Avionics News January 2013 - 43

2. Expand your design capabilities by adding EASA Part 21 design organization approval or partnering with other DOAs. Increasingly, equipment cannot be repaired in the field, requiring highly specialized and costly test equipment. Keep up with this trend by making sure you have access to these capabilities. “Even minor changes to an aircraft, such as a headphone installation or a small repair on a mechanical antenna outside SRM, needs Part 21 design capability or at least a long-lasting EASA evaluation,” Redak said. “Plus, pure Part 145 maintenance capability is not enough to suffice turnover and attract new customers. You have to provide customized solutions to your clients in order to retain them.” 3. Minimize your regulatory burden by adopting AEA’s safety management system. Doing so demonstrates to Transport Canada that your business is low-risk, resulting in a longer surveillance interval. Although Transport Canada has delayed implementation of SMS to 573 AMOs, they have adopted a standardized, risk-based approach to planning surveillance activities across all operational areas, taking into account all available safety information regarding TCCA-approved organizations, according to John Carr, AEA’s Canadian regulatory consultant. Surveillance activities include assessments and program validation inspections. Planned surveillance intervals will range from one year for high-risk and/or high-impact organizations to five years for low-risk and/or low-impact organizations. Your risk profile considers whether you’re managing risk to an acceptable level of safety and compliance, and the impact you have on the aviation transportation system and public confidence. Organizations not required to have an SMS will be subject to PVIs as a planned surveillance activity, whereas SMScompliant organizations will be subject to both PVIs and assessments. “An increase in the surveillance interval from the current one-year period up to a five-year period will be possible, if you can demonstrate to Transport Canada through the voluntary implementation of SMS that your organization falls into the low-risk category,” Carr said.

4. Get your business online. Yes, it’s time to get on Twitter (it’s free) and create a website, which you can have for as low as $60 a year at weebly.com, wordpress.org or a number of other online services. If necessary, hire a bright teenager for two days to help get your company online. You need a voice in the digital world and a way for customers to find you and learn about your products and services. 5. Get comfortable with new technology, especially tablets like the iPad. Find ways to help pilots use them more efficiently in the cockpit, from charging the battery with a new USB port to stowing them safely during takeoff and landing, suggested Aaron Ward, AEA’s director of information services. Simple installations like these can help make pilots’ workdays easier and put a little money in your pocket. “I think in 2013, the tablet market will continue to explode in growth,” Ward said. “Manufacturers and repair stations will need to embrace this trend and determine ways to use it to their advantage. Repair stations should take advantage of these devices to help with installations, repairs and training.” 6. Capitalize on opportunities. Look for smart ways to make flying easier and safer for your customers while decreasing the sting of costs, and creating cash flow for your business. For example, the ADS-B mandate may seem far off, but can you save your customer some cash by installing the system now while their aircraft is down for major maintenance or overhaul? Is there ADS-B-compliant or other mandated equipment that your customer should consider during an avionics upgrade? Are there early incentives available from manufacturers? Tell your customers about these options now, even if they don’t show an interest in ADS-B. “Also, purchase ADS-B-compliant equipment for stock now,” Baxter said. “Any time the Australian dollar is high against the U.S. dollar, it is the right time to purchase your inventory.” 7. Focus on technical training. Start by broadening your employees’ skills. Take advantage of slower periods, and send your employees for technical training beyond their current scope. This provides flexibility in how you can use them during your busiest days.

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Avionics News January 2013

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