Upholding Excellence: A Commitment to Quality at STP
Upholding Excellence: A Commitment to Quality at STP
By: David Likens
The United States Air Force has three CORE values with which each Airman is expected to live by:
1.) Integrity First
2.) Service Before Self
3.) Excellence In All We Do
In the Air Force, there are many positions that work on an aircraft. Aircrafts are extremely technical with thousands of intricate engineering miracles that require daily maintenance.
Mechanics of these aircrafts fall into all different areas of work (i.e., Sheet metal, Propulsion, Electronic). Each specialty has different levels Level (Helper) – 3 Level (Apprentice) – 5 Level (Journeyman) – 7 Level (Craftsman) and 9 Level (Superintendent).
- The Helper is unskilled and hasn’t been to job training yet.
- The Apprentice has been to basic job training and passed the required tests
- The Journeyman is a skilled mechanic who has proven through on-the-job training and testing that they are capable of complex tasks and as well as proficient in the training of others.
- The Craftsman is the highest skilled individual who has many years of experience on the job as well as other non-job training expertise.
- The Superintendent is the squadron leader. They typically have more stripes than most will ever achieve. They are not just skilled mechanics, but proven leaders and motivators.
When an airplane needs maintenance, all jobs are constantly tracked and reviewed both digitally and in print. The Air Force can see who changed the oil on a particular aircraft in 2015 if they needed to.
All tasks require, at minimum, a 5 Level signoff. Many complex and dangerous tasks require additional sign-off by 7 Level managers.
Why? Because one missing screw or incorrectly installed washer can result in catastrophic consequences. It is imperative that the chain of sign-off has followed the CORE values and has not cut corners.
Each one of them plays an important role; Quality (Integrity) is always number one.
What does this have to do with STP?
At STP, our commitment to quality (integrity) isn’t just a slogan; it’s ingrained in every aspect of our operations. Similar to the United States Air Force’s meticulous approach to aircraft maintenance, where even the smallest oversight can lead to significant consequences, we understand that every detail matters.
In our work, whether it’s processing, reviewing, analyzing, or managing projects or operational tasks for our clients, we operate with the utmost precision and adherence to established standards. Just as the Air Force relies on a structured hierarchy of expertise—from Helpers to Superintendents—to ensure each task meets exacting requirements, we too follow a rigorous process to deliver excellence.
We recognize that our clients entrust us with critical tasks, and we take this responsibility seriously. That’s why every project undergoes meticulous tracking, review, and validation to ensure that every aspect meets our high standards.
Whether it’s ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing processes, or delivering accurate analyses, we go beyond mere completion of tasks; we strive for excellence in every deliverable. Our stringent protocols are in place to safeguard the quality and integrity of our work.
Ultimately, at STP, our goal is clear: to consistently deliver superior results that reflect our dedication to quality and integrity. By upholding these principles, we not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in every project we undertake.
