As 2026 begins, I find myself reflecting on the lessons that shaped safety and reliability in aviation maintenance throughout 2025—not just through milestones and deliveries, but through the small, deliberate actions that define our industry. The big wins are easy to celebrate: trusted partnerships with major OEMs, successful integration of TheCanKey products in operations worldwide, and pilots safely filling oil without improvised tools. But the real progress often happens in the details.
The Importance of Meticulous Handling
Even a tiny metal shaving can cause enormous consequences. Throughout 2025, I was reminded time and again that meticulous handling matters. Every DustCap placed, every FunnelCap used, every FOD-free tool integrated into daily routines protects engines, extends engine and gearbox life, and safeguards the people operating them. These are not just tools—they are risk mitigators, designed to prevent “metal you didn’t want” from ever reaching the oil system.
Adopting Best Practices
One of the defining themes of 2025 has been seeing maintenance teams adopt best practices proactively. Teams that once relied on improvised methods now use certified tools that minimize contamination, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency. It’s a clear example that safety isn’t just about equipment—it’s about mindset, awareness, and discipline in even the smallest steps.
TheCanKey FOD Guide: Education Meets Action
The launch of TheCanKey FOD Guide marks a key milestone in 2025. This new resource for aviation professionals explains the progression of damage caused by improperly handled oil systems and outlines practical steps for preventing FOD. It reinforces a simple yet crucial message: even seemingly small contaminants—dust, oil can shavings, or improperly opened oil cans—can trigger serious consequences. By providing education alongside FOD-free tools, the guide empowers teams to maintain cleaner, safer, and more reliable aircraft operations.
Real-World Challenges and Solutions
Through ongoing conversations with engineers, operators, and clients worldwide, one insight remains clear: aviation maintenance doesn’t happen in perfect conditions. Oil fillers are cramped, hangar dust is everywhere, and fluids like Skydrol pose challenges even to the best equipment. That’s why designing tools like the FunnelCap or TheCanKey—built for real-world conditions and certified for safety—makes all the difference. Small risks prevented today from avert catastrophic consequences tomorrow.
Proven Impact
The impact has already been tangible. Operators like Avincis Aviation Norway, which relies on Beechcraft King Air 250 aircraft, have added another 30,000 engine hours without FOD incidents, thanks to consistent use of TheCanKey tools and FOD-focused practices. This demonstrates that safety isn’t just about equipment—it’s about mindset, awareness, and discipline in even the smallest steps.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2026, my focus remains the same: precision, awareness, and proactive care. The work we do at TheCanKey is about more than products—it’s about creating safer, cleaner, and more reliable operations by ensuring every detail, every tool, and every action is accounted for. Because in aviation, the smallest overlooked step can create the biggest problem.
