AINsight: From DOM to DOA at the Flight Department

AINsight: From DOM to DOA

Don’t overlook maintenance directors’ skills when looking for a flight department leader

Phil Balmer, TAG Aviation director of maintenance and Vincent Picard, maintenance manager — Phil Balmer (left), TAG Aviation director of maintenance, and Vincent Picard, maintenance manager

By Sheryl Barden • AIN Contributor

February 21, 2025

For years, directors of maintenance (DOMs) have been the unsung heroes of corporate flight departments. These professionals lead teams, manage budgets, negotiate contracts, make schedules, and oversee technical operations. They also serve as key liaisons with aircraft owners and company executives. Day in and day out, they’re in the hangar, ready to tackle whatever challenges arise.

But what if a DOM’s next step isn’t just about maintenance? What if it’s about leading the entire aviation operation?

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Sheryl Barden

AIN Contributor

About the author

Contact

Sheryl Barden, CAM, is CEO of Aviation Personnel International, the longest-running recruiting and HR consulting firm dedicated to business aviation. A recognized thought leader on workforce and leadership issues, she is an NBAA CAM Fellow, past member of NBAA’s board of directors and advisory council, and recipient of NBAA’s John P. “Jack” Doswell Award for lifetime achievement and service to business aviation.

See more by this author