StandardAero Signed as an Authorized Starlink Dealer for Business Aircraft Operators

StandardAero, a leading provider of business aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has reached an agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink to become an authorized dealer and installer of the company’s high speed internet product onboard select business jet aircraft. 

Starlink’s recent approvals for FAA supplemental type certificates (STCs) apply to Gulfstream G450 (GIV-X), Gulfstream GV, Gulfstream G550 (GV-SP), Gulfstream G650, Gulfstream G650ER, Bombardier Global Express, Bombardier Global Express XRS and Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft. StandardAero can perform Starlink installations on these platforms from its’ aircraft service centers of excellence in Van Nuys, CA and Springfield, IL, both of which specialize in long-range jet maintenance.

“Our new relationship with Starlink echoes the commitment we have made to our customers to provide them with the latest advancements in technology available for their aircraft, and demonstrates the trusted industry expertise we have in providing avionics services and support,” said Tony Brancato, StandardAero Business Aviation president.

StandardAero adds Starlink to its suite of connectivity solutions offered for various business aircraft platforms. Starlink is unique as the first and largest satellite constellation in low Earth orbit to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet anywhere around the globe, onboard aircraft.

“With the increasing dependency of wi-fi onboard business aircraft, we’ve seen customer maintenance schedules and budgets that are driven by connectivity upgrades,” said Brian Campbell, VP of Global Sales & Marketing for StandardAero Business Aviation. “Expanding our services ensures we can continue to deliver custom aircraft MRO solutions fit to each customer’s unique needs.” 

As a Starlink dealer, StandardAero will also provide installation support for upcoming STCs awaiting approval that apply to Bombardier Global 5000, 6500 and 7500, Challenger 300/350/3500 and Gulfstream GIV aircraft.

Gulfstream G700 Earns FAA Certification

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, announced the all-new Gulfstream G700 has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification, paving the way for customer deliveries of the most spacious aircraft in business aviation.

The G700’s FAA certification also confirmed two new performance improvements, giving customers increased flexibility and airport availability: a balanced field length takeoff distance of 5,995 feet/1,827 meters and a landing distance of 3,150 ft/960 m (standard ISA day, sea level), both shorter than originally anticipated.

“We have successfully completed the most rigorous certification program in company history with the G700,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “I’d like to thank our world-class team of flight test, certification and engineering professionals, along with the many others at Gulfstream who have contributed to this accomplishment. The G700 brings a new level of performance and cabin comfort to business aviation and is doing so while meeting the highest certification standards our industry has ever seen.”

In September 2023, Gulfstream announced G700 performance enhancements for range, speed and cabin altitude. The aircraft’s range increased to 7,750 nautical miles/14,353 kilometers at Mach 0.85 or 6,650 nm/12,316 km at Mach 0.90, gaining 250 nm/463 km at both speeds over original projections. The G700’s maximum operating speed increased from Mach 0.925 to Mach 0.935, making it the fastest in the Gulfstream fleet.

Along with the range and speed increases, Gulfstream announced that the G700 cabin altitude, already the lowest in business aviation, was further reduced to 2,840 ft/866 m while flying at 41,000 ft/12,497 m, providing even more comfort for passengers. The G700 cabin also features whisper-quiet noise levels, 20 Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows and 100% fresh, never recirculated air.

“I would also like to extend my thanks to the FAA G700 certification team for their support,” said Burns. “On behalf of Gulfstream’s more than 20,000 employees worldwide, I am proud and excited to begin our G700 customer deliveries.”

Avotek Publishes ACS-Centered Book Series

Avotek has published a new series of aviation maintenance textbooks that follow the FAA’s Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (ACS). Avotek used the ACS as a roadmap to create more than 2,100 pages of General, Airframe, and Powerplant material.

The current generation of books and handbooks from other publishers and organizations may be missing some of the subjects included in the ACS, and are arranged differently. This causes extra work and jumping around for instructors and students. The new Avotek book series eases the workload for instructors, curriculum designers, and administrators because of the 1-to-1 mapping of ACS subjects to the books.

