Category: Commercial

CWIs/SCWIs Can Get Certification Endorsement to Perform Welding Procedure Qualifications 

The American Welding Society (AWS) has introduced the Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement, developed for existing Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWI) who want to conduct Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) qualifications. .

The WPS is a key component to ensuring weld quality; its qualifying process is a complex mixture of engineering, metallurgy, welding capability, and inspection. When a problem exists in any of these areas, the result can be failure of the weld to meet specified service conditions. To meet code requirement, the WPS must be properly qualified by a relevant engineering authority.

While Certified Welding Inspectors have a fundamental knowledge of WPS qualification,” commented Denny Smith, managing director of Certification, “they require further training and assessment. CWIs or SCWIs who hold the Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement have demonstrated that they are able to qualify WPSs with appropriate engineering oversight.”

Prior to sitting for the endorsement exam, candidates are encouraged to participate in either an in-person or online training seminar; 16 hours of instruction provided in two and four days, respectively. “The Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement Seminar covers activities related to the qualification of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)” Alicia Garcia, Director of Education, stated. “Participants will learn how to assess project requirements, demonstrate knowledge of process variables and relevant documents, evaluate mechanical and nondestructive testing for procedure qualification purposes, prepare a PQR, establish ranges for prequalified WPSs, and list ranges for WPS qualified by testing.”

The group says CWIs and SCWIs who hold the Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement will better be able to:

  • Differentiate between codes, standards, specifications, and other documents commonly used in a welding environment
  • Evaluate the various documents reviewed by the welding inspector prior to fabrication
  • Discuss the role of the welding inspector
  • Examine the role of procedure qualification records in the welding process
  • Assess control of materials and explain the importance of material control in meeting standards or specifications for production
  • Analyze alloy identification and material specification within welding inspector responsibilities
  • Navigate and identify pertinent information in the AWS D1.1 and B2.1 codebooks
  • Apply the necessary documents for a particular procedure qualification.
  • Explain the process of procedure qualification
  • Develop welding procedure specifications using real world examples
  • Analyze prequalified WPS’ and understand how they are developed
  • Analyze how Standard Welding Procedure Specifications are developed, qualified, and used

CWIs seeking to take their career to the next level and become a SCWI, can use this all-new endorsement to help reach their goal. Their added skillset will also contribute to their company’s QA program.

FAA’s Largest Solar Project to Power Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center

The FAA’s largest solar project to date is coming to the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (the Center) in Oklahoma City. The clean electricity generated from the solar panels on FAA property will help serve the Center’s power needs.  

“This project captures the area’s abundant sunshine, will save valuable taxpayer dollars and will help build a more sustainable aviation system,” said Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen.

The panels are expected to produce 2,600 megawatt hours annually, the equivalent needed to power 260 average homes. The project will reduce the Center’s electric bill by an estimated $170,000 – $200,000 annually. Air traffic controllers, technical operations professionals and aviation inspectors are trained at the Center.

There are many energy-related advancements currently underway at the Center. Sixteen of the FAA’s 24 certified sustainable buildings are located on the Center’s campus. The Center has participated in two pilot programs for electric vehicle charging stations, and local university students are currently studying ways to better track the Center’s energy use and reporting.

This project helps the FAA meet President Biden’s goal for federal buildings to be clean and sustainable. Other solar projects include a 1,600 panel solar farm adjacent to the Tucson, Ariz., air traffic control tower. The panels generate enough power to support all of that facility’s electrical needs for several hours a day and help cool the building at night.

GE Aviation Opens New Asia-Pacific Service Center in Australia

GE Aviation announced the opening a new state-of-the-art facility in Australia to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services for customers across the Asia-Pacific region.

The new $8 million Asia-Pacific Service Center at Brisbane Airport positions GE Aviation to support more customers and expand its presence across the region.

Queensland Assistant Minister to the Premier Bart Mellish MP officially opened the facility in a ceremony at Brisbane Airport earlier this week.

