Innovation, Skill, and an Underdog Story for the Ages
Last week, the aerospace maintenance industry convened in Atlanta for the 2025 Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC), held during MRO Americas—a globally recognized event celebrating technical excellence in aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). This year’s competition featured nearly 90 teams and over 450 participants, including representatives from top-tier airlines, military organizations, and aviation institutions. Perfect Point EDM was privileged to sponsor a critical challenge showcasing our E-Drill technology, a cutting-edge solution designed to optimize airframe disassembly processes. The event highlighted both the transformative potential of our tools and the exceptional talent driving advancements in our sector.
The AMC: Where the Best Prove It
If you’re not familiar with the AMC, think of it as the WorldSkills Competition for aviation maintenance. Hosted alongside MRO Americas—one of the industry’s premier events for maintenance, repair, and overhaul—this competition pits teams against each other in real-world challenges that demand technical mastery. It’s not just about bragging rights; it’s about showcasing the innovation and expertise that keep planes in the sky. This year, we were thrilled to sponsor a challenge featuring our E-Drill: removing five Titanium Hi-Loks from a jet inlet under timed conditions—a procedure necessitating precision and speed. This challenge underscored the practical applications of our technology in high-pressure maintenance scenarios.
Perfect Point’s E-Drill Takes Center Stage
Our E-Drill isn’t just a tool—it’s a game-changer. Designed to tackle the toughest aerospace maintenance tasks and capable of removing fasteners up to 20 times faster than conventional methods, the E-Drill minimizes structural risk while maximizing operational efficiency. In the AMC challenge, competitors had to use it to extract those stubborn Hi-Loks without breaking a sweat (or the hardware). For us, it was a chance to show the world what our tech can do in the hands of the best. And trust us, they didn’t disappoint.
The Winners: Speed, Skill, and a Photo Finish
After two days of exciting competition, the results rolled in. American Airlines – Team Line crushed it, taking the overall title with a jaw-dropping time of 2:07. That’s not just fast—that’s a statement. Meanwhile, in the school category, a team called SMLE stole the show, clocking in at 2:26 to snag the top spot. And here’s the kicker: they beat the runner-up by one second. But SMLE’s win isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about the story behind it.
The Underdog Triumph: SMLE’s Alternate All-Stars
Let’s talk about SMLE, because their story is straight out of a movie. Normally, alternates are the unsung heroes of competitions like this. They train hard, they prep, but unless something goes wrong with the main roster, they’re stuck on the sidelines. This year, though, fate had other plans. Due to government cutbacks and regulations, 10 US Military teams couldn’t make it to Atlanta, leaving gaps in the lineup. The AMC organizers saw an opportunity: why not let the alternates from various schools form their own teams and compete?
Enter SMLE—a crew of student alternates from different schools, thrown together with no prior teamwork under their belts. They weren’t supposed to be the stars. They weren’t even supposed to be there. But against all odds, this scrappy group didn’t just show up—they dominated the E-Drill event in the student category. That one-second victory? It’s proof that skill, grit, and a little bit of chaos can outshine the favorites. We’re tipping our hats to them—and especially to Jaxon Tanner from Salt Lake Community College, whose steady hands on the E-Drill helped seal the deal. That’s the kind of talent that’s going to shape the future of this industry.
What’s Next: Orlando 2026 and a Video Sneak Peek
The 2025 AMC might be in the books, but we’re already counting down to next year’s showdown in Orlando. If Atlanta was this good, Orlando’s going to be off the charts. Will you be there to see it? While you wait, keep an eye out for our upcoming video recap of this year’s event. You’ll get an up-close look at the E-Drill in action, plus hear straight from the competitors who made it all happen. It’s the next best thing to being there.
Ready to Revolutionize Your Maintenance Game?
The AMC isn’t just about competition—it’s about inspiration. Seeing teams like SMLE and pros like American Airlines push the limits with tools like our E-Drill reminds us why we do what we do. Want to bring that kind of efficiency to your own operations? Check out the E-Drill on our site and see how it’s transforming aerospace maintenance, one Hi-Lok at a time. Got questions? Drop us a line—we’d love to chat.
Here’s to the underdogs, the innovators, and the future of flight. See you in Orlando!
