Avionics News September 2012 - 43

“There are a lot of exciting technologies coming in that aren’t going to be mandatory: terrain awareness for smaller aircraft, for example. Some of the things we’re looking at for our fleet include real-time engine trend monitoring. Technologies are going to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in engine maintenance, if you can identify problems quickly.”
TIM SHAW

Is there a specific issue or topic that you’re specifically excited to be working with the AEA? Certification and dealing with the final authorities. That’s always been a bone of contention. There are international treaties put in place between the FAA, Transport Canada and EASA. But, the problems always seem to be at the grass-roots level; you always have to deal with the local inspector who may or may not be familiar with the international treaties. They can really cause problems. You always seem to be operating in somebody’s own individual little fiefdom and trying to get them to acknowledge there’s a higher authority they should be looking at. Subjective interpretations of regulations come in, and it can be frustrating and expensive. Some inspectors just aren’t aware these treaties have been signed. What led you to want to become a member of the AEA’s board of directors? Basically, it’s because I’ve taken so much out of the organization, I felt it was time to put something back. What do you see as the next big thing for the avionics industry and Canadian avionics shops? The transition to the new air traffic management system and ADS-B. Transport Canada has to keep pace with the FAA system, and air traffic management between the two countries has to be seamless. There are a lot of exciting technologies coming in that aren’t going to be mandatory: terrain awareness for smaller aircraft, for example. Some of the things we’re

looking at for our fleet include real-time engine trend monitoring. Technologies are going to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in engine maintenance, if you can identify problems quickly. What would you say to someone considering avionics as a career? I think we’ve got a bit of a problem: The only people we’re going to keep in avionics are people who have a passion for aviation and avionics itself. The starting wage and wage structure for people graduating from a local technical college and entering the aviation industry aren’t all that great. We’re in the middle of the energy industry here, and someone going into that industry is going to be making two or three times the amount they would be in aviation. Also, if you go into a trade – a plumber or electrician – you’re going to be making more than if you went into aviation. Unfortunately, we’re so used to cheap flights everywhere, and there’s no room for increasing wages as with other trades. That is definitely putting a damper on it. I’m a member of the steering committee for the local technical college, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, and I’ve been doing some course-design work for the aviation programs. What about you personally? My wife, Barbara, and I have two children, Jamal and Marianna. My hobbies include cross-country skiing in the winter. In the summer, I’m an avid soccer fan and coach my son’s soccer team. q
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Avionics News September 2012

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