Category: General Aviation

Hartzell Propeller Appoints First Recommended Service Facility in India

Hartzell Propeller, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, is expanding its global propeller service and support network with the addition of Arrow Aviation Services as the company’s first Recommended Service Facility in India. Based in Kolkata, Arrow Aviation Services is the only propeller shop on the Indian subcontinent approved by Hartzell Propeller to properly service and maintain Hartzell products, providing technical support, full propeller overhaul, delivery, product sales and warranty work on Hartzell products. Before gaining this advanced Recommended Service Facility designation, Arrow Aviation Services was recognized as a Hartzell Propeller recommended Service and Support Center in India. “We’re thrilled to welcome Arrow Aviation Services into our global network of Recommended Service Facilities, ensuring aircraft owners and operators in India have access to the highest quality service and support available for Hartzell propellers,” said JJ Frigge, Hartzell Propeller president. “Achieving this designation required Arrow Aviation to meet Hartzell’s demanding standards for safety and quality and undergoing rigorous process audits, which its team passed with flying colors.”

As a Recommended Service Facility, Arrow Aviation must employ factory-trained and qualified propeller technicians who attend required Hartzell Propeller training, maintain Hartzell-approved tools and equipment and meet special process approvals on an ongoing basis. These requirements, which often exceed those of the governing airworthiness authorities, underscore Hartzell Propeller’s steadfast commitment to superior quality, performance and support. 

“It is a great honor to be recognized among this distinguished group of Recommended Service Facilities,” said Samir Gupta, Arrow Aviation president. “We value the trust Hartzell Propeller places in our capabilities to deliver unparalleled service and support for their products.”

With Recommended Service Facilities located throughout North and South America, Europe, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and now India, Hartzell Propeller customers are only a short flight or drive away from the best maintenance, repair and overhaul services available. 

IHI Developes Aircraft Engine-Embedded Megawatt-Class Electric Motor

IHI Corporation announced recently it and several domestic partners jointly developed the world’s first one-megawatt-class electric motor mounted inside a jet engine tail cone. This achievement is one fruit of the company’s More Electric Architecture for Aircraft and Propulsion (MEAAP) project. This technological innovation initiative aims to optimize the overall energy management of aircraft systems, including engines, to help cut their carbon dioxide emissions.

IHI developed this motor as part of R&D into advanced electric propulsion systems and electric hybrid systems under the Research and Development of Advanced Aircraft Systems for Practical Application Project of Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization.

The global passenger jet fleet should double over the next 20 years on growing travel demand, although the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization targets virtually zero carbon dioxide emissions from these aircraft by 2050. It is accordingly important to improve conventional technologies while innovating aircraft systems that maintain safety and economy and make them more eco-friendly.

The MEAAP project seeks not just to electrify aircraft but also to significantly enhance fuel efficiency by optimizing aircraft systems, including engines, to reuse cabin air, which current designs discharge outside aircraft without using effectively, to cool electrical equipment. This would eliminate the need for complex conventional hydraulic, pneumatic, and other systems, thus boosting design freedom and maintainability while reducing weight. IHI is collaborating with domestic and overseas partners in various R&D efforts to achieve its MEAAP goals.

IHI’s new engine-embedded electric motor could provide power for aircraft and also serve as a key technology in hybrid electric propulsion systems for which R&D is underway around the world.

In March 2020, IHI developed a 250-kilowatt-class engine-embedded electric motor offering the largest generator capacity for currently operating passenger aircraft. At the time, it developed a high-density molded coil technology with a 300°C heat-resistant insulation coating. It has additionally developed an exhaust heat system technology that taps thermal, fluid, and structural technologies that the company cultivated in jet engine R&D. It has augmented these advances to improve efficiency by overhauling the power generation mechanism to create an electric motor that can deliver more than one megawatt of power. The motor offers output scalability as required.

For its new motor, IHI conducted assessments at the Evaluation Laboratory for Next Generation Motors of the Akita University Joint Research Center for Electric Architecture. This is the largest such facility in Japan. This work confirmed that the company could attain the anticipated revolutions per minute when connecting the engine shaft directly to the inside of the tail cone.

