Participants at the Avionics Maintenance Conference plugged away at the list of 233 discussion topics, compiled in a thick booklet, that are meant to settle airline-vendor beefs over parts and service. There is nothing better (or worse) than a jury of your peers and customers. Holding forth at microphones positioned around a conference hall configured with airline representatives in the center and vendors on either side, company representatives explained, defended, even apologized for delayed deliveries or faulty parts. The discussion topics range from the substantial–for example, how to standardize and digitize the hundreds of service bulletins airlines receive each year–to the relatively minor. “Why is Honeywell giving an email address of somebody who has no intention to answer questions?” KLM huffed.

Make no mistake; this is a two-way street. Air Canada queried why Honeywell hadn’t provided price lists and schematics for latest revisions to an air data intertial reference unit. Honeywell asked whether Air Canada indeed flies the Airbus A320 and Boeing 767 aircraft referenced, “to clarify whether operators and MROs (maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations) are asking questions not necessarily pertaining to their fleet type.” KLM also complained that the relevant person at Goodrich is hard to find. After explaining the situation, Goodrich’s representative offered that, “in the future, when unsure of the contact person, our Web site can be of great help.”
There has been talk of funding and organizational issues with AMC, but this is constructive discussion and good theater. Let’s hope this forum continues.