ATAC helps Brantley firm attain aviation quality status
In a region that is economically stressed, being a contender in the international aerospace arena might be considered a pipe dream to some, but to Helispec Inc. of Brantley, Alabama it is a reality.
With assistance from the Auburn Technical Assistance Center (ATAC), the Alabama Technology Network Center at Auburn University, Helispec has attained AS 9100-2000 registration and is now qualified to compete for and attain a variety of industrial and governmental aerospace business contracts. Being a small business, this is a major accomplishment for the company.
Founded in 2004 by Sandra Smith, Gregg Holt and Mark Topping, the small helicopter repair and overhaul plant specializes in repairing crash damage and overhauling a variety of helicopters, from Russian MI-8 through to the Boeing CH-47 Chinook for the military, civil agencies and private customers.
“We really got our start doing paint work,” said Helispec Chief Executive Officer Sandra Smith. “We now do a variety of repairs.”
Helispec first began its relationship with ATAC in 2005 when ATAC Quality Specialist Chuck McPherson helped the firm attain its FAA Repair Station license.
“Once we attained FAA Repair Station licensing, we moved on to establishing a quality management system that would enable AS 9100-2000 registration,” McPherson said. Helispec Vice President Mark Topping, says it is unusual to locate an aircraft repair facility in a rural center such as Brantley in Crenshaw County, Ala., but he adds that the company chose the location for a number of reasons.
“One of the most important reasons we selected this area is because we thought we could help the region economically,” Topping said.
Helispec averages repair and paint work on some six to eight aircraft monthly and company officials say business is growing.
“Business has started to increase,” Topping said. Topping adds that the firm anticipates increasing its employee base by approximately 30 by the end of the year.
AS 9100 is the quality measurement standard for the aerospace industry. Criteria are based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards; however, the International Aerospace Standard (AS 9100) includes some 80 certification measures over and above the ISO certification process for other types of manufacturing.
“Now that we have attained AS 9100-2000 registration, we plan to continue our relationship with ATAC to assist us in achieving AS 9110 certification for aircraft maintenance organizations,” Smith said.
Source: Helispec
More from Defence Helicopter
-
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.