IHI will keep developing hybrid electric propulsion systems to electrify aircraft, and looks to demonstrate an engine-embedded electric motor during the middle of this decade. By combining a high-power electric motor for aircraft propulsion, an electric turbo compressor, a high-flux plastic magnet rotor, and an electric hydrogen turbo-blower, which are also under development, IHI will electrify and optimize a range of propulsion systems, including hybrid electric propulsion systems for the future, and aircraft systems overall.

FAA Proposes to Require Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Who Work on Commercial Aircraft Outside of the U.S.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to require certificated repair stations located outside the United States whose employees perform safety-sensitive maintenance functions on certain air carrier aircraft to obtain and implement a drug and alcohol testing program. These programs would align with the FAA and Department of Transportation (DOT)’s drug and alcohol standards.
 
FAA says this would be an important step in their overall safety mission because few countries require testing of aviation or maintenance personnel. This rule would ensure these employees are held to the same high level of safety standards regardless of where they are physically located.
 
The repair stations would have to ensure their employees receive all necessary anti-drug and alcohol training and send their testing data electronically to the DOT. 

The proposed rule would impact approximately 977 repair stations in 65 countries. It is scheduled to publish in the Federal Register on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, and the public will have 60 days to submit comments.  

New Titan Tool Supply Miniature Handheld Industrial Grade Videoscope Series Supports Demanding Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Visual Inspection Tasks

Titan Tool Supply has announced the recent global market launch of its TVGM Series. This family of miniature, high-definition handheld industrial-grade videoscopes are designed to support a variety of non-destructive testing and remote visual inspection tasks.

Offered in four unique models, with a choice of either a 3.9mm or 6mm camera and either a 1.5M or 3M videoscope probe length, the TVGM Series features dual-key operation, a modular and ergonomic design, ease of portability, one-handed operation and end-user capability to easily swap out probe lengths for increased application adaptability. The highly intuitive end-user interface of the TVGM Series also offers end-user selectable operation in up to 10 unique languages.

At the heart of each TVGM Series videoscope lies a powerful onboard controller delivering high-definition imaging, reliability and stability. Each TVGM Series videoscope is further equipped with a high sensitivity onboard 720P CMOS sensor, supporting continuous remote visualization, inspection, and observation tasks, even under low or reduced light conditions. A 4.3-inch high-definition LCD touchscreen display with high-intensity LED illumination allows for clear viewing of the magnified images and videos captured remotely by the high-resolution videoscope camera. The device also offers on-demand recording, easy file access, parameter setting and real-time data storage of JPG or AVI files onto an onboard 32GB microSD card.

In addition, TVGM Series videoscopes feature IP67-rated, wear-resistant braided tungsten alloy insertion cable for 360-degree all-way manual articulation. The cable provides exceptional abrasion resistance and includes a unique self-locking capability for more precise control. The series also includes a four-hour working rechargeable battery for an extended field service life and is supplied with a waterproof carrying case.

Typical applications for the Titan Tool Supply TVGM Series include remote visual inspections of smaller-sized precision industrial machinery and equipment; casting, aviation MRO, automotive service, and commercial HVAC inspections; remote detection of foreign objects, blockages, and structural defects; and comparative remote measurements of automotive engine cylinders, pistons, valves, carbon deposit detection, hydraulic and pneumatic parts, steel pipes, castings, and containers, even in low or reduced light conditions and space-constrained environments.

Wauseon Machine Announces New Facility in Delta, Ohio

Wauseon Machine, Inc. (WM), a leading provider of automation solutions, tube forming technologies, precision machining, and fabrication, announces the opening of a new 22,000 square foot facility in Delta, Ohio. This transition will empower Wauseon Machine to significantly expand its operations and grow its organization in order to serve more customers.

With the opening of its new facility, the additional space will enhance Wauseon Machine’s expansion strategy and add to their capacity and capability. With the recent acquisition of McAlister Design and Automation (MDA) in 2022, both the new facility and the acquisition ultimately enable Wauseon Machine to better meet its customers’ needs by broadening their automation capabilities and streamlining the process of providing goods and services to customers.

