Endeavor’s Des Moines, Iowa (DSM), maintenance base is home to the newest hangar in the system. The 3-shift base employs 50 technicians and accomplishes nightly scheduled maintenance on three aircraft. While DSM is smaller in size, the hangar is essential to Endeavor’s operation, performing most engine maintenance, swaps, upkeep, and long-term storage. 

 

DSM Base Manager Dewayne Keating has been in aviation maintenance for nearly 40 years and has served as the DSM base manager since the hangar opened in 2009. 

“There is a lot to love about this industry, but I enjoy the superior work we accomplish here and the day-to-day challenges that are afforded to us,” Dewayne said. “We have a very professional and capable staff, and our safety culture is top-notch,” Dewayne said. “Our experienced technicians enjoy showing newer people the ropes and helping them find their place in the organization.” 

DSM has a reputation for teaching and developing newer technicians as well as creating an environment where they want to have a long career.  

“It’s great to see how many people have started and continued their careers with Endeavor,” Dewayne said. “We have technicians here that started as early as 1999 and 2000, and they have families now. It’s a high-tenure base that really promotes a great place to work.” 

To succeed in DSM, there are a few characteristics that help individuals fit in with the culture. 

“A willingness to be challenged on a nightly basis will help someone succeed here, since all technicians have to work all facets of the airplane – avionics, airframe, and engines,” Dewayne said. “Of course, a good work ethic, an ability to work well with others, and good attendance are important, too.” 

This midwestern maintenance base is a close-knit group whose hard work is regularly recognized and celebrated with a grill-out. 

“I love to cook for my team and show how much I appreciate them,” Dewayne said. “I’ve recently used the flattop grill at our base to cook cheesesteaks, burgers, brats, and more. They do such a great job here, so I’m happy to celebrate them.” 

LIVING IN DES MOINES 

The base is 20 minutes from downtown Des Moines and is central to larger midwestern cities – a 2-hour drive to Omaha and a 3.5 drive to both Kansas City and Minneapolis. The area is affordable for newer technicians with a lot of recreational activities to choose from – fishing, hunting, bike riding, and more.   

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 Des Moines unique.  

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE 

DSM completes regularly scheduled maintenance across three shifts that includes working on borescopes and fan blade checks. The base will also accomplish line checks, weekend dwells, strut repacks, and A-checks when aircraft reach the 800-hour threshold.  

ENGINE SHOP 

The base specializes in engine maintenance and storage. In 2023, the base changed 94 engines and built 108. All technicians at DSM are run taxi and RII qualified, meaning anyone can be tasked to work on an engine and complete performance runs.  

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 

DSM partners with Special Olympics of Iowa to host an annual plane pull – an event that raises around $500,000 for the nonprofit.  

Starting in early December, DSM will welcome students from local A&P programs to host maintenance challenges and give students real-world aviation maintenance experience.