The facility will be the largest GE Aviation, Systems service center in the Asia-Pacific region. The facility supports avionics, flight management, electrical power and DOWTY propeller systems on various aircraft including the Boeing 737 and 787, Q400 and F-50 regional aircraft and the Royal Australian Air Force’s fleet of C-130J Super Hercules and C-27J Spartan Military Transport Aircraft. “A key part of GE Aviation’s global customer services network, this truly world-class facility offers cutting-edge technology and highly skilled technicians at a one-stop shop for aviation customers from across the Asia-Pacific region,” GE Australia Country Leader Sam Maresh said. “We are delighted to mark a new chapter in our Australian operations and our near two-decade relationship with Brisbane Airport with the opening of a leading aviation servicing facility that creates fresh opportunities for GE Aviation.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said “I welcome the expansion of GE Aviation’s new facility in Brisbane, building on aviation services based at Brisbane Airport servicing the Asia-Pacific region. GE Aviation’s increased investment is an investment in Queensland’s future and is a signal to young people in particular that good jobs are available in a range of industries.”

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said “GE Aviation’s partnership with Brisbane Airport continues to go from strength to strength, and we really look forward to building our relationship. This hi-tech workshop is important for the future of the airport, and we welcome the commitment from GE Aviation as a sign of confidence in the growth outlook.”

This new technologically advanced facility will employ more than 80 people and is set to boost the local economy, while also contributing to the growth of Brisbane Airport.

Worthington Introduces Flex LT – Utility Seats for Caravans on a Mission…

Worthington Aviation is pleased to introduce Flex LT, a utility seating solution for the Caravan. These seats are built for aircraft operators who are looking for flexibility when it comes to seating and interior cargo capability demands. Current certification includes FAA and EASA, with additional approvals pending.

Flex LT seats are built using the latest technology, offering the most lightweight, durable, and versatile seat ever produced. Available in LH and RH single seats or the traditional RH double seat, the back panel effectively folds forward, with each seat back on the double seat folding independently. With a quick-release function, these seats fully collapse to nine inches (9”USC) and store securely away in the outboard seat track against the sidewall. The seats can also be stored in the rear baggage area or the single seats can be stored in the cargo pod. Unique to Flex LT seats are the back and seat pan slipcovers which eliminate the need for re-upholstery. As such, the upholstery sleeves replace in minutes, which means there is no down-time for repairs or reupholstering damaged or worn seat covers.

Worthington is committed to supporting Caravan operators by offering the Flex LT seats, aftermarket product development, an inventory of Caravan parts, and maintenance support. In addition, Worthington MRO offers a Refurbishment/Trade-in Program for cargo pods – not a bondo repair but a complete refurbishment, restoring the pod to like-new with no fillers.

More information regarding the Flex LT seats, the cargo pod Refurbishment/Trade-in Program can be found on the Worthington website.

Korea Boosts Philippines MRO Dornier Technology

Strong Rebound In Pax Traffic From Korea Boosts Philippines MRO Dornier Technology

Philippine maintenance, repair and overhaul firm Dornier Technology has benefited from the sudden recovery in inbound passenger traffic from Korea. Dornier Technology has won contracts for line maintenance from three Korean low-cost carriers that have resumed services to the Philippines, namely: Air Busan, Air Seoul and Jeju Air.

Dornier Technology Philippines crew with Jeju Air aircraft.
Dornier Technology Philippines crew with Jeju Air aircraft.

Air Busan is operating from Seoul Incheon to Kalibo, the gateway to the Philippines’ famous resort island of Boracay, using Airbus A320s and A321s. Air Seoul is also serving the route, using A321s; while Jeju Air is operating from Seoul Incheon to Bohol’s Panglao International Airport using Boeing 737-800s.

Dornier Technology, chief operating officer, Joseph Espiritu, says the Philippine market is very strong for Korean carriers, because it is a popular leisure destination in close proximity to peninsula Korea.

There are also many Koreans living in the Philippines, so the airlines benefit from having a mix of leisure and visit friends and relatives (VFR) traffic, he says. VFR traffic was the first segment to recover from the pandemic.

Korea’s close proximity to the Philippines means Korean carriers are mostly serving the Philippines using short-haul narrowbody aircraft such as A320s and 737s, says Espiritu.

