Category: Commercial

PIA to Send Competitors from All Four Campuses to Nationwide Mechanic Competition in Chicago April 9-11

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) is preparing to send teams of students from each of its four branch campuses to compete in the annual Aerospace Maintenance Council (AMC) Competition taking place in Chicago on April 9-11.

The competition invites teams of students who are in training to become aviation maintenance mechanics to compete in 27 different problem-solving challenges that simulate real-world situations which they may face as professional mechanics. 

Each event is sponsored by a leading aviation industry employer, including American Airlines, FedEx, Michelin, Pratt & Whitney, and Southwest. This year’s events include StandardAero Engine Fan Blade Removal, American Airlines Logo Light Harness Troubleshooting, U.S. Army Helicopter Main Rotor Track & Balance Adjustment, and more.

“Attending AMC gives our students a chance to see how big and diverse the aviation industry truly is, and they can bring that experience back to share with their fellow students at school,” said Michael Basara, PIA Myrtle Beach campus director. “In the competition, they will be partnered with teams from the industry or the military and get to see these professionals at their best, with plenty of chances to network, learn, be mentored, and connect with recruiters. Everyone there is willing to help others and cheer other teams on, even in the heat of competition. In the end, our students really compete against themselves to do their best.”

PIA will be sending teams to this year’s AMC competition from its Hagerstown, Myrtle Beach, Pittsburgh, and Youngstown branch campuses. PIA teams have performed well in previous AMC competitions, including PIA Hagerstown winning the 2022 Clearance Control Valve & Bleed Valve Solenoid event sponsored by Pratt & Whitney.

“When it comes to selecting our team, we don’t just pick the most senior students or those with the most experience,” said Joseph DeRamo, PIA Youngstown campus director. “We like to send a team of students from various backgrounds who have a mix of different kinds of knowledge. Each member brings a different skill set to the group. They have been practicing after school twice a week and sometimes on Saturday in order to learn how best to support each other and work together.”

The AMC competition is presented by Snap-On. It is held at the McCormick Place in Chicago, in conjunction with MRO Americas.

Tide Rock Acquires CABLENET Aerospace, Supplying the Space, Aircraft, and Military Industries

Tide Rock, an unlevered buyout firm with a portfolio of diverse economically resilient B2B businesses, acquired CABLENET Aerospace, a contract manufacturer for the aerospace, military, space and OEM industries in Denver, Colorado.

Since its founding in 1990, CABLENET has been supplying the space aircraft and military with quality work in high priority applications.

“We are now uniquely positioned to provide a more complete outstanding service to customers in broad markets where mission-critical solutions are required,” said CABLENET Aerospace CEO and CTO Ray Assayesh. “I am excited to collaborate with the larger team to uphold our commitment to delivering exceptional service and products.”

CABLENET specializes in turnkey applications for GSE (ground support equipment), EGSE (electronic ground support equipment) and space launch infrastructure, including test tooling design, engineering, manufacturing, and prototyping to customer specifications. The company’s 20,000-square-foot facility features state-of-the-art equipment, utilized to manufacture products of the highest quality, with quick delivery.

CABLENET will become a division of Tide Rock company, Interconnect Solutions Company (ISC), a vertically-integrated manufacturing company, specializing in electromechanical assembly, custom overmolded solutions and interconnects for mission-critical aerospace, military, defense and life sciences projects.

“CABLENET serves demanding customers in cutting-edge fields where the stakes are high and quality is essential,” said ISC CEO Nick Kendall-Jones. “Their capabilities complement ISC’s strong reputation in enterprise-level, mission critical interconnect and electromechanical solutions. Together, we can bring more complex and sophisticated solutions to the most demanding customers.”

“We are excited to welcome CABLENET to the Tide Rock family,” said Brooks Kincaid, president of Tide Rock. “CABLENET has earned a strong reputation with its aerospace and defense customers, including many of the leaders in their respective industries. We look forward to adding their advanced skills and experience in critical applications to ISC and to expanding ISC’s footprint into Colorado, a major aerospace hub..”

The acquisition allows CABLENET to add its expertise and service to the growing enterprise customer base of ISC, as well as benefit from complementary businesses, a press announcement stated.

StandardAero Continues Ramp Up of CFM56-7B MRO Capabilities at DFW International Airport Location

StandardAero’s DFW Center of Excellence at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Texas, continues to ramp up its support of the CFM International CFM56-7B turbofan engine, with the first customer engine shop visit performed earlier this spring. The company’s DFW-based CFM56-7B service center, which was opened last year, has now inducted over a dozen engines for various workscopes, and is now working to introduce full maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for operators from around the globe.

