November 2015 – Apprenticeship Program
Emery Air, Inc. and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship today signed an agreement establishing a Registered Apprenticeship program at Emery’s facility located at the Chicago-Rockford International Airport.
The program will provide on-the-job training for workers interested in earning their FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic’s license. Participants will gain hands-on experience and earn certifications needed for in-demand, lucrative careers as aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians. This is the first such aviation apprenticeship program in the continental United States.
Emery Air has served aircraft and airline owner & operators for over 55 years at the Chicago/Rockford International Airport. They are a part 145 repair station specializing in all Beechcraft business aircraft, Citation 500 series, Challenger 600 series and Lear 40/45’s, along with Embraer 135/145/170 and Bombardier CRJ 200/700/900 and Dash 8/Q400 regional airliners. They also operate a full-service FBO and avionics department.
“We are extremely pleased to be working with ApprenticeshipUSA and Rock Valley College (also located at the Rockford airport) on this new and innovative program”, commented Jim Zarvos, Emery Air CEO. “We believe we will be able to share our expertise and help produce some very well trained and qualified aviation professionals, who will have a great future in our industry.”
ApprenticeshipUSA is a federal program that helps companies develop a world-class, customized training model that combines work-based learning with related classroom instruction using the highest industry standards. Emery Air will be providing 4500 hours of structured on-the-job training while apprentices attend classes at Rock Valley College supporting the Aviation Maintenance course requirements. The apprentice will receive a Certificate of Completion from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship and credentials from RVC if they complete all required training and coursework.
The apprenticeship model allows businesses to customize their training for employees, resulting in a workforce that is fully proficient and trained to their specifications, resulting in increased productivity, reduced employee turnover and an improved bottom line. The program also trains present and future workers in occupations where many highly skilled workers face retirement in the near future.
The program also offers a unique opportunity for Veterans who have existing benefits under the GI Bill. Registered Apprenticeship may qualify them for monthly stipends in addition to their regular wages.
For more information about Emery Air apprenticeship program, click here.
October 2015 – Emery Air named American Bonanza Society Center of Excellence maintenance facility
Emery Air, located at the Chicago-Rockford International Airport, was recently named part of the American Bonanza Society’s (ABS) Center of Excellence group of recommended service centers. Emery has long specialized in taking care of Beechcraft piston and turbine-powered aircraft. Having met ABS’ strict standards, Emery Air has been designated an ABS Center of Excellence service center.
Emery has a long history of providing service to Beechcraft aircraft, beginning in 1960. They are currently celebrating their 55th year associated with Beechcraft. Over the years, they have been both a sales and service center, including several years as the Raytheon Beechcraft Factory Service Center.
Emery is currently a Factory Service Center for piston-powered Bonanza and Baron aircraft, and also works on Beech’s turbine products, including King Air, Beechjet, Premier and Hawker business aircraft and Beech 1900 airliners. They also have a skilled Avionics department, as dealers for all major products including ADS-B solutions. Their sister company, Poplar Grove Airmotive, is continually ranked as one of the top piston-engine repair and overhaul facilities in the nation.
In addition to Beechcraft products, they are certified to work on Citation 500 series, Lear 40/45 and Challenger 600 series aircraft. They also have an experienced avionics department trained in repair and installation of major avionics suites including Garmin, Rockwell-Collins, Bendix/King and many others. Emery operates a full-service FBO, services airline operations and the UPS distribution center in Rockford. They also have a Regional Airline division specializing in Embraer 135, 145 and 170 jets along with Bombardier CRJ 200, 700, 900 and Dash 8/Q400 series Regional aircraft. Emery’s sister company, Poplar Grove Airmotive, is one of the top rated piston engine maintenance and overhaul facilities in the nation.
ABS created the ABS Center of Excellence FBO accreditation program in direct response to member’s requests that it provide a means identify superior facilities that meet members’ aircraft maintenance and flight instruction needs.
Emery Air to celebrate 55 years of Beechcraft support in December 2015
President Kennedy hadn’t taken office yet, and the Beatles were still a small band in Liverpool when Hartzog Aviation (now Emery Air) inked its first deal with Beechcraft as a sales and service center. The company has evolved, and Emery Air is now celebrating its 55th anniversary being affiliated with Beechcraft.