He says Dornier Technology is popular with foreign carriers, because it is the Philippines’ largest independent MRO organization.

“We serve multiple international and domestic airline customers. We have achieved cost savings through ‘economies of scale’ and are able to pass on those savings to our customers, making us a very price competitive line maintenance organization,” says Espiritu.

“Dornier Technology has a depth and breadth of experience, which means we can serve airlines that operate different aircraft types. We can also provide value-added services, such as warehousing and logistics for aircraft spare parts,” says Espiritu.

Dornier Technology has nearly 200 employees and plans to increase its workforce to 250 by year-end to meet the growth of its line and base maintenance business. The company does airframe heavy maintenance, otherwise known as base maintenance, at Clark International Airport outside Manila. It also has nine line maintenance stations: Bohol, Caticlan, Cebu, Clark, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo, Manila and Puerto Princesa.

Reliable Robotics Achieves Certification Milestone with G-1 Issue Paper Acceptance

Reliable Robotics Achieves Certification Milestone with G-1 Issue Paper Acceptance

Autonomous aircraft systems pioneer, Reliable Robotics, announced that the certification basis of its advanced navigation and autoflight system has been accepted by the FAA. The final G-1 issue paper defines the certification basis for the company’s Supplemental Type Certification (STC) on the Cessna 208 Caravan, a popular cargo aircraft. This STC will enhance safety by enabling continuous autopilot engagement through all phases of aircraft operation, including taxi, takeoff, cruise, landing, braking and rollout, with a single pilot on board for abnormal procedures.

“We are very appreciative of the FAA’s noteworthy attention to detail and ongoing support,” said Mark Mondt, director of certification at Reliable Robotics. “This certification basis is the culmination of years of work with the FAA and represents a key step towards bringing advanced navigation and autoflight systems to normal category aircraft. We look forward to continuing our work together as we move into the next phase of the certification process.”

The FAA uses issue papers to provide a structured means of describing and tracking the resolution of significant technical and regulatory issues that occur during a certification project. The signed G-1 issue paper represents formal agreement between Reliable Robotics and the FAA on the applicable airworthiness and environmental requirements for the company’s advanced automation system.

Currently, controlled flight into terrain and loss of control are the top two causes of fatal accidents in small aircraft. Reliable hopes their advanced automation systems will reduce the occurrence of these accidents and bring a new level of safety to commercial aviation through precision navigation, sophisticated flight planning and robust flight controls, the company says.

Bluetail Launches First Nationwide Onsite Aviation Records Scanning Coverage Via Crowdsourcing

Bluetail Launches First Nationwide Onsite Aviation Records Scanning Coverage Via Crowdsourcing

Bluetail announced a fully operational and scalable onsite scanning network. The new nationwide network was built using the crowdsourcing technique that has been proven in many other industries. Since March 2022, Bluetail has been building the network, technology and service and, since that time, it says it has successfully scanned near 100 jobs onsite at customer locations.

Bluetail has also now opened up a crowdsourcing portal to provide opportunities for experienced A&P technicians, aircraft records specialists and aviation techies who want to travel to customer locations and provide on-site logbook scanning services.

“With the unprecedented growth of business aircraft usage, our ever-expanding customer base requires that their aircraft logbooks and related records be digitized as quickly, efficiently, and with the greatest degree of security as possible,” explained Bluetail vice president, Roy Gioconda. “Simply put, some operators just don’t want to take the risk of their highly valuable documents leaving their hangar,” he added. “The only way to solve the issue is to have more trained people available to go to them. That’s exactly what our crowdsourcing effort accomplishes. Customers have been extremely receptive to this new approach.”

The launch of the community, which the company says has numerous participants, represents a milestone in Bluetail’s ongoing mission to also help A&P’s, aircraft records consultants, even retired maintenance pros.

“By crowdsourcing a team of experienced aircraft maintenance professionals, we can scale to all major aviation hubs, unlike others which can only do one job at a time,” said Roy Gioconda. “We have always offered the on-site scanning option, but with our expanding customer base driving increasing demand, we want to ensure we provide rapid nationwide response times.”