This new facility provides considerable room for growth and Wauseon Machine looks forward to expanding its operations across the board to serve more customers with its wide-ranging capabilities, from mobile robot platforms and other forms of ‘flexible automation’ to precision machining, fabrication, and tube forming technologies.

Sinclair Community College Unveils State-of-the-Art Aviation Maintenance Training Facility

Sinclair Community College proudly unveiled its new cutting-edge Aviation Maintenance Training Facility on Monday, November 6, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the college’s commitment to aerospace education and workforce development. Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted served as keynote speaker during the grand opening event which was attended by federal, state, and local dignitaries, aviation industry leaders, and education partners.

“Having the facilities to prepare more Ohioans for the high-skilled, high-paying aviation jobs open in the region and across the state is key to our economic success in the industry,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Through collaborations like this, we can continue to make Ohio the heart of aviation and prepare our students for these in-demand jobs now and in the future.”

Located in a newly renovated hangar at the Dayton International Airport, Sinclair’s Aviation Maintenance Training Facility provides students with the latest technology and hands-on experience required for careers in the aviation maintenance industry.

“The continued successful growth of the Dayton region depends on access to a high-quality and well-trained workforce for in-demand careers. Sinclair’s new Aviation Maintenance Training Facility will empower our students with the skills and knowledge they need for success in the aviation industry,” said Dr. Steven Johnson, President – Sinclair Community College. “Endeavors like this could not be accomplished without collaboration among public and private partners. Sinclair Community College is incredibly proud to be working with the City of Dayton and aviation industry partners to ensure economic success for individuals, families, and businesses in the Dayton region.”

Sinclair’s Aviation Maintenance Training Facility contains two classrooms, two lab spaces, and is dedicated to aircraft mechanics and aviation service maintenance coursework and hands-on training. The renovation accommodates commercial aircraft, equipment, and training/lab space for instruction.

“Graduates of this program will be well-positioned for high-paying mechanic and maintenance jobs locally with PSA Airlines, Air Wisconsin, and other airline and aviation companies,” added Gilbert Turner, Director of Aviation – Dayton International Airport. “This partnership will strengthen the viability of the Dayton region’s air travel economy.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to grow 4% through the year 2032, with12,800 openings projected each year, on average, over the decade. The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is approximately $70,000.

“Sinclair’s new Aviation Maintenance Training Facility sets Ohio apart when it comes to shaping the future of air travel. The program’s graduates will support the region’s growth in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance industries, with in-demand jobs and lucrative career paths waiting for them. Thank you to Sinclair College, the City of Dayton and the Dayton International Airport for this unique opportunity, and I wish the students enrolling in this program great success,” said Jeff Hoagland, president & CEO – Dayton Development Coalition.

Over the past five years, 210 degrees and certificates have been awarded through Sinclair’s Aviation Maintenance programs. 148 students are currently enrolled in Sinclair’s Aviation Maintenance programs.

Sinclair’s Aviation Technology Department receives tremendous community support. Nearly $750,000 in equipment has been donated to support Sinclair’s Aviation Technology Department and more than $850,000 has been donated to support scholarships for Sinclair aviation students.

Sinclair’s Aviation Technology Program offers 19 degrees and certificates including two bachelor’s degrees: Professional Pilot and Unmanned Aerial Systems. Visit Sinclair.edu/Aviation to learn more about Sinclair’s aviation programs.

TACG to Offer Human Factors Courses This January in Myrtle Beach, SC

Dr. Bob Baron, TACG president, announced the resumption of human factors courses at TACG’s location in Myrtle Beach, SC, USA. If you need HF training, the following courses are available:

– Human Factors Train-The-Trainer (5 days)
– Human Factors Initial (2 days)
– Human Factors Recurrent (1 day)

Multi-attendee discounts are available.
We look forward to seeing you at the beach this January!
For course details, please visit https://www.tacgworldwide.com/Courses-At-Our-Location/Upcoming-Human-Factors-Courses

EPA Determines that Lead Emissions from Small Aircraft Engines Cause or Contribute to Air Pollution

anticipated to endanger public health and welfare under the Clean Air Act.