StandardAero’s DFW-based CFM56-7B service center currently offers a range of quick turn shop visit (QTSV) services, such as borescope inspections, boroblend repairs, engine module changes and QEC/LRU removal/installation, along with fan, top case, bottom case, hot section and LPT repairs.  The DFW facility also offers full test cell capabilities for the popular CFM56-7B powerplant at its state-of-the-art, six-cell DFW test complex, enabling Boeing 737NG operators and other CFM56-7B asset owners to perform functional and performance engine testing.

“StandardAero is pleased to offer our customers the convenience of DFW-based CFM56-7B service center capabilities, and will be adding additional capabilities over the coming year,” said Adam Gingras, general manager – CFM56, DFW for StandardAero. “In order to support customer demand for our CFM56-7B services, we will be moving to a new 147,000 sq. ft. building located adjacent the DFW test complex this summer, and plan to introduce full performance restoration shop visit (PRSV) capabilities by the end of the year.”

StandardAero holds CFM International General Support License Agreement (GSLA) approval for the CFM56-7B, and the DFW Center facility added the engine to its FAA Part 145 Repair Station operations specifications at the beginning of 2023. StandardAero also provides a full range of MRO capabilities for the CFM56-7B from its CFM- and GE Aerospace-approved facility in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, which first commenced support of the engine as a GE Designated Fulfillment Center (DFC) in 2009. 

The company also provides an extensive range of additional services for the CFM56 family, including component repair and overhaul capabilities through StandardAero Component Services (SACS); engine, module and used serviceable material (USM) asset management support through PTS Aviation;  and engine health monitoring (EHM) data analysis services.

StandardAero also provides support for the CFM International LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines from its 810,000 sq. ft. facility in San Antonio, TX, as a CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA) provider.  The company last month introduced Continued Time Engine Maintenance (CTEM) workscope service offerings, with engine test and full PRSV capabilities due to follow later this year.

Universal Avionics Data Link Selected for A320 Upgrade by Eirtech Aviation Services

Universal Avionics (UA) has announced that aircraft modification provider, Eirtech Aviation Services, has selected UA’s data link solution for its Airbus A320 fleet upgrade program. The upgrade features Universal’s UniLink Communications Management Unit (CMU), which enables air-to-ground digital communications between pilots and Air Traffic Control (ATC), as well as Airline Operational Control (AOC) through its database of Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) messages.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Eirtech Aviation Services to enable Data Comm on the A320,” said Dror Yahav, chief executive officer at Universal Avionics. “UniLink brings customers enhanced operational efficiency, safety, and airspace access worldwide.”

“Eirtech continually seeks innovative solutions to provide customers with the most advanced aviation technology,” said John Clear, chief innovations officer at Eirtech Aviation Services. “Universal Avionics’ data link complements our commitment to delivering high-quality upgrades, keeping our clients prepared for modern and future airspace requirements.”

As part of the A320 upgrade program, the UniLink CMU delivers several datalink benefits:

  • ATN-B1/Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC): Facilitating streamlined text-based communication with ATC, reducing workload and potential errors.
  • Departure Clearance (DCL) support and ACARS messaging between the aircraft and ground for Airline Operational and Administrative communication efficiencies.
  • Optimized Routing and Fuel Savings: Enabling airlines to achieve cost savings and reduce environmental impact.


Universal’s outstanding equipment delivery, performance and reliability, combined with Eirtech Aviation Services’ market-leading support for aviation leasing companies will effectively fulfill Data Link upgrade requirements for transitioning aircraft.

FEAM Aero Expands Technical Center at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

FEAM Aero, unveiled its latest addition to the company’s comprehensive aircraft maintenance and repair capabilities at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) late last month. A new state-of-the-art hangar, “Hangar 2.0”, was celebrated on March 28th with a grand opening ceremony. The project initially broke ground on November 1, 2023. This latest facility represents the significant expansion of FEAM Aero’s footprint at CVG, building upon the success of its previously established hangar facility.

Hangar 2.0 is a three-bay, wide-body hangar. It underscores FEAM Aero’s dedication to innovation and excellence in aircraft maintenance. At approximately 150,000 square feet the hangar represents a monumental $45 million investment. It will contribute to the growth of the local economy, creating 200 new positions for skilled aircraft maintenance professionals. Hangar 2.0 complements the existing 103,000-square-foot, $19 million hangar inaugurated in January 2020. Together, these two facilities form the backbone of FEAM Aero’s Technical Center at CVG, a hub of expertise and cutting-edge technology in aircraft maintenance.

“The opening of Hangar 2.0 marks a new chapter in our journey and growth at CVG Airport,” said Cam Murphy, president of FEAM Aero. “Our expansion highlights more than our commitment to world-class maintenance services; it represents a significant investment in the community, with over $70 million dedicated since 2020 to nurturing the local economy and fostering aviation industry careers. Demonstrating our dedication to both quality service and community development.”