Emery Air, located at the Chicago-Rockford International Airport, is the region’s premier Beechcraft service center, working on the entire Beechcraft line from Baron/Bonanza (Authorized Service Center), to King Air, Beechjet, Hawker and Premier business aircraft and Beech 1900 airliners. Emery is recognized as an American Bonanza Society Center of Excellence service center. In addition, they are certified to work on Citation 500 series, Challenger 600 series and Lear 40/45 airframes, and also have a complete avionics department trained in repair and installation of all major avionics suites.
“We couldn’t be more happy to celebrate our history with Beechcraft products”, commented Curt Drumm, Emery’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “Many of our staff members have decades of Beechcraft experience, and that knowledge helps us maintain our customer’s airplanes in top condition.”
The company has had a limited number of owners over the years. In 1985, Hartzog Aviation was sold to Beech Holdings (Raytheon Aircraft Corporation). The facility became a Beech factory-owned and operated Factory Service Center. In 2003, Emery Air Charter (which was part of the original Hartzog operation, now owned by Steve and Tina Thomas) acquired the Raytheon facility, consolidating all the services, and becoming one of the largest aviation service companies in the Midwest. The name was changed to Emery Air, Inc., to reflect their wide range of services. The Thomas family continues to operate the company today, and also owns Poplar Grove Airmotive, one of the most respected piston-engine repair and overhaul shops in the nation.
In addition to business aircraft and avionics, Emery operates a full-service FBO, services airline operations and the UPS distribution center. It also has a Regional Airline division specializing in Embraer 135, 145 and 170 jets, and Bombardier CRJ 200, 700, 900 and Dash 8/Q400 series aircraft.
Emery Air Names new CEO – Industry Veteran Jim Zarvos, June 2015
Emery Air, a leading MRO located at the Chicago-Rockford International Airport (KRFD), is pleased to welcome Jim Zarvos as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Zarvos, a 40 year business aviation veteran, he has held several senior management positions in business aviation MRO companies including Midcoast Aviation, Jet Aviation and most recently Dassault Aircraft Services in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is a commercial and multi-engine instrument rated pilot and is a licensed A&P technician. Mr. Zarvos recently relocated to the Rockford area.
“Jim has the years of experience and aviation knowledge we need to take Emery to the next level of service to our customers…he’s the right person for the job”, noted Emery Air president and owner Steve Thomas. “We are looking forward to expanding our services and adding new capabilities. His customer-driven focus, enthusiasm and team building fit well with the Emery family culture. He knows what it takes to provide exceptional service to our discriminating customers.”
Emery Air is the region’s premier Beechcraft service center, with capabilities for the entire line from Baron/Bonanza (Authorized Service Center) to King Air, Beechjet, Hawker and Premier business aircraft and Beech 1900 airliners. Emery is recognized as an American Bonanza Society Center of Excellence service center, and is celebrating its 55th anniversary being affiliated with Beechcraft this year.
In addition to Beechcraft products, they are certified to work on Citation 500 series, Lear 40/45 and Challenger 600 series aircraft. They also have an experienced avionics department trained in repair and installation of major avionics suites including Garmin, Rockwell-Collins, Bendix/King and many others. Emery operates a full-service FBO, services airline operations and the UPS distribution center in Rockford. They also have a Regional Airline division specializing in Embraer 135, 145 and 170 jets along with Bombardier CRJ 200, 700, 900 and Dash 8/Q400 series Regional aircraft. Emery’s sister company, Poplar Grove Airmotive, is one of the top rated piston engine maintenance and overhaul facilities in the nation.
Barry engine mounts available – August 2015
Emery Air Inc. has renewed its authorization as an Authorized Service Center for Hutchinson Aerospace / Barry Controls, and can now offer customers replacement Barry engine mounts for the full Beechcraft line. We offer overhaul exchange or new exchange mounts for the Beechcraft 400, King Air, Bonanza, Baron and Model 1900 series as well as the Premier. Emery Air Inc. is very happy to be part of the Barry Controls support network and is pleased to offer our customers the added value of this outstanding and unique product. When the need arises for engine mount and isolator replacement, think Emery Air and Barry Controls.