr.  Bankhead is working towards his FAA airframe and powerplant mechanic’s certificate, as well as pilot certificates. 
• Yolanda Gong, West Los Angeles College: Ms. Gong is a straight A student in her college’s aviation technology program, where she is studying to become an FAA-licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic.  Ms. Gong maintains her Dean’s List Honors while working two part time jobs including as a ramp service person for United Airlines and a maintenance technician assistant for Certified Aviation Services.
• Rachel Lattin, Wichita Area Technical College: Although Ms. Lattin is an undergraduate at her college studying to be an aviation maintenance technician, she is already an accomplished aviation professional, working part time as a commercial helicopter pilot and flight instructor.  She has already earned her FAA airframe mechanic’s rating and is working towards her powerplant rating.  She demonstrates her passion for aviation in her writing and in her daily pursuits.
• Roy Quintuna, Aviation High School:  Mr. Quintuna is a senior at New York City’s prestigious Aviation High School.  Mr. Quintuna has already earned his FAA airframe mechanic’s rating and is working towards his powerplant rating.  He has volunteered for many organizations and has held a number of leadership positions, including Cadet Master Sergeant of the Air Force J.R.O.T.C., president of SkillsUSA and Cadet Deputy Commander for the Color Guard Drill Team.  Mr. Quintana’s goal is to major in electrical engineering and ultimately join the Air Force as a pilot and a maintenance technician.

The scholarship is supported through the generous contributions of AMC participants and sponsors. For more information and to apply, visit www.aerospacecompetition.com/scholarship. Applications for next year's award are due March 15, 2019.

Bob Whopperer, VP of Business Development, from Spectro Scientific visited West LA College to hand deliver their prize for the team with the fastest score in the oil analysis event. The school received a MiniVisc 3050 and standard accessories. This package has a commercial value of $11,269!

Thanks to Yolanda "Yolie" Gong who crushed the event with a score of 4:16 minutes, all of the students at West LA College will be able to have hands on experience with cutting edge training material.

Thank you Bob and Spectro Scientific for a challenging event and the generous prize!

Enjoy these event highlights, curtesy of our fantastic sponsors. Have a highlight reel you'd like to share? Send it to team@aerospacecompetition.com.

Click the photo below to access the event album. Check back often as more photos are added!

Have a cool shot you'd like to share? Add it to the google album (click the image below) or email it to us at team@aerospacecompetition.com.

Top finishers of the 2018 Aerospace Maintenance Competition were as follows:
 
MRO/OEM Category

• 1st place: FedEx Express - Indianapolis
• 2nd place: Boeing
• 3rd place: United Airlines - Houston

 
School Category

• 1st place: AIM Houston
• 2nd place: Utah State University
• 3rd place: Broward College - Team 1

 
Military Category

• 1st place: United States Coast Guard - C-27J APO
• 2nd place: United States Coast Guard - Air Station Clearwater
• 3rd place: United States Air Force - McConnell 22 MXG/931 MXG

 
Commercial Category

• 1st place: United Airlines - Cleveland
• 2nd place: Alaska Airlines - Seattle
• 3rd place: American Airlines - Dallas

 
General Aviation Category: Phillips 66

International Category

• 1st place - Qantas
• 2nd place - Jetstar
• 3rd place - Flybe

 
Female Team Category: United Airlines – Chix Fix 

United Competing with Professionalism Award: Broward College Team 1 

Charles E. Taylor Professional AMT Award:

• Industry: Staff Sgt. Christopher Culp, United States Army – 128th Aviation Brigade
• Student: Yolanda Gong/West Los Angeles College

Bill O'Brien Award: United Airlines - CLE

Individual Event Winners

Daniels Manufacturing Electrical Troubleshooting

• 1st place: United Airlines - CLE
• 2nd place: FedEx Express - INDY
• 3rd place: United States Air Force - Ogden Air Logistics Complex

Daniels Manufacturing Corporation Safe-T-Cable

• 1st place: Alaska Airlines - ANC
• Tied for 2nd place
  
  • JetBlue
  • Qantas
  • Utah State University

Airbus A320 CAT III Certification

• 1st place: Broward College - Team 2
• 2nd place: United Airlines - Chix Fix
• 3rd place: United Airlines - HOU

United Airlines Fuel Tank Entry Precautions

• 1st place: United Airlines - HOU
• 2nd place: United Airlines - CLE
• 3rd place: United Airlines - MCO

Eastern Florida State Space Vehicle - Vacuum Loading Operation

• 1st place: Alaska Airlines - SEA
• 2nd place: United Airlines - CLE
• 3rd place: Broward College - Team 1

Spectro Scientific Oil Test Analysis

• 1st place: West Los Angeles College
• 2nd place: Southern Illinois University Carbondale - Team 2
• 3rd place: Broward College - Team 1

ABARIS Composite Repair

• 1st place: Alaska Airlines - SEA
• 2nd place: United Airlines - HOU
• 3rd place: United Airlines - MCO

PPG Aerospace Sealant

• 1st place: United States Air Force - McConnell 22 MXG/931 MXG
• 2nd place: United Airlines - CLE
• 3rd place: Jetstar

ULTRAX Aerospace Condition Based Intelligence

• 1st place: United Airlines - CLE
• 2nd place: FedEx Express - INDY
• 3rd place: United Airlines - Chix Fix

Atheer AiR & American Airlines Augmented Reality Pedestal

• 1st place: American Airlines - DFW
• 2nd place: Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Houston
• 3rd place: Alaska Airlines - ANC

Embry-Riddle Precision Measurement

• 1st place: United Airlines - CLE
• 2nd place: Middle Tennessee State University - Team 2
• 3rd place: Jetstar

