Newsletter Spotlight

• Satori Air Services Inc. awarded by AIRBUS

• ESD control: what you should know about electrostatic discharges

• Employee Profile: Vincent Van Hove, Avionics Inspector

• New website feature: FAQs

For the second year in a row, Satori Air Services Inc. has been proclaimed The 2007 Premier Airbus Supplier Support Center in the Americas

This outstanding support center recognition is given to support center participants of the Airbus Supplier Performance Indicators (ASPI) program that provide FAA-approved repairs, modifications, and exchanges of Airbus OEM parts, as well as provide spare parts distribution. The first place selection was based on cumulative repair and spares performance based on Airbus GCP benchmarks for the North & Latin American markets from a pool of 41 service locations that provide support to over 60 Airbus suppliers. 

For the occasion, a special dinner was organized at Satori’s facility where we had the chance to officially receive the honors by Mr. Timothy E.Potter, Supplier Support Manager at AIB North America.

Every single one of us has encountered electrostatic experiences by getting static sparks while touching metal objects or feeling it trough your clothes or hair. But did you know that the smallest discharges can have damaging and sometimes irreversible effects on your avionic units.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the sudden and momentary electric current that flows between two objects. Generated through tribocharging, the separation of electric charges that occurs when two materials are rubbed against each other, or electrostatic induction, when an electrically charged object is placed near a conductive object isolated from the ground, it can have temporary or permanent effects on electronic devices. These effects may not be evident right away and may reduce the long term reliability and performance of the affected component. In most cases these discharges are not even noticeable.  The smallest discharges are felt at around 5,000 volts. With electronic components designed to operate at 5 volts or less damages may easily occur with only 12 volts current.

At Satori, a multitude of actions have been implemented over the years to minimize as much as possible the risks of electrostatic discharges. From the technicians' garments to their work stations and even during the shipping process, nothing has been left behind to avoid damages. All staff handling electronic material is to wear ESD garments, conducting wrist and foot straps. The work stations are equipped with anti-static mats and chairs and all sensitive devices are stored and packed with anti-static material such as connector caps, bins or bags. When the humidity level reaches bottom lows making the environment more susceptible to producing static, air Ionizers are being used.

As the majority of the units you purchase from Satori or sent to us for repair are ESD sensitive, we recommend you being vigilant and watch out for the ESD label on your unit to find out if precautionary measures should be taken to handle the part.

Vincent Van Hove has been working for Satori for 10 years and has been a real trooper. He is always available to answer technical issues or to assist in critical situations. His expertise is beyond limits as he always finds the right answers. No matter the challenge, he will defeat it. With a bachelor's degree in Sciences with majors in Aeronautic and Telecommunications, he is always seeking to learn more as he pursues his education. He's been attending classes for a while now in addition to working for Satori full time and still finds time to enjoy a few hobbies such as Alpine skiing and listening to music. He has been known to attend a lot of Rock concerts and is even solicited by other coworkers for his expertise in the domain.

Always in a good mood, he makes working with him really enjoyable. The working atmosphere would definitely be different without him. However be assured that he does not take his Inspector's position lightly. Patient and meticulous, he makes sure every detail has been covered before releasing a unit. With Vincent Van Hove, you can be sure your material is thoroughly inspected prior to its release.

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Questions or comments? E-mail us at support@airsatori.ca

Find out more on Satori at www.airsatori.com