Aviation Technical Services (ATS) is a leading provider of comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) solutions for the aviation industry. With over 50 years of experience, ATS has established itself as a trusted partner for airlines, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and other aviation stakeholders. In this blog post, we’ll explore the main services offered by Aviation Technical Services, highlighting their expertise and commitment to excellence in the aviation maintenance sector.
Airframe Services
One of the core offerings of Aviation Technical Services is their extensive airframe maintenance capabilities. ATS is renowned for its expertise in this area, particularly for Boeing 737 aircraft. Their airframe services include:
Heavy Maintenance
ATS performs comprehensive heavy maintenance checks, ensuring aircraft are in optimal condition and compliant with regulatory requirements. These checks involve detailed inspections, repairs, and component replacements as necessary.
Modifications and Upgrades
The company carries out various modifications and upgrades to improve aircraft performance, efficiency, and compliance with new regulations. This may include avionics upgrades, cabin reconfigurations, or structural modifications.
Structural Repairs
ATS technicians are skilled in performing complex structural repairs, addressing issues such as corrosion, fatigue cracks, or damage from incidents.
Painting Services
To complete the airframe maintenance process, ATS offers fuselage painting services, allowing airlines to maintain their brand image and protect the aircraft exterior.
Component Repair
Another crucial service provided by Aviation Technical Services is component repair. Their component repair capabilities are extensive, covering a wide range of aircraft systems and parts. Some key areas include:
Accessories
ATS repairs and overhauls various aircraft accessories, ensuring their proper function and reliability.
Composites
The company has expertise in repairing and maintaining composite structures, which are increasingly common in modern aircraft.
Electrical and Fuel Components
ATS technicians are skilled in repairing and overhauling electrical systems and fuel components, critical for safe and efficient aircraft operation.
Flight Control Surfaces
The company provides maintenance and repair services for flight control surfaces, ensuring proper aircraft handling and control.
Hydraulics and Pneumatics
ATS offers comprehensive repair and overhaul services for hydraulic and pneumatic systems, essential for various aircraft functions.
Engineering Solutions
Aviation Technical Services goes beyond traditional MRO services by offering advanced engineering solutions. These services demonstrate ATS’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in the aviation industry. Key engineering solutions include:
Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA)
ATS develops and manufactures FAA-approved replacement parts, providing cost-effective alternatives to OEM parts without compromising on quality or safety.
Supplemental Type Certificates (STC)
The company designs and obtains approval for aircraft modifications, allowing operators to implement upgrades or changes to their fleet.
Design and Repair Engineering
ATS’s engineering team provides custom design solutions and develops repair schemes for complex maintenance issues, ensuring optimal solutions for unique challenges.
Ranger Asset Management
As part of their comprehensive service offering, ATS provides asset management services through their Ranger Air division. These services include:
Component Part Sales
ATS offers a wide range of aircraft components for sale, providing operators with access to quality parts for their maintenance needs.
Used Serviceable Material (USM)
The company sources and provides used serviceable material, offering cost-effective alternatives for aircraft maintenance and repair.
Consignment Services
ATS offers consignment services for aircraft parts, helping operators manage their inventory more effectively.
Distribution
Through its distribution network, ATS ensures efficient delivery of parts and components to customers worldwide.
Asset Acquisition and Teardown
The company acquires and teardowns aircraft, salvaging valuable components and materials for reuse in the aviation industry.
Apprenticeship Program
A unique aspect of Aviation Technical Services is their commitment to developing the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals. ATS offers an Apprenticeship Program where employees can train on the job while getting paid. This program provides:
- Hands-on training in various aspects of aircraft maintenance
- Opportunity to earn while learning
- Potential to become a certified mechanic upon completion
This initiative not only ensures a steady pipeline of skilled technicians for ATS but also contributes to the overall growth and sustainability of the aviation maintenance industry.
Comprehensive MRO Approach
What sets Aviation Technical Services apart is their focus on making the MRO process more efficient and cost-effective. They achieve this through several strategies:
Reducing Span Times
ATS works to minimize the time aircraft spend in maintenance, helping airlines maximize their operational efficiency.
Increasing Mechanic Efficiency
The company implements processes and tools to enhance the productivity of their maintenance technicians.
Improving Airline Operational Performance
By providing timely and high-quality maintenance services, ATS helps airlines improve their overall operational performance.
Lowering Overall Costs
ATS focuses on maintenance prevention strategies, helping airlines reduce their long-term maintenance costs.
Global Reach and Facilities
Aviation Technical Services operates multiple facilities across North America, providing convenient access to their services for a wide range of customers. Their facilities include:
- Headquarters in Everett, Washington
- Additional operations in Moses Lake, Washington
- Facilities in Kansas City, Missouri
- Operations in Fort Worth, Texas
With over 1.2 million square feet of aviation maintenance facilities, ATS has the capacity to handle a large volume of work efficiently.
Industry Recognition
The quality of services provided by Aviation Technical Services has not gone unnoticed in the industry. In 2016, ATS was awarded the Aviation Week MRO of the Year Award in the Leading Independent Organization category. This recognition was for their development of a full-service program that delivered accelerated, simplified fleet integration with full regulatory compliance and technical uniformity.
Conclusion
Aviation Technical Services offers a comprehensive suite of MRO and support services for the aviation industry. From airframe maintenance and component repair to engineering solutions and asset management, ATS provides end-to-end support for aircraft throughout their lifecycle. Their focus on efficiency, quality, and innovation, combined with their extensive experience and state-of-the-art facilities, makes them a preferred partner for airlines, OEMs, and other aviation stakeholders.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, with new technologies and increasing demands for efficiency and sustainability, Aviation Technical Services is well-positioned to meet these challenges. Their commitment to training the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals through their Apprenticeship Program ensures that they will continue to be at the forefront of the industry for years to come.
For airlines and aircraft operators looking for reliable, efficient, and innovative MRO solutions, Aviation Technical Services offers a compelling proposition. With their comprehensive range of services, industry-leading expertise, and commitment to excellence, ATS is truly a one-stop shop for all aviation maintenance needs.