The four books are:
• Aviation Mechanic — General
• Aviation Mechanic — Airframe Volume 1 and Volume 2
• Aviation Mechanic — Powerplant

As background, the FAA made a huge step forward with the new Part 147 in modernizing the training requirements that aviation maintenance schools must deliver. Avotek created the new book series that is specifically tailored to work with the new requirements.

The books are available for ordering now.

Interiors Pioneer Franz List Dies at 76 

High-end interiors company F/LIST announced the death of its supervisory board chairman and interiors visionary, Franz List. Franz List passed away on March 23 at the age of 76 after a serious illness. He leaves a big gap not only in his family and the international organization but also in the world of high-end interiors.

List’s vision transformed F/LIST from a small joinery founded by his father in 1950 into a pioneering global business designing, creating and producing luxury interiors for exclusive business and private jets as well as residences. His legacy spans decades, during which he not only developed novel luxury interior products but also achieved numerous milestones in the industry. “His relentless ambition, innovation and passion have made F/LIST what it is today,” a company statement said.

In October 2017, List handed over the management of the company to his daughter Katharina List-Nagl (CEO) and has since served as chairman of the supervisory board of F/LIST. Katharina List-Nagl will continue running the company with the support of the existing leadership team. Together, they remain committed to continuing the growth of the business portfolio, defining game-changing products, and deploying imaginative new solutions for interior design, all of which will build on the exceptional foundations laid by Franz List. A new supervisory board chairperson will be announced in due course. 

“Franz List will be greatly missed not only by his family and friends but also by his dedicated employees and business partners. His leadership, love of craftsmanship and innovative spirit will continue to be the cornerstones of the F/List corporate culture,” the company’s statement said.

Duncan Aviation Reorganizes and Expands Turbine Engine Leadership as Part of Growth Strategy

Duncan Aviation is pleased to announce leadership changes to its Turbine Engine Services in Lincoln, Nebraska. Scott Stoki, Brad Wales, and Tyler Spurling have been named Managers of Engine Services for Pratt & Whitney, Honeywell, and Line Services, respectively.

Duncan Aviation’s engine overhaul services has experienced significant growth since 2015 as the company’s Honeywell service authorization was extended to include HTF7000 (AS907) Series Minor. Then again, in 2017, with the designation as a Honeywell TFE731 Heavy Maintenance facility.

Most recently, an announcement was made during the 2023 NBAA BACE convention in Las Vegas by Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), designating Duncan Aviation’s MRO facility in Lincoln as a DOF (Designated Overhaul Facility) for PW300 and PW500 turbofan engines.

Scott Stoki—Manager of Engine Services, Pratt & Whitney

In 2005, Scott Stoki joined Duncan Aviation as an Engine Line technician, where he demonstrated his natural leadership abilities, taking on positions with more responsibilities. He then transitioned into the Quality department as an inspector, gaining a new appreciation for detailed paperwork. He returned to engine services in 2019 to manage the Honeywell engine overhaul shop.

With the new DOF announcement, Stoki shifted his focus and has assumed leadership of P&WC overhaul capabilities. He has been instrumental in identifying and purchasing advanced machinery, planning for shop safety enhancements, and guiding team member training and growth.

Duncan Aviation will break ground this summer on a new state-of-the-art, 36,000-square-foot DOF featuring 12 engine maintenance bays, dedicated storage racks, a new parts inventory warehouse, and an expanded backshop area.

Brad Wales—Manager of Engine Services, Honeywell

Brad Wales started his career at Duncan Aviation in 2015 as a technician in the Engine Line Shop. He quickly progressed through the ranks and became a Project Manager before returning to the Engine Line Shop as the Manager.

Wales’s transition to the Manager of Duncan Aviation’s Honeywell overhaul services gives him day-to-day leadership over the company’s 40,000 sq.-ft. Honeywell engine complex, which features TFE731 Series Heavy and HTF700 Series Minor Authorization services.

