Archive for 2021
December 13, 2021
PKL Services, Inc. (PKL) received certification of AS9110:C and ISO 9001:2015 on November 30, 2021, with validity through November 2024. These certifications recognize PKL’s commitment to compliance, quality standards, and process management.
PKL has been certified in ISO 9001 since 2011 and began pursuing AS9110:C certification in 2018. Becoming certified for AS9110 was the next step in PKL’s commitment to excellence and quality services. “AS9110 standard includes ISO 9001:2015 QMS requirements and specifies additional aviation, space and defense industry requirements specifically for distributors. It is stated that the requirements specified in this standard are complementary to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. This standard adds over 100 additional requirements specifically for distributors who carry aircraft components.”
“AS9110 is a standard that defines the quality system requirements for organizations whose primary business is in the aircraft industry at all levels of the MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) process… This standard is tailored towards organizations with National Airworthiness Authority (NAA) repair station certification, however it is suitable for all organizations, including those that provide MRO for military aviation products.”
PKL’s leadership team are proud of the employees and dedication it took to achieve this certification.
PKL Services, Inc. was established in 2003, is headquartered in Poway, CA, and provides domestic and international aviation maintenance, training, logistics support, program management, and administrative support through experienced and qualified personnel.
November 23, 2021
PKL Services, Inc. has been named a Top Workplace in U-T San Diego Top Workplaces! This award is based solely on the feedback of our employees, in response to a survey we administered a few months ago.
Some of the most common words used to describe PKL by our employees included: Innovative, Fun, Dynamic, Creative, Collaborative, Agile, and Family.
At PKL, our leadership is committed to the health and safety of our employees. We consider our employees to be part of our greater PKL family and we respect that they feel the same way about the company. We have long held our vision to “Row True” with everyone in the organization responsible for doing not only their role, but ensuring we all succeed together.
Only 100 companies made the list of Top Workplaces in San Diego and we are honored to be included. We are grateful to our dedicated employees who continue to work diligently for PKL every day.
November 19, 2021
We are incredibly honored to be recognized by Monster.com and Military.com as a “Best Employer for Veterans”. To be recognized as one of the Top 10 companies in the country, providing opportunities for our military veterans, is a monumental accomplishment.
PKL employs a workforce of nearly 600 employees, 90% of whom are veterans. We understand the talented expertise and dedicated work ethic these veterans bring to PKL and are grateful for their professionalism and sense of personal responsibility every day.
This Award recognizes that, of all the companies reviewed (and awarded) for the Best Employers of Veterans, PKL has the highest percentage of veteran employees. We were also recognized as being the only medium-sized business on the list of Top 10 companies. We will continue to support our veterans and bring more opportunities to hire more military veterans in the future.
October 21, 2021
PKL recently attended the East County Economic Development Council’s (ECEDC) 6th Annual Manufacturing Expo. Held September 28th as an annual celebration of National Manufacturing Day, the event works to inspire the next generation of manufacturers and those that work closely with the industry by offering companies an opportunity to open their doors to the public and showcase the promise of modern manufacturing. Through this exciting exhibition companies tell the story of modern manufacturing, and unify to help their communities thrive.
PKL provides custom-built training programs to manufacturers, universities, government agencies, corporations, and the military via OmniSpec® – PKL’s registered Training System – which uses modern technologies like Learning Management Systems (LMS), gamified computer-based training (G-CBT), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). PKL can deliver an engaging, life-like training experience for a multitude of professionals.
PKL’s OmniSpec® team was onsite at the Expo to demonstrate the capabilities of modern training by showcasing the use of virtual reality to augment and modernize how companies provide training to their employees. The OmniSpec® team was a huge hit with their virtual reality training demo. Throughout the Expo the OmniSpec® booth had an engaged audience gathered to watch each new person give their best shot at the VR aircraft maintenance procedure.
PKL’s OmniSpec Business Development Representative, Kyle Gough, was impressed at how quickly the attending students adapted to the virtual training environment and how thoroughly they absorbed a complex maintenance task. “In the technology landscape, competing for the attention of the tech-savvy students is challenging; but by gamifying complex procedures, we have effectively given students the ability to ENJOY learning while simultaneously reenforcing the functional modules inherent to each training program.”
