Metro Aviation, Inc. - An AS9100 Case Study

 

Meeting AS9100 Certification Goals

Metro Aviation was incorporated in 1982 as a helicopter charter, flight training, and maintenance operation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Entry into the air medical industry came in November 1983, when Metro Aviation was contracted to provide helicopter ambulance service for Schumpert Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Today, Metro Aviation’s reputation for excellence in helicopter completions, operations, and maintenance is internationally recognized. The company now operates air medical transport services with over 1,100 employees, 160 aircraft, and more than 40 programs throughout the United States.

Metro Aviation plays a vital role in emergency medical services, employing the pilots and maintenance technicians who support aircraft responding to emergency scenes and inter-hospital transfers. These missions involve the care and transport of adult, pediatric, newborn, and high-risk patients. They have placed a priority on investing in technology, equipment, and training to ensure the highest levels of safety and quality for their precious cargo.

In addition to this service, Metro Aviation was the first company in the U.S. to achieve Level IV of the FAA’s SMS Pilot Project for a Part 145 Repair Station. Their FAA-Certified Airframe Modification, Maintenance, Inspection and Repair Facility has over 75,000 square feet of hangar and production space in its aircraft completions center. The company has extensive experience in air medical, law enforcement, offshore, utility, VIP, and corporate aircraft, and takes pride in delivering highly specialized aircraft that are FAA-approved and meet factory specifications. Metro holds more than 30 Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) and completes 35 aircraft each year for clients.

 

PROBLEM FACED:

For over 40 years, Metro Aviation has earned a reputation for delivering uncompromising quality, meticulous attention to detail, and the flexibility to exceed customer expectations. However, one piece was missing—AS9100 certification. With one existing customer and a potential new client requiring AS9100 compliance to move forward with manufacturing specific parts, Metro recognized the urgency. After reviewing the AS9100D standard, it became clear that the main hurdle was the absence of an in-house AS9100 subject matter expert to lead the certification process efficiently. To ensure a smooth and effective implementation, Metro decided to bring in a consultant, and after thorough research, selected simpleQuE as the ideal partner.

 

SOLUTION:

Metro Aviation needed to establish a quality management system that adhered to AS9100D requirements to continue to service clients in the aerospace market and to seek and serve new clients. SimpleQuE consultant, Michelle Kyker, visited Metro’s 180,000-square-foot headquarters in Shreveport, LA, in November 2023, where she first performed a gap analysis to review and identify gaps in the current processes and procedures to ensure adherence to AS9100D requirements. During this assessment, a strategy was developed to update procedures and develop KPIs and tracking methods for key processes with the assistance of simpleQuE. In addition, Michelle conducted training for management personnel, assisted in developing AS9100 training for employees, and performed AS9100 internal audits.

“At first, we were concerned the process might be overwhelming. But Michelle Kyker’s approach gave us confidence right away,” explained Sean Armstrong, Quality Assurance Manager. “She reassured us that we wouldn’t need to reinvent the wheel. Instead, she helped us leverage many of the quality processes and forms we already had in place for our FAA approval.”

 

RESULT:

With the help of simpleQuE, Metro Aviation received its AS9100D certification in March 2025 from PRI Certification. This will enable Metro to maintain current contracts and pursue new contracts with customers that require AS9100 Certification.

In addition, “Partnering with simpleQuE has allowed Metro to make meaningful improvements to our existing quality system,” said Sean Armstrong. “Before pursuing AS9100 certification, many of our processes and communications weren’t formally documented. Now, those elements are captured, providing better traceability and accountability. Our management meetings have also become more collaborative, creating a space where we can openly discuss risks and opportunities. If you’re looking for support with AS9100 certification or want to enhance your current quality management system, simpleQuE is the partner to choose.”

In summary, Metro Aviation has proven that their team has the innovation, experience, and high standards of quality, safety, and customer service to deliver state-of-the-art configurations to meet any mission. Metro has completed aircraft for search and rescue teams, equipped helicopters for fire suppression, equipped agricultural ships, and configured an aircraft to combat mosquitoes in the Florida swamps. From the simplest to the most complex, they are prepared to outfit an aircraft with essential equipment and features for the job.

 

 

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