Category: BizJet

E-Z Lok Introduces Ultrasonic Inserts and Heat Staking Kits for Thermoplastics

E-Z Lok, manufacturer and distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood is now offering E-Z Sonic with Threaded Insert Assortment kits. 

E-Z Sonic inserts are designed for post-molding installation in thermoplastic materials such as: acrylic, polypropylene and PVC. Machined out of high-quality brass and available with both inch and metric threads, these inserts are durable enough for the toughest environments and versatile enough to meet the needs of any application. Designs include tapered and straight that can be installed either with an ultrasonic horn or a heat driver.  Additional features are superior torque and pull-out resistance, inch or metric threads, tapered design in single and double vane and straight design in flush or flanged configuration. 

Straight inserts provide superior torque and pull-out resistance, while allowing for thinner boss walls. Flush inserts allow for installation even with or below the material surface. Flanged inserts are ideal for electrical connections or for additional pull-out resistance in reverse installations. Furthermore, E-Z Sonic straight threaded ultrasonic inserts feature a lead-in pilot to facilitate installation. Machined out of brass, the inserts are available with internal threads from 2 in. to 3/8 in. 

Tapered inserts are designed to reduce installation time, particularly in production runs, while maintaining outstanding performance characteristics. E-Z Sonic tapered ultrasonic inserts are machined out of brass and are available in single and double-vane lengths for maximum design flexibility. Internal threads from 2 to 3/8 in. and 2.5 mm to 6 mm are available.

Besides being ideal for post-molding installation in thermoplastics, the Heat Staking threaded insert assortment kits quickly add machine threads to 3D printed parts and prototypes. Design engineers and hobbyists alike will find value in the variety of thread options available in the kits. Threaded inserts in the kits are available in tapered and straight designs, with imperial and metric threads. Each kit includes 200 inserts and 5 installation tips for use with a soldering iron. 

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.

West Star Aviation Promotes Rich Baertschi to Gulfstream Aircraft Maintenance Team Lead

West Star is pleased to announce the promotion of Rich Baertschi to Gulfstream Aircraft Maintenance team lead at their Chattanooga, TN (CHA) facility.

Rich has more than 25 years of experience and has worked on several airframes, previously working as a crew leader at Gulfstream. In his new position, he will work with lead techs through mentoring and training to ensure customers receive the first-class service they are accustomed to.

“Rich’s wealth of knowledge will be beneficial to the team, and we’re excited to watch his career progress here at West Star,” said Michael Ditmeyer, Gulfstream program director (CHA).

Bluetail Appoints Kent Pickard as New Chief Technology Officer, Continuing its Commitment to Excellence 

Bluetail, the leading modern aircraft records platform for business aviation, announced today that it has named Kent Pickard as its new chief technology officer (CTO). Pickard brings a proven track record of success in the aviation industry, and will play a pivotal role in driving Bluetail’s technology and product vision.

“Our product roadmap has always been driven by our customers. Now, we’re excited to take the next step and provide them with unique data and insights they can’t get anywhere else,” said Roberto Guerrieri, CEO of Bluetail. “We’re excited to leverage Kent’s expertise to continue delivering an exceptional product experience, as well as uncovering new ways to better serve our customers.” 

Pickard’s diverse journey in the aviation software sector spans over two decades, cementing him as a key leader in the industry. Before joining Bluetail, Pickard was the vice president of Products for Veryon (formerly ATP), and prior, the CTO of Flightdocs. 

In previous roles, he has directed company product development, spearheaded mobile dev efforts, implemented growth and multi-platform strategies, and led the creation of technology to increase operational efficiency. 

Pickard holds a BS degree in computer science from Rollins College.

King Aerospace Welcomes Pete Schneider as VP of Program Management and Special Projects

King Aerospace, an international leader in modification and maintenance support for VVIP, government, military and special missions aircraft, is pleased to announce that industry veteran Pete Schneider recently joined the company as its new vice-president, program management and special projects.

Schneider brings to King Aerospace more than 35 years of project management experience across many challenging, high-profile and highly diversified aerospace programs, including more than 15 years managing VVIP aircraft programs for the U.S. Air Force and international leaders with Greenpoint Technologies and The Boeing Company.

“Pete is a fantastic addition to the King Aerospace family,” said Jarid King, King Aerospace president. “His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to pursue new maintenance and completions opportunities in special missions and VVIP segments.”

Schneider will oversee maintenance and completions projects for King Aerospace Commercial Corp. (KACC), which concentrates on business and corporate aircraft such as the Boeing Business Jet; King Aerospace Inc. (KAI), responsible for handling military and government contracts; and KACC Arkansas, specializing in widebody government special mission aircraft.

With an extensive background in program management, engineering and business development, Schneider has worked on and managed projects as diverse as the F-22 Raptor fifth-generation fighter aircraft and special mission commercial derivative aircraft development for the U.S. presidential fleet, including the Boeing C-32A, C-40C and VC-25A.

Most recently, Schneider managed Greenpoint’s interior completions program for the VC-25B, the upcoming replacement for the aircraft commonly known as “Air Force One” based on the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental.

