MAINTENANCE AWARD For significant and distinct contributions to helicopter maintenance


Michael Yip Director of Maintenance, Becker Helicopter Services, Marcoola, Queensland, Australia


Michael “Yippy” Yip’s career began in 1977 when he enrolled as an apprentice to obtain a certificate of aircraft maintenance from Australia’s government-run Technical and Further Education program in Sydney. Since then, he’s built a 40-plus-year career as a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer, A&P mechanic, chief engineer, maintenance controller, head of aircraft maintenance control, and director of maintenance. Yip joined Becker Helicopter Services in 2009 and has since developed a


reputation industry-wide for his maintenance and management skills and his ability to strengthen teams and increase their safety margins. He has done this while overseeing more than 50 full-time engineers and maintaining a fleet of 20 Bell 206 JetRangers, achieving a remarkable 98% availability rate under Australia’s IFR and night-vision imaging system standards. One of Yip’s standout accomplishments is his innovative way of


strengthening relationships between pilots and engineers. “His programs are designed to cross-train staff and facilitate direct interactions, which has led to a more cohesive, efficient, and safe working environment,” says Becker Cofounder, Chief Pilot, and Executive Director Mike Becker. To foster a sense of community and open communication among Becker


Michael Yip


staff, Yip started a monthly pilot maintenance program that culminates in a company barbecue. He’s also organized in-house safety programs that allow his team to take part in industry-wide safety initiatives. For instance, Yip included Becker engineers in night-vision goggles


training to improve maintenance and operational effectiveness. He encourages his staff to contribute to the company’s safety management system program, thereby promoting safety as a collective responsibility. On the regulatory front, Yip is a voice of reason and an agent for


positive change. He has worked closely with local and international regulatory bodies to fine-tune the wording and intent of regulations, ensuring they are both current and operationally practical. Te resulting amendments mark him as a true industry influencer. Yip’s philosophy is to use all he’s learned throughout his career for


the betterment of the company and his teams. “An efficient, profitable operation is possible with a well-resourced team,” Yip says. “I advocate for what the people who work for me need and also encourage them to help support everyone else along the way.” Yip also mentors future aviation professionals. He’s trained 10


“[Yippy’s] programs are designed to cross-train staff and facilitate direct


interactions, which have led to a more cohesive,


efficient, and safe working environment.”


—Mike Becker, Cofounder, Becker Helicopter Services


apprentices in the past decade. Te majority have stayed in the industry. Some have gone on to start their own aviation businesses, attesting to the quality of Yip’s guidance. In addition to overseeing Becker’s maintenance program, advocating for his team, and


mentoring the next generation, Yip is dedicated to family—at home and at work. He invites employees’ families to attend staff celebrations, and awards vouchers for family activities to recognize performance, emphasizing the importance of family and work–life balance.


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66 ROTOR MARCH 2024


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