ROBERT SCALA
Dover,Delaware
Summary
AVIATION OPERATIONS MANAGER Skilled, safety-conscious Aviation Management Professional with more than 30 years of success and achievement poised to leverage extensive experience and training into a growth leadership position with a dynamic transportation organization. Expertise in all aspects of passenger and cargo air transportation including specialized and hazardous cargo handling, terminal operations, shipment preparation, and cargo storage; wide knowledge of FAA procedures and regulations. Outstanding leadership and communication talents; adept at training and directing teams to complete projects within time and budget requirements. Adept management of resources to accomplish mission objectives; able to develop and implement plans proven to lower transportation costs, extend equipment operability, and increase security. Exceptional problem-solving skills to proactively identify and resolve potential trouble spots. Technical proficiencies include MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Citrix Flight Following, Sita, and related weight and balance software.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Station Manager
PLS Aviation Services
06.2022 - Current
- Enhanced employee performance by providing ongoing training, coaching, and feedback.
- Improved station efficiency by implementing new operational strategies and streamlining processes.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate records, conducting audits, and addressing issues promptly.
LOADMASTER
NATIONAL AIRLINES
05.2021 - 06.2022
- Traveled with company 747-400 aircraft worldwide to supervise the safe ground handling of company aircraft.
- Ensured accurate cargo documentation, facilitating smooth customs clearance and timely deliveries.
- Maintained operational compliance with aviation safety regulations and good practices.
- Streamlined load planning processes for optimized aircraft utilization and reduced downtime.
- Performed pre-flight and post-flight of aircraft and aircraft systems.
- Safeguarded aircraft integrity by diligently adhering to loading procedures and weight restrictions.
- Managed team of cargo handlers with focus on maximum productivity and performance.
Director of Operational Logistics
Global Supertanker Services
10.2019 - 04.2021
- Travel to potential areas of operations foreign and domestic to arrange the following: hotels, transport, aircraft parking, ground service equipment, crew meals, meet with potential customers and vendors as directed by management
- Arrange all badging requirements abroad working with the Director of Safety and Security, to include any customs requirements
- Work to predetermine the process for shipping and receiving goods through customs in areas of operation and identify any potential problems that could impact operations
- Work with flight crew on any necessary flight planning duties, including overflight permits as required
- Obtain visa requirements for international deployments
- Ensure competence to load the retardant system, able to communicate effectively with the loading crew to ensure safety is of top priority during all operations
- Communicate with the flight deck during towing operations as necessary
- Ensure all weight and balance details are provided to the flight crew
- Assist maintenance as available.
Station Manager
Atlas Air
11.2013 - 06.2019
- Supported Atlas Air passenger and cargo operations at BWI airport
- Worked with the BWI airport authority to coordinate aircraft parking and security for VIP charters
- Also worked with ground handling companies at BWI to make sure the flights were serviced prior to their next scheduled flights
- I was responsible for completing monthly reports and safety audits
- I worked closely with the Atlas Air safety department on all aircraft damage reported at BWI
- I was also the authorized signer for all Atlas Air BWI badge holders
- Played a key role in the setup of Amazon express cargo operations at BWI
- This included setting up a reserve crew room in the passenger terminal so crews could have a place to rest while on standby
- Had to coordinate all ground handling services for the operation
- Also opened the Atlas Air Amazon station in Allentown, PA
- Was responsible for all VIP charters coming through BWI
- I played a lead in setting up operations with Manchester United soccer, the Texas Rangers baseball team, and the Baltimore Ravens football team
- I worked closely with the US military on delayed passenger operations
- Arranging hotels and transportation for distressed passengers on delayed flights
- Completed safety management systems (SMS) training course.
Loadmaster/Station Manager
EVERGREEN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
06.2002 - 11.2013
- Direct aircraft preparation of load plans for departing flights while interfacing with customers and government agencies to ensure safe and timely performance of company's 747-200F/747-400 aircraft
- Coordinate crew movements, fueling, catering, aircraft maintenance, cargo movements, scheduling, and transportation
- Conduct weight and balance program
- Prepare and deliver 90-day FAA flight files, hazardous materials documents, ground security paperwork, flight plans, weather packages, and weight and balance paperwork
- Played a key role in the set up and launch of Saudi Cargo contract in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Awarded the Operation: Iraqi Freedom medal in recognition of exemplary service in Kuwait during combat operations.
