Since its launch two years ago the Isle of Man aircraft registry has gone from strength to strength, attracting a niche of high net-worth private and corporate aircraft owners. Hartley Elder is its chief aircraft surveyor
What does your job involve?
At the first level, the job is all about rules, regulations and guidance material; we have to be aware of changes from ICAO, Europe and the UK so that we can introduce changes to our own regulatory structure if necessary, as well as producing new or improved guidance material for our aircraft owners and operators.
At the next level the job is about processes and procedures to run the register, issuing certificates and permissions, recording and preserving documents. Lastly, but the most fun part, is the hands-on survey work where I actually get to meet people and interact with the actual aircraft.
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© Isle of Man aircraft registryElder: the most fun part of the job is the hands-on survey work |
What experience and qualifications are needed?
The ideal would be a former engineer with wide experience in continuing airworthiness, including maintenance. This should ideally include the management and control functions that support the aircraft's airworthiness in service. Experience as an aviation regulator at both practical and managerial level is essential, as well as understanding how the various elements of the industry work together.
What is your background?
I joined the Royal Air Force as a 15-year-old and trained to become an aircraft fitter, propulsion. After the RAF I joined British Airways, ending up as technical support engineer in Maintrol, part of the operations centre. I then joined the UK Civil Aviation Authority as an airworthiness surveyor and eventually became section leader of the requirements and policy section. After the CAA I joined the Secretariat of the International Civil Aviation Organisation in Montreal as the technical officer, airworthiness in the flight standards section.
Describe a typical week
I think about half of my typical week would be similar to many other managers. Where my week differs is in the unexpected and unplanned items, such as occurrence or service difficulty reports, resolving issues uncovered while my surveyors are issuing or renewing certificates and actually conducting aircraft surveys myself.
Why has the Isle of Man aircraft register been so successful?
The registry caters exclusively to a unique niche of private and corporate aircraft owners. We use good business principles. Our customer base consists of some of the world's highest net-worth individuals and corporations who rightly expect the high standards of service that we deliver.
What are the most challenging aspects of the job?
The registry's growth has exceeded every expectation, which brings pressures to maintain our standards for safety and service while dealing with the demand. What do you enjoy most?
The diversity of my work. My team must be able to deal with every aspect of aviation from developments at the international, regional and national levels, through the design, production, continuing airworthiness and operation of aircraft, to the regulation of our local aerodrome.
How did you become interested in aviation?
When I was young I loved taking things to pieces, working out what made them tick and then putting them back together again. The RAF recognised my aptitude for mechanical devices and offered me an apprenticeship. I have been hooked on aviation ever since.
What is your favourite business aircraft type and why?
The Bombardier Challenger 850 and Gulfstream G550 are both a joy to see, but the elliptical windows on the Gulfstream give that infinitesimal edge.
Source: Flight International