In-house engine capabilities such as a clean room, media blasting machines, shot peen equipment, a paint booth, NDT capabilities, and a balance room are improving, expanding, and centrally located to facilitate maintenance team efficiencies between all OEM-authorized operations.

Tyler Spurling—Manager Engine Line Services

Since Tyler Spurling joined Duncan Aviation in 2007, he has worn many hats, beginning as a technician in the Engine Line Shop. Within six years, he became a team leader and again in 2016, leading an engine RRT (Rapid Response Team).

In 2019, he took over the LNK MRO airframe and engine RRT, eventually consolidating the mobile airframe AOG and inspection services based at Duncan Aviation’s three MRO locations in Battle Creek, Michigan, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Provo, Utah. He served as Manager of MRO RRT for three years before returning to the shop, where he was originally hired as Manager of Engine Line Services.   

Engine Line Services has a dedicated 4,050-square-foot shop just off one of Duncan Aviation’s 40,000-square-foot maintenance hangars, where engines are torn down and built up free from aircraft moves and unnecessary interruptions. 

Thirty-five years ago, Doug Alleman, Vice President of Engine Services, joined Duncan Aviation as an A&P mechanic in the engine shop. He has witnessed first-hand the growth and expansion of the company’s engine capabilities and shop facilities and says this growth is a testament to Duncan Aviation’s 30+ year relationships with Honeywell and Pratt & Whitney Canada.

“The rapid expansion of our turbine engine overhaul services underscores our commitment to our OEM partners, including Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney, their engines, and mutual customers.”

He goes on to say that with each year passing year, the demand for Duncan Aviation’s engine maintenance services continues to grow. “Nearly 63% of the engines sent in for inspection, repair, and overhaul are shipped in from aircraft located at airports worldwide. Our engine RRTs (Rapid Response Teams) network will be vital in supporting the increased business.”

In addition, Duncan Aviation is authorized by GE, Williams International, and Rolls Royce to perform a broad spectrum of engine services and inspections.

CIRCOR Announces Partnership with FLYING WHALES for the LCA60T Program

CIRCOR International, a manufacturer and marketer of differentiated technology products and sub-systems, announced that its subsidiary CIRCOR Industrial has been chosen by FLYING WHALES, a pioneering aeronautical company, as its partner for the development and production of critical helium valves essential for the LCA60T airship. These valves facilitate the controlled release of helium from the airship’s cells as needed during operations. A total of twenty-eight such valves will be meticulously integrated into the airship’s helium cells.

This strategic collaboration is the culmination of an extensive and collaborative effort spanning over a year between the dedicated teams at CIRCOR and FLYING WHALES, culminating in the signing of the contract in February 2023. A crucial co-engineering phase in 2021 allowed for precise specification and alignment regarding this pivotal helium management component within the airship.

“We are delighted to seal this partnership with a major aeronautical industrial player. The proactivity of CIRCOR’s teams was decisive in our choice. For example, the creation of a scale model of the valve allowed us to anticipate the problems related to the size and optimization of the equipment,” explains Benoit Beaubier, program director at FLYING WHALES.

Furthermore, CIRCOR has been entrusted with providing a comprehensive integrated fuel distribution, storage, control, monitoring, and gauging system for the LCA60T turbine generators. The fuel management system will also be compatible with the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). The collaboration discussions commenced in August 2021 to evaluate potential synergies for the fuel management system supply. Extensive dialogue and assessments led to the identification of optimizations to harness the innovations presented by CIRCOR. The proposal put forth by the CIRCOR team emerged as the most effective, ultimately resulting in the contract’s signing in September 2023.

Frédéric GREHAL, VP and general manager at CIRCOR, expresses pride and enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are really proud to be given the opportunity to be on board of such a disruptive project whose development represents a major step for us. All our employees are excited about it, and we have full support from our corporate.”

Image Caption: L-R: Mr Gréhal, VP General Manager of CIRCOR France, and Mr Guibout, Vice CEO of Flying Whales, signing the helium valve contract.

