Recognizes Annual Nuts And Bolts Award Winners At MRO Americas

Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today reaffirmed its commitment to robust data-driven safety initiatives along with the deployment of infrastructure enhancements to ensure that commercial aviation remains the world's safest form of transportation. "Aviation is in its safest period in history and remains our number-one priority," said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. "Safety underpins every aspect of airline operations, and making further enhancements, including modernizing our infrastructure, should be a key component of a U.S. National Airline Policy."

Speaking at the Aviation Week Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Americas conference, Calio (pictured) attributed the industry's exemplary safety record to a strong working partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that encourages increased sharing of data and information. The industry supports the work of FAA to implement a wide range of initiatives included in the recently enacted FAA Modernization and Reform Act, which will enhance safety. A4A is committed to a safe and efficient transition to a next-generation air traffic management system and is a key component of a National Airline Policy.

Some of the projects supported by A4A include the deployment of ground radar at major airports, promoting the sharing of safety data by airlines and their employees with the FAA, and establishing a risk-based inspection system for aircraft repair stations located overseas.

Also at MRO Americas, the 45th Annual A4A Nuts and Bolts Award was presented by the A4A Engineering, Maintenance and Material Council (EMMC) recognizing exceptional service and contributions in the engineering or maintenance fields of the commercial aviation industry. The winner in the airline category is Mark Yerger, FedEx Express Vice President of Aircraft Engineering; and the recipient in the industry category is Carol Giles, former manager of the Aircraft Maintenance Division of the FAA Flight Standards Service.

"A4A congratulates the 2012 recipients of the Nuts and Bolts Award. The accomplishments of these dedicated aviation professionals have advanced aircraft and airline engineering and maintenance operations and support an industry safety culture that is second to none," Calio said.

Yerger has served with FedEx Express for 23 years, having been steadily promoted through the engineering ranks to his current position of vice president. During Yerger's tenure with FedEx, he has provided leadership and critical industry representation on multiple fronts and implemented innovative programs to improve FedEx aircraft performance. He has been the co-chairman of the FAA Airworthiness Assurance Working Group since 2006.

A4A recognized Giles for her 31-year aviation career, most recently serving at FAA. She began her FAA career in 1990 as an aviation safety inspector, specializing in aviation and aircraft maintenance and eventually became assistant deputy director of Flight Standards Service. Giles worked to develop and implement safety rules, regulations and policies affecting aviation maintenance facilities, air carriers and maintenance personnel.

FMI: www.airlines.org