Project Engineer
RWKS CONSTRUCTION
09.2001 - 06.2002
- Facilitated smooth and efficient management of complex construction projects by supervising, scheduling, and guiding daily activity of a team of 10 associates
- Handled payroll activities and jobsite material distribution, tracked and reported work hours and project status, and held weekly progress meetings with customer and senior management.
Ground Operations Instructor
ATLAS AIR
11.2000 - 06.2001
- Ground Operations Instructor after successful tenure as Ground Operations Supervisor
- Conducted hands-on and computer-based training for teams of up to 60 pilots and ground support personnel per month in hazardous material regulation, weight and balance, and ground operations for Boeing 747-200/300/400F aircraft
- Organized and kept detailed training records in accordance with FAA standards and procedures
- Worked closely with pilot groups, station managers, and customers to schedule new hire and recurrent training for locations worldwide
- Contributed vital material during the development, review, and updating of training manuals to ensure all materials met federal and company regulations.
Ground Operations Supervisor
ATLAS AIR
07.1998 - 11.2000
- Served as client/company liaison while traveling internationally to conduct comprehensive station audits, ensuring training records, facility and equipment conditions, scale calibrations, and related flight documents were prepared and filed according to FAA standards
- Investigated the causes of ground accidents and recommended effective safety measures to prevent future incidents
- Spearheaded the seamless transition of new 747-400 aircraft into the Atlas Air Fleet
- Demonstrated in-depth industry knowledge and expertise to earn promotion to Ground Operations Instructor.
Ground Operations Manager
TOWER AIR
11.1995 - 07.1998
- Trained, scheduled, and supervised a team of 11 employees while directing the loading and unloading of Boeing 747 passenger and cargo aircraft
- Worked closely with customers and diverse company groups to deliver secure, on-time services
- Reviewed and maintained flight records and 90-day flight file for FAA inspection
- Orchestrated the complete set up and management of a new station in Cairo, Egypt.
Manager
EVERGREEN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
10.1993 - 10.1995
- Interfaced with US Military, White House Press Corps, and tour operators to coordinate charters using Evergreen's 727 and 747 passenger aircraft
- Developed and implemented safety and time-conscious flight plans, and managed aircraft and station supply and catering
- Trained and managed team in all aspects of passenger and ground operations including weight and balance
- Exemplary support during President Clinton's trip to the Middle East noted through receipt of Letter of Commendation from the Director of the White House Travel office
- Received US Air Force medal for support during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
- Excellent additional experience as Loadmaster with Evergreen International Airlines.
Education
Skills
- Adept management of resources to accomplish mission objectives
- Exceptional problem-solving skills
- Wide knowledge of FAA procedures and regulations
- Outstanding leadership and communication talents
- Technical proficiencies in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Citrix Flight Following, Sita, and related weight and balance software
- Fleet Management
- Operations Management
- Team Development
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Policy Implementation
- Strategy Development
- Risk Management
Timeline
Station Manager
PLS Aviation Services
06.2022 - Current
LOADMASTER
NATIONAL AIRLINES
05.2021 - 06.2022
Director of Operational Logistics
Global Supertanker Services
10.2019 - 04.2021
Station Manager
Atlas Air
11.2013 - 06.2019
Loadmaster/Station Manager
EVERGREEN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
06.2002 - 11.2013
Project Engineer
RWKS CONSTRUCTION
09.2001 - 06.2002
Ground Operations Instructor
ATLAS AIR
11.2000 - 06.2001
Ground Operations Supervisor
ATLAS AIR
07.1998 - 11.2000
Ground Operations Manager
TOWER AIR
11.1995 - 07.1998
Manager
EVERGREEN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
10.1993 - 10.1995
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