Would you like me to gift-wrap this for you? We wish that packaging of aircraft parts was as easy as adding a satin bow and ribbons to make it look pretty. The fact is that proper packing and preparation for shipment of aircraft parts requires a degree of know-how, and in some cases knowledge of some fairly specialized processes or procedures. Consider some of these topics, applicable as required: HAZMAT marking in accordance with applicable regulations. Posting of certain documents on the out...

When I hear popular culture terms, I tend to borrow the lingo so I don’t seem remote and out of touch. A term I’ve heard bandied-about is ‘TMI’, or Too Much Information. ‘TMI’ might be uttered by you following a conversation with an acquaintance who shared information that was socially awkward, over-the-top, or just plain overwhelming. But this is the age of information, which reportedly is the new gold standard. If so, when is information too much? Having information or data does not necessa...

As I outlined this blog, my first thought was to make this a straight forward presentation of the issues devoid of any colorful flairs of expression…but then it would not be a Royboy blog. So permit me to quickly and plainly articulate some of the pains you may inflict upon yourself with some consignments: Unmarketable junk: you may get some. Inaccuracies in inventory listing: uh-huh. Misrepresented condition: yep. Improper packaging: likely. Untracked shelf life parts: don’t be surprised. ...

For those of you who read my blog below, this is a major update, and indeed a reversal of the position I posited in the blog. It is based on information that was forwarded to me from an FAA Employee of AFS-340. Before I share that, you need to know who AFS-340 is. They are an FAA Headquarters branch of the Aircraft Maintenance Division; The Repair Station Branch. According to their web site: “The Repair Station Branch is the principal element in the division for all repair station maintenance...

A banal cliché overheard during political campaigns is ‘working together’. I figuratively roll my eyes at the lack of creativity in that diluted, overused utterance. Fortunately, despite cynics, there really are examples in governance where that term bore fruit. Every government organization has its head; the Administrator, or Director for example. An oft heard refrain among those leaders is that the goals of the organization can’t be met without the active participation of industry; in other...