In addition to the hangar facilities, FEAM Aero has forged strategic partnerships to further enhance the aviation ecosystem at CVG. Collaborating with Epic Flight Academy, FEAM Aero has helped establish a new aircraft mechanic training facility at CVG Airport. This groundbreaking initiative, set to commence in April 2024, signifies FEAM Aero’s commitment to expanding the aviation maintenance technician workforce and promoting diversity within the industry.

“The opportunity of opening a new training facility at CVG Airport represents a significant milestone in our mission to build and cultivate the community of tomorrow,” explained Cam Murphy. “By partnering with Epic Flight Academy and leveraging the resources of CVG, FEAM Aero is empowering individuals from all backgrounds to pursue rewarding careers in aviation maintenance.”

The grand opening ceremony of FEAM Aero’s Hangar 2.0 will be accompanied by recruitment events aimed at attracting top talent to join the dynamic team of aircraft maintenance professionals, the company said. These events will provide attendees with an exclusive opportunity to explore the state-of-the-art facility at FEAM Aero’s Hangar 2.0, interact with FEAM Aero’s experts, and learn about exciting career opportunities within the company.

“We invite aspiring professionals and educational institutions alike to join us at our recruitment events and discover the exciting career opportunities available at FEAM Aero,” added Cam Murphy. “Together, we can inspire and empower the next generation of aviation professionals.”

Kollmorgen Expands AKD2G Versatility with the Launch of New Synchronized Communication Protocols

Kollmorgen announced the latest update to its AKD2G servo drive. With the introduction of these new features, Kollmorgen has broadened its offerings to additionally support PROFINET IRT and Ethernet/IP with CIP Sync alongside CANopen, EtherCAT, and FSoE time-synchronized communication protocols. Each protocol is rigorously tested with a variety of motion controllers and certified by industry standards organizations.

The AKD2G servo drive update allows for synchronized motion between multiple drives using a wide variety of control architectures. Thanks to its flexibility and high performance, AKD2G is the ideal drive for use in applications that require highly precise coordination across multiple axes of motion.

The drive features industry-leading power density in a compact package and is easy to mount — with one- and two-axis variants available. Engineers can leverage single-cable Smart Feedback Device (SFD) or HIPERFACE DSL connections or choose from a wide range of other feedback devices.

Finally, the drive features an optional SafeMotion Monitor (SMM) firmware with a safety level of SIL3/PLe to meet functional safety needs and enable a wider range of applications.

“The AKD2G servo drive is an ideal option for automation designers and OEMs that are actively optimizing their designs — offering increased performance, a smaller footprint, and greater design flexibility,” said James Davison, Senior VP/GM at Kollmorgen. “It’s a system designed with our customers in mind to make automation engineering easier, more efficient, and more powerful.”

The AKD2G paired with AKM2G motors is part of the 2G Motion System, a suite of motion products designed to work together for ultimate ease of setup and higher performance. Engineers also can take advantage of the drive’s compatibility with a wider range of controllers and feedback devices — or with other motors, as needed.

QOCO Systems Launches Assignment – an MRO Solution Combining HR, Maintenance Planning, and Flight Ops Systems

QOCO Systems launched its latest innovation, MROTools.io – Assignment. Developed in collaboration with leading industry operators, QOCO says Assignment is a “modern, reliable and cost-efficient solution” that combines three separate modules currently used in maintenance planning – HR, maintenance, and flight ops systems – into one easy-to-use interface.

“Aircraft maintenance operations require simultaneous management of several complex processes. With Assignment, we wanted to make them significantly more manageable by combining all the necessary data and controls into one intuitive interface,” says Ilari Neitola, founder of QOCO Systems. “Instead of scrolling through spreadsheets for personnel availability information, jumping to the maintenance management system for the right plans and at the same time keeping an eye on flight data in case of delays, maintenance planners can access all relevant features with one tool.”

By automating several aspects of staff planning, Assignment reduces the workload of planners and eliminates the need for manual, repetitive tasks. The solution eliminates human error by minimizing manual intervention in the planning process, which can significantly improve the reliability of the planning process and ensure that all staff members are assigned tasks in a fair and efficient manner.

Assignment also accelerates decision-making and thereby enables planners to quickly respond to changes in staff availability, maintenance schedules, and flight operations. This can help airlines to increase fleet availability and reduce delays and downtime, improving overall cost-efficiency. In 2023, over 70% of flight delays in the U. S were caused by the aircraft arriving late or carrier-related issues such as staff shortages or maintenance. The costs of delays for airlines are estimated to reach billions of euros annually.

