Endeavor’s second largest maintenance base sits adjacent to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). This two-story base is one of the busiest in Endeavor’s system, with technicians at work 24/7, 365 days a year. The team provides high functionality and versatility to the maintenance operation. With a focus on teamwork, DTW excels in culture and respect for one another, all while keeping safety top of mind. 

Base Manager Bill Shepherd has held a leadership position at the DTW base for the past 36 years and has 40 years of aviation experience. Bill created a culture of inclusivity for the technicians and for decision-making. If base-wide decisions need to be made, a committee is formed to allow for a solution that will work for all. DTW promotes teamwork and provides an environment where people feel respected. 

“I have a lot of pride in the people I work with and lead,” Bill said. “My career in aviation has gotten better year after year, as you are only as strong as the individuals and team around you – a true testament to the group we have here.” 

The base has around 125 employees, with many having a tenure of 20 years or more.  

“I hired a lot of people that are still here,” Bill said. “Consistency is key, and we treat each other as family. I believe Endeavor has a reputation for doing things right and has a fantastic safety culture – a ‘fix the airplane right’ policy. This is an incredible team that truly cares about Endeavor’s success and is always looking for the next task and goal to accomplish.”  

Endeavor’s maintenance bases function slightly differently in their work and capabilities. Some are line maintenance only; others take on modifications or special projects in addition to their maintenance tasks. These are a few capabilities that make Detroit unique. 

SHEET METAL 

DTW has the largest sheet metal team out of Endeavor’s maintenance bases, allowing for sheet metal work to be accomplished at all times. The base houses an 8Tree device — a dent mapping scanner. Introduced to the maintenance teams late last year, the scanner increases the accuracy of dent mapping and expedites the process. A highly detailed report is sent to Endeavor’s engineers to create better work scopes and solutions that DTW can then execute. 

AVIONICS & ELECTRICAL 

Along with always having a sheet metal specialist on duty at DTW, there is always an avionics technician working. This helps DTW complete tasks 24/7, whatever it may be. The continuous development and training of AMTs allows for the base to be ready for anything the operation needs. 

SVL AND SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE  

DTW is called upon to support Endeavor in many ways. DTW recently built a proof-of-concept aircraft for integrating internet connectivity on Delta Connection aircraft. The work took place across all shifts, and most technicians at the base were able to contribute in some way.  

Many technicians from DTW are sent out to support other bases or head out on a road trip to fix an aircraft at an airport where Endeavor does not have a maintenance base. In addition, DTW has sent technicians out to Kingman, Ariz. (IGM) to help return aircraft to service. 

DTW’s hangar allows for 5 aircraft, but the base will receive about 6 to 7 planes a night, with some work happening outside the hangar. The base can accomplish line checks and routine maintenance along with A– and B–checks. DTW is one of four bases that handles B–checks for Endeavor. 

GROUND SERVICE EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE 

Endeavor’s DTW team has full ground service equipment maintenance capabilities. The team handles regular upkeep and maintenance on all Endeavor vehicles located at the base. 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH 

Bill is on the advisory board for MIAT College of Technology (MIAT), and a supervisor at DTW also serves as an instructor at MIAT. The base hosts tours to local community colleges and schools to showcase an insight into aviation maintenance and encourage the next generation of technicians.