“The science is clear: exposure to lead can cause irreversible and life-long health effects in children,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Aircraft that use leaded fuel are the dominant source of lead emissions in our air. With today’s action, the Biden-Harris Administration can move forward in the process to propose new standards to protect all communities from the serious threat of lead pollution from aircraft.” 

“I commend EPA for prioritizing public health and safety with the finalization of this endangerment determination,” said House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “EPA’s conclusion confirms what constituents in my district and Americans across the country know all too well — emissions from leaded aviation fuel contribute to dangerous lead air pollution. Communities near general aviation airports — like Reid-Hillview Airport in my district — experience disproportionate exposure to lead from leaded aviation fuel emissions. EPA’s determination must now set forth swift action from the Congress and industry to stop the use of leaded aviation fuel. While today’s announcement is a step forward, we cannot be complacent. We must finish the job and protect our nation’s children from all sources of lead.”

“Communities where general aviation airports are located –– including in East San Jose –– have suffered from lead exposure and pollution for years,” said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA). “Children living near the Reid-Hillview Airport, which has a flight path over my district, have been found to have lead in their blood. This is a public health and environmental crisis. I held a hearing in the House Oversight Committee last year about the urgent need for action. I’m glad to see the EPA release its findings today that confirm the harmful impact of leaded aviation fuel on public health and welfare. I also thank Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren for her decades of strong leadership on this issue.” 

Aircraft that operate on leaded aviation gasoline are typically small piston-engine aircraft that carry 2-10 passengers. These aircraft are approximately 45 to 47 years old, on average, depending on the type of aircraft. Jet aircraft used for commercial transport, on the other hand, do not operate on leaded fuel. Levels of airborne lead in the United States have declined 99% since 1980, but emissions from aircraft that operate on leaded fuel may still pose risks to nearby communities, including those with environmental justice concerns. 

This final determination advances EPA’s Lead Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities. With this finding, EPA is now obligated under the Clean Air Act to propose and promulgate regulatory standards for lead emissions from certain aircraft engines. Under its own statutes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must develop standards that address the composition, chemical, or physical properties of an aircraft fuel or fuel additive to control or eliminate aircraft lead emissions. 

EPA and FAA have already begun work to consider regulatory options to address lead emissions from aircraft engines and will announce timelines as soon as possible. EPA and FAA will work in partnership and engage all interested stakeholders and the general public as the two agencies develop their separate regulatory actions. 

Lead emissions from aircraft are an important and urgent public health issue. Protecting children’s health and reducing lead exposure are two of EPA’s top priorities. Lead exposure can have harmful effects on cognitive function, including reduced IQ, decreased academic performance, as well as increased risk for additional health concerns. There is no evidence of a threshold below which there are no harmful effects on cognition from lead exposure.

Additionally, the U.S. government takes seriously the objective of maintaining a high level of aviation safety. EPA and FAA also understand that piston-engine aircraft play a significant role in transportation in the United States.

Separate from EPA’s endangerment finding, in support of the objective to remove lead from aviation gasoline, in early 2022, the FAA and industry announced the program “Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions” (EAGLE). This program aims to achieve a lead-free aviation system no later than 2030. The FAA has approved the use of a 100 Octane unleaded fuel (G100UL) that can be widely used by piston-engine fleet, that is not yet commercially available. The FAA has also approved for use a lower octane fuel (UL 94), currently available at approximately 35 airports in the U.S., and the FAA is working to expand and streamline the process for eligible aircraft to use this fuel. 

This final endangerment finding does not ban or impose restrictions on the use, sale, distribution, dispensing, and general availability of leaded fuel, nor does it establish any new control measures regarding aircraft lead emissions. EPA announced its proposed determination on October 7, 2022, which then underwent public notice and comment. 

Arcline Investment Management to Acquire Hartzell Aviation

Arcline Investment Management announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Hartzell Aviation from Tailwind Technologies.

