CURRENTLY VIEWING:
PROFILE
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A. J. "Bud" Wilson
INTRODUCTION LETTER
In my 30+ years as a crane operator in many different environments, I have gained essential experience that I would like to share with other operators who may not have had the opportunity to attend Crane Safety training classes.
In 1988 I worked for a training company to instruct and certify crane operators throughout the U.S. My first thought when I attended the first class was "what was I going to learn?" The class instructor was not a professional crane operator. I was a little skeptical at first, but I was willing to listen. That class lasted for five eight-hour days, and at the end of the week I had accumulated a small notebook full of information. We discussed different topics such as OSHA, ASME/ANSI standards, rigging, responsibilities, structural vs. stability ground bearing requirements, load charts, etc.
One of the most surprising topics that we discussed was the correct use of load charts. The charts we were using in class were of the same make and model of crane I had been running for four years. We were asked to do some load chart calculations, and I expected to do very well because of my past experience. I was only able to get two out of the eight correct, and it was a very humbling experience. It was then that I realized how much more there is to crane operations than just pulling the levers. After that class, I made it a priority to study standards and other requirements that I was not aware of, especially load charts
I have instructed operators throughout the U.S. and have enjoyed every class. To see the expression on a young or old operator's face when they learn something new is very gratifying. My crane operating experience, coupled with the information learned through different training classes, gives me a very unique perspective on crane operation.
After teaching a class, someone will usually tell me that they enjoyed the class and talk about how much they have learned. I will never know if I have actually prevented accidents or not, but I would like to think that I have. Being an operator and an instructor is like second nature to me. I can teach operators on a professional level because I am an operator myself.
I have long thought that the crane operating industry needed some type of certification. This certification should be of a quality that actually indicates a crane operator's ability. As an experienced operator, I can tell the minute someone gets in a crane and begins to work if they are an experienced crane operator or a just a lever puller.
I have endorsed the CCO fully because of their rigid written test alongside a practical operating exam. I have been through the entire process of CCO certification and hold all four endorsements as well as being accredited as a Practical Examiner. When I took the CCO written exam for the first time, I realized that there were going to be a lot of operators who would have a hard time answering the questions.
When I first started in the construction business, I was a very young man. My father was a crane operator, and at that time there were not a lot of standards in the industry like there are today. It was learn-as-you-go type of operation. My dad taught me to be ahead of the crane and its movements, and I believe that thought has carried me through many years of operation. I am very proud of the fact that throughout my operating years I have never had an accident. I would like for every operator, young and old, to have that same sense of pride in their job.
I have been preparing operators to pass the written exam for quite a few years. Before class, I'm sure that most of their thoughts were similar to mine regarding what they were going to learn. In the beginning of class I have watched their attitudes change from "what am I going to learn?" to "I am amazed at waht I have learned. " Without the preparation class, it is extremely difficult for an operator to pass the written exam.
For a real operator, the practical operating exam is what they do everyday. An operator may get a little nervous when he's being tested, but their experience will prevail and the pass rate is very high.
The information that I share with operators in these training classes will carry with them for years to come. I met an elderly operator in one of my classes who told me something that I hadn't given much thought before. We were talking about how training may be a little bit time consuming and costly, when he told me "If you think training is expensive, try ignorance."
As I leave my thoughts with you, I appreciate your time reading my information about why I think this type of training is extremely valuable.
Sincerely,
A J "Bud" Wilson
President
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
- 35 years as a crane operator with an accident free work history
- Trained and certified (hands on and classroom) Operators for companies such as Duke Power, Mobile Oil, Martin Marietta and Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Halliburton, SDGVE, Sempra Utilities, Boeing, Hawaiin Electric, Amron International
- Taught Crane Safety programs for OSHA Compliance Officers, Engineers, Management Personnel
- Possess extensive knowledge of OSHA & ANSI/ASME regulations governing lift equipment
- Consult with attorneys and insurance companies as Expert Witness regarding accident investigations
- Established reputation for the ability to communicate with operators
- Talent for creating a stimulating, challenging, learning environment
CERTIFICATIONS
- Qualified under ASME B30.5 as a qualified person who, by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter and work.
