The visit on May 20, 2025, began at AAR’s Wood Dale headquarters, where Black met with senior leadership and toured the company’s aviation parts distribution warehouse — a key hub supplying both commercial and government customers worldwide. From there, the delegation proceeded to AAR’s Rockford site, one of the company’s six airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities.

At Rockford, AAR’s Corporate Safety leadership presented the structured approach behind the company’s aviation safety successes. Maintenance inspection personnel and members of the Safety Management System (SMS) committee participated in a robust roundtable discussion with Black. Topics included the advantages of a comprehensive, companywide SMS program, the measurable impact of a safety-first culture, and AAR’s progressive strategies for training and workforce development.

The dialogue extended to broader industry challenges and opportunities, as both AAR and the FAA exchanged perspectives on aviation maintenance safety. The engagement underscored the potential for ongoing collaboration between regulators and industry players committed to elevating safety standards.

A highlight of the visit was a Town Hall at the Rockford facility, where operations paused so that nearly 400 employees could hear directly from Black about the FAA’s current priorities. The event allowed frontline workers to engage with the regulator and share their own insights and enthusiasm for aviation safety.

“AAR appreciates the opportunity for our frontline workers to share their perspectives and enthusiasm for safety with the FAA,” said Art Smith, AAR’s Chief Quality Officer. “As a company, we take every opportunity to advance safety in the industry and are grateful for the FAA’s collaboration across multiple initiatives.”

The visit affirms AAR’s position as a safety leader in the aviation maintenance sector and highlights the importance of regulatory partnerships in sustaining a safe and resilient industry.