Michael Prather Email & Phone Number

United States

Whatever it takes in composite aerospace manufacturing.

Iuka, Ms.

St. Louis City County, Missouri, United States

Panama City, Florida Area

Starke, Florida

Designed,Tested, and Patented on the Ambulator 600 .

Gainesville, Florida Area

In process and Final Inspection IPC -610 A Certified.

Lake City, Florida

Composite Repairs on A-319 and A-320 Airbus.

Columbus, Ms

Mountain View, California

Test Hardware Engineer 3 /Aircraft Structures Technician 3 --: Work in the Research and Development. Department @ Google X. Job includes but is not limited to: being tasked with the most structurally challenged lay ups/bond : to train and advise less experienced technicians in the laminate/bond processes and then confirm verification that the work of the laminators conformed to engineering specifications. Was instrumental in manufacturing process procedures and work facility design layouts to meet production needs. Performed test layup, prep for bond and bond ribs, spars , skins on Titan and Makani project . Responsible for layup/trim of propellers and wrote the processes for the finish of the props. Designed the structure and wrote the layup processes for the spinners. Responsible for the trimming design and trim for prop openings/mount to bulkhead for trueness. Worked on the aircraft Flight test team.

Columbus, Mississippi

Lead Composite Tech 3, Was instrumental on the Orion Program which achieved the world record in its class by flying 80 hours continuously......and on budget/schedule. Responsible for manufacturing schedule, stamping/QA, material tracking, Audits, and safety. Worked with Team that includes Engineering, Quality Assurance, Technicians, Production Control, Program Manager and the Customer. Worked in the Sikorsky assembly department. Completed and passed Sikorsky adhesive mixing and bonding course , Itar compliant courses, Gulfstream Aerospace clean room course , and was licensed for forklifts. Whom It May Concern,While serving as the GAC Sr. Quality Engineer assigned to Aurora Flight Sciences here inColumbus, MS. I was introduced to Michael R. Prather. In the short few months I have known him hehas served in the layup area for Aurora Projects both as a layup technician and an inspection supervisorand has done so in a very effective and professional way. His devotion to doing it by the book has helpedto set the standard for all around him. His willingness to learn new tasks and strive for excellence whileImproving himself and those around him has made him a model for others to aspire to.Simply put if I were in a position to hire him for a position as a skilled layup technician or asQuality Control Inspector within the composite MBU I would do so without reservation.Gerald M. MettertQuality EngineerGulfstream,Currently Assigned toAurora Flight SciencesColumbus, MS.

Dallas/Fort Worth Area

6/02/2013 – 10/18/2013 : Contractor for Strom Engineering @ Bell Helicopter- Composite Technician – passed Bell Helicopters advance composite course, layup parts using prepreg carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar, also used epoxy foam and adhesive films. Parts laminated by ply orientation, debulking technique to make sure there is no bridging, use peel ply, release film, thermo couples, vacuum ports and final bag with leak check to Bell manufacturing specifications. Trim parts by utilizing die grinders, 90 degrees angle grinders, and other hand tools to Bell’s manufacture specifications. Also verify diminutions using calipers, scales, depth gauge, go no go gauge, before parts are presented to QA Inspectors for approval . Have experience using computer programs set for part traceability and technical data.

As President of the company I was responsible to oversee and make decisions in purchasing,sales, production, and the prototype departments .Negotiated deals with companies such as Yamaha Motor Corporation, Parts Unlimited, Tucker Rocky and many more. Practice Continuous Improvement by working Hands on in Production and Product Development. Use LEAN principles in manufacturing by reducing material waste by utilizing proper templates that were designed to capitalize current inventory. Maximized production by using an assembly line process and placing the Team in the best fit and interest area. Oversee Quality Control using micrometers, depth gauges, calipers and other measuring tools. Performed first articles of inspection. Implemented safety procedures and policies for employees – zero employee hours lost due to work place injuries for duration of business. Repaired many different parts which was signed off by a IA which was documented on a FAA 337 form and approved by the local MIDO. Received DER approval on aftermarket Piper PA28-161 upper and lower engine cowlings. Coupon test proved that the aftermarket cowlings was twice the strength and 25% lighter than the OEM cowling. Designed product which received Patent (Carbon Fiber Grip Guards) Patent number 6,733,038 B1Worked with Super cross teams to developed product to make them Go Faster, which produced many Championships including one World Championship. Invented the Ambulator 600 safety walking device which is now patented and in use in many hospital, critical care and Intensive care units. Designed, test, proof of concept, and sold this product working with a team that included outsourcing manufacturing, plastics, aluminum and sales representatives.

Starke, Florida

Partner/Production Supervisor/ Composite technician, ME, QA, using fiberglass ,kevlar and carbon fiber wet lay, vacuum form and pre preg uni/cloth carbon fiber. Trimmed parts to manufactures specifications using fixtures and 90 degree die grinder ,router, and diamond coated cutting wheel. I was also responsible for employee and product scheduling, Safety, PPE, employee performance and Gogs. In 1993 I was promoted to Quality Manager implemented documentation for receiving, in process, and final inspection . Used calipers, micrometers, height gauge, fixtures, rulers, and preformed tap test in accordance with TCB Composite Company FAA approved parts manufacture approved procedures/engineering drawings. I am proficient in Conformity Approval (working with DERs, DARs, and the ACO in Atlanta), FAA Parts Manufacturer Approved Facility- receiving 67 STC/PMA approvals. Negotiated a Multi million dollar contract and many other contracts including the sale of the company.