by James Logue
When it comes to aviation, your maintenance team is the backbone of safety, efficiency, and long-term success. A strong, high-performing team keeps aircraft reliable, cuts down on downtime, and meets the industry’s demanding standards. But creating and leading such a team? That takes careful planning in hiring, training, and fostering teamwork.
Here are some straightforward, actionable tips to build and lead a maintenance team that excels.
1. Hire the Right People
Building a great team starts with bringing in the right talent—technicians who have the skills and mindset to thrive.
What to Look For
Technical Know-How: Candidates should have a solid grasp of aircraft systems, tools, and regulations. Certifications like FAA A&P are usually the legal minimum. Also, look for OEM training and what types of OJT (on-the-job training) they have had.
Problem-Solving Skills: Maintenance often means tackling complex problems under pressure. You want people who can think critically and adapt.
Attention to Detail: Precision matters—small mistakes can have big consequences.
Fit Matters Too
Team Chemistry: Your team needs to work together smoothly. Look for candidates who value collaboration, respect, and accountability.
Behavioral Interviews: Use questions that dig into soft skills like teamwork and handling high-stress situations.
Pro Tip: Have the candidate meet with the team and get some one-on-one time with the candidate; get your team’s input afterward; these are the people who will be working with the candidate every day, and they will see things you may not.
2. Invest in Training
Even the best hires need ongoing training to keep up with new tech, regulations, and industry standards. A well-trained team is confident, efficient, and always ready for what’s next.
Start Strong
Onboarding: Give new hires a detailed intro to your processes, tools, and expectations. Pair them with mentors to help them adjust.
Growing
Regulatory and Technical Training: Keep the team up to date on FAA rules, Airworthiness Directives, and new systems.
Soft Skills: Communication and teamwork are just as crucial as technical know-how. Offer workshops to boost these skills too.
Pro Tip: Encourage your team to pursue certifications and attend industry events to stay sharp. Don’t leave it up to your employees to go out of pocket for these either, make the investment in your people.
Use Tech
Online Learning and Simulations: Recent advancements in AI have revolutionized employee training by offering personalized learning experiences and real-time support through intelligent tutoring systems. Generative AI tools streamline the creation of training materials, while VR and AR, enhanced by AI, provide immersive and interactive learning environments. AI also analyzes performance data to identify skill gaps and recommend targeted training, fostering continuous improvement. Additionally, conversational AI tools like chatbots ensure employees receive on-demand support, making training more accessible and effective.
3. Build a Team-Focused Culture
A collaborative, supportive environment makes a big difference in how your team performs.
Open Communication
Daily Huddles: Use quick team meetings to review tasks, address issues, and align priorities.
Safe Space for Feedback: Create an atmosphere where team members feel comfortable raising concerns or sharing ideas.
Break Down Silos
Cross-Department Collaboration: Get maintenance, operations, and other teams working together to avoid miscommunication and streamline workflows.
Celebrate Wins
Recognize Success: Highlight individual and team achievements, whether it’s nailing a tight deadline or passing an audit with flying colors.
Pro Tip: Encouraging employees to rotate who they work with fosters collaboration, strengthens team dynamics, and prevents cliques from forming. Regularly mixing team assignments or pairing employees with different colleagues promotes inclusivity, fresh perspectives, and a stronger organizational culture. This approach not only enhances communication but also ensures that knowledge and skills are shared more broadly. By rotating work partnerships, you can build a more connected, cohesive, and innovative team.
4. Give Them the Tools to Succeed
Your team can only be as good as the tools and resources they have.
Upgrade Technology
Modern Equipment: Invest in advanced diagnostic tools, maintenance software, and digital recordkeeping systems. These cut down on errors and save time.
Create a Productive Workspace
Clean and Organized: A tidy, well-lit workspace makes jobs easier and safer.
Be a Supportive Leader
Advocate for Your Team: Whether it’s new tools, training, or flexible schedules, fight for what they need to succeed.
5. Hold the Team to High Standards
A culture of accountability and excellence is what separates good teams from great ones.
Set Clear Goals
Define Metrics: Use benchmarks like turnaround times, error rates, and safety compliance to measure success.
Lead by Example
Walk the Talk: Show the work ethic and attention to detail you expect from your team.
Encourage Feedback and Innovation
Listen and Improve: Take your team’s ideas seriously—they often have the best insights for improving processes.
Pro Tip: Celebrate even small improvements. Incremental progress adds up over time.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Tough Decisions
Not everyone will be the right fit for your team—and that’s okay. It’s better to address performance or cultural mismatches early rather than let them impact the team’s overall performance.
Identify the Issue
Skills Gap: If someone lacks the technical skills or struggles to keep up, provide additional training or mentorship.
Cultural Mismatch: If their attitude, communication style, or approach doesn’t align with the team’s values, it’s essential to address this head-on.
Address It Quickly
Honest Conversations: Meet with the individual to discuss the issues, provide constructive feedback, and offer a clear improvement plan.
Set Clear Expectations: Give them a timeline and measurable goals to meet.
When It’s Time to Move On
If improvement doesn’t happen, or if the individual simply isn’t a good fit despite efforts to help, it’s time to part ways.
Focus on the Bigger Picture: Keeping someone who isn’t contributing effectively can harm team morale, slow progress, and jeopardize safety.
Be Professional: Handle the process with respect and clarity, ensuring a smooth transition for both the individual and the team. If the issue was a cultural fit and you feel they were a good worker, help connect them with a company you think they would be a good.
Pro Tip: Letting someone go is never easy, but prioritizing the team’s long-term success and safety is always the right call. If the issue was a cultural fit and you feel they were a good worker, help connect them with a company you think they would be a good
Conclusion
Building and leading a high-performance maintenance team is a continuous process that requires a strategic focus on recruitment, training, and collaboration. You’ll create a team that delivers exceptional results by hiring skilled, culturally aligned professionals, investing in their growth, and fostering a supportive, collaborative environment.
At Logue Aviation, we understand the importance of a strong maintenance team in achieving operational excellence. Whether you want to enhance your current team or develop a more structured training and recruitment strategy, we’re here to help.
For more insights into creating high-performance teams or for support with your aviation operations, reach out to us. Together, we’ll elevate your maintenance team to new heights.