Category: BizJet

Constant Aviation Enhances Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program to Meet Fast-Growing Demand

Constant Aviation has enhanced its Maintenance Apprenticeship Program, further expanding its recruitment initiatives to meet the growing demand for private aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Apprentices in this improved, next generation, two-year program will work alongside experienced Aircraft Technicians, learn by performing daily technical tasks and participate in classroom and lab work all while earning a steady income. Apprentices can acquire the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe Certification, an essential first step towards a career in aviation services.  “With the private aviation industry experiencing record growth, rising demand for technical work on aircraft has squeezed MRO staffing industrywide,” said David H. Davies, Constant Aviation’s CEO. “We are meeting the demand through initiatives including an expanded Maintenance Apprenticeship Program that gives prospective technicians the experience and skills they need for careers in aviation through on-the-job training and classroom and online education.” 

Additionally, Constant Aviation has increased technician pay by 10 percent in 2022, putting their compensation in the top one to two percent of the industry. The salary increase showcases the company’s commitment to recruitment, retention, and career longevity. The Maintenance Apprenticeship Program is available at Constant Aviation’s main MRO facilities at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). No prior experience is required, and apprentices will become full-time, regular employees of Constant Aviation, eligible for benefits, earning an hourly wage, and receiving pay increases as they move through milestones of the two-year program. Constant Aviation covers the cost of all training and certification testing for the Maintenance Apprenticeship Program and provides study materials, access to online preparation and study software plus a base set of tools essential to begin a career in the aviation tech industry. 

“Constant Aviation’s Maintenance Apprenticeship Program provides anyone interested in a high-paying career in aviation with the training and experience they need to get started – with no experience required, at no cost and while earning a salary,” said Davies. “It’s a wonderful opportunity, especially for ambitious, hardworking people who may not have the means to acquire an expensive education but want access to success and opportunity.”  The Maintenance Apprenticeship Program is the latest step in a multipart effort to attract new talent, create a pipeline of qualified employees for the future, and ensure a long-term balance between newer and more experienced technicians. In addition to the apprenticeship program, Constant Aviation is recruiting established technicians by offering a $15,000 signing bonus for successful military veteran candidates to immediately bring experienced technicians into the hangars. Forty percent of Constant Aviation’s current workforce consists of veterans, providing further impetus for attracting skilled workers. In order to boost both recruitment and retention, Constant Aviation also offers a $2,000 signing bonus for other successful technical position candidates and grants up to $8,000 to successful aircraft-on-ground (AOG) technician candidates following the completion of their first year with the company. Other recruitment and workforce development initiatives include: §  Developing partnerships with technical colleges, including El Paso’s Western Tech, where students can bring their superior technical education and get a leg up in starting an aviation career; 

  • Building a partnership with Cleveland’s Davis Aviation and Maritime High School to educate young people about careers in aviation; Constant Aviation also is represented on the board of PHASTAR, a co-founder of Davis High School;
  • Establishing a partnership with Aeronautics Careers Academy’s high school programs, through which Constant Aviation sponsors a formal capstone project for high school seniors; 
  • Partnering with Johnson College and donating a Hawker Beechcraft 400XP light jet fuselage to aid in its efforts to add an aircraft maintenance program to its transportation course of study; 
  • Serving on the board of the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) for guidance of FAA PART 147 airframe and powerplant schools;
  • Serving on the advisory boards of four airframe and powerplant schools;
  • Enhancing training for all current employees, with training engagements up 150 percent;
  • Enhanced benefits for all employees, including tuition reimbursements and enhanced paid time off.

Tamarack Aerospace Receives National Aeronautic Association (NAA) Award

Tamarack Aerospace received the NAA’s Most Memorable Aviation Records Award at the association’s Aviation Records Celebration on April 28, 2022, at Lockheed Martin’s Fighter Demonstration Center in Arlington, Virginia. The award was presented to the Tamarack team that set the record, flying non-stop from Portland, Maine to West Palm Beach, Fla. on January 26th, 2021.