JetBlue University ADS-B Troubleshooting

• 1st place: JetBlue
• 2nd place: FedEx Express - INDY
• 3rd place: Qantas

Barfield Fuel Quality

• 1st place: Qantas
• 2nd place: United Airlines - CLE
• 3rd place: Alaska Airlines - SEA

Barfield Pitot Static

• 1st place: JetBlue
• 2nd place: American Airlines - DFW
• 3rd place: United Airlines - MCO

FedEx Turbine Engine

• 1st place: FedEx Express - INDY
• 2nd place: FedEx Express - MEM
• 3rd place: American Airlines - DWH

Indian Hills Community College Magneto

• 1st place: Alaska Airlines - SEA
• 2nd place: Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Houston
• 3rd place: Southern Illinois University Carbondale - Team 1

Boeing Cable Rigging

• 1st place: United Airlines - CLE
• 2nd place: FedEx Express - INDY
• 3rd place: Indian Hills Community College

American Airlines APU Burner Can

• 1st place: American Airlines - DWH
• 2nd place: FedEx Express - INDY
• 3rd place: Alaska Airlines - ANC

Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan Engine

• 1st place: Pratt & Whitney - WiseWomen
• 2nd place: United States Coast Guard - Aero Engineers
• 3rd place: HAECO Americas

W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Dry Sealant Panel Installation

• 1st place: United Airlines - HOU
• 2nd place: United States Coast Guard - Aero Engineers
• 3rd place: Flybe

Alaska Airlines External Power Receptacle

• 1st place: Alaska Airlines - SEA
• 2nd place: Boeing
• 3rd place: Broward College - Team 2

Nida Corp Power Troubleshooting

• 1st place: American Airlines - TUL
• 2nd place: Alaska Airlines - SEA
• 3rd place: United Airlines - CLE

Boeing Fiber Optics

• 1st place: Boeing
• 2nd place: Alaska Airlines - SEA
• 3rd place: United Airlines - MCO

Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association Charles Taylor Exam

• 1st place: United Airlines - CLE
• 2nd place: Alaska Airlines - SEA
• 3rd place: Utah State University

Aerospace Maintenance Council Safety Wiring

• 1st place: Alaska Airlines - ANC
• 2nd place: United Airlines - CLE
• Tied for 3rd place:
  
  • ​Utah State University
  • Phillips 66
  • Pratt & Whitney - WiseWomen
  • United States Air Force - Altus A-Team
  • JetBlue

Advanced Torque Accurate Torqueing

• 1st place: United Airlines - CLE
• 2nd place: FedEx Express - INDY
• 3rd place: Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Houston

U.S. Air Force Fluid Lines

• 1st place: United Airlines - HOU
• 2nd place: JetBlue
• 3rd place: United Airlines - CLE

Alberth Aviation Wheel and Brake Removal and Installation

• 1st place: Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Houston
• 2nd place: FedEx Express - MEM
• 3rd place: Phillips 66

Thanks to teams, sponsors and spectators for making the 2018 Aerospace Maintenance Competition the best yet. Stay tuned for more videos and photos as they are made available.

Team captains received final score sheets via email the week following the event. If you did not receive your team's copy, email team@aerospacecompetition.com.

Registration for the 2019 event, taking place April 8-11 in Atlanta, will open this summer. In the meantime, enjoy an encore of the highlight reel, which premiered at the beginning of the awards ceremony.

The last and final revision of the event manual is available. This version incorporates the following modifications:

• Added additional information to Eastern Florida State Space Vehicle - Vacuum Loading Operation event instructions, with supplemental instruction on “call and response” protocol.
• Added simulation guide and replaced task card for Airbus event.
• Added instructions to Atheer AiR & American Airlines Augmented Reality Pedestal event.
• Revised U.S. Air Force Flex Fluid Lines event description and instructions.
• Added reference to Spectro Scientific Oil Test Analysis: linked to “how to run a sample” YouTube video.
• Replaced floorplan with final competition layout.
• Added additional language notifying participants that only those with designated AMC badges (identifying the individual as a competitor, instructor/coach, sponsor, or volunteer/staff) are permitted to access the competition floor prior to official show opening times.

The event schedule, event group and team list will be printed and available to all participants. Copies of the entire event manual will not be provided, competitors that wish to reference a print version should bring their own copy.

AirExpert will again bring you live streaming of the April 9-12, 2018 event. Sign up to receive the access link. 

AirSafet.com is presenting five deserving AMT students or professionals the opportunity to take the FAA Remote Pilot Exam in order to become a commercial UAS pilot.
 
The scholarship will pay your costs (about $150) to take the exam that will allow you to become a licensed commercial sUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft System) pilot.
 
Eligibility:

• Involvement in the 2018 AMC Competition
• Not currently a certificated pilot with a current flight review (you can already take the test for free, but you may want to first complete the requirements discussed below)
• High school students, AMT school students, active duty military preferred

 
Requirements:To be eligible to get the scholarship, you have to complete the following three tasks:

• TASK 1: Register an account at the FAASafety.gov web site and take the free Part 107 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) course offered by the FAA at https://www.faasafety.gov/

• TASK 2: Send us your course completion certificate.
• TASK 3: Schedule an appointment with a Knowledge Testing Center (KTC) where you can take the test and we will arrange to cover your expenses. Find one near you at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/media/test_centers.pdf

Sensible things to do before taking the test:

• Review the FAA requirements to become a remote pilot - at https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/part_107/remote_pilot_cert/#first
• Review the links in the Useful Resources section of this document
• Review the FAA’s list of suggested study materials at https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/part_107/remote_pilot_cert/#first

 
For more information, download the information package. To apply, contact Todd Curtis  at todd@airsafemedia.com.