Lincoln Electric Launches Sprinter 180Si 

Lincoln Electric introduces the Sprinter 180Si stick welder. This versatile machine delivers superior arc performance for stick welding combined with advanced TIG functionality, all wrapped up in a portable, lightweight package, thanks to the newest inverter technology. 

The 180Si is designed with a maximum output of 180 amps to enable exceptional stick welding quality. Operators can weld up to 5/32-inch electrodes (6010/7018) and can even choose a dedicated 6010 mode for cellulosic stick electrodes. 

But the 180Si is more than just a stick welder. It also delivers 200 amps for TIG welding and offers a variety of advanced TIG features: 

  • Pulse mode with options ranging from .1-100 pulses per second 
  • A choice of high-frequency or lift start options at the push of a button 
  • TIG-ready capabilities with an 8-pin connector for foot pedals, hand amptrols and other devices  

The 180Si is also portable and versatile. Weighing in at less than 20 pounds, it goes anywhere easily and the dual-input voltage enables the operator to plug into any common power supply. Once it’s up and running, the simple user interface provides an easy-to-read seven-segment display and easy push-button controls. And it all packs up neatly in an ergonomically designed case with a handle and shoulder strap that make it easier to carry and move – around the shop or to any location. 

Stick or TIG, in the shop or on the move, the Sprinter 180Si is ideal for welders of every kind – home hobbyist, professional, or both. And it’s ready for every type of work – maintenance and repair, farm, light industrial, shipbuilding and more. 

Get out and run with the Sprinter 180Si stick welder. 

ExecuJet MRO Services Making Western Australia a Center of Excellence for Embraer Executive Jets

ExecuJet MRO Services Australia’s Perth site is introducing maintenance services for Embraer business jets within Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region. The Perth facility is now an Embraer Authorized Service Center.

Support will begin with Embraer Legacy 600 and 650 business jets. The Perth facility has invested
in the tooling and training to support these aircraft. “With proximity to Southeast Asia, it made sense to make Perth one of our centres of excellence for Embraer aircraft,” says Grant Ingall, VP Australasia at ExecuJet MRO Services. The facility expects significant business as Embraer models are popular across the region.

ExecuJet MRO Services Australia, including its maintenance center at Perth Airport, is approved
by Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), U. S. FAA as well as the civil aviation authorities for Bermuda, Cayman Islands, San Marino, Vietnam, and Indonesia to do airframe heavy maintenance checks on Embraer aircraft.

“Southeast Asia is a key market for us and a focus of our outreach,” says Ingall, adding that the
company has some staff who are fluent in multiple languages. ExecuJet MRO Services Australia’s Melbourne and Sydney facilities have been Embraer Authorized Service Centres (ASCs) since 2010. Being an ASC means we manage Embraer Executive Care and Warranty claims for spare parts and labour directly with Embraer.

Trax Announces Agreement with Archer Aviation


Trax announced that it has entered into an agreement with leading electric aviation  company, Archer Aviation. Archer will leverage Trax’s web-based enterprise eMRO system and eMobility apps and Trax’s cloud hosting services to manage its planned electric air taxi operations. 

Trax’s advanced, modular, web-based solution for aviation maintenance and supply chain management will enable Archer’s real-time administration of production, planning, engineering, inventory, technical records, orders, and reliability processes. Operating in Trax’s secure, reliable, and paperless environment will support Archer’s goals to quickly build a safe, efficient, nimble, compliant and high performing air taxi operation.  

The relationship with Archer expands Trax’s global customer base to include the electric aviation market and holds potential for growth as electric aviation matures and Archer’s air taxi service takes flight.

“Trax will allow Archer to safely and efficiently scale deployment of our electric air taxi service.  Implementation of Trax is a key building block of our operational ecosystem and will provide our technical operations team and pilots an industry leading system to manage the operation,” said Archer’s COO of Urban Air Mobility, Tom Anderson. 

