Challenges of Managing a Fleet

[RFI]

For those of you who have moved into managerial positions from the hanger floor, what are some of the main challenges you experienced during the early stages of your transition and perhaps still today? Did you fail to delegate; have difficulties establishing policies and procedures for the department; get lost in the complexities of maintenance programs and/or aviation regulations pertaining to fleet maintenance schedules; experience difficulties managing the fleet budget or employees, performance reviews, etc?

[JWflightcrew]

Well you covered most of it. Yes, all of those are challenges. I am in the flight ops side (not maintenance) but it is all very similar. In a Middle Management position you will have good idea’s or procedures and policies that you would like to implement but most of your day is filled with putting out the daily fires and dealing with the urgent issues that need to be address, this leaves you very little time to do the projects that you would like to do. Also, you need to think big picture and not get too stressed, because if you take it personally you will burnout quickly. Learn to delegate (if you can delegate) and the people side is important (performance management). You need to respect your employees, trust their decisions, and earn their respect. Times will be difficult with heavy workload, but we are all try to accomplish the same thing and get through the day. I find the workload issue to be the biggest, can’t seem to get ahead as there is always more to do.

Hope that helps, good luck.