Expert Insights on Maintenance in Business Aviation: Interview with Pavel Anderle, Technical Director and CAMO Manager at JetBee

Pavel Anderle, CAMO manažer v JetBee

What does it take to ensure the reliability and safety of business jets? Pavel Anderle, Technical Director and CAMO Manager at JetBee, reveals how maintenance checks, Pre-Buy inspections, and the latest trends in aviation maintenance shape the industry. Read the full interview to learn more.

Hawker 400A Maintenance

Thank you for taking the time to discuss aircraft maintenance in business aviation with us. To begin, could you tell us about your responsibilities at JetBee?

Thank you for having me. At JetBee, I work as both Technical Director and CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization) Manager. As Technical Director, I am responsible for all technical aspects of the fleet, including maintenance, planning, fleet renewal, and technical specifications. As CAMO Manager, I ensure that our aircraft remain operational and meet all safety standards. This involves coordinating and supervising maintenance activities, from routine inspections to aircraft repairs and dealing with unexpected situations that may occasionally arise.

That sounds like an exciting job. What does a typical day at work look like for you?

Every day is slightly different but follows a certain structure. I usually start with a meeting with my colleagues to discuss planned tasks and maintenance activities. I then review and schedule maintenance tasks using our software tools. This includes updating flight and engine logs, scheduling maintenance for our service centre on a weekly, monthly and annual basis. Additionally, I handle orders from external customers. Although there is some structure, no two days are the same.

You mentioned external customers. Do private aircraft owners also come to you for maintenance?

Exactly. JetBee specialises in Beechjet/Hawker 400A and Nextant 400XT aircraft, which are also part of our fleet. We provide full maintenance services for these aircraft in our own service centre and offer the same services to external customers. We are authorised to perform both light and heavy maintenance such as routine inspections, component replacements, repairs and overhauls. In addition, we conduct borescope inspections of engines, which are crucial for example during Pre-Purchase Inspections (PPIs), for which we are competent, too.

Pavel Anderle na školení ohledně maintenance

Can you tell us more about your service centre? What advantages does it offer JetBee and its clients?

Our service centre is located at the international airport in Prague, a strategic location with excellent accessibility. We have a hangar equipped with all the necessary tools and technology for aircraft maintenance. We also have the option to lease additional facilities. Having our own service centre allows us to provide our customers with fast and efficient services at competitive prices.

How does JetBee approach aircraft maintenance?

With diligence and responsibility. Aviation requires a focus on safety and reliability, and that is the standard we maintain at JetBee. Our service centre is equipped with the latest certified technology and tools to perform comprehensive maintenance. We strictly follow all aviation authority standards and regulations to ensure that our aircraft are always in excellent technical condition. Our technicians are highly qualified, certified professionals with years of experience. They meet all EASA requirements and regularly attend training sessions to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies.

You mentioned borescope inspections of engines earlier. Could you explain how the process works and what benefits it brings to your customers?

Borescope inspections are an essential and efficient method that allows us to examine the internal components of an engine without costly and time-consuming disassembly. Using a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light, known as a borescope, we inspect the condition of compressor and turbine blades and vanes, combustion chamber and other components. This enables us to detect damage or wear early and make the necessary repairs, saving customers time and money by minimising aircraft downtime.

The technician performing borescope inspections must carefully analyze any findings, assess their severity, and propose the appropriate solution.

You have extensive experience with engines and borescope inspections. Are there any challenges associated with these inspections?

I’ve worked on development engines for an international corporation for several years, where borescope inspections were part of my daily routine. While I’ve gained significant expertise, these inspections do present challenges. Accessing hard-to-reach areas within an engine is one aspect; understanding what you’re looking at is another. The technician must distinguish whether the finding is just dirt, a small crack, or something more serious like significant wear, and then determine the severity of the issue.

Could you share an example from your experience?

One notable example is exposure to volcanic ash, which poses significant challenges to aviation, particularly engine maintenance. Volcanic ash acts like sandpaper on engine components. I've seen cases where turbine blades were almost completely worn away by volcanic ash. In some cases, damage that initially appeared minor revealed critical cracks on detailed borescope inspection that could have led to serious engine failure if left unaddressed. In another case, what appeared to be a serious crack in a turbine blade turned out to be a thin fibre from a cleaning cloth. This highlights the importance of experience and the proper equipment when carrying out borescope inspections to ensure that even subtle problems are correctly identified.

Maintenance services of JetBee

You also mentioned Pre-Buy or Pre-Purchase Inspections. What do these entail?

Pre-Buy Inspections are an essential service that can save potential buyers considerable hassle and expense. Our experienced technicians conduct a thorough examination of the aircraft, including its technical condition, documentation and maintenance history. We inspect all aircraft systems from engines and avionics to the interior and exterior. Reviewing the aircraft’s documentation is a key part of the process, as we verify its maintenance history, completed repairs, and regulatory compliance. Based on our findings, we prepare a detailed report giving the customer a comprehensive overview of the aircraft's condition. Unlike scheduled maintenance, our Pre-Buy Inspections are not limited to Beechjet/Hawker 400A and Nextant 400 aircraft and we can inspect any type of aircraft.

