General Misconceptions....
- Installing systems on an aircraft with Commercial Off-The Shelf (COTS) components can not be done.
- Installing COTS is discouraged by the FAA.
- COTS based equipment is sub-standard to non-COTS equipment built from scratch by OEMs.
- Aircraft Systems should last the life of the aircraft.
Reality....
- As long as COTS components meet certification standards, the FAA can care less that they are COTS.
- As COTS components often meet or exceed aviation quality standards.
- Aircraft and Avionics OEMs are using COTS components more and more in their equipment.
- The life of a component will depend on how long that component can perform its intended functions.
- If the component can not meet a desired function then it has met its life expectancy.
Saving your time And Expense
- As long as COTS components meet certification standards, the FAA can care less that they are COTS.
- As COTS components often meet or exceed aviation quality standards.
- Aircraft and Avionics OEMs are using COTS components more and more in their equipment.
- The life of a component will depend on how long that component can perform its intended functions.
- If the component can not meet a desired function then it has met its life expectancy.
Welcome to Aircraft Networking Solutions
Aircraft Networking Solutions, LLC (ANS) provides aviation engineering and technical services to aircraft owners, aircraft leasing companies, airlines, avionics companies, MRO's and more.
ANS is a service provider of technical aviation consulting related to Supplemental Type Certificates (STC's), aircraft documentation, commercial aircraft & engine sales, aircraft leases, sub-leases, audits, returns & deliveries and modification.
We specialize in total Cradle-to-Grave management of projects related to existing or new STC's, Regulatory Compliance, Installations, engineering projects and more.
We also have services consisting of worldwide on-site multi-million dollar aircraft asset management responsible for all details in aircraft transactions through global aviation authorities, legal, parts, records, maintenance, demonstration flights, registrations & airworthiness concerns and certification.
On our site you'll find:
- Why is there a need for our services?
- Company Introduction
- Services and Capabilities
- Customers
- Common Misconceptions
- ...and much more!
The company was founded in January of 2008. The purpose originally was to provide Designated Engineering Representation (DER) related services.
The core personnel have more than 100 years of combined DER experience, with over 150 years of engineering experience. We've worked for the military, for airlines and for aircraft manufactures.
In a very short period of time, the company has expanded its capabilities to include a multitude of other engineering and consulting services
ANS has offices in the US in Tennessee, Texas, Missouri, with satellite offices in Taiwan, Indonesia and Dubai where we provide engineering and consulting services to airlines, avionics companies, leasing companies and others on a global scale.
Through strategic alliances and partnering with companies world wide, Aircraft Networking Solutions can handle almost any project.
WHO WE ARE
Summary:
• Over 40 years of Avionics experience
• FAA DER Systems & Equipment
• Strong STC activities background
• Pilot and A&P License
• Military experience
• OEM experience
• Airline experience
• Extensive Industry Contacts Network
Work Experience:
• Dutch Air Force – F16 Crew Chief
• Martinair – Aircraft Mechanic (DC-10, DC-9, A300, F-28, F-100)
• US Air Force – F16 Avionics Technician (Flight Test)
• McDonnell Douglas – MD11 Avionics Technician, Flight Test Engineer (FTE) & Liaison Engineer
• FedEx – MD11 Expert Maintenance Operational Control Center (MOCC)
• FedEx – Avionics Project Engineer and later Chief Engineer
• FedEx – Sr. Advisor Aircraft Development (A380 Program)
• The Longbow Group – VP of Technology
• ANS - President
Education
▪ Anthony Fokker School – Avionics Engineering Degree (BS)
▪ Embry Riddle – Professional Aeronautics Degree (BS)
▪ Embry Riddle – Masters in Business Administration / Aviation (MBA/A)
Summary:
• 40 years of Aviation experience
• OEM experience
• Airline experience
• Strong STC activities back ground
• Extensive Industry Contacts Network
United States Air Force
Gary started his aviation carreer in 1970 when he enlisted in the Air Force as a Weapons Control System Technician on the A-7D. He had the honor of serving in both Thailand and Vietnam within his first 4 years of duty.
Becoming an Officer:
As part of an Officer Training Program, he attended the University of Missouri where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering.
First Assignment:
After completing the Bachelor's program in 1977, he attended Officer Training School and was subsequently assigned to Wright-Patterson AFB, OH where he became a Project engineer over several projects to enhance the Productivity, Reliability, Availability, or Maintainability (PRAM) of a weapon system used in the Air Force. He was the Liaison engineer between the headquarters PRAM System Program Office and several satellite offices located at various Air Logistics Centers.
Working with Boeing:
In 1982, Gary was moved to Wichita, KS where he managed a thirteen person program team performing B-1B Avionics quality assurance, control of government property, contract administration, manufacturing operations, logistics, and engineering functions. His job included reviewing design specifications, test plans and procedures, and approving engineering design changes. Reported avionics development, production, and delivery information to the general officer, B-1B System Program Director on a bi-monthly basis.
Joining the Air Force Reserve:
At the end of 1986, Gary left Active Duty and became a reservist at a Civil Engineering Unit at McConnell AFB, KS. There he was the Operations Officer responsible for the daily operation of the reserve unit whenever it was activated or for monthly drills. He supervised approximately ninety individuals with job specialties ranging from carpentry, plumbing, electrical, heavy equipment operators, surveyors, and job planning and control functions.
Boeing Military Airplane Company
In 1986, while also in the reserves, Gary worked on an Independent R&D Project for Boeing where he assessed aircraft baseline performance, LRU mission capabilities, and LRU performance. He was instrumental in defining and controlling the interface and performance requirements during the development and production of the Intercommunication System for Air Force One. Specific duties included developing Statement of Work and Source Control Drawings, scheduling and conducting Technical Interchange Meetings and Preliminary/Critical Design Reviews, and participating in the negotiation process.
American Airlines
In 1988, Gary joined American Airlines in Tulsa, OK as an Avionics System Engineer – A300 and MD11 Fuel Quantity Indication System, Caution and Warning Systems, and Onboard Maintenance Systems. He was responsible for developing the complete installation of the HF Comm System on the B757 Fleet. Other assignments which were not fleet specific include HF/VHF Comm System, Emergency Locator Transmitters, and HF Data Link System and test program. Initiated, organized, and chaired the ARINC HF Data Link Subcommittee.
FedEx
Moving to Memphis in 1996, Gary started work at FedEx as an Avionics Project Engineer. Besides working the Power Systems (ATA 24) on Airbus Fleet for four years his most memorable efforts are related to TITAN System Project. Working with Bob on this project for nearly eleven years. He was instrumental in the development of the Server System on the Airbus A380, participating in the Customer Focus Group meetings from the beginning of the A3XX OMS for over eight years. Direct involvement in several STC efforts as a part of the TITAN System on the MD11, MD10, A300, A310, B727, and B757 aircraft types.