Steve Nichols
As more than 100 aircraft are put through their paces this week, spare a thought for the unsung band of 44 men, and one woman, who keep them in the air.
Farnborough's Engineering Support Team, headed by Martin Miller of Wynnwith Engineering, is responsible for handling, support and back-up services for every aircraft that touches down during the show.
Wynnwith is the largest supplier of engineering labour to the aviation industry in the UK. Managing Director Andy Pendlebury explains: "In terms of prestige, the Farnborough airshow is massive for our company and an awesome responsibility.
"The exhibitors want their aircraft on static display for as long as possible, so that potential customers can see them, but at the same time they also they want them in the air as quickly as possible when their air display is scheduled.
"We have to support all the exhibiting aircraft and their crews - we were even asked if we could supply a coffee machine to a French team," he adds.
The task should not be underestimated. At the last Farnborough show Miller's team was asked to help with a bad fuel leak on a Russian aircraft - very difficult considering none of the crew knew the English words "fuel" or "leak".
Source: Flight Daily News