He has also overseen aircraft modifications and completions for VVIP, commercial and head-of-state customers. These include the first LiveTV installation on a commercial aircraft and a complete nose-to-tail interior reconfiguration for a major U.S. airline.

Schneider also brings decades of experience in MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) operations to King Aerospace, with an extensive background in interior completions, inflight entertainment systems and structural modifications.

“I look forward to continuing King Aerospace’s hard-earned reputation for delivering on our commitments to clients,” Schneider said. “This is a very special company, and I welcome the opportunity to help guide the selection of new projects and programs and, above all, fulfilling our Servant Leadership responsibility to all of our valued employees, partners and customers.”

Schneider has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Minnesota and also completed advanced executive leadership and education programs at Harvard Business School and the University of Washington.

Aero Star Aviation Announces Expansion of AOG to Houston Hobby, Texas

Aero Star Aviation announced they have expanded their AOG services to include the Houston Hobby, TX (HOU) Airport.

Aero Star is already known for its Embraer services, including AOG, in Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) and surrounding areas in Texas. The new service area is located in the Galaxy FBO facility at the airport. The expanded AOG support includes access to services seven days a week, assisting with any Embraer maintenance needs.

“We’ve recently seen an increased need for AOG support in the southern Texas area, so we felt it was a good opportunity to offer additional options to Embraer customers, helping them get back in the air in a timelier manner,” said Chris Grinnell, owner, Aero Star Aviation.

Aero Star Aviation is an approved FAA repair facility and aircraft maintenance company that specializes in Embraer Phenom 100 and 300, Praetor 500 and 600.  Founded in 2013, with two locations in Dallas, Texas and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Aero Star Aviation offers aircraft maintenance including scheduled maintenance, pre-purchase and 10-year inspections, engine change, line maintenance, wheel assembly exchange and AOG support. 

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

Honda Aircraft Company Enhances Ownership Experience through Aircraft Management Services

Honda Aircraft Company recently introduced Aircraft Management Services (AMS), a customer-centric service solution designed to make HondaJet ownership effortless while offering owners greater control and predictability over maintenance demands.

The company says its HondaJet AMS program offers a streamlined approach to managing aircraft maintenance, overseen by Honda Aircraft Company Customer Service Division. Aircraft management specialists from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will guide, plan, and schedule maintenance activities, prioritizing safety, dependability, and value preservation. Enrolled owners will receive personalized maintenance management support tailored to their aircraft and operational needs. Meanwhile, maintenance tasks will continue to be performed by the extensive and highly capable HondaJet Authorized Service Center Network to ensure accessibility. Backed by Honda-trained technicians, genuine Honda quality parts, and expedited scheduling, the HondaJet AMS program aims to guarantee uninterrupted aircraft operations and optimized flight hours.

Key offerings of the AMS program include:

  • AOG Support – Dedicated 24/7 Maintenance Manager
  • Upgrades/Modification (Scheduling and Tracking)
  • Value Retention – Aircraft Detailing (Scheduling)
  • Scheduled Maintenance Tracking and Scheduling
  • Unscheduled Maintenance Support
  • Pilot Services Support (Relocation)
  • SB/AD Compliance
  • Consolidated Billing

“The AMS program elevates joy, confidence, and convenience for the HondaJet owners,” said Division Director of Customer Service at Honda Aircraft Company Luis Jimenez. “At Honda Aircraft Company, our top priority remains customer satisfaction, a value that starts with your HondaJet purchase and extends throughout the life of the aircraft. The AMS program further solidifies this commitment as the HondaJet fleet continues to grow.”

Exclusive to the HondaJet owners enrolled in the Flight Ready Service Plans, AMS will be available for enrollment after the 2023 National Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), beginning with U.S. based N-registered HondaJets.

As the HondaJet global fleet approaching 200,000 flight hours and grows to over 230 aircraft worldwide, Honda Aircraft Company says it remains committed to improving customer satisfaction. Recently, the company launched a new Flexible Phased Maintenance Program and expanded its service network to 21 locations worldwide.

StandardAero Maryville Celebrates 7,500th Rolls-Royce AE Family Shop Visit, Including 500th AE 1107C

StandardAero is celebrating delivery of the 7,500th Rolls-Royce AE family engine from the company’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Maryville, Tenn. The AE common core family includes the AE 2100 turboprop, AE 3007 turbofan and AE 1107 turboshaft, and StandardAero is an Rolls-Royce Authorized Maintenance Center (AMC) for all three powerplants.

Since inducting its first AE 3007 turbofan in 1997, the Maryville facility has to date processed over 6,500 engines. The AE 3007 powers the Embraer ERJ regional jet family (AE 3007A), the Cessna Citation X business jet (AE 3007C), the Northrop Grumman RQ/MQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system (UAS) (AE 3007H) and the Boeing MQ-25 Stingray UAS (AE 3007N).

