Sam Daniels

Experience

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  US Army

  Aug 1987 - Jul 1991

  Helicopter Mechanic
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  US Airways (now American Airlines)

  Jul 1993 - Nov 2002

  Aircraft Mechanic
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  Air National Guard

  Jun 1995 - Nov 1997

  – Aircraft Mechanic June 1995 – November 1997
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  Colgan Air, Inc.

  Feb 2003 - Aug 2003

  Maintenance Controller
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  Mid Atlantic Airways

  Aug 2003 - Oct 2005

  Divisional Technical Operation Supervisor
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  CAVOK Aviation UK Ltd

  Oct 2004 - Oct 2008

  Manager Maintenance Programs October 2004 – October 2006
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  Southwest Airlines

  Jan 2007 - now

  As a Senior Operations Manager, Internally know as the Senior Manager Maintenance Operations Control with Southwest Airlines, I'm spearheading the MOC, managing 16K+ out-of-service events and 50K MEL items annually, maintaining an MEL current Rate of 0.19 for a fleet of 800+ aircraft. Ensure the day-to-day maintenance requirements are satisfied timely to support scheduled operations and compliance and safety requirements of the fleet are within FAA Requirements and FAA-approved maintenance program. Approve maintenance ferry flights per MPM. Adhere to all policies and procedures related to the MOC and the Special Flight Permit process. Coordinate MX Ops Center requirements across the organization to promote best-in-class safety, compliance, and efficient operations. Implemented a Maintenance Control Process Improvement Committee to build a business case for interactive training to assist the Controller when walking AMTS through work steps on the Boeing 737.► Implemented (Maintenix) MXI with self-audits and reduced entry errors by 200% in 3 months► Advanced personnel training and recurrent on 737-MAX for relaunch into service► Pivoted policies during COVID to enable 24/7 airline operations coverage and innovated call data to predict workforce needs based on fleet and flight numbers► Submitted request and supporting data to add employees to support a fast-growing fleet of 1000 ► Refined payroll and time off program to save 28 hours per week and reduce the pay period error rate from 5 to 0► Negotiated with owner of the app to save 40% off purchase price with a 3-year duration► Instituted a plan for Controllers to visit the cities served to cultivate cross-departmental teamwork ► Ensured compliance with CBA after accretion into the Union► Executed bot technology to reduce time to complete MXI functions, steps required to setup deferred maintenance, failure rate for missed work by 100%, and compliance risk by 100% Show less As the Interim Senior Manager – Maintenance Operations Center with Southwest Airlines, I governed the Maintenance Control Department, overseeing all Maintenance Operations Department activities. Performed fact-finding investigations on MOC processes and procedures and coordinated with the Tech Ops Labor Team to define and effect meaningful policy changes and disciplinary actions. Delivered timely notification, assessment, and follow-up of significant or NTSB reportable events and final Return-to-Service authorization. Coordinated Technical Ops involvement with Dispatch, Flight, Inflight, and Ground Operations. Established training to ensure the proper qualification of employees. Guaranteed compliance with policies and procedures, including the Special Flight Permit process. Approved maintenance ferry flights per the MPM. Directed the SWA Maintenance Control Team. Established policies and procedures for the MOC, including MELs, CDLs, and MX Notes.► Established vacation policy with Union leaders to align with the 2019 CBA to reduce overtime pay► Implemented Controller work assignment changes to allow for more flexibility and ensure the Operation Control of the aircraft fleet maintenance► Improved MEL average by implementing the policy for managing nightly MEL planning► Guided department through COVID work rule changes and policies► Refocused the training of the MAX aircraft returning to SWA operations in Maintenance Control► Innovated departmental communications using virtual meetings tools and newsletters Show less As the Shift Manager – Maintenance Operations Center with Southwest Airline, I orchestrated Technical Operations involvement with Dispatch, Flight Operations, Inflight Operations, Ground Operations, and other operating groups within SWA. Collaborated on tactical and operational decisions significantly impacting planned maintenance requirements. Ensured compliance with policies, procedures, and directives in administering On-Call Maintenance Providers. Assured compliance with policies and procedures related to the Special Flight Permit process. Approved maintenance ferry flights as outlined in the MPM. Established policies and procedures: MELs, CDLs, and MX Notes.► Instituted the role of MOC Shift Manager to become the focal point for Tech Ops► Cultivated working relationships cross-departmentally and defined Tech Ops communication► Poised the position to become an essential part of the Network Operations Center for SWA► Implemented the policies to track, route, and plan the repair of Critical MEL, reducing the average MEL numbers; APU MEL dropped from ~4-5 to 0.5 per day Show less As the Supervisor – Maintenance Operations with Southwest Airlines, I assumed Manager Maintenance Control and Operations duties, collaborating on tactical and operational decisions to impact planned maintenance requirements. Followed policies, procedures, and directives when administering On-Call Maintenance Providers to ensure compliance to maintain the safety and efficiency. Guaranteed compliance with policies and procedures for the Special Flight Permit process. Approved maintenance ferry flights outlined in the MPM.► Managed the work rule changes and responsibilities of the newly accreted Union group in MOC► Trained and supported the integration of the SWA and AirTran workgroups in MOC► Accomplished the implication and setup of the AVTEC phone systems in the New NOC► Joined as Maintenance Control Team Lead in January 2007, promoted to Maintenance Operations Supervisor in April 2012 Show less

  • Senior Operations Manager

    Apr 2021 - now

  • Interim Senior Operations Manager

    Sept 2020 - Apr 2021

  • Shift Manager

    Jun 2015 - Sept 2020

  • Operations Supervisor

    Jan 2007 - Jun 2015
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  Self-employed

  Jul 2024 - now

  Semi Retired
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  Riot Platforms, Inc.

  Aug 2024 - now

  Director of Miner Maintenance