Welcoming Mark McLaren to the Technical Team
We are delighted to announce the arrival of Mark McLaren who recently joined flydocs as a Technical Manager. Mark has over forty years’ experience in the aviation sector, making him a highly qualified and perfect addition to the team. Read on to learn more about Mark’s path to flydocs, his areas of expertise, and how his future with flydocs is going to take shape.
What did you do before joining flydocs?
Originally an ex-British Airways Airframe and Engine Technician apprentice, after completing my internship, I worked in the Boeing 747 Minor Maintenance department, taking care of routine upkeep and troubleshooting maintenance on British Airways, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and South African Airways aircraft. During this time, I gained both my Engine and Airframe Without Type Licenses and then moved onto Saudi Arabian Airlines, London Heathrow. Here I carried out minor maintenance on B747 and Lockheed Tristar L1011 aircraft. I then joined British Caledonian Airways in the position of Outstation Engineer, providing worldwide outstation relief for the Virgin Atlantic aircraft.
When British Caledonian went out of business, I joined the Aviation Department of Lloyds of London in the position of Surveyor/Adjuster. Here I carried out damage related surveys on both fixed and rotary wing aircraft on behalf of the aircraft insurance market, travelling worldwide as the nominated surveyor for all Virgin Atlantic claims.
I then moved on to the Airbus A300 Passenger to Cargo conversion programme at Filton, Bristol as Project Manager for CS Aviation Leasing. After the final A300 conversion, I decided to go it alone as a self-employed Aviation Consultant. I began working with aircraft leasing companies and banks, carrying out physical inspections, managing aircraft lease transitions and producing technical reports and surveys.
Why did you decide to join flydocs?
I first came into contact with flydocs in 2018 whilst working as a consultant on behalf of one of their clients, Brussels Airlines. I was immediately impressed with the layout and design of the flydocs platform and its ability/ flexibility to carry out the management of aircraft end of lease transitions from anywhere in the world. When the position of Technical Manager became available, it seemed like the perfect role for me. I saw it as a natural progression, enabling me to further my career in the digital world.
What will be your role at flydocs?
Employed in the role of Technical Manager at flydocs, I will oversee the technical records build and ensure that customers’ end of lease return conditions are met, resulting in a smooth and on-time aircraft lease transition. I will also be carrying out mid-term and pre-purchase aircraft inspections on behalf of our clients.
What values/qualities can our clients expect from you?
As an experienced senior engineer with more than forty years’ experience, spent working at all levels on aircraft leasing, maintenance, appraisal, accident investigation and technical consulting, I have accrued many talents that enable me to be a good team leader and player. My qualities include being able to motivate and encourage people towards a common objective. With good communication skills and clear values, I set very high standards for myself and expect the same from others. This will result in our clients receiving a first-class product, on time and on budget.
Your thoughts on why the Aviation Industry should go digital
It is clear to see that digital technologies, such as the flydocs Platform, are transforming the way aviation companies manage and track their assets throughout their entire life. It’s not the future – it’s today! Companies that choose not to invest in digital technologies will inevitably fall behind their peers, who are benefiting from tangible efficiency gains, reduced costs and higher staff productivity and morale.
Final words…
It feels great to be joining the team at flydocs and I look forward to us all working together closely. I definitely see the future as being an incredibly exciting one.