StandardAero added the AE 1107 to its MRO portfolio under a 30-year long-term agreement signed with Rolls-Royce in 2018, since then the Maryville facility has processed over 500 engines. The AE 1107C powers the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey, while the AE 1107F variant has been selected to power the Bell V-280 Valor Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). StandardAero also supports the related MT7 marine gas turbine, which powers the Textron Systems LCAC 100-class Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC)

StandardAero received AMC approval for the AE 2100 in 1993, and has supported the engine from Maryville since 2021. StandardAero serves operators of the type across the world, including those flying the Lockheed Martin C-130J / LM-100J Hercules (AE 2100D3), Alenia C-27J Spartan (AE 2100D2), AE 2100A (Saab 2000) and ShinMaywa US-2 (AE 2100J).

“StandardAero is proud of its close relationship with Rolls-Royce on the AE family of engines, and honored to be the support provider of choice for operators around the globe,” commented Greg Krekeler, vice president and general manager of StandardAero’s Maryville facility. “The team here at Maryville understands that military, commercial and corporate operators worldwide rely on us to deliver responsive, reliable support and our team of 275 skilled professionals set the standard of excellence day in and day out.”

In addition to the AE family, StandardAero’s 154,000 sq. ft. Maryville facility also supports a wide range of auxiliary power units, including the Honeywell GTCP 36-100/150 and RE220, the Pratt & Whitney Canada APS 2300, and the Safran Power Units SPU300.

RedCabin Announces New Trinity Awards

RedCabin has announced a new awards program for industry professionals in aviation interiors – the RedCabin Trinity Awards. These awards celebrate the collaboration of the three key stakeholders in the aviation interiors industry: the inventor of a cabin related concept, the organization that deploys the concept — typically an airline, leasing company or airframe manufacturer — and RedCabin as the host of the awards scheme.  Uniquely the judging panel is exclusively made up of airlines and aircraft leasing companies — ensuing the awards reflect the real requirements of the industry.

Since its launch, RedCabin says it has been promoting collaboration that fosters innovation in the aviation interiors industry. RedCabin’s Aircraft Interiors Innovation Summits (ACIS) bring together key stakeholders to drive positive change in the aviation industry.

A wide range of categories celebrating innovation

The RedCabin Trinity Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the spectrum of the aircraft interiors industry. Awards will be judged against strict criteria including likelihood of the concept becoming reality, cost reduction, efficiency improvement and the concept’s ability to improve the passenger experience in an aircraft cabin.

Companies can enter the following categories:

  • Passenger experience concept: this covers all concepts for future products – including hardware and software experiences and digital services – that deliver innovations that improve passenger experience within the cabin
  • Cabin service concept: this covers concepts for future service models and products that are beneficial for airlines and – ideally – passengers.  
  • Cabin MRO concept: this celebrates the best innovation to further develop cabin related MRO products, services and processes.
  • Sustainability concept: this category celebrates the best concepts for sustainable products, processes and services within an aircraft cabin to drive a circular economy.
  • Collaboration excellence: this category rewards excellence in collaboration, across at least three different parties, all contributing to the success of a new product, service or industry standard.
  • Newcomer/start-up: this award is for organisations younger than two years’ old that have created a cabin concept that will have a major impact on aviation. The start-ups can submit a concept related to one of the first four categories.
  • Best of RedCabin: this honours the speaker, moderator or workshop leader at a RedCabin ACIS that reinforces the unique culture of RedCabin as voted for at the summit.
  • Influential/lifetime achievement: this award recognises the outstanding contribution of an individual to the industry over a sustained period of excellence – rewarding contribution, commitment and achievement.

Timeline for the RedCabin Trinity Awards

The awards are open for entries from 9 November 2023, with the entry period closing on 15 December 2023. A highly respected industry judging panel of airlines and air leasing companies will meet to review the awards before a shortlist is announced in March 2024. Finalists will be announced in April 2024. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at ACIS in Dallas, USA on 13 June 2024.  The Boeing Company is confirmed as the first headline sponsor of the awards.

“These awards pioneer the importance of collaboration in aviation interiors,” said founder and chief executive of RedCabin, Monica Wick. “RedCabin is dedicated to bringing the industry together in the firm belief that innovation is inspired by cooperation. We created these awards to  celebrate the concepts, products and services that will materially improve the in-cabin experience in the future – for airlines and, ultimately, traveling passengers.”

Awards to be a central part of US ACIS 2024, hosted by American Airlines

The awards will be an integral part of RedCabin’s ACIS in Dallas, Texas, hosted by American Airlines, 12 to 14 June 2024. The event will showcase passenger experience innovation from airframe manufacturers, airlines and industry leading suppliers from across the globe, as well as cover issues such as delivering a 21st Century cabin experience for the next generation of supersonic and evTOL aircraft. The full agenda will be revealed first at https://www.linkedin.com/company/redcabin/ and at https://twitter.com/RedCabin_Events. 

RedCabin Summits are widely recognised in the industry as the showcase for new innovation.  From shaping the future of sustainable aviation, to new seat and cabin designs, to unveiling innovation in colour, materials and finish (CMF), global innovators in aviation interiors choose to launch new products and concepts to the industry at RedCabin Summits.

To see more information and enter the RedCabin Trinity Awards, click here: https://trinityaward.redcabin.de/