“Trax is pleased to partner with Archer, a leader in the emerging electric aviation aftermarket,” said Andrew Schmidt, Trax’s executive vice president. “Trax’s eMRO and eMobility products will enable Archer’s air taxi service to be completely paperless on day-one and help the company achieve its goals through operational efficiency, streamlined processes, and a highly productive workforce.”

Clark International Airport Targeting Aerospace Companies

The Philippines has launched a campaign encouraging global aerospace companies to establish facilities at Clark International Airport to serve the Asia region and global market. The companies it is targeting includes maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) firms, aerospace manufacturers, fixed based operators (FBO), business aviation companies, original equipment makers (OEMs), cargo airlines, logistics companies, regional and international airlines, training organisations and so on.

The Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr), Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines (CAAP) and Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) have come together
for the campaign and will be jointly exhibiting at the Philippine Aviation Pavilion (Hall C
Booth C-E81) at the Singapore Airshow (20-25 February).

Berthaphil Inc, a key stakeholder and pioneer investor and developer in the Clark Freeport
and at Clark International Airport, is also part of the Philippine Aviation Pavilion. Berthaphil
has over 25 years’ experience and is the leading property developer in the Clark Freeport. It
has already completed 12 real estate developments there, including the airport’s first
bonded warehouse and logistics center.

The company is offering a vacant 10-hectare airfield site, with primary runway access, which
is immediately available ‘as is’ or for a build-to-suit project. Berthaphil is now actively
promoting this site to aerospace companies around the world. Clark International Airport is within the Clark Freeport trade zone, so businesses there can receive incentives and favourable tax concessions – up to a seven-year tax holiday and then a 5% corporate income tax rate.

Clark International Airport (IATA: CRK, ICAO: RPLC) is an international gateway to Asia and
capable of handling the largest widebody aircraft. The airport has a 3,200m-long (10,500 ft)
and 60m-wide (196 ft) primary runway. It also has the tallest air traffic control tower and
the newest international airport terminal building in the Philippines with capacity of up to
80 million passengers per year.

The airport is 43.2 nautical miles (80.0 km; 49.7 miles) northwest of Manila, and is accessible
to Manila via the Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX). A new passenger and cargo rail system
is due to open in 2025.

“Besides world-class airport infrastructure, a strategic location within Asia’s burgeoning
aviation market and a favorable business environment; another key strength of Clark
International Airport as an aerospace center, is the Philippines’ skilled and qualified
workforce,” said Michael Herman, Berthaphil chairman.

“Building a hangar, for example, doesn’t mean you have a MRO business. The key to having
a successful MRO organization is having the skilled and qualified maintenance engineers and
technicians, which is what the Philippines has,” said Herman.

“It is no secret that many of the qualified maintenance engineers and technicians working in
places such as Singapore, Hong Kong and the Middle East are Filipinos. Any aerospace
company that establishes itself at Clark has a huge pool of internationally certified talent it
can draw up both locally and from overseas,” added Herman.

MRO organizations that have already established operations at Clark include SIA
Engineering, which does airframe maintenance there. There is also Hong Kong’s MetroJet
which maintains business jets at Clark. And, it is a global gateway for UPS, DHL and FedEx.

“We are honored that leading government agencies and prominent figures in the
Philippines’ aviation industry – such as the Secretary of Transportation for the Philippine
Department of Transportation (DOTr), Jaime Bautista; Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines (CAAP), director general, Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayao; and Clark International
Airport Corporation president, Arrey Perez; as well as senior representatives from the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI ), Bases Conversion Development Authority and
Clark Development Corporation – will be attending the Singapore Airshow and helping to
promote Philippines aviation and Clark International Airport as a centre for aerospace,” said
Herman.

“Their presence at the Philippine Aviation Pavilion demonstrates that we are all committed
to Clark’s success and aviation business success in the Philippines. Together we look forward
to meeting industry partners and future potential partners at the show. In the Philippines
we say: ‘One PH Aviation – Together We Fly’. Come join us at The Singapore Airshow: Hall C
Booth C-E81 on February 20 at 2pm for the Dignitaries’ Reception and opportunity to meet,”
he added.