Christopher L. Barnby
Palm Bay,United States
Summary
Dynamic aviation maintenance leader skilled in optimizing operations and ensuring compliance for multi-million-dollar fleets. Strong expertise in risk management, continuous improvement initiatives, and team development, resulting in exceptional maintenance outcomes and sustainable cost savings. Demonstrated ability to build high-reliability systems and drive informed decision-making at the executive level.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Maintenance/Chief of Maintenance
Embraer Executive Aircraft
Melbourne, USA
01.2023 - Current
- Led the senior team for operational readiness, airworthiness, and lifecycle stewardship of a fleet of eight aircraft valued at approximately $180M.
- Oversaw maintenance operations, personnel, programs, and compliance activities, ensuring safe, efficient, mission-ready aviation capabilities.
- Developed and enforced a comprehensive maintenance strategy aligned with operational requirements and safety standards, enhancing overall fleet readiness.
- Maintain continuous airworthiness through proactive inspection programs, scheduled maintenance, and rapid corrective actions.
- Authored and maintains a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) framework governing all maintenance operations.
- The position requires strategic leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to build high‑reliability systems that support both home‑station operations and rapid-response AOG (Aircraft on Ground) contingencies.
- Advised senior leadership on aircraft readiness, maintenance risks, and fleet health, facilitating informed decision-making.
Quality Control Manager
L3Harris
Malabar, USA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Led and managed 3 direct reports and 70+ quality control inspectors and contract inspectors, overseeing payroll, training, security clearances, and development initiatives.
- Lead/manage quality control program oversight from First Article Inspection to full rate production covering 7 major programs/product quality control lines to support the next generation DoD fighter aircraft community.
- Drove closure of Zero Defect initiatives and e3 solutions, targeting cost reduction of poor quality and enhancing production efforts across the manufacturing plant.
- Provide solutions through continuous improvements and corrective action responses to discrepancies identified during/after manufacturing process and audit events.
- Supported daily GEMBA activities to promote quality, safety, continuous improvement, 5S+1, and team recognition.
- Support quality control initiatives for leading edge aerospace technology avionic enhancement product manufacturer.
Aviation Maintenance Analyst & Engine Manager
B3 Solutions
Alexandria, USA
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Provide innovative aviation maintenance solutions to the Department of State, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Air Wing (INL/A).
- Managed 200+ engines across 9 engine types, including 2 critical fleets, ensuring operational readiness and compliance with maintenance standards.
- Developed budgeting process and repair cycle timelines which resulted in minimal unserviceable engines on program and saved the customer $1M+ in excess repair costs and minimized operational downtime.
- Developed process of analysis enhancing visibility of top 5 cost and frequency drivers across nine aircraft fleet types, improving maintenance strategy for rotary and fixed wing aircraft deployed in nine countries.
- Authored Dynamic Component Sustainment Plan focused on engines management to facilitate program management activities supporting oversight and validation of services under $192.4M Global Aviation Support Services contract.
- Spearheaded resurrection of T58-GE-16A engine test cell capabilities; scoured in-stock and commercially available assets to support tooling needs pivotal to starting support of Government-controlled GE Engine Contract.
- Actions mitigated obsolescence of engine type and ensured continuation of repair support to empower assets operating in mission-critical wartime locations.
Command Chief Master Sergeant (Retired)
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE RESERVE ENLISTED (Retired-30 years)
Keesler Air Force Base, USA
01.1988 - 01.2018
- Advised commander of Air Force Reserve’s lone C-130J equipped wing on health, welfare, morale, and professional development; ensured adherence to good order and discipline, empowering effective employment of 1,700 enlisted members.
- Ensured organization remained ready to execute Department of Defense-tasked Weather Reconnaissance (Hurricane Hunters) mission and maintained qualifications crucial for tactical airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, and agile combat support during war/contingency operations.
- Demonstrated leadership at tactical, operational, and strategic levels in both peacetime and wartime scenarios.
