Category: Intel News

NEW APPOINTMENT – Simon Barker now Group Publisher & Sales Director of Aviation Maintenance Magazine

 has been promoted and is now Group Publisher of ✈ Aviation Maintenance Magazine and ✈ Aerospace Tech REVIEW magazine. Simon will take over the U.S. media sales for Aviation Maintenance magazine from Susan Joyce. This is in addition to his continuing role as Director of Sales for the ✈ Aerospace Tech Week show and Aerospace Tech Review magazine. Simon brings to the roles over 25 years of experience working within the media and events sector of the aviation industry. He joins Joy Finnegan, who is Editor-in-Chief on both titles, in driving these important publications forward and making them fitter for when the industry rebounds.
READ the latest issues
Aviation Maintenance Magazine – https://lnkd.in/dmpBvpX
Aerospace Tech Review – https://lnkd.in/dSU5epj

Aerospace Technology Week dates announced for 2020

Aerospace Technology Week has announced dates for next years event as 18th-19th March 2020 to take place at the Diagora Congress Center in Toulouse, France, and is set to be the largest gathering for the avionics, electronics, connectivity, aerospace testing and airline communities.

Aerospace Technology Week has developed greatly over the past two years and 2020 sees the introduction of 3 new areas of cous for the aerospace tech professional and now comprises of SIX complementary co-located Events:

(1) AVIONICS
(2) CONNECTED AIRCRAFT
(3) AEROSPACE TESTING
(4) FLIGHT OPS IT
(5) MRO IT
(6) FACE – Future Airborne Capability Environment

Each Event has a dedicated High Level Conference and there is a LARGE central Exhibition with sections for each and further details can be found at www.aerospacetechweek.com.

Each Event has a dedicated High Level Conference and there is a LARGE central Exhibition with sections for each and further details can be found at www.aerospacetechweek.com.

Avionics

Established for over 10 years, Avionics Expo is the leading exhibition and conference for both the commercial and defence sectors, fixed wing and rotorcraft.

Both SESAR and Next-Gen recognise the need to integrate the air and ground parts of their air traffic management systems by addressing efficiency needs of flight trajectories planning and execution and the seamless sharing of accurate information.

This framework provides a vehicle for the US and Europe to work together towards interoperable standards and in support of efforts towards achievement of ICAO global Harmonisation. For example, a significant achievement in the NextGen and SESAR collaboration is the delivery of an agreed-upon baseline NextGen/SESAR Joint Avionics Roadmap.

ICAO estimates that 120 billion US dollars will be spent on air transportation systems transformation in the next 10 years. While the NextGen and SESAR modernisation programmes account for a large share of this spending in Europe and the US, there are parallel investment initiatives in other regions.

Connected Aircraft

Launched in 2019, Connected Aircraft covers all the connectivity systems that airlines use (air-to-ground and nose-to-tail) including IFC, cabin IFEC, AI, M2M, VR, connected EFBs and ETLs, airline e-Enablement processes and strategies, ancillary revenues, IoT, big data analytics, flight tracking, cyber security, application disrupters, connectivity systems for operational efficiency and connectivity for predictive maintenance. The aviation industry is undergoing a technological transformation, as more aircraft are becoming “fully connected” machines in order to benefit the passenger experience, increase revenues for airlines and to improve safety, operations and maintenance – from the flight deck to the cabin.

Aerospace Testing

Launched in 2018, Aerospace Testing covers the hardware and software aspects of testing and certification related to the design, manufacture and maintenance of commercial and military aircraft (fixed-wing and rotary-wing), plus UAVs and space testing. Aerospace Testing is the key gathering for manufacturing and inspection professionals to learn about the latest regulations, challenges and technical developments for testing systems and products related to: Flight testing, Environmental testing, Climatic testing, Shock and Vibration testing, Structural testing, Avionics testing, Instrumentation testing, Fatigue testing, Test automation, MIMO testing, Wind tunnel testing, Measurement solutions, Pressure measurement, Lightning testing, Gap measurement, Air data testing, Non-destructive (NDT), Engine testing, Materials testing and Dynamics measurement.

