Kohnen has more than 28 years of manufacturing experience, including more than 20 years in aerospace. Most recently, he served as director of business operations for Missouri Metals, a high-mix, low-volume aerospace manufacturer serving Tier 1 and OEM customers. In that role, he led efforts to improve operational performance and recover production schedules.

Prior to Missouri Metals, Kohnen held multiple manufacturing roles at Boeing. He began as a mechanic on the F-18 Super Hornet program, where he also supported the launch of the Growler electronic warfare aircraft and Australian F-18 programs. He later served as a manufacturing operations manager for the F-15 program, leading production departments and supporting aircraft delivery schedules for the U.S. Air Force and international defense customers. 

Houghblack has more than 22 years of aviation experience in aircraft maintenance, aerospace manufacturing, quality assurance, lean manufacturing and regulatory compliance. Most recently, he served as senior quality manager for Pratt & Whitney AutoAir Inc.’s ground and aftermarket geared turbofan division, where he led quality teams and strengthened operational processes.

Earlier in his career, Houghblack served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a CH-46 mechanic and later worked as a flight engineer for DynCorp, conducting maintenance test flights. He also held maintenance leadership and field mechanic roles with Sky Aviation and Columbia Helicopters.

Houghblack holds a Master of Science in lean manufacturing from Kettering University, a master’s certificate in lean manufacturing from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Ashford University. He also holds AS9110C and AS9100D lead auditor certifications and an FAA airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate.

The post SUMMIT AVIATION NAMES SCHON KOHNEN GREENSBORO PLANT MANAGER AND KALVIN HOUGHBLACK DIRECTOR OF QUALITY appeared first on Summit Aviation Manufacturing.

Bringing over three decades of extensive experience in aerospace maintenance, repair, completions and operations, Mr. Flansburg’s distinguished career includes pivotal senior roles at leading aerospace organizations such as Boeing Vertical Lift, Sikorsky Helicopters and DeCrane Aerospace among others. He most recently served as executive vice president and general manager of special command programs for L3 Harris Technologies.

"Robert’s extensive background and proven track record in aviation operations make him the ideal leader to advance our maintenance and completions operations,” said Tom Lark, vice president and general manager for Summit Aviation. “His strategic vision and commitment to excellence are key to our continued success. We are excited to see the heights our operations will reach under his guidance."

In his new capacity, Mr. Flansburg will spearhead the entirety of maintenance operations of Summit Aviation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certified Repair Station including ensuring Summit’s operations align impeccably with stringent federal aviation standards, including Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) among other regulatory frameworks. Additionally, he will collaborate closely with Summit team leaders to uphold a seamless operational flow, emphasizing the importance of quality, compliance, and strategic alignment across all departments.

Mr. Flansburg begins his duties with Summit Aviation on March 11.

The post SUMMIT AVIATION WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS appeared first on Summit Aviation Manufacturing.

The newly established apprenticeship program will provide hands-on training opportunities and professional development for aspiring aviation professionals. Summit Aviation has taken a significant stride forward in supporting a more empowered workforce. One in which real-time experience combined with a career pathway lays the groundwork for aviation innovation within the region. 

“Our foray into the aviation industry is another example of our Registered Apprenticeship program finding opportunities to place Delawareans in different spaces, particularly those in underrepresented communities,” said Secretary of Labor Karryl Hubbard. “We know the aviation industry pays high wages for skilled workers. This innovation helps Delaware compete as we develop the next generation of aviation workers.” 

Ralph Kunz, Vice President and General Manager of Summit Aviation, expressed his enthusiasm about this initiative, "We are thrilled to be leading the way in Delaware by offering the first Registered Apprenticeship program in aviation maintenance,” he said. “This apprenticeship program will provide valuable career opportunities and professional development for individuals who are passionate about aviation and eager to contribute to this dynamic industry." 

Summit Aviation's commitment to nurturing talent is exemplified by the appointment of Ms. Abigail "Abby" Holloway, a recent graduate from Bohemia Manor High School, as their first-ever Aircraft Maintenance Registered Apprentice. As part of the program, Ms. Holloway will attend the Polytech School of Aviation Maintenance to complete the Registered Related Technical Instruction (RTI) program. This comprehensive curriculum will equip her with the necessary knowledge and expertise to excel in the aviation maintenance field. Through this hands-on experience and classroom instruction, she will develop a solid foundation to thrive in her role at Summit Aviation. 

Kunz added that, “Summit Aviation recognizes the importance of investing in the next generation of aviation professionals. By establishing this apprenticeship program, Summit aims to bridge the skills gap, foster career growth, and cultivate a highly skilled workforce in the aviation industry.” 

Pictured above left to right: Michelle Susi, Summit Aviation; Joe Olivere, Delaware Department of Labor; Abby Holloway, Lynn Trent, Summit Aviation and John Morris, Polytech School of Aviation Maintenance

The post SUMMIT AVIATION PIONEERS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IN AVIATION MAINTENANCE IN DELAWARE appeared first on Summit Aviation Manufacturing.