The details of the record-setting flight for the NAA designation of “Speed Over a Recognized Course” include an average speed of 281.64 mph, in a Cessna 525 Citation Jet modified by Tamarack load alleviation Active Winglets. The award-winning jet is owned by John W. “Wick” Zimmerman. Wick and Tamarack Aerospace founder Nick Guida piloted the aircraft.

NAA decided the Tamarack modified jet team should be recognized as a “Most Memorable” aviation record flight winner because the event was initiated and covered by the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) and was actually a fly-off or race between a Tamarack Active Winglet modified aircraft and a similar jet that wasn’t modified with Active Winglets. The modified CitationJet completed the course in just 4 hours and 35 minutes, despite a major headwind and reached 41-thousand feet without a step-climb, more than an hour faster than the unmodified jet that had to fly around bad weather and stop for fuel. The modified N44VS (tail number) aircraft traveled 1,386 miles in the air and used a total of 2,610 pounds of fuel while the unmodified N741CC jet burned 3,650 pounds of fuel and spent 5 hours and 37 minutes in flight. The modified aircraft also landed with fuel in excess of the legal reserve requirements.

The Tamarack flight team is eager to set more records. Wick Zimmerman said the record-setting flight, “was a fun trip and one that I will always remember.” Nick Guida added, “what an amazing flight.”  

Duncan Aviation Expands API Blended Winglet Authorization 

Duncan Aviation announced an agreement with Aviation Partners, Inc. (API) to extend its blended winglets authorization designating the company’s Provo, Utah, MRO location as an authorized installer for API blended winglets.  

“Duncan Aviation and Aviation Partners have been industry partners for years,” says Chad Doehring, Duncan Aviation’s PVU executive vice president/chief operating officer. “Having our Provo facility API-authorized gives our western US customers a more convenient option for winglet installations.” 

In 2008, Duncan Aviation partnered with API and the OEM to install the API blended winglets on a Falcon 2000EX for STC certification flight test. API subsequently announced Duncan Aviation’s Battle Creek, Mich., and Lincoln, Neb., MROs as the first authorized installers for Falcon blended winglets in 2009.  

Duncan Aviation has 10 airframe maintenance teams between all three MRO locations with more than 10 years of experience completing this in-demand modification on all series of the Falcon 50, 900, and 2000 aircraft. 

“Our relationship with Duncan Aviation goes back to the mid-1990s when we completed several Gulfstream II winglet installations. Dozens of Hawker 800 series winglet retrofits followed. With more than 100 Falcon winglets now complete, Duncan Aviation is our longest-standing, and our most prolific, installation partner,” said Gary Dunn, API President. “We look forward to the increased installation capacity and customer choice that adding Provo to the list will bring.”   

“It’s been a great working relationship,” added Doehring. “We appreciate API’s continued support and confidence in the quality of our installations. It is confidence shared by our mutual customers.”   

In addition to the Falcon 50, 900, and 2000 aircraft families, Duncan Aviation is also an API authorized installation partner for winglet modifications on Hawker 800 series aircraft. 

MTI Instruments’ WiFi-Enabled 1520 Portable Signal Simulator/Calibrator Brings Enhanced Functionality, Laboratory-Grade Accuracy Directly to Flightline and Test-Cell

MTI Instruments has introduced the 1520 Signal Simulator and Calibrator offering WiFi connectivity, ergonomic and visualization features, and up to 10 hours of battery life. Designed to support MTI Instruments’ proven jet engine vibration measurement and balancing systems, the portable signal simulator brings laboratory-grade accuracy directly onto the flightline and to the test-cell. The unit features a rugged, two-handed controller for glove-friendly operation and a color touchscreen for viewing high-precision graphical waveforms. Unlike other simulators/calibrators, the 1520 needs just one technician to set up signal simulations at a location and then, via wireless login, conduct the test while observing and adjusting values at another.

