John M. Hammond is a seasoned aviation Quality Control leader with more than 41 years of Part 121 experience, known throughout the industry for building high‑performance inspection organizations, strengthening regulatory compliance, and keeping complex airline operations running safely and efficiently. His career spans major U.S. carriers, large‑scale maintenance environments, and high‑stakes operational roles where airworthiness, precision, and regulatory alignment are non‑negotiable.
Most recently, John served as Senior Quality Control Manager for Spirit Airlines, where he led a 40‑member QC organization across four maintenance bases and supported a fleet that grew to more than 200 A320‑family aircraft. He architected the airline’s in‑house NDT training program, eliminating third‑party dependency, reducing annual costs, and elevating inspector proficiency across the system. John also oversaw AD/SB tracking, manual compliance, engineering task card approval, and audit readiness — ensuring uninterrupted regulatory alignment and operational continuity.
Before Spirit, John spent over two decades with American Airlines, leading a 32‑member inspection team responsible for 30–40 overnight aircraft. His work supported FAA investigations, LOI responses, AD compliance verification, and high‑criticality maintenance oversight. Earlier in his career, he served as an A&P technician and a QC inspector at major hubs including SFO, LAX, OAK, and DFW performing borescope inspections, NDT (UT/EC), and line/base maintenance on a wide range of commercial aircraft and engine platforms.
John also brings a rare dual perspective as both a maintenance authority and a professional aviator. He is an ATP‑licensed pilot and current CFII, with experience flying Part 135 charter operations and instructing pilots through advanced ratings. This cockpit‑level insight allows him to bridge the gap between maintenance, operations, and flight departments — ensuring decisions are grounded in both regulatory compliance and operational reality.
Today, as the founder of Aviation Contracting Services LLC, John provides airlines, MROs, and aviation organizations with expert consulting in:
FAA Regulatory Compliance & Audit Readiness
Quality Control Program Development
Advanced Ground School Prep for Private - ATP
Technical Operations & Engineering Support
Workforce Development & Leadership Coaching
Specialized Inspection Oversight
Across every role, John has earned a reputation for integrity, technical mastery, and the ability to translate complex FAA requirements into clear, executable programs. His leadership has shaped inspection teams, strengthened safety cultures, and ensured that fleets remain airworthy, compliant, and ready for service.