Steve Carey, P.R.M./Repair Station Manager: PAG-Canada
PAG COMPONENT SERVICES
“When people radiate a certain level of contentment with their employer…”
Steve Carey was well-versed in aviation when he joined Precision Accessories & Instruments (PAI) in Vancouver, Canada in 2007. “I come from a line of aviation professionals. My grandfather, uncle, and parents were helicopter operators and pilots, as well as aircraft mechanics (AMEs). When I was growing up, my parents owned a helicopter for business. I guess you could say it’s always been a part of my composition,” said Steve.
His career began in 2001 working as a machinist, fabricating tooling and test equipment for Condor Aircraft, a maintenance organization in Alberta, Canada. Within a few months, they offered him the required training to become a technician in the component shop.
“A couple of years down the road I focused on evolving my skillset with motor rewinds, tooling calibration, fuel systems, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, and pneumatic controls. The industry needed people in these areas, so it seemed like a good way to go,” Steve explained. “By the spring of 2007, I was ready for a warmer climate.”
That’s when Steve was contacted by PAG co-founders Scott James and David Mast. Condor had branched into Vancouver under the name Pegasus. PAG was buying Pegasus and the owner told David about Steve.
“They offered me a position running the new acquisition, dba PAI-Canada. Since that time, I’ve completed courses in Quality Assurance, MP/PT and Eddy Current NDT testing level 2. PAG was very supportive of my studies,” said Steve.
As the Repair Station Manager and Person Responsible for Maintenance (P.R.M.), fight safety is above all else the most prominent element of Steve’s position. “As we had time, PAG helped us set up our shops according to Canadian standards, and we put processes and procedures in place before we got too busy,” Steve explained. “PAG also understands the need for in-house engineered tooling and test equipment. We build them in our shops, which allows us to control quality and saves repair service costs for our customers.”
When asked how his team handles the pressure of maintaining high-quality standards while producing a high volume of flight-ready components,” Steve replied. “First, we have the tech records, tooling and proper test equipment to do the work efficiently. Second, we have the manpower and experience to keep turnaround estimates within a realistic timeframe. Third, we expanded the Vancouver facility allowing us to flow as efficiently as possible while we continue to grow.”
“Life has its challenges but, if you feel comfortable at work it’s natural to keep the comradery alive and healthy. When people radiate a certain level of contentment with their employer, quality is taken care of once they have the proper training, and are excited about productivity and reward opportunities.
Since my early days with PAI, my favorite motto has been, ‘Others sell parts, WE SELL SUPPORT.’ It weathers well with us, and we continue to pride ourselves on the PAG-Canada customer experience. We confidently add ‘In accordance with the Component Maintenance Manual (C.M.M)’ to all of our release forms,” Steve concluded.
─ PAG Insider
Contact Steve: +1 604.542.8820 | scarey@heliparts.com