Gioconda further explained that anyone interested in joining Bluetail’s “mobile scanning team” must first visit the online portal and fill out all their information. Those who qualify as contractors will be trained to Bluetail’s digitalization protocol and ethical conduct standards.

AJW Group Expands PBH Contract with Air Transat

AJW Group Expands PBH Contract with Air Transat

AJW Group signed a new Power-by-the-Hour (PBH) support contract with Canadian airline, Air Transat. The support contract will see the business manage the complete supply, repair, overhaul, and warranty of major components for the operator’s expanding fleet of Airbus A321 NEO and CEO aircraft at Air Transat’s primary base of operations in Montreal, Quebec as well as from bases in Toronto and Vancouver.

Air Transat has recently renewed its fleet with A321NEO aircraft, the greenest aircraft in their category as part of a commitment to a healthier environment, and are included in the support contract.

AJW Group has supported Air Transat with PBH service contracts for nearly 10 years, originally for their Airbus A330 fleet. The signing of this contract is a testament to the overall quality, support, and customer service delivered by the Group. Today’s announcement reinforces AJW’s position as the market leader for end-to-end supply chain solutions for the A320 family of aircraft.

“We are pleased to have renewed our power-by-the-hour agreement with AJW Group for our fleet of A321 CEO and our new A321 NEO aircraft,” said Mario Lafrance, vice president, technical operations of Air Transat. “We have worked with the Group for many years and are confident that our maintenance needs are always supported with knowledge and experience so we can focus on dispatch reliability and excellent customer experience.”

Sajedah Rustom, CEO of AJW Technique, commented: “We are proud that AJW has signed the power-by-the-hour contract with Air Transat. This is a testament to our strong partnership and commitment to excellence in the Canadian and global supply chain. The partnership cements AJW’s position as market leader on the A320 CEO and NEO family with world-class, in-house maintenance support coming from AJW Technique, our flagship MRO operation in Montreal.”

Virgin Galactic Appoints Moore as EVP, Spaceline Technical Operations

Virgin Galactic announced that former Delta Air Lines executive Mike Moore has been appointed executive vice president, Spaceline Technical Operations, effective August 22.

Moore will lead Virgin Galactic’s technical operations and maintenance team in charge of ensuring the company’s vehicles are ready for flight. As part of this new position, he will help design and implement the operational model and technical infrastructure needed to support high cadence spaceflights during commercial service. Moore will report to CEO Michael Colglazier.

“A major part of delivering the Astronaut experience at Virgin Galactic sits with our technical operations team, which ensures our Spaceflight system is fit and ready to fly,” said Colglazier. “I am thrilled that Mike is joining us to lead the expansion of our talented technical operations team at Spaceport America as we develop our capabilities in preparation for commercial service. Mike has more than 28 years of experience overseeing daily aerospace operations, and his expertise and steadfast dedication to safety, quality, and process improvement will be indispensable as we enter this chapter.”

Moore joins the company following a decade-long career at Delta Air Lines, where he led Delta’s TechOps Services Group. While at Delta, Moore supported the introduction of two major next-generation engine maintenance partnerships with Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney. After beginning his aviation career as a mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, Moore also worked at Chromalloy Georgia, Northwest Airlines and TIMCO Aviation Services, and has served as a partner to TeamSAI.

“Joining the world’s first commercial spaceline during this pivotal period of expansion is an honor,” said Moore. “Virgin Galactic is an industry pioneer with a distinctive product and an exceptionally talented team. Entering high frequency commercial service will see a step-change in their day-to-day technical needs, and I look forward to working with the team to expand, build on their cutting-edge operations and meet their goals.”

OGMA Delivers C295 Aircraft to Portuguese Air Force

OGMA Delivers C295 Aircraft to Portuguese Air Force

Under the General Terms of Agreement (GTA) with Airbus Defence and Space, for the maintenance of the C-295 aircraft, OGMA has delivered a C-295 aircraft to the Portuguese Air Force. The aircraft carried on an inspection (4Y+2Y+C+6M+600H+300H+SBs), defects repair and additional maintenance services.