Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2024 - 31

Tech Briefs
The Honorable Robert L. Sumwalt and the Honorable John D. Porcari visit a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) shop as part of their work as co-chairs of
the Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition. (Image: Matthew Lehner/GE Aerospace)
University and former National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB) chairman,
" The vast majority of MRO companies
were doing the right thing and
acting with a safety and regulatory
mindset, but this situation certainly
begged the question - what can we do
to be even safer? "
Formation of Coalition to Enhance
Safety
In February 2024, an independent Aviation
Supply Chain Integrity Coalition
was formed. Sumwalt and former U.S.
Transportation Deputy Secretary, John
D. Porcari, were tapped as the group's
co-chairs.
The overarching goal of the coalition,
which included a wide range of companies
from across the aerospace and aviation
sectors, was to recommend actions
to prevent unapproved propulsion parts
from entering the supply chain and to
bolster the overall integrity and safety of
the aviation supply chain.
" Through this coalition, we worked
to find lasting solutions that the industry
can adopt to improve the overall
integrity of the aviation supply chain, "
Porcari said.
The group interviewed more than 38
experts from 24 organizations outside the
coalition. Those consulted included industry
associations, parts brokers, airlines,
MRO shops and aircraft and engine manufacturers.
The coalition also visited one of
the world's largest MRO shops to see firsthand
the challenges and opportunities
represented by various potential solutions.
Actionable Recommendations
Ultimately, the coalition offered 13
comprehensive recommended actions in
the group's final report, which was issued
on Oct. 9. The actions are grouped into
three categories: vendor accreditation;
document traceability and verification;
and non-serialized parts traceability. Each
category includes associated actions to be
implemented in the short term (12-24
months), medium term (within the next
5 years), and long term (over 5 years).
According to Sumwalt, short-term
actions can be put into effect immediateAerospace
& Defense Technology, December 2024
mobilityengineeringtech.com
ly, or in a matter of weeks or months. The
medium- and long-term actions will
require more effort on the part of MROs
and suppliers. " This is an excellent start,
but it's important that we don't take our
eye off the ball, " he said.
Bolstering Aviation Supply Chain
Safety
As a result of this incident and the
ensuing investigation and safety recommendations,
the aviation supply chain
has been strengthened. However, a sustained
supply chain safety culture for
MRO companies and the aviation industry
will take time to mature.
Several companies have already started
to implement some of the recommended
actions, but many companies
throughout the aerospace ecosystem
will need to take action to have the most
significant impact.
" We are asking coalition companies,
along with industry associations,
governmental organizations,
and educational institutions, among
others, to share the coalition's report
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Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2024

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