- Previous Key Positions Held: F-15 A/B/C Crew Chief, Aircraft Battle Damage Repair Instructor/ Evaluator, Quality Assurance Assistant Superintendent – 622nd Robins Air Force Base, GA. Aircraft Maintenance Production Superintendent, First Sergeant, 908th Operations Support Squadron & Security Forces Squadron – 908th Airlift Wing, Maxwell AFB, Alabama. First Sergeant, 455 ELRS – Afghanistan, Bagram Air Base.
Program Manager (Retired)
Delta Air Lines Inc. (Retired-25 years)
Atlanta, USA
01.1991 - 01.2016
- Facilitated communication and relationships between Delta Air Lines Technical Operations, FAA, and NTSB regarding aircraft maintenance, restoration, and inspections for a fleet of 60 international aircraft across four type certificates, including B767-300 & 400ER and B777LR & ER.
- Designed Aircraft Parts Quarantine Program to ensure quality control of aircraft parts ranging from engines to fluids.
- Oversaw program management, ensuring accessibility, accountability for regulatory compliance, and security of assets during routine operations and government investigations.
- Represented Delta Air Lines at industry Fleet Team Reliability Program at Boeing to ensure Delta’s maintenance programs interests were represented; represented organizational interests which mitigated possible future associated costs relating to B777 maintenance operations across the program.
- Coordinated Aging Aircraft Inspection Program for 300+ aircraft across 6 fleet types; supplied FAA and contract inspectors with comprehensive historical documents and required materials for compliance.
- Previous Key Positions Held: Line AMT (International), Overhaul AMT, Inspector-Pre-Flight (MD-88/MD-90/B-767-300/400ER/B737, Engine Overhaul-CF-6 Series engines, Maintenance Programs-B777 Fleet, Fleet Management-ALL Fleets (Analyst-Six Sigma Certification).
Education
B.S. - Human Resource Management
Columbia Southern University
AL01-2015
A.A.S - Human Resource Management
Community College of the Air Force
AL01-2015
Delta Air Lines Aircraft Systems Schools - B727, B737, B767, B777, MD 88/90
01-2010
A.A.S - Aviation Technology Management
Community College of the Air Force
AL01-2009
USAF Schools - Aircraft Battle Damage Repair, QA/QC, C-130 Transition, F-15 FTD, Production Supervisor Course, First Sergeant Academy, Command / Chief Master Sergeant Course
Skills
- Maintenance operations
- Safety compliance
- Cost control
- Risk management
- Program management
- Process improvement
- Strategic and financial planning
- Team building and negotiation
- Conflict resolution
- Staff training
Certification
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Airframe & Power Plant / Inspection Authorization FAA License
- Senior Leadership Development Course
- Delta Air Lines NDT Level 2 Certification
- Conflict Resolution Management
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic & Financial Planning
- Team Building / Negotiation
- Risk Mitigation
- Continuous Process Improvement
- Targeted Personnel Development
- Quality Assurance
- Program Management
- Conflict Management Resolution
- Cost Control
Executive Highlights
Architect of exceptional personnel & career management for displaced Airman during headquarters-directed reduction in force initiative. Established controls and a standardized process to ensure 68 personnel (and any future Airmen) remained in uniform with improved quality of life and quality of service., Implemented and oversaw a Tool Accountability Program to eliminate FOD risk, improve traceability, and strengthen maintenance discipline., Directs all maintenance activities for a fleet of eight aircraft, ensuring full compliance with FAA, OEM, and organizational standards. Manage approximately $180M in aviation assets, ensuring proper stewardship, documentation, and lifecycle tracking.
Timeline
Director of Maintenance/Chief of Maintenance
Embraer Executive Aircraft
01.2023 - Current
Quality Control Manager
L3Harris
01.2021 - 01.2023
Aviation Maintenance Analyst & Engine Manager
B3 Solutions
01.2016 - 01.2021
Program Manager (Retired)
Delta Air Lines Inc. (Retired-25 years)
01.1991 - 01.2016
Command Chief Master Sergeant (Retired)
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE RESERVE ENLISTED (Retired-30 years)
01.1988 - 01.2018
B.S. - Human Resource Management
Columbia Southern University
A.A.S - Human Resource Management
Community College of the Air Force
Delta Air Lines Aircraft Systems Schools - B727, B737, B767, B777, MD 88/90
A.A.S - Aviation Technology Management
Community College of the Air Force