Hartzell designs and manufactures proprietary aircraft subsystems and aftermarket components.  The company operates two complementary business units: Hartzell Propeller and Hartzell Engine Tech.  Hartzell Propeller is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance propeller systems, components, and related accessories. Hartzell Engine Tech is a leading designer, manufacturer, and supplier of aircraft engine accessories and adjacent products, including turbochargers, alternators, starters, starter adapters, fuel pumps, magnetos, cabin heaters, exhaust systems, and engine mounts.

Arcline commented, “As investors exclusively focused on Critical Suppliers to Critical Industries, Hartzell’s portfolio of flight-critical propeller and engine subsystems for a large and long-lived installed base fits perfectly with Arcline’s strategy. We are excited to partner with the Hartzell team to carry on its legacy generated over the past 100 years and facilitate the company’s next phase of growth.”

“Our family has been blessed to be the stewards of Hartzell Aviation for 37 years. As we look to the future, we believe Arcline fully embraces our core value – Built on Honor – and will bring the skills and resources to build on over a century of excellence and innovation,” said Jim Brown, President of Hartzell Aviation.

BMO Capital Markets served as financial advisor to Arcline in connection with the transaction. RBC Capital Markets, LLC served as financial advisor to Tailwind Technologies.

Lufthansa Technik and Pilatus Unveil Strategic Cooperation

Lufthansa Technik and Pilatus Aircraft are unveiling their strategic cooperation regarding a cabin management system for the Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet. For this purpose, the Original Equipment & Special Aircraft Services segment of Lufthansa Technik has adapted its renowned »nice« (networked integrated cabin equipment) specifically for the popular jet aircraft type of the Swiss manufacturer.

In the PC-24, the system is called “integrated Cabin Management System 4.0″ (iCMS 4.0) and features a 10” touch screen controller with 3D moving map, USB ports, media storage server and four high fidelity cabin speakers with optional sub-woofer, HDMI input, and mood lighting. In the past, such systems have only been installed in mid-size and large business jets – mainly due to the number of their components, weight, performance, and associated costs. For its new partner Pilatus, Lufthansa Technik is therefore introducing an Ethernet-based »nice« in which the entire system is housed as a 
line-replaceable unit in a compact enclosure.

The resulting iCMS 4.0, which builds on Lufthansa Technik’s enormous experience in providing line-fit systems to heavy business jet platforms, features four Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The interface to the passengers is provided by the touch-sensitive surface already known from existing »nice« systems, which allows, for example, navigating through the various entertainment options. This 
allows passengers to seamlessly manage comfort functions as well as audio and video content, either via the built-in 10″ touch screen or from their personal electronic devices (PEDs). In addition, the new system provides a fully digital platform that allows the crew to personalize the PC-24’s cabin for the passengers in advance of each flight.

“Pilatus is proud to introduce the iCMS 4.0 inflight entertainment system in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik,” said Ignaz Gretener, vice president of Pilatus’ Business Aviation unit. “Our modified system, more compact and efficient than ever before, features a fully customized interface tailored to Pilatus’ discerning customers. This innovation not only enhances the onboard experience but also reflects
our commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.”

“We are honored to be part of this remarkable aircraft and to offer Pilatus service enhancements that will elevate the PC-24 passenger experience to an even higher level,” said Andrew Muirhead, vice 
president OEM and engineering services and head of the original equipment & special aircraft services segment at Lufthansa Technik. “We are proud of our technical achievements in integrating so much 
functionality into such a compact unit – once again a demonstration of the innovative power of our team. Together with our valued new partner Pilatus, we are now making the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet even more versatile.”

A first PC-24 equipped with the new iCMS 4.0 will be presented in the static display (AD_32) at the National Business Aviation Association Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). In addition, experts will be available at the Pilatus (N1808) and Lufthansa Technik (C12613) booths to provide more information.

Technical data and functionality of the »nice«-based iCMS 4.0:
– Wi-Fi 802.11N/AC/AX capable of simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
– Bluetooth transceiver for audio sink or source
– Multicast streaming
– 6-channel digital amplifier, which can include optional subwoofer
– Controls via Ethernet, ARINC 429, RS485/422/232, discrete and 
relays
– 1 terabyte of storage space for personal AVOD (audio/video on 
demand)
– »niceview« mobile moving map
– »nice« wireless app control