Rodrigo Goncalves' Journey to Obtaining the FAA 145 Certificate and Starting an Aircraft Maintenance Repair Facility

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Summary

Rodrigo Goncalves, Founder and Owner of RG Aviation, shares his experience of obtaining the 145 cert for his repair station. He explains that the process involved building relationships with the FAA, being persistent, and working diligently. He emphasizes the importance of tool calibration, organization, and cleanliness in the shop. Rodrigo also recommends seeking help from professionals for writing manuals and not getting discouraged by the cost. He highlights the need to follow approved manuals and be prepared for base inspections. Overall, the process took about two years, but Rodrigo's determination and teamwork led to the successful certification of his repair station. RG Aviation focuses on maintaining a clean and organized shop to ensure safety and efficiency. Rodrigo instills a strong work ethic and leads by example, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and organization. He believes that a clean shop reflects positively on the company and instills confidence in customers. Rodrigo's goal is to provide jobs and help his team succeed. RG Aviation offers aircraft maintenance services, including scheduled and unscheduled inspections, STC installations, and rotor and fixed-wing maintenance. Rodrigo acknowledges the shortage of mechanics and aims to create a repair station with a better work-life balance.

Takeaways

• Building relationships with the FAA and seeking guidance from professionals can help in the process of obtaining the 145 cert.
• Persistence and determination are key to overcoming challenges and delays in the certification process.
• Tool calibration, organization, and cleanliness are crucial for maintaining a repair station.
• Following approved manuals and being prepared for base inspections are essential for compliance.
• Obtaining the 145 cert can open up opportunities for career progression and owning a repair shop. Maintaining a clean and organized shop is crucial for safety and efficiency in aircraft maintenance.
• Leading by example and instilling a strong work ethic is essential for creating a productive and organized work environment.
• RG Aviation offers a range of aircraft maintenance services, including inspections and STC installations.
• There is a shortage of mechanics in the industry, and creating a repair station with a better work-life balance can help attract and retain talent.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Breakfast Conversation

02:05 Motivation behind Obtaining the 145 Cert

04:06 The Application Process

06:19 Writing Manuals and Getting Help

08:24 Submitting Documents and Revisions

11:04 Revisions and Process Details

13:21 Importance of Ease and Flexibility in Manuals

20:29 Maintaining a Clean and Organized Shop

23:34 Aircraft Maintenance Services Offered

36:09 Addressing the Shortage of Mechanics