Promoting the mission of the ECEDC’s Expo to help advocate for job seekers and students, PKL’s OmniSpec® team showcased the growing need for careers in PKL’s primary business such as: aircraft mechanics, pilots and flight instructors, program/project managers, as well as emerging skills in the virtual training industry such as computer coding, gamification, and graphic designers.
PKL was awarded a certificate from the California State Senate in recognition of outstanding community service. PKL is proud to be at the forefront of promoting economic development and fostering cooperation among businesses and community service organizations throughout San Diego County.
To learn more about OmniSpec® and how it can work for your organization, visit: http://www.pklservices.com/capabilities/omnispec/
August 4, 2021
PKL Services, Inc. (PKL) received notice of award from prime contractor, Virtual Computing Technology (VCT) on Tuesday, 13 July 2021 that their team (Team VCT) was the successful 8(a) awardee of the Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) Squadron Administrative Support Services Task Order under the SeaPort-NxG contract.
This Task Order will support the CNAF’s requirements for administrative duties within the Administration, Training, Operations, Special Projects, and Maintenance Departments for Organizational Level (O-Level) support of Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS), Test and Evaluation Squadrons (VX), and Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific Headquarters (CNAP HQ) Flag Admin, N01F, N3, N8, N40 and N42 Directorates.
Team VCT will provide services at 15 Squadrons/locations. Out of these 15 locations, PKL will deliver more than 60 administrative services support personnel at 5 locations to include VX-9 China Lake, CA; VQ-1 Whidbey Island, WA; HSC-2 and VAW-120 Norfolk VA; and VFA-106 Virginia Beach, VA.
This three-year (Base plus two one-year options) opportunity is a potential value of $46,999,235 and currently provides more than 200 administrative support professionals.
PKL’s CEO and President, Patrick “Paddy” Gough, stated “We are happy to welcome the newest employees to the PKL Family and recognize the importance of the effort this task order requires. It is an honor to be part of Team VCT and to have been chosen to support CNAF.”
PKL Services, Inc. was established in 2003, is headquartered in Poway, CA, and provides domestic and international aviation maintenance, training, logistics and administrative support through experienced and qualified personnel.
July 27, 2021
In continuing press coverage for PKL, our Basics of Aircraft Maintenance Course (BAMC) program in Thailand was recently featured on the local Thai Channel 5 news. The news crew filmed our instructors teaching the Thai students via computer-based-training (CBT), virtual reality, and augmented reality.
This video is in Thai but gives you an idea of a day in the life of our course program and immersion with OmniSpec training
To learn more about OmniSpec and how it can work for your organization, visit: http://www.pklservices.com/capabilities/omnispec/
July 19, 2021
PKL is excited to share that we were featured on a recent episode of Military Makeover: Operation Career, hosted by Montel Williams on the Lifetime Network.
As a company that employs approximately 90% veterans across our global workforce, we’re honored to be included in this episode. Military Makeover: Operation Career is a series that focuses on the transition of military personnel to the civilian workforce.
In our segment, you’ll meet three of our employees as well as our CEO, Paddy Gough, as they discuss they’re experiences working at PKL and what their careers were like after leaving the military.
July 16, 2021
PKL Services, Inc. (PKL) received notification of award on SeaPort-NxG. This indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity (IDIQ), multiple award contract (MAC) will allow PKL to compete for support service requirements solicited by Department of the Navy for engineering support services and program management support services in 23 functional areas.
The government has estimated that approximately $5,000,000,000 in services will be procured per year via orders issued under the SeaPort-NxG multiple award contracts. This MAC has a 2.5-year base period of performance with an additional five-year ordering period option.
PKL’s CEO and President, Patrick “Paddy” Gough, stated “We are grateful for this award and look forward to the opportunities we’ll be able to pursue as a result.”
PKL Services, Inc. was established in 2003, is headquartered in Poway, CA, and provides domestic and international aviation maintenance, training, logistics support, program management, and administrative support through experienced and qualified personnel.