Flight Ops IT

Launching in 2020, Flight Ops IT will cover all the software systems that airlines use for flight planning, aircraft scheduling, performance calculations, weight and balance, operations control, ground operations management, pilot training, paperless manuals, weather data, ACARS data management, crew management, EFBs and ETLs, big data analytics, e-signature, engine failure procedures, cyber security, environmental impact and noise reduction, fuel efficiency savings and CO2 emissions tracking for EU-ETS.

MRO IT

Launching in 2020, MRO IT will cover all the maintenance software systems that airlines use for legacy systems integration, digital transformation, job cards and MRO records, parts tracking and inventory management, payroll, procurement, training, supply chain logistics, fleet management, MRO scheduling and planning, blockchain, mobile maintenance Apps, voice-activated tooling, VR devices, predictive maintenance, forecasting, work orders, systems optimization, component and document tracking, reliability, planning, tech logs, maintenance control and anything else to do with aircraft fleet maintenance.

Aerospace Technology Week

Aerospace Tech Week is the annual gathering of the world’s leading aerospace companies to discuss and develop the systems and solutions to meet the needs of the evolving commercial aviation and aerospace defence industries. The show brings you the latest developments in aircraft connectivity (air-to-ground and nose-to-tail), airline e-Enablement, flight operations software, fuel efficiency, MRO software, regulatory, policy, technical SES and next-generation challenges for avionics, plus the testing systems that affect the design, construction and maintenance of all commercial and military aircraft (both hardware and software).

Bringing together the best aspects for aerospace technology, Aerospace Technology Week, comprising of Avionics, Connected Aircraft, Aerospace Testing, Flight Ops IT, MRO IT and Future Airborne Capability Environment delivers greater connectivity between these exciting, fast moving aerospace industry sectors.

CALL FOR PAPERS – deadline 21st June 2019
The conference committees for Avionics, Connected Aircraft, Aerospace Testing, Flight Ops IT and MRO IT are inviting abstracts for consideration for inclusion in the conference programme.

Representatives from airlines, airframers, prime contractors/integrators and the industry supply chain can benefit from sharing knowledge and experiences, to enhance the industry developments and solutions.

Abstracts can be submitted at www.aerospacetechweek.com/cfp. Deadline for abstracts is 21st June 2019.

Single European Sky and NextGen continue to dominate the aerospace industry, with targets of ensuring the utilisation of technology to increase traffic, improve aircraft and control communications whilst enhancing safety in an ever increasingly busy sky.

Passengers are demanding more from the aircraft in which they fly – 61% of passengers see high-quality inflight Wi-Fi availability as more important to them than onboard entertainment.

Airlines are wanting to see greater efficiencies whilst enhancing safety.

Adrian Broadbent, Event Director of Aerospace Technology Week, said, “There is much for the aerospace industry to discuss and develop in terms of safe and secure solutions for aircraft. Our increasing demand for air travel creates busier skies and higher expectations on aircraft to be online 24/7 means huge investments in greater connectivity. This in turn leads to increased security risks for aircraft and its passengers devices from being permanently online.”

“Aerospace Technology Week will look at these challenges across commercial, military and space crafts to understand the issues and challenges, from a regulatory perspective through to implementation and technology solutions, through the different elements of the programme – avionics, connect aircraft and testing or hardware and software applications. Aerospace Technology Week delivers an exciting programme for the global industry to explore and question the experts,” concluded Mr Broadbent.

For further information on Aerospace Technology Week visit www.AerospaceTechWeek.com.

Trenchard Aviation Group Secures Dual Accreditations for its Dubai MRO Facility

Trenchard Aviation Group, a provider of services for cabin interiors, announced that it now has dual accreditations, EASA and recently awarded GCAA, for its Dubai facility located in the DAFZA Free Zone at Dubai International Airport.

