Meet Our New Operations Manager and Bee-keeper, Tim Coyle

So Tim, what industry did you work in before joining Phoenix?

Before I joined Phoenix in July, I predominantly worked within the aerospace industry, with some experience within pharmaceuticals, and automotive. I began my career as an apprentice at Lucas Aerospace, where I went on to complete a degree in Production Engineering.

Since then, I have had roles including a Test Rig Manager, Test Manager, and also a Managing Director of a Aerospace test rig company. 

What experience do you have with hydraulic test machines and materials testing?

I have past experience in production testing, qualification testing, fatigue testing, and environmental testing for aerospace components. These tests can range from a couple of hours, up to 18 months running 24/7. My job was to make sure machines were maintained, and findings were reported back in a suitable manner. It was extremely important to ensure test results were valid, as a large percentage were destructive tests, which could not be repeated.

I also have experience designing and commissioning aerospace production test equipment, for testing components such as aircraft flaps and slats, landing gears, and landing gear actuators.

What is the most interesting project you’ve ever worked on?

When I ran my own business, I worked with a detection perimeter company that specialised in nuclear sites, country borders and prisons.

Together, we worked on a sensor with software to detect people hiding in vehicles entering and leaving prisons, without the need to do a physical search.

Why did you choose to join Phoenix?

When I initially spoke to General Manager John Cross and the rest of the Phoenix team, I really felt like it was going to be a good place to work. I had recently retired, so I wouldn't have joined otherwise!

I also joined because it was an opportunity for me to bring some of my past experience to Phoenix, to support with growing the business.

You have definitely settled in well. What responsibilities does your role as Operations Manager include at Phoenix?

I work within test machine production, making sure machines are built to the right quality, ready to go out the door. There is a lot of technical support needed in the role, which my career background compliments.

I also look after the staff working at Phoenix, making sure we all work together effectively.

What do you think Phoenix’s strengths are in the industry?

Phoenix is very good at developing bespoke test equipment and machines. It is a very niche area that larger companies struggle to match due to the specialist knowledge in the business.

Our ability to innovate is also a strength, as we strive to find solutions to customers’ problems and requirements.

What do you like to do when you’re not at Phoenix?

I love cooking. In a previous role, I used to cook for twelve people every week in a curry club!

I also enjoy woodworking, helping my niece with her dog walking business, and I’ve recently started bee-keeping in my spare time. I like to try anything once, to decide for myself whether it is something I'm interested in.

Where do you see Phoenix in the future?

One thing I'd like to explore is power efficiency. In the future I can see test equipment evolving to become much more power efficient. This is incredibly important for tests that are required to run for long periods of time, such as environmental testing.

This would add value for the customer, to help with long term maintenance and running costs.

What changes have you seen within the aerospace industry in the past 24 months?

Additive Layer Manufacturing is becoming a big focus, which means components are printed in layers, rather than machined. A laser is typically used to fuse each layer together either horizontally or vertically, which creates an increased need for testing, in order to validate a component's strength and durability in the air.

Overall with Additive Layer Manufacturing, aerospace companies can form shapes that are not possible with machining, and components can be designed to be lighter. The process has been around for the past five years, but in the last 18 months components are beginning to reach the skies.

Tim has already settled in very well at Phoenix, and we are all looking forward to sampling his famous curry!

For more information, please call 01384 382 253.