The 1520 adds functionality and versatility to MTI Instruments’ existing, well-respected handheld 1510A Signal Simulator. The key features of the new 1520 Signal Simulator and Calibrator include

 WiFi Capability – Wireless login and control of full functionality enables fast and easy testing of hard-to-reach sensors and devices at the flightline and test-cell
 Portable, Rugged – Ergonomic design includes glove-friendly buttons as well as a color touchscreen
 High-Precision Waveforms – Custom, sine, square, triangle, pulse, tachometer and sawtooth waveforms from 0.1Hz to 100kHz n 0.1 Hz increments
 Long Battery Life – Operates up to 10 hours on a single charge
 Bridge Circuit Simulation – Easy to command microvolts to simulate strain gauges
 Standards Compliant – Comes with NIST-traceable calibration certificate
 Cost Effective – Delivers high-precision laboratory-grade functionality at a competitive price

“Our new 1520 has upgraded features that jet maintenance technicians have been waiting for in a portable signal simulator and calibrator: Wireless capability and ergonomic design that can be used with gloves, excellent waveform visualization – and up to 10 hours of battery life,” said Moshe Binyamin, President and CEO of MTI Instruments. “Thanks to the unit’s WiFi feature, many routine flightline sensor test procedures can be performed by a single technician. MTI Instruments makes it easy for technicians to bring laboratory-grade test equipment onto the flightline and into the field where maintenance and testing is taking place.”

The 1520 will be on display at the 2022 NBAA Maintenance Conference, Booth 639, May 3-6, in San Antonio, Texas. The 1520 signal simulator is ideal for use with MTI Instruments’ jet engine test equipment, including the recently introduced PBS eXpress portable engine balancing system geared to the business and regional jet market.

Cirrus Aircraft Continues Global Expansion with New European Locations 

Cirrus Aircraft announced its continued global expansion with investment in two new European locations. The company will open a European regional operations office in Rotterdam, Netherlands, scheduled to launch in June 2022, in addition to the recently announced aircraft sales presence based in Valenciennes, France.   

“Cirrus Aircraft’s mission is to deliver a premium aviation experience and continue introducing the benefits of personal aviation to people around the world,” said Zean Nielsen, CEO of Cirrus Aircraft. “Our new locations and increased presence in France and the Netherlands will allow us to continue elevating the experience our current and future aircraft owners enjoy with Cirrus Aircraft.”  

The expansion comes at a significant time for the aviation industry in Europe, as the upward trajectory of personal aviation interest continues to reach new heights due to renewed demand for premium leisure and business travel. Cirrus France and Rotterdam will complement the existing European ecosystem of Cirrus Sales Agents (CSAs), Cirrus Training Centers (CTCs), and Authorized Service Centers (ASCs). Our European network includes five CSAs, 13 CTCs and 24 ASCs. 

Structural Monitoring Systems’ Technology to Revolutionize Structural Crack Detection on Commercial Aircraft 

Structural Monitoring Systems, a U.K. registered company engaged in the development and commercialization of technology for testing and monitoring the structural integrity of materials, announced that its Comparative Vacuum Monitor (CVM) sensor technology for detecting cracks on commercial aircraft received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“The solution to monitor structures on aircraft is known as Structural Health Monitoring – in this category, our CVM technology is the forerunner. The aviation industry provides a great array of applications and programs for the full commercialization of the CVM technology platform,” says Rich Poutier, executive vice president of Business Development for SMS.  

Working together with the FAA and partners Delta Air Lines and Delta Engineering firm (not affiliated with Delta), SMS has undertaken multiple programs to certificate the use of CVM sensors for accurate, reliable, in-situ monitoring of the structural integrity of aircraft. SMS’ sensors have already been installed on more than twenty aircraft operated by Delta.