July 14, 2021
PKL Services, Inc. (PKL) and Flex Air Aviation (Flex Air), two San Diego-based aerospace companies, recently submitted a joint proposal seeking FAA grant funding to provide innovative solutions to offset projected pilot shortages and a lack of readily accessible pilot training within the aviation industry. Team PKL-Flex Air’s proposal solves these critical aviation workforce development issues for a potentially unlimited number of high school students while offering ongoing professional development for teachers.
The PKL and Flex Air team offers the Virtual Aerodrome Lab (VAL) as a one-package solution for virtually immersing high school students in a comprehensive airfield environment without regard to physical classroom environment, location, or proximity to aviation facilities.
Access to VAL will be provided free of charge to all student and educator user accounts. This innovative flight training solution will use medium-fidelity virtual simulation for various positions correlated in the virtual environment.
- Training Capabilities. Our VAL can be easily customized to meet specific needs for vocational training of students to become aviation professionals. It consists of COTS components easily installed in training schools for classroom or remote access.
- Simulation for Role Playing. The training system allows roles and scenarios to be simulated for the purposes of airport flight operations, airport emergency preparedness and crisis simulation.
- Hands-on Training for Emergency Situations. The VAL can simulate emergency drills such weather, safety, ground traffic, or pre-/post flight discrepancies. Students will have to react to these types of situations, and practice protocols through real-time role-playing.
- Distributed Training. The VAL is a distributed training system connecting multiple stations (in classroom or remotely) over a shared network, allowing stations to participate in the same training scenario.
- Instructor Controls. The instructor is provided functionality to create scenarios by defining the weather conditions, ground conditions, time, wind direction and flight schedule.
- Terrain and Visual Database. The terrain and visual database typically contain data for the following:
- Main Buildings and Hangars
- ATC Tower
- Runways and Taxiways
- Apron and Parking Areas
- Airfield Lighting
For our curriculum design we will conform our syllabus to The Private Pilot-Airplane Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-6B), and orient our curriculum procedures and technical elements with the Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3B) and Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25B).
Using our customized CBT software, the prospective user will virtually enter an e-classroom to complete Module 1 (Basic Aircraft Systems Overview). Upon completion, the user would then virtually move to the aircraft control desk, check out the aircraft, and virtually navigate to the parked aircraft on the apron to commence the remainder of the sequence (Modules 2-4) (pre-flight, flight, and post flight).
The VAL course can be executed in front-to-end sequence uninterrupted, or, for more targeted training or as a refresher, each module can be selected independently and activated by the user (teacher or student).
Our training curriculum is displayed in the following outline:
- Student Pilot Curriculum Outline (Primary)
- Module 1: Overview of Basic Aircraft Systems
- Engine/Propeller
- Airframe
- Landing Gear
- Flight Controls and Flight Surfaces
- Module 2: Pre-Flight Procedures
- Walk-around Inspection
- Taxiing
- Basic Airfield Markings
- Module 3: Takeoff, Landing, and Go-Arounds
- Takeoff and Climb
- Basic Instrument Maneuvers
- Approach and Landing
- Module 4: Post-Flight Procedures
Ms. Kim Robling (PKL Training Manager) and Mr. Paul Wynns (Flex Air CEO) are enthusiastic about the VAL and its transformational potential for student pilot training:
“Our Virtual Aerodrome Lab will prepare and inspire students for eventual aviation careers. Our proven virtual training system expertise will be leveraged to rapidly create an engaging, gamified, mobile-enabled aviation training environment that can be accessed by any high schooler with access to a broadband connection anywhere in the country.”
Team PKL-Flex Air previously produced an innovative pre-flight inspection simulation, called “The Pre-Flight Challenge.” We created a virtual general aviation experience with life-like renderings of a Cessna 172, parking apron, taxiways, and hangars. We then virtually replicated a point-to-point pre-flight inspection checklist procedure creating a multi-sensory experience for prospective flight school students.
Flex Air’s co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Charlie Copeland, praised the skill and proficiency seen in Flex Air students who used the “Pre-Flight Challenge” as a training aid.
