Paper: Breaking the Learning/Development Curve
Abstract: For more than 80 years the standard learning curve during which cost drops as learning/production levels increase has endured, despite new technologies and processes. In 2015, Aviation Week Program Excellence nominees found ways to break the curve—and in so doing, demonstrate new ways of achieving the highest levels of performance.
Breaking the learning curve is the holy grail for program managers in aerospace and defense. Using a series of simple, but elegant, approaches this program team broke the learning curve, hitting projected cost and profitability earlier than anticipated.
Biography: Derick L. Martin joined CPI Aero in April 2011 as Deputy Program Manager for the company’s E-2D Seat assemblies program, followed by a promotion to Program Manager in February of 2012. Prior to joining CPI Aero, Mr. Martin served as Account Manager and Manager of Sales/Customer Accounts at Alken Industries, and as Program Manager for GKN Aerospace, where he oversaw the execution of multiple programs including critical F-35 assemblies as well as complex assemblies for the Boeing 777 and SAAB Gripen Aircraft.
Mr. Martin’s current responsibilities as a Program Manager include leading program teams responsible for delivering major assemblies, including the re-design and build of an ISR pod structure, engine inlet assemblies and wing flap assemblies. In November of 2015, Mr. Martin was honored with the Aviation Week “Program Excellence” award for Sub-System Production for exceptional achievements on the Embraer Phenom 300 Engine Inlet Assemblies. He is the first Program Manager from a “Tier II Supplier” to be recognized by Aviation Week in this manner.
Mr. Martin holds an Associate’s Degree in Art (A.A.) from Suffolk County Community College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor in Business Administration (B.A.) from Dowling College.