The facility is operated by Aero Technics, one of Trenchard Aviation Group’s four complementary businesses, and is one of the UAE’s leading EASA Part 21G Production and EASA Part 145 Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul organizations. Products and services provided include repair and overhaul of: oxygen cylinders, emergency evacuation slides, fire extinguishers and galley inserts as well as passenger and crew seats, including the cutting and sewing of soft furnishings. In addition, the facility is an authorized repair center covering the whole of the Middle East region.

“With our customized services, high quality products and competitive pricing, we are already providing our customers with an exemplary offer,” Lassaad Yousfi, general manager of Aero Technics Dubai, commented. “Gaining the new GCAA accreditation will help to boost customer confidence even further.”

Mark Faulkner, Trenchard Aviation Group’s CEO, added, “Our presence in the UAE is a critical component in our global growth strategy and we’re delighted to now have both GCAA and EASA accreditations for our Dubai facility. This can only further enhance our credibility across the whole MENA region.”

Aerospace Technology Week dates announced for 2019

Aerospace Technology Week has announced dates for next years event as 12th-13th March 2019 to take place at the MOC Event Center in Munich, Germany, and is set to be the largest gathering for the avionics, electronics, connectivity, aerospace testing and airline communities.

Aerospace Technology Week comprises of THREE complementary co-located Events:
(1) AVIONICS EXPO
(2) AERO TESTING EXPO
(3) CONNECTED AIRCRAFT EUROPE

Each Event has a dedicated High Level Conference and there is a LARGE central Exhibition with sections for each and further details can be found at www.aerospacetechweek.com.

Avionics Expo
Established for over 10 years, Avionics Expo is the leading exhibition and conference for both the commercial and defence sectors, fixed wing and rotorcraft.

Both SESAR and Next-Gen recognise the need to integrate the air and ground parts of their air traffic management systems by addressing efficiency needs of flight trajectories planning and execution and the seamless sharing of accurate information.

This framework provides a vehicle for the US and Europe to work together towards interoperable standards and in support of efforts towards achievement of ICAO global Harmonisation. For example, a significant achievement in the NextGen and SESAR collaboration is the delivery of an agreed-upon baseline NextGen/SESAR Joint Avionics Roadmap.

ICAO estimates that 120 billion US dollars will be spent on air transportation systems transformation in the next 10 years. While the NextGen and SESAR modernisation programmes account for a large share of this spending in Europe and the US, there are parallel investment initiatives in other regions.

Aero Testing Expo
Aero Testing Expo, running for its third year, is a key platform for the aviation, rocket-and-space sectors to discuss the latest regulations, challenges, technological developments and systems that affect the design and construction of aircraft, whether civil or military, fixed-wing or rotary, and rocket/space sectors.

With every hour, every cycle, every landing added to the aircraft, comes the potential for vibration, fatigue, cracking, metal formation in oil, structural degradation and even the eventuality of a catastrophic engine failure like the one that happened on Southwest Flight 1380 in the Spring of 2018.

Even with record profits, not a single operator can afford a failure like that. And while the aviation safety record is enviable right now, there is no rest or slacking off in the inspections and testing of the equipment in operation in our fleets. Inspection and testing equipment technology is making technological leaps and bounds.

Connected Aircraft Europe
The inaugural Connected Aircraft Europe aims to add new dimensions to the established connectivity themes of IFC and IFEC – by including AI, VR, IoT, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Flight Tracking, Flight Operations and MRO applications.

Airline operators around the world are increasingly deploying satellite and broadband-based solutions on their aircraft to keep-up with passenger demand for inflight connectivity (IFC). These systems can also provide enhanced flight operations by enabling real time data sharing with ground based operations teams.

According to recent research from the London School of Economics (LSE) there are 3.8 billion passengers flying annually with only around 25% of aircraft in the air offering passengers some form of onboard broadband connectivity service. This service is often of variable quality, with patchy coverage, slow speeds and low data limits.

Aerospace Technology Week
These events bring you the latest advances and trends in connectivity and e-Enablement for airlines, the latest in regulatory, policy and technical SES and Next‑Gen challenges for avionics, and the technological developments and systems that affect the design, construction and maintenance of all aircraft.

