Travel around the world, or even within a single country, and you'll find human factors principles applied unevenly in aviation maintenance due, in part, to uncertainties among maintenance leaders and inspectors as to what this field is all about.

The Transportation Department's June report on significant rulemakings revealed that the draft rule on drug-testing of certain foreign repair station employees is now expected to be released this week, pushed back from late May. And the FAA's projected publication date for a final rule on safety management systems for Part 121s slipped to early October from early September. Washington A Tough Transition

Embraer and Kenya Airways want to establish the airframer's second authorized service center in Africa for commercial aircraft, to specialize in E-Jets.

American fills paint shops into 2016 with livery changes

1. Akzo and American Supplier: AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings

As airlines continue to watch engine expenses, MROs are being asked by their customers to design customized approaches to service and provide material solutions. The conversation is forcing MRO vendors to search for answers outside their facilities.“A decade ago, the focus of engine maintenance contracts was on supporting the customer—at the time of the shop visit,” says Kristin Kenny, director of Pay Per Hour Programs for Pratt & Whitney Canada. “Now, contracts must be structured to take into account a complete understanding of the customer's operation.”

In Europe and the U.S., new leaders face old challenges

Plans for system to be available to commercial aircraft by 2020