“Checklist discipline is very important to early-career pilots. My experience as a Boeing 737 Captain has given me an appreciation for how important it is to build that discipline and attention to detail early in a student’s training. The Pre-Flight Challenge introduces students to checklist concepts in a fun, engaging environment that makes it easy to learn.”
PKL Services, Inc. was established in 2003, is headquartered in Poway, CA, and provides both U.S. and Allied Military Services with experienced and qualified personnel to execute aerospace maintenance, training, and logistics management services. PKL was recognized by Aerospace and Defense Review as a Top 10 MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) Company in 2021. For further information visit http://www.pklservices.com/
Flex Air was established in 2016, with operations in Manhattan, KS, and San Diego, CA. Recognized as an AOPA Distinguished Flight School, Flex Air provides vocational flight training with an emphasis on personal mentorship and career coaching for students and alumni throughout their careers. Since the school’s founding, over 120 veterans have launched commercial airline careers through Flex Air’s military transition programs. For further information visit https://goflexair.com/
June 23, 2021
In early 2020, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) had a vision to transform its maintenance training capability by adopting cutting-edge curricula and modern simulation technologies. After a highly-competitive selection cycle, PKL was chosen via commercial contract award to spearhead this modernization effort in Bangkok, Thailand. The contract award, with a total value of approximately $1.8 million in the first year of execution, produces a modern maintenance training center and a customized Basics of Aircraft Maintenance Course (BAMC). PKL is teamed with Raydant International Company, LTD, our Thai partner, and ST Engineering Training & Simulation Systems Pte. Ltd., our simulation solutions provider, to deliver this contract.
Official Activation of the RTAF Simulation Center, Bangkok, Thailand
Phase 1 of the contract was a nine-month curriculum, courseware, and equipment development period, culminating with the opening of the RTAF Training Center in January 2021. The Center features gamified computer-based training, augmented reality, virtual reality, and a server-based Learning Management System. These technologies integrate PKL’s trademarked OmniSpec Training System, providing full-spectrum, on-demand, and blended learning. Click here to learn more: http://www.pklservices.com/capabilities/omnispec/
Phase 2 of the contract commenced in February and initiated delivery of BAMC courses for academic year 2021. PKL’s primary instructors, Stephen Barsalou and Ryan Stumpf, both US Air Force veterans and experienced maintenance instructors, are headquartered in Bangkok and provide full-spectrum instructional activities to Thai students, and also, they manage customer and partner support activities and the myriad of logistics coordination issues attendant to a complex training environment.
Mr. Al Porter, PKL’s Director of Air Force Programs, had high praise for his two instructors:
“Because the BAMC is an inaugural program in Thailand and the first of its kind for the RTAF, Steve and Ryan serve not only as instructors, but more so as ambassadors for PKL. Arriving in Bangkok in the midst of tight COVID-related restrictions, they led an exhaustive installation, test, and delivery process and certified the 8 Stage, 32 module BAMC curriculum, resulting in on-schedule, on-cost performance. Because of Steve’s and Ryan’s acumen and persistence, we received glowing reviews from senior RTAF Officers, reflecting great credit on all of us at PKL.”
PKL Instructors Teaching RTAF Students in Bangkok
BAMC class cohort #1, approximately 20 students, finished in March, and we are now in flow with the second BAMC student cohort, comprised of 40 RTAF cadets, who upon graduation will transition to follow-on assignments in RTAF’s aircraft maintenance specialties in jet, transport, and helicopter platforms. We expect another 2-3 BAMC courses, each 40 cadets per course, for the remainder of this academic year.
Kim Robling, PKL’s Training Manager, is proud of the stellar performance of the BAMC contract, which she said could not have been accomplished without the leadership of Al Porter, the ingenuity of instructors Steve Barsalou and Ryan Stumpf, and the dedication of Paul King’s curriculum development team, who produced over 600 pages of customized courseware with associated presentation decks and plans of instruction, all of which were replicated in the suite of simulation courseware.
The BAMC contract follows on the heels of other PKL awards in Thailand–a baseline assessment of Thai Aviation Industries’ (TAI) Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, and, a T-56 Quick Engine Change (QEC) technical training contract, also supporting TAI in Bangkok.
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