DONOVAN BENDER

Responsible for leading flight line operations teams that ensures aircraft are completed and receive Certificate of Airworthiness. This includes overseeing final component installation, systems operation functional testing, modification, troubleshooting, repair, preflight and postflight checks, release for flight, and preparation for customer delivery.

• Additional responsibilities include;
• Manage, develop, and motivate a team of 17 professional union Aviation Maintenance Technicians.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
• Establish positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
• Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency and reduce turnaround times.
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement process improvements, resulting in increased productivity.
• Develop and execute training programs for staff on operational best practices and safety protocols.
• Managed supply chain logistics, ensuring timely delivery of materials and resources to support milestones.
• Develop and execute business plans and procedures.
• Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with customers, stakeholder, peers, partners and direct reports.
• Oversee preparation for interior modifications to support Lufthansa re-market aircraft.
• Proficient in comprehension and utilization of Velocity, CMES, AFRS, Cognos Launch Pad, and other business matrix.

Responsible for the health, welfare, morale, and combat readiness of a six-man squad. Assisted in developing and implementing individual training. Provided technical guidance and support to subordinates in administrative matters, ensured compliance with all directed, specified, and implied tasks. Responsible for the accountability of equipment valued over $1M.

Served on a team performing quality inspections on various maintenance actions performed on F/A-18 Super Hornets.

Received training on fiber optics, composite repairs, non-destructive inspections, and precision measurement tools.

Responsibilities and experience include:

• Blueprint Interpretation – Utilized Boeing drawing to verify rework being performed.
• Precision Measurements – Utilized calipers, micrometers, go-no go gauges, and other hand tools.
• Fiber optic installations and repairs – Witnessed production and installation of fiber optic cables, performed light loss tests as required.
• Removal and replacement of engines – Performed zone inspections on engine bays and related points of interest.
• Troubleshooting of electrical systems – Witnessed continuity checks, end-to-end tests, and multimeter readings.
• Maintenance Coordination – Ensured peer to peer communication to improve maintenance efficiency
• Safety Inspections – Performed walk throughs and inspections of rework areas to ensure safety standards were being met.
• Contractual Compliance – Performed duties under the guidelines and expectations of Boeing and the United States Navy
• Documentation verification – Ensured proper drawings, pictures, and equipment were properly documented.
• Personnel relations with engineering and other support organizations

Tier One Marine with five years of comprehensive maintenance of F/A-18 Legacy models A/B/C/D. Extensive knowledge of the platform's structure, landing gear, flight controls, and emergency systems.

Experience and responsibilities include:

• Work Center Supervisor – Oversaw, assigned, and managed 12 Marines with daily work center tasks.
• Quality Assurance Representative – Delegate of Quality Assurance to perform inspections of emergency systems and related components.
• Flight Release – Reviewed open statement of work and necessary documents to ensure Safe-for-flight standards were met.
• Engine/APU Run Instructor – Performed and instructed Marines in the operation of APU and engine run procedures to include cross-bleed operations.
• Hydraulic Contamination Program Manager – Responsible for hydraulic test equipment and A/C hydraulic analysis tracking.
• Full Systems Troubleshooting – Qualified to perform inspections of Electrical systems, powerplant systems, and ordinance systems.
• System Servicing – Serviced aircraft hydraulic, oil, and fuel systems, to include obtaining samples required for testing.
• Sheet Metal repairs/alterations – Performed rework of damaged components utilizing riveting tools, scales, files, and drills.
• Composite Repairs – Performed lay-ups on flight controls and other structural components.
• Landing Gear Rigging – Performed and inspected removal, replacement, and rigging of landing gear components.
• Engine Removal and Installation – Performed scheduled rework to support Phase inspections and zone shakes.
• Inspection of engine components – Performed inspections of fan blades, fuel rails, and exhaust system for leaks and damages as part of scheduled maintenance.
• Environmental Control Systems – Performed removal, replacement, and retests related to ECS systems.
• Utilization of Various Ground Support Equipment – Certified to operate ground hydraulic generator, nitrogen cart, electrical cart, and air start cart (Huffer).