1. ETM 591 Quality Professional Interview
Mr. Jonathan Phillips,
Manager of Quality Assurance at Lycoming Engines
Interviewed by:
Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

2. Meet Mr. Jonathan Phillips
Background Information
Meet Mr. Jonathan Phillips
Education:
Wilkes University ( )
BS, Electrical Engineering
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

3. Background Information
Work Experience
: Nuclear Engineering Watch Supervisor/Instructor in US Navy
: Production/Quality Manager at International Paper
Present: Quality Assurance Manager at Lycoming Engines
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

4. Lycoming Engines Specializes in: Piston aircraft engines
Company Background
Lycoming Engines
Specializes in:
Piston aircraft engines
Built over 325,000 engines
Only FAA aerobatic and helicopter engines
Quality Management System meets the AS9100 standard
Shingo Prize 2010 for Operation Excellence
“Nobel Prize” in manufacturing world
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

5. Interview
Corporate Philosophy 1
Does your company's mission statement mention quality?
No, it does not
Does the company have a separate quality mission statement?
Yes; within the Lycoming Quality Policy (Mission), we establish the expectations for all employees regarding quality, and in addition, describe the areas of our business (Design, Manufacture, Deliver and Service) that must strive to provide product quality to ‘delight’ our customers.
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

6. Interview
Corporate Philosophy 2
Does the company have a written quality plan? If so, where is it located?
Yes, we have a written quality plan (policy). It is located online within the company intranet, and is available to all employees.
In your organization, who is responsible for quality?
All employees are responsible for the quality of product (or service) we provide to our customers (internal and external).
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

7. Interview
Corporate Philosophy 3
What are some job titles that relate to quality in your company? What is the educational background for these positions?
Quality Assurance Director - minimum of Bachelors of Science degree, Masters degree, preferred
Quality Assurance Manager - minimum of Bachelors of Science degree (in a technical field, preferred)
Supplier Quality Assurance Manager - minimum of Bachelors of Science degree (in a technical field, preferred)
Supplier Quality Engineers - minimum of Bachelors degree (in a technical field, preferred)
Quality Supervisors - minimum of Associates degree, preferred; High School Diploma or equivalent
Quality Inspectors – High School Diploma or equivalent
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

8. Corporate Philosophy 4 How does your organization define quality?
Interview
Corporate Philosophy 4
How does your organization define quality?
The ability to Design, Manufacture, Deliver and Service products that consistently delight our Customers, while striving to continuously improve the effectiveness of our Quality Management System.
How do you train/educate your employees concerning quality issues?
We have various methods to communicate quality issues to employees. Communication of quality issues is our first objective. We utilize a structured practical problem solving technique to determine the root cause for the issue, then implement a robust solution to prevent recurrence. Individuals involved in the problem solving exercise are typically selected from the area where the quality issue is being generated.
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

9. Interview
Corporate Philosophy 5
How do your customers influence your quality program?
We encourage external (anyone outside Lycoming that purchases product from us) and internal (anyone within Lycoming receiving product) customers to provide feedback on the parts/engines we deliver. The feedback, or data, is aggregated and analyzed daily to assess where improvements are needed within our Quality Management system. We feel our ability to continuously improve the quality of our product gives us a competitive advantage over our competitors.
Has your company ever applied for or earned a national quality award or certification? (Baldrige Award, ISO 9000, CMMI, Other?)
We applied for the Shingo Prize in 2008, and received the Silver Medallion award. We re-applied for the Shingo Prize in 2010, and subsequently received the top honor, ‘Shingo Prize’. Additionally, we are AS9100 Certified since 2009.
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

10. Interview
Corporate Philosophy 6
Do government regulations have a large impact on your quality procedures?
Yes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is involved with Lycoming, and conducts periodic on-site audits of our policies and procedures. Changes to our top level quality procedures require the FAA to review and approve before implementation. Additionally, there are many other Federal laws and regulations that must be complied with during our normal business operation (I.e. Shipping product overseas, hazardous waste disposal and OSHA employee safety regulations).
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

11. Interview
Quality Methodology 1
Do you routinely collect data on the quality of your product or process? Do you use statistics to analyze the data collected?
Yes, we collect data on many processes, and analyze using Microsoft excel, Hertzler and Minitab.
Do you use control charts? If so, what processes are charted?
We utilize control charts to monitor the data collected on machine centers, first pass yield on assembly lines, safety record near misses or injuries, on time delivery of product to our customers, labor usage, and many other areas of our business.
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

12. Interview
Quality Methodology 2
What kind of quality reporting techniques do you use? Who generates the reports? Who sees the reports?
There are various quality reports created in our business: Material Analysis, Supplier Quality, Quality System Audit, and many others. The reports are usually created by the individuals assigned to those areas of the business, and are distributed widely within the organization to communicate significant progress, or areas requiring improvement.
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

13. Interview
Quality Methodology 3
What kind of quality/process control software do you use? (Excel, generic SPC, proprietary, etc)
Excel, Minitab, Hertzler
How do you monitor incoming materials and/or your suppliers?
We measure supplier on time delivery, quality and cost. Incoming receiving inspection is utilized to verify the incoming material meets the design requirements for our product. Additionally, we conduct periodic reviews of supplier performance, and implement corrective actions with poor performing suppliers.
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

14. Interview
Quality Methodology 4
Do you use acceptance sampling methods? If so, what standards are they based on? Who designs the plan?
Yes, we use AOQL acceptance sampling tables with NO defects allowed from the sampled product. The standard we reference is Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) 9013/4. The Quality Assurance Manager and Director are responsible for designing our product acceptance sampling plan at Lycoming.
What percentage of your product is scrapped or reworked?
Approximately 0.5% over a one year period.
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

15. Interview
Quality Methodology 5
Has your organization ever issued a product recall? If so, please identify the product and the date of the recall.
Yes, we have issued product recalls. In our business, recalls are referred to as Service Bulletins. You may view all of Lycoming’s Technical Publications at:
Does your organization follow Six Sigma or Lean Sigma quality methodologies for process improvement?
We utilize Six Sigma Quality and Lean Manufacturing methodology…data driven continuous improvement is part of our Quality Management System, and is our operational expectation.
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

16. Interview
Quality Methodology 6
Are employees encouraged to obtain quality credentials such as Certified Quality Engineer or Six Sigma Black Belt?
Yes…encouraged and expected for salaried employees within Quality department. We are required to certify via the American Society for Quality (ASQ) organization for Auditor, Quality Engineer, Black Belt, or Manager of Quality & Organizational Excellence, as appropriate.
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014

17. Additional Information/ Permission to Publish
Dr. Joan Burtner has permission to publish the interview responses on her course website.
ETM 591 Quality Interview by Shamreen Pradhan
Spring 2014