HARRIS AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE

▸What is the history behind Harris Aircraft Maintenance?

Harris Aircraft Maintenance began in 1998 when Scott Harris (who had worked for Bellair, Inc. and Mountain Aviation, Inc. for many years) decided to venture out on his own and start a shop catering to aircraft locally and privately owned. The shop provided much the same work as it does today, Annual Inspections, routine and preventative maintenance, basic repairs and alterations, etc. In addition, the company provided “Emergency” maintenance for larger carriers such as Alaska Airlines, Alaska Central Express, Evergreen Airlines, Mark Air and Air One, the latter three are no longer in existence. In 1999 the Company grew to own and operate its own aircraft and the name changed from Harris Aircraft Maintenance to Harris Aircraft Services, Inc. By operating its own aircraft the company hired more mechanics topping out with 5 certificated mechanics to cover 7 days per week, year around support of company owned AND locally owned Part 91 (private) aircraft. By 2019 the market was changing and the costs of insurance and hurdles of hiring pilots proved too much for Harris Aircraft Services, Inc. and the Company ceased its flying operations. In the meantime, Harris Aircraft Maintenance was revived and became its own entity once again. A hangar is leased on the Juneau Airport to fill the void left years ago when Wingnut Aviation shuttered its doors. As we always have, we remain in Sitka providing great maintenance service.  Harris Aircraft Maintenance is determined to provide aircraft maintenance services to those private aircraft owners throughout the region. As time progresses the Company plans to add basic avionics installs and certification services for IFR and VFR equipped aircraft. In addition, it the intent of the company to offer parts sales over the counter in the hope of further supporting the regional airplane community.

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▸What is an A&P Mechanic and why is it important?

An aircraft maintenance technician (AKA A&P Mechanic) refers to an individual who holds an Airframe and/or Powerplant (A&P) certificate which is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Just like pilots there are rules for certification and regulations which must be abided by for use of their license. A technician can hold individual certifications, Airframe mechanic or Powerplant mechanic however to obtain an Inspection Authorization a mechanic (technician) must hold both certifications.

 

▸Are all of Harris Aircraft Maintenance mechanics A&P certificated?

YES! All 3 of our Mechanics at the Sitka and Juneau maintenance shops hold A&P certifications!

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▸Why does it matter to use A&P certificated mechanics?

Federal law requires a licensed technician perform, and therefore be able to sign off on most maintenance functions on a Certificated aircraft. There are certain things which are spelled out in the Federal Regulations that a pilot in command of an aircraft or an aircraft owner MAY do as preventative maintenance but any major work must be accomplished by a Certificated (licensed) mechanic holding the Certificate (license) for that part of the aircraft being worked on.

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▸Who can I speak to in Sitka about aircraft maintenance?

In Sitka, our mechanics Scott and Paul are A&P mechanics that can assist you or answer any questions you may have!

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▸Who can I speak to in Juneau about aircraft maintenance?

In Juneau, our mechanics Scott and Jerry are A&P mechanics that can assist you or answer any questions you may have!

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▸How many years of experience do our employees have as mechanics in the aviation industry?

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Jerry: 15 years in civilian aviation

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Paul: 15 years in military and civilian aviation

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Scott: 35 years including military and civilian aviation

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