“When a flight is delayed, it may be necessary to replan staffing due to personnel availability,” Ilari Neitola explains. “If this is done inefficiently, with outdated methods and software resources, it can easily cause further delays, creating a domino effect. Every wasted minute is costly for flight operators. With Assignment, we aim to streamline aircraft maintenance operations so that they can reduce those delays instead of increasing them.”

MROTools.io – Assignment is available starting from March 19th, 2024.

OASES Announces Launch of Release 11: A Major Upgrade for OASES Users

Airworthiness MRO software provider OASES announced the launch of OASES Release 11, saying it marks a “significant update to its aviation software suite.” This latest version delivers new features and enhancements in functionality, security and user experience, tailored for airline operators, MROs and aircraft engineering firms.

The company says OASES Insights, a new feature in Release 11, transforms vast amounts of operational data into actionable intelligence. This analytics tool enables users to uncover patterns and trends, supporting data-driven decisions that can reduce downtime, cut costs and preempt issues for engineering teams and management alike. Designed for ease of use, its intuitive interface and robust dashboards make advanced data analysis accessible to all users.

Release 11 introduces integration technologies designed to enhance the connectivity between OASES and various software and services. These innovations provide quicker, more dependable and scalable integration solutions. With OASES Workflow, developing new integrations is significantly faster, giving customers enhanced flexibility in selecting complementary systems to use with the OASES platform. Additionally, the introduction of OASES Gateway, an API framework, allows third-party software vendors to securely and directly integrate with OASES. This increased integration flexibility means OASES users can more easily connect with other essential systems and processes in their daily operations, leading to time savings and a reduction in human error.

The updated Maintenance Control module offers a simplified, visual approach to planning maintenance activities, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime. This module allows users to manage work orders, assess materials, and plan resources effectively, ensuring a seamless integration with flight schedules.

With Release 11, OASES is now more convenient and secure, with browser-based support, multi-factor authentication (MFA), SSL/TLS encryption and a strengthened cybersecurity framework, for comprehensive threat protection.

The introduction of OASES Academy fosters a learning community among users, industry experts, and the OASES team. Members gain access to exclusive webinars, FAQs, and in-depth courses on OASES and the aviation industry, simplifying the training process for new employees and enhancing the skills of current staff.

“The Release 11 upgrade represents a significant step in our company’s journey,” said Paul Lynch, group managing director. “We’ve worked tirelessly with our customers to understand their needs and build an upgrade that adds significant enhancements to their daily operations.”

OASES will be showcasing Release 11 at two special customer events, being held in Dubai, 24th-25th April 2024 and Barcelona, 15th-16th May 2024.

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.

Supernal Appoints David McBride Chief Technology Officer 

 
Supernal – Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company – recently announced the appointment of David McBride as chief technology officer (CTO). McBride will lead Supernal’s technology strategy and vehicle development, reporting to CEO, Jaiwon Shin. 

“Following the debut of our product concept earlier this year, Supernal has entered a new phase of our Advanced Air Mobility business – where we turn our innovative vehicle concepts into commercially sound and safe all-electric aircraft,” said Jaiwon Shin, president of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal. “David has spent his career making the ‘impossible’ ‘possible’ in aviation, leading numerous successful missions at NASA, and we are eager for him to help lead Supernal in bringing our scalable eVTOL vehicle to market in 2028.”

McBride brings more than 40 years of experience in developing groundbreaking aerospace technology, complex program management and organizational leadership to Supernal’s Engineering and Technology Division (ETD). In his new role, he will oversee the company’s 400 ETD employees working on vehicle engineering, testing, evaluation, certification and R&D.

At NASA, McBride served as the director of the Armstrong Flight Research Center. During his tenure, he led the Center in achieving full operational capability of the Boeing 747SP aircraft, which carried a telescope into the stratosphere, allowing astronomers to observe the infrared universe above 99 percent of Earth’s infrared-blocking atmosphere. He also led the development of NASA’s all-electric aircraft and safely conducted global operations for NASA’s Earth Science missions. As program manager for NASA’s Flight Research Program, McBride was integral to expanding aerospace knowledge and capabilities, including the record-breaking flight of the solar-powered Helios aircraft to an altitude of more than 96,000 feet.

“I am honored to join Supernal to help certify and commercialize an aircraft that our team has been working toward for the past several years,” said McBride. “It is an exciting time as we transition from the engineering design phase to the build and execution phases. We have an impressive ‘production-minded’ team and we look forward to taking our first flight later this year.” 

McBride received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and an executive master’s degree in business administration from the University of New Mexico. He began his career at NASA as a cooperative education student, specializing in digital flight control systems analysis.