“This first-ever certification from  FAA for using CVM sensors to detect cracks on aircraft will revolutionize the industry maintenance inspection methods and provide airlines the ability to fly longer periods of time before aircraft must be routed to the hangar,” explains Poutier. 

The initial certification is limited to performing inspections on the Intelsat 2ku antenna support structure on Boeing 737-800 aircraftt; however, SMS expects to easily adapt the sensor configuration to many other inspection areas. In addition to the approved Wi-Fi antenna structure inspections, SMS and Delta are actively pursuing OEMs to incorporate the CVM sensor technology into service bulletins as an accepted method of compliance for structural inspections.

CVM sensors can be used to replace inspections currently being performed with High-Frequency and Low-Frequency Eddy Current equipment to detect surface cracks. Performing an inspection with CVM sensors can be conducted at the gate with a short turnaround time as opposed to, in most cases, taking aircraft to the hangar to conduct traditional HFEC/LFEC inspections.  

In addition to the time and money saved by not having to perform inspections in a hangar, the CVM™ sensor technology can enhance maintenance planning departments sequencing inspection tasks. For example, repetitive inspections due at 3,500 and 4,500 cycles are typically scheduled to be performed together for operational convenience to reset the interval clock. Oftentimes, this results in airlines discarding more than 1,000 cycles of available greentime operations. 

“As we make this novel sensor technology available to the airline industry, looking ahead, we are aiming for CVM sensors to become the routinely accepted method for performing periodic, continual maintenance on all aircraft types worldwide,” concludes Poutier. 

MTI Instruments Introduces PBS eXpress: Portable Engine Balancing System for Business and Regional Jets

MTI Instruments, a U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced test and measurement equipment, introduces the PBS eXpress aircraft engine vibration analysis and balancing system. The PBS eXpress is designed to optimize small-frame turbofan and turboprop engines, commonly utilized in regional jet, business jet and general aviation. The PBS eXpress runs advanced algorithms to record vibration and speed and generate a one-shot balancing solution.

The portable system features intuitive setup and operation as well as powerful visualization tools like vibration surveys, exportable data and PDF reporting. Supported propulsion systems include the most popular small-frame engines and APUs from major OEMs such as Honeywell, Rolls-Royce, PWC and Williams.
The PBS eXpress utilizes the same “DNA technology” as the company’s PBS-4100+ family – the most respected turbo-fan engine vibration and balancing solution on the market today – to deliver this compact, feature-rich system.

Market-leading features of the PBS eXpress include:
 Modern Interface – Color touchscreen operates the entire Windows-based user interface
 Extreme Simplicity – The Trim Balance Wizard streamlines the dialog process with simple-to-follow steps
 Advanced Functionality – Rapidly calculates optimized engine balancing solutions accounting for existing weights on the engine and generates detailed “before and after” PDF reports
 Convenience – Lightweight and portable system operates 6-plus hours between charges
 Ease of Migration – Connects directly to existing cables and sensors
 Competitive Pricing – An introductory offer is 20% – 30% less than competitive options

“The PBS eXpress offers many of the advanced features found on more sophisticated engine balancing systems – but at a price point and form factor that is optimal for MRO organizations and operators who maintain and fly small-to-mid-sized corporate and regional jets,” said Moshe Binyamin, president and CEO of MTI Instruments. “The PBS eXpress’s intuitive user interface enables first-time users to perform vibration analysis and engine rotor balancing, with minimal training.”

The PBS eXpress will be on display at MRO Americas 2022, Booth 4418, April 26-28, in Dallas, Texas. In addition, MTI will present its next-generation 1520 precision signal simulator as supporting equipment for the PBS eXpress. With proven accuracy, Wi-Fi connectivity and rugged construction, the portable 1520 allows technicians to bring a laboratory-grade precision function generator directly to the flightline.

PBS eXpress: Pricing starts at $19,500 USD – depending on system options. Please contact MTI Instruments for more information on pricing and availability.