Bringing together the best aspects for aerospace technology, Aerospace Technology Week, comprising of Avionics Expo, Aero Testing Expo and Connected Aircraft Europe delivers greater connectivity between these exciting, fast moving aerospace industry sectors.

CALL FOR PAPERS – deadline 7th September 2018
The conference committees for Avionics Expo, Aero Testing Expo and Connected Aircraft Europe are inviting abstracts for consideration for inclusion in the conference programme.

Representatives from airlines, airframers, prime contractors/integrators and the industry supply chain can benefit from sharing knowledge and experiences, to enhance the industry developments and solutions.

Abstracts can be submitted at www.aerospacetechweek.com/cfp. Deadline for abstracts is 7th September 2018.

Single European Sky and NextGen continue to dominate the aerospace industry, with targets of ensuring the utilisation of technology to increase traffic, improve aircraft and control communications whilst enhancing safety in an ever increasingly busy sky.

Passengers are demanding more from the aircraft in which they fly – 61% of passengers see high-quality inflight Wi-Fi availability as more important to them than onboard entertainment.

Adrian Broadbent, Event Director of Aerospace Technology Week, said, “There is much for the aerospace industry to discuss and develop in terms of safe and secure solutions for aircraft. Our increasing demand for air travel creates busier skies and higher expectations on aircraft to be online 24/7 means huge investments in greater connectivity. This in turn leads to increased security risks for aircraft and its passengers devices from being permanently online.”

“Aerospace Technology Week will look at these challenges across commercial, military and space crafts to understand the issues and challenges, from a regulatory perspective through to implementation and technology solutions, through the different elements of the programme – avionics, connect aircraft and testing or hardware and software applications. Aerospace Technology Week delivers an exciting programme for the global industry to explore and question the experts,” concluded Mr Broadbent.

For further information on Aerospace Technology Week visit www.AerospaceTechWeek.com.

PIA Ready to Open New $1.3M Teaching Facility

On Wednesday, September 20th, the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) will host the expansion ribbon-cutting ceremony for its Youngstown-Warren branch.

In 2016, PIA invested $1.3 million in its purchase of the site and construction of a new two-story teaching facility at its Hangar 3 site. This new facility includes electrical and welding classrooms, an aeronautics lab, a conference facility, administrative offices, and a student resource center with a computer lab. The adjacent hangar features specialized shop areas for aircraft propulsion systems, electricity, sheet metal, hydraulics, instruments & controls, composite materials, non-destructive testing, welding, and painting.

The project unites several so-called ‘rust belt’ businesses in pursuit of a forward-thinking goal: providing educational excellence in one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in America.

“Our expansion is a continued expression of the Youngstown region’s strong history in aviation,” said Suzanne Markle, president and CEO of the non-profit PIA. “Our investment in our facilities and our students is in response to strong career demand. We look forward to the opportunity to serve new students and prepare them with the entry-level technical skills we know our employers seek.”

According to the 2016 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook, between 2017 and 2035 the aviation industry will need to supply more than two million new aviation personnel including 679,000 maintenance technicians worldwide.

Since 2006, PIA’s Youngstown Branch campus has been training certified and work-ready aviation maintenance technicians with a 16-month diploma program in Aviation Maintenance Technology. With an impressive 94 percent placement rate and a student-focused average ratio of 10 students for every instructor, the Youngstown-Warren campus was honored as a 2016 School of Excellence by the Accrediting Commission of Career School and Colleges (ACCSC). PIA looks forward to seeing the growth impact this renovated facility will have on the success of its students.

PIA’s campuses in Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Hagerstown and Myrtle Beach have been selected as four of approximately 40 aircraft maintenance schools to partner with Delta Air Lines in an effort to find the schools whose graduates are able to meet or exceed their high expectations.

Universal Completes Insight Integration on Cessna Citation VII

Following FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization for InSight, Universal Avionics has gained an FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the new display system installed on the Cessna Citation VII aircraft. FAA STC No. ST02654LA covers the installation of the InSight Display System, Engine Interface Unit (EIU), TAWS Class A, and UNS-1Fw SBAS-Flight Management System with ADS-B Out.