How long does a Pre-Purchase Inspection usually take?

The duration depends on the aircraft’s type and age, but it usually takes several days. Older aircraft, however, often require more time, potentially extending the process to a few weeks.

What happens if you identify issues during the inspection?

We inform the customer of any problems and suggest possible solutions. The client can then decide whether to proceed with the purchase or withdraw. In some cases, we deal with the seller to resolve the issues before the sale.

We maintain transparent communication with our clients, sharing real-time photo documentation of the project's progress. We believe our personalized approach is something often missing in the market.

What sets JetBee apart from the competition? Why should clients choose your services?

In addition to strong technical expertise and skilled mechanics, we pride ourselves on a personalized approach and transparent communication. We use a dedicated communication platform to keep customers updated on the status of their projects, including photo documentation of the work. This allows clients to monitor progress in real time and approve unexpected repairs, saving both time and money. Our services are available 24/7 with no additional charges for urgent situations. We believe our personalised approach and high-quality services fill a gap in the market.

Do you face specific challenges in aircraft maintenance at JetBee, particularly with business Jets? What are the most common issues in aircraft maintenance?

Business jets of our category, particularly light jets, have shorter flight profiles compared to heavy jets or airliners, resulting in more flight cycles. This places higher demands on certain components such as brakes, wheels and engines. We therefore focus on these areas and ensure that they are maintained on a regular basis. In general, proactive maintenance is essential to prevent unexpected problems. Routine inspections help us to identify potential defects or material weaknesses. Of course, we occasionally encounter unexpected findings that require immediate attention. In such cases, flexibility and speed of response are essential. Our engineers are highly trained to deal with even the most complex problems efficiently, minimising aircraft downtime.

How do you handle situations when an aircraft is out of service due to maintenance, known as AOG situations?

Despite our best efforts, there are times when an aircraft must be temporarily grounded. In such cases, we strive to minimise the impact on the customer. We maintain an inventory of spare parts and work closely with external partners in the EU and US to expedite repairs. Throughout the process, we maintain clear communication with customers, keeping them informed of the progress of repairs.

Hawker Beechjet 400A

Keeping up with trends in aircraft maintenance is critical to staying ahead in the field. Are there any major developments or new practices that you find particularly noteworthy?

Absolutely, and I think it's really important to monitor trends in any field. An emerging trend in aircraft maintenance is the shift from strict adherence to maximum life concepts to condition-based monitoring of materials and components. Thanks to advanced technologies, we can monitor the health of components in real time and plan maintenance based on their current condition. This approach optimises maintenance intervals and prevents technical problems.

Can you provide a specific example?

Sure. For example, older maintenance philosophies required strict replacement intervals for certain engine components based on flight hours or cycles. Today, with modern design and manufacturing technologies, we can monitor these components in real time and replace them only when necessary to ensure safety and compliance with manufacturer's instructions. This approach reduces costs and increases maintenance efficiency. However, it's mandatory to follow the manufacturer's instructions, which include all certification requirements from aviation authorities.

What other trends in aircraft maintenance do you observe?

Another significant trend is the continuous improvement of design methods and the use of advanced materials. Aircraft designs are focused to reduce weight, increase the strength of structures, and improve functionality. Modern computational methods also allow engineers to simulate and test designs before producing actual parts. If we look back to the development of the Boeing 747 in the 1960s, everything had to be tested on physical prototypes, often resulting in their complete destruction. Today, computer simulations can produce results comparable to real-world experiments, leading to safer and more efficient aircraft.

How are these trends being implemented in practice?

For example, the use of composite materials reduces aircraft weight, leading to lower fuel consumption and a smaller environmental footprint. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which significantly reduce aviation’s carbon footprint.

How does JetBee plan to develop its maintenance services in the future?

We aim to expand our service offering and improve our maintenance facilities. By keeping up with the latest trends and technologies in aircraft maintenance, we plan to invest in modern equipment. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best and most efficient maintenance services while maintaining high standards of safety and reliability.

Pavel Anderle, technický ředitel a CAMO manažer JetBee

What do you enjoy most about your job at JetBee?

I started my career as an aerospace engineer specialising in turbine engine design. I worked for two international aerospace companies focusing on aircraft engine development and aircraft systems design. Over time, I became increasingly drawn to aviation operations, which led me to join JetBee. After nearly 25 years in aviation, I've found a role that combines my passion for flying with my education and professional experience. At JetBee, I contribute to the maintenance operations while overseeing the aircraft I flew as a first officer for two years. My career has included many fascinating projects, mostly in research and development. Here, theory and hardware merge, which I find incredibly fulfilling.

What is the biggest challenge that you are facing?

The greatest challenge is balancing my responsibilities as Technical Director and CAMO Manager with market demands. Both roles are demanding and require full commitment, but they are also immensely rewarding.

Do you have any advice for those interested in a career in aircraft maintenance?

For anyone considering a career in aircraft maintenance, technical training and a genuine interest in aviation are essential. Precision, responsibility and a willingness to learn and grow are also important. Aircraft maintenance is a challenging but fascinating and rewarding field.

Many thanks to Pavel Anderle for this insightful interview. We wish him all the best in his work!

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