With over 35 years of experience in the aviation industry, Flight Data Systems’ Services Manager Shayne Boswell delivers a wealth of knowledge to our valued partners. With an extensive aerospace background, Shayne supports various industry segments and global partnerships with expert care.
His unique avionic insights provide a solid base for our success by delivering solutions that drive ROI and isolate our customers’ maintenance issues. He also supports an expansive list of operator readout services for our global aviation partners. According to Boswell, his interest in aerospace began at an early age, and avionics continue to provide him with intense fascination in his career today.
How were you introduced to your career?
My family had a connection with aviation and living next to Heathrow (Airport). I was always going to work with my father. I spent a lot of time in and around B747 freighters.
What is your favourite FDS technology/product/service?
My favorite technology is the Handheld Multipurpose Interface (HHMPI). It is an exceptional tool for optimizing fleet management.
What do you do today within your role?
I am the global Flight Data Services manager – this ranges from readouts to Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) for both civilian and military customers. The role involves the day-to-day running of the Readout and FDM department, general project management, and ensuring the team is on track and providing a good service in a timely manner.
What do you like most about Flight Data Systems?
This is a multinational business that has retained a close-knit culture, synonymous with family-owned businesses. It is a very close family-type business with a wide range of products and services supporting most aircraft operators’ end-to-end solutions. This allows all employees opportunity to be involved in all areas of the business.
What’s the most challenging and most memorable project that you’ve worked on?
There are two major projects that I can say have been challenging; one is the recent migration of the Australian Defence Force’s Flight Data Monitoring program to a new application. With potentially 400 aircraft, forward planning was key, requiring some effort and project management. The second is the joint design of new and improved flight data decompression and replay tool between Flight Data Systems and our sister companies. This software will allow SAFR Readouts to replace the older STARS software and give the Readout and FDM departments more options internally where STARS could not.
What advice do you have for others looking to join the aerospace sector and fill a similar role to yours?
My advice would be to gain as much experience as you can. This role requires a lot of aircraft knowledge from avionics right through to performance.
What do you do for fun?
A fun time is family time! However, when I am not spending time with the family, I’ll be watching soccer.
What book/podcast/television show are you reading/listening to/watching right now?
Basically, any sport that involves a ball is on my watchlist.