Universal Avionics personnel completed the installation at the company’s headquarters in Tucson, Arizona, USA. Universal is offering the Citation VII STC at no cost to the company’s authorized dealers and Integrators performing the installation. Additional installation and certification programs will be completed by authorized dealers and integrators.

“The completion of the InSight TSO and respective STC on the Citation VII is truly an exciting achievement for Universal,” said Robert Clare, Universal Avionics director of sales. “We have other installs in the queue and look forward to the opportunities this product will bring to not only Universal, but our dealers, integrators and OEMs,” he added.

 

Platinum Equity Acquires Pattonair

Platinum Equity is set to acquire global aerospace and defense supply chain provider Pattonair from Exponent Private Equity. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2017.

Headquartered in Derby, UK, Pattonair has a 40-year legacy of excellence and innovation in the sector. The company supports blue chip engine and airframe manufacturers and MRO customers with tailored supply chain management solutions. It offers a global service though dedicated facilities in Singapore, China, Poland, Brazil, Canada and five cities in the United States.

“Pattonair is a well-respected business with a proven management team and strong long-term customer relationships,” said Platinum Equity partner Louis Samson. “We share the company’s commitment to exceptional customer service and look forward to partnering with Wayne [Pattonair CEO Wayne Hollinshead] and Pattonair’s leadership team to pursue additional growth, both organically and through prospective add-on acquisitions.”

“This is exciting news for our company and our customers and we are thrilled about the prospect of partnering with Platinum Equity,” said Hollinshead. “Platinum has exceptional operational and M&A capabilities, a strong presence in Europe and a track record of helping portfolio companies reach their full potential.”

Pattonair represents Platinum Equity’s latest European investment, joining Exterion Media, Worldwide Flight Services, Terratest, Ecka Granules and Electro Rent in the firm’s global portfolio of operating companies.

Samson said Europe is an important focus for Platinum Equity as it continues deploying its most recent fund, Platinum Equity Capital Partners IV, a $6.5 billion global buyout fund.

“We have more than 20 years of experience in Europe, a dedicated team in London and our portfolio companies employ more than 16,000 people in the region,” said Samson. “We have the capital base and the depth of experience to continue growing our European portfolio and will remain very active in this market.”

Avocet ‘Stands-Up’ for STEM

Avocet Aviation Services is helping to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among young people through an initiative that will see the creation of a new curriculum for mechanics; an apprenticeship program through the State of Florida; and a co-op/internship initiative with a university. Avocet also has plans to expand its facilities next year to include a dedicated, on-site STEM-focused school, workshop and training area.

This long-term commitment is underlined with the recent appointment of Yesenia Arroyo, who has joined Avocet Aviation in the new position of aviation curriculum and training specialist. Arroyo will lead the new education initiative on behalf of Avocet. Her immediate responsibilities will be to develop and launch the apprenticeship program for the autumn; and university co-op/internship program set to begin in Q1 2018. Other short-term plans include the development of similar programs and learning tracks to management; inspection authorization, and avionics; and reaching out to the younger set via hosted field trips and career days.

“The labor gap in the MRO industry is a reality that we all face, therefore, we all share in the responsibility to grow the number of qualified, highly-skilled workers in the field by elevating the role of mechanics and technicians within our industry, while promoting STEM careers and the opportunities that exist for growth and advancement,” said Patrick Arellano Sr., chief executive officer, Avocet Aviation. “Avocet has built its reputation on superior service, high standards and efficiency, which can only be achieved by having a highly-skilled team. We are proud of this new initiative and look forward to making a solid impact in the industry, while bringing greater career opportunities to the local community here in Sanford.”

According to the Oliver Wyman Fleet Forecast, global airlines will add some 10,133 planes to current fleets by 2027 – a growth of 40 percent to 35,501. Meanwhile, the report also cites a shortage of aviation mechanics within the next decade, with the labor gap reaching a peak of nine percent by 2027. An aging-out of the current workforce and a lack of new, qualified technicians entering and staying in the field are the root causes of the shortage.