Russelectric Emergency Power System Offers Redundant PLC Controls and Manual Backup Capability

Russelectric, A Siemens Business, maker of power control systems and automatic transfer switches, is offering a robust and reliable emergency power system which provides backup power during a utility power loss. The paralleling switchgear systems offer redundant programmable logic controller (PLC) controls and manual backup capability. Trusted by the largest critical facilities in the world, the Russelectric Emergency Power System has been used by airports.

Complete systems are custom designed and fully manufactured by Russelectric. All systems are UL listed and can incorporate such sophisticated control functions as peak shaving and load curtailment. Russelectric paralleling systems incorporate dual, redundant, hot synchronized PLCs for system control. The unique system design allows manual start and synchronization of generator sets if automatic controls malfunction. Discrete switches, meters and control devices are standard to allow manual control capability in the event that both system PLCs fail.

Designed for maximum safety and operating simplicity, the systems are supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)-capable. A 23-inch LCD HMI touchscreen display enables operators to view system one-line diagrams, alarms, and setpoints.
Load demand sensing determines the number of engine generators in operation based on the loading. The system permits first priority loads to transfer to the connected engine generator set, while delaying the transfer of lower priority loads until additional generator capacity has been connected. Lower priority loads then transfer to the emergency power system as generator sets are added to the bus.

SkySelect Partners with AeroParts Now to Streamline and Automate Aircraft Parts Quotation Process.

SkySelect, the eProcurement-as-a-Service platform provider, has entered into a partnership with AeroParts Now to integrate their respective platforms to enhance the aircraft parts purchasing process for suppliers.

The new integration will bring greater efficiency and ease of use, leading to more sales volume for suppliers by automating the submission of catalogs and quotes. Historically, this process has been tedious, and time-consuming as suppliers rely on manual daily or weekly batch uploads instead of data streams. “We’re always looking for ways to provide our parts supplier customers with streamlined processes and innovative ways to close sales, and that’s why we’ve integrated our system with SkySelect’s,” said Will Dent, AeroParts Now president and CTO. “Given SkySelect’s market growth, it’s a platform that cannot be missed out on.”

Once suppliers have connected, the process will run automatically, saving time and creating new revenue opportunities. Those opportunities are due to increase significantly because SkySelect has and is on pace to onboard many new airline and MRO customers in the coming months.

“Of course, a lot of consideration is given to the buyer, but that’s just one part of the complete parts purchasing process, said Ricky Lim, SkySelect’s Senior Manager – Sales & Business Development. “Our aim at SkySelect is to support and improve the entire supply chain, including driving innovation and better user experience on the supplier side. That’s why the partnership with AeroParts Now gets us excited.”

Norton Launches New Multi-Air Blaze A995 Sanding Discs

With the cost of materials and labor ever rising, it is now vital for workshops to arm themselves with the right tools to save both time and money without compromising on quality. To support its customers, Norton has launched a new range of sanding discs, the Multi-Air Blaze A995.

Adding to Norton’s vast array of tried and tested abrasive products, the Multi-Air Blaze A995 prides itself on its sharp design, smooth cut, fast finish, and ultimate strength – all of which contribute to cost and time savings.

Less sanding time and more material removal are the two biggest factors to consider when choosing a tool that will reduce labor costs. The A995 disc features ultra-premium ceramic grain and extremely sharp abrasive grains, which boost performance and remove over 30% more material than other products, with considerably less dust.

The Multi-Air Blaze A995’s all-new exclusive backing design provides extraordinary strength, with tear resistance well beyond any flexible paper on the market. This super-tough hook and loop backing is reinforced with polyester to provide exceptional edge adhesion of the grain. Even in the most demanding sanding jobs, grain loss is virtually non-existent, resulting in outstanding durability.

Dust extraction is another crucial factor to consider when sanding. When mounted on a DA Sander, Norton’s unique Multi-Air hole configuration provides a consistent cut throughout the Multi-Air Blaze