- Crane Certification Association of America
- Inspect and certify lift cranes
- National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators
- Certified as a Practical Examiner
- Certified by the NCCCO as a Crane Operator holding all 4 MobileCertification Designations
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
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2002 to
Present
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The Crane School, DeBary, FL
President/Training Director - Conduct Crane Operation and Crane Safety Training.
Preparing Operators to take the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) - Written exam, including testing Operators with the practical operating exam.
Site Supervisor Crane Safety Procedures
Safety Classes on correct rigging procedures, job site considerations, power line awareness, the importance of proper record keeping, and other crane safety related programs.
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1999-2002
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Maxim Crane Works, Orlando, FL
Safety Director - Implementing safety policies and procedures. CDL compliance.
Instructing Operators in CCO procedures. Maintaining a requirement of certification. Conducting weekly and monthly safety meetings.
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1993-1999
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Carlisle Cranes, Orlando, FL
Crane Rental Senior Operator - Qualified as an Accredited Examiner for the NCCCO to test Operators.
Prepare test site and conduct practical operating exams.
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1991-1993
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The Crane School, Orlando, FL
President - Coordinate and instruct crane safety and rigging classes nationwide.
Develop programs and curriculums and assemble training materials.
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1990-1991
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Crane Institute Of America, Maitland, FL
Training Instructor for Crane Safety & Operator Certification
U.S. Department Of Labor Certified Crane Inspector
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1989-1990
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Brasfield & Gorrie, Orlando, FL
Operator - 4000 Tower Set pre-cast and architectural stones, pour concrete, construction crane operations
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1988-1989
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David Jones Builders, Inc., Del Ray, FL
Operator - 50 Ton P&H R.T., 70 Ton Crawler
Placement of forms, steel, concrete, etc.
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1987-1988
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Reynolds Electrical & Engineering Co., Inc., Las Vegas, NV
Operations Superintendent & Operator -
Test Site Facility Heavy Lifts with Manitowoc 4600 Series Two-Five, Ringers, 4600 Series Five Truck Crane, 3900 W.T. Truck Crane, 300 Ton Lima Truck Crane, 4600 Series Five Lampson front end attachment.
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1981-1987
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Adams Cranes (Crane Rental Service), Orlando, FL
Senior Operating Engineer - Manitowoc 4100 Series Two Tower Attachment (483 foot boom and tower), 4000 Manitowoc Tower, hook work.
Hydro Cranes (Grove 18-125 Ton).
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1980-1981
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Peter Kiewit And Son's Construction, St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant, Ft. Pierce, FL
Operating Engineer - Manitowoc 4600 Series Two, 4500, 4000, 90 Ton Lorain, Offshore pipe layer. Operated 86-ton hydraulic pipe trailer, pile driving.
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1976-1980
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Wilhoit Construction, Greenville, SC
Operator Superintendent - Heavy lifts with a variety of cranes. Traveled to various job sites.
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1970-1976
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Corbett Cranes (Crane Rental Company), Daytona Beach, FL
Operating Engineer - Pontaine stationary Tower Crane 160 feet of boom, 290 foot tower. Crawler cranes from 300 tons-40 tons, Hydro cranes from 75 tons-15 tons, Friction Riggs from 300 tons-30 tons. Hook work, concrete and steel.
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1968-1970
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B. B. McCormick, Jacksonville, FL
Second Shift Superintendent - Six large drag lines for cooling canal at Turkey Point Nuclear plant. Sewer system pipe laying foreman, operator for drag lines and pile driving.
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MILITARY
U.S. Air Force - 1955-1959 - Aircraft Engine Mechanic - Honorable Discharge
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