Arroyo said of the new role: “There is a large demand for mechanics, and the industry needs qualified workers that have been educated in and look to pursue careers in these diverse fields. My passion is to get people excited about science, and I look forward to creating a curriculum and apprenticeship program that will inspire young people to enter this exciting and dynamic field.”

Arroyo’s background includes developing curriculum and teaching children and adults while at the Orlando Science Center and Orange County Library System. Prior to that, she spent three years at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center with Safety and Mission Assurance. She completed the General and Powerplant Program at George T. Baker Aviation before studying aerospace engineering at University of Central Florida.

Universal Gets FAA TSO for InSight Display

Universal Avionics has received FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization for its InSight Display System, offering operators a new modern, integrated flight deck solution. InSight is a flexible solution for both new aircraft platforms and retrofit upgrades.

“After an intense development and certification phase … we are now able to offer operators our state-of-the-art InSight Display System,” said Dan Reida, Universal Avionics vice president of Sales and Marketing. “Loaded with industry-leading features such as custom user profiles, high-resolution terrain with ice and water features, and advanced airport maps, runways, and special use airspace, we are able to add value to almost any flight deck,” he added.

With the open architecture of InSight and the ability to support multiple interfaces, customers can leverage the investment made in other systems into the InSight display system, helping to manage the cost of upgrading. System configuration options are available for 3- or 4- 10.4″ (diagonal) EFI-1040 displays, and fewer required Line Replaceable Units (LRU) allow for less avionics weight and wiring in the aircraft, along with reduced installation downtime.

One of InSight’s most desirable features is the embedded next generation synthetic vision with advanced mapping capability, along with embedded charts, radio control, and broadcast weather. Additional features that highlight one of the systems’s biggest benefits, flexibility, include:

– Pilot-selectable display screen layouts
– Multiple stored user profiles and configurations
– Embedded configuration options for multiple autopilot types, weather radar systems, comm/nav systems, and air data systems
– High-speed Ethernet bus that requires less wiring and fewer terminations for display-to-display communication and display control.

Universal/Chicago Jet Group Receive EASA Approval for FANS

Universal Avionics and Chicago Jet Group have received EASA approvals for multiple retrofit Future Air Navigation System (FANS) Supplemental Type Certifications (STC), including:

Boeing 767-200 (STC #ST03369CH)
Challenger 600, 601, and 604 (STC #ST03262CH)
Dassault Falcon® 2000 (STC #ST03262CH)
Dassault Falcon 2000EX (STC #ST03369CH)
Dassault Falcon 900 and 900EX (STC #ST03369CH)
Dassault Mystere Falcon 50 and 50EX (STC #ST03262CH)
Gulfstream G100 Astra and SPX (STC #ST03262CH)
Gulfstream GII and GIII (STC #ST03262CH)
Gulfstream GIV (GIV-SP) (STC #ST03369CH)
Gulfstream GV (STC #ST03369CH)

These approvals offer European-based operators access to STC solutions that haven’t been available to them until now. The retrofit installations include Universal Avionics FANS solution, featuring the company’s UniLink UL-800/801 communications management unit, SBAS-flight management system, and cockpit voice recorder.

“The process to obtain these approvals was quite complex,” said Mike Mitera, Chicago Jet Group’s president. “We did extensive research into the EASA approval process and determined we could apply through our EASA approved repair station with the assistance of the FAA,” he added. “This approval by EASA provides a solution using any Universal Avionics SBAS-FMS in combination with the UniLink UL-800/801 CMU, utilizing either Iridium or Inmarsat SatCom systems. The solutions approved were a combination of standalone and dual-integrated systems for all of the aircraft our STCs cover.”

Mike Marie, Universal Avionics Central U.S. regional sales manager said. “These EASA approvals help to open the door for European operators to meet global navigation mandates, while also utilizing the significant time and cost advantages offered by flying FANS preferred airspace.”