Kenosha, Wis., March 4, 2015 – On April 14th and 15th, more than 40 aviation maintenance teams from around the world compete for the coveted William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance. Presented by Snap-on at the annual Aerospace Maintenance Competition, this striking trophy is the most prestigious award in the industry. This year, for the first time, the competition is being held in conjunction with the MRO Americas 2015 Convention at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The Aerospace Maintenance Competition is an international event that gives certified AMTs, AMEs, military personnel and students in FAA Part 147 schools the chance to test their aviation maintenance skills against their peers. The two-day competition runs from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 15. The awards presentation is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 16.

This year, the field increases to more than 40 teams representing seven countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates and the United States. The teams will compete in 22 events that challenge their knowledge, skill and team work. The winning team takes home the grand prize in aviation maintenance – the O’Brien Trophy, presented by Snap-on. Last year, the five-member team from Boeing won and took the trophy back home to Seattle.

“The Aerospace Maintenance Competition is an international event that provides a stage for the true "faces behind safety" in aircraft maintenance to speak out and show firsthand the knowledge, skill and integrity each competitor possesses which are the foundation of our craft and profession,” said Ken MacTiernan, chairman, Aerospace Maintenance Competition. “The competition shines the light of recognition and appreciation on the men and women who maintain aircraft and spacecraft in safe, airworthy condition around the globe, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With Snap-on's continued support of the Aerospace Maintenance Competition, this light shines bright.”

Snap-on is the official tool sponsor for the Aerospace Maintenance Competition, which is hosted by the Aerospace Maintenance Council. To support the event, Snap-on is providing all the tools and equipment used by the participants during the competition.

“Aviation is a critical industry for Snap-on, and we take great pride in working closely with professional AMTs and AMEs to supply them with tools and equipment engineered specifically for their field,” said Andy Ginger, president, Snap-on Industrial. “We’re very pleased to continue our partnership with the Aerospace Maintenance Council to support this great event and showcase the best-of-the-best in aviation maintenance.”

“The Aerospace Maintenance Council is proud to showcase the best of what the aviation maintenance profession has to offer,” added John Goglia, president, Aerospace Maintenance Council. “These men and women are consummate professionals in the world of aviation maintenance, and we’re extremely grateful for Snap-on’s generous support of the competition. This event showcases the critical skills needed to safely maintain today’s aircraft and serves to encourage these professionals to hone their skills.”

The William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance, presented by Snap-on, is a traveling trophy that debuted in 2013 when the competition was held in Las Vegas. The winning team receives the honor of displaying the 5-foot tall trophy in their facility for a year. In addition to the trophy, Snap-on is awarding more than $75,000 in tools and equipment as prizes to the top finishers in the competition. 

Attendees to the MRO Americas 2015 Convention will also be able to tour Snap-on’s Advanced Technology Lab (ATL) vehicle. The ATL is a customized interactive lab on wheels that brings the Snap-on expertise in aviation, including the latest innovations in hand and power tools, tool control and asset management, to its customers for hands-on demonstrations. 

For more information about Snap-on, call 877.740.1900, or visit http://www.snapon.com; for information on the Maintenance Skills Competition, visit http://www.aerospacemaintenancecompetition.com/general-information/abou…

 

About Snap-on Industrial

Snap-on Industrial is a division of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics, equipment, software and service solutions for professional users.  Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as customers in industry, government, agriculture, aviation and natural resources.  Products and services are sold through the company’s franchisee, company-direct, distribution and Web-based channels. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2.9 billion, S&P 500 Company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

 

Aviation Week was not involved in the creation of this press release.