A Word From The President
Robert W. Honzik
Dear Readers:
It has been my experience that FAA certifications (TCs, STCs, and PMAs) have a definite chronological sequence of events... and a common temptation for a company new to certification is to try to shortcut this critical sequence for budget and schedule reasons... an admirable objective. It seems that the companies experienced in FAA certification know what sequence works and what does not work, a result of experience and trial and error. Companies new to certifications must acquire this ability by hiring experienced employees/subcontractors and by learning to manage their own projects. So what is it that new companies need to learn?
Successful certification projects tend to have three important elements. The first element is a sound working knowledge of the certification process. The second is the ability to plan, budget and control the certification project. And the third is establishing streamline company procedures that actually perform the certification activities. One can debate which one is more important, but when all is said and done, it really doesn't matter. All three of the above elements must be present. Blaming the FAA certification system for failed projects is not a proactive position since it usually follows the problem rather than taking a leadership role.
I created the Drake Group Aviation Program to address all three aspects of a successful FAA certification program; the certification process, project/business management, and company procedures. With these three elements, the copyrighted seminar series is "FAA applicant oriented". I refer to "FAA applicant oriented" as concentrating on the roles and responsibilities of the company applying for certification.
To reinforce this philosophy, the seminars are taught only by industry veterans with at least 25 years of FAA certification experience. As we all know, experience has two facets; what to do... and definitely... what not to do.
Robert W Honzik
President, FAA DER
Cell 702-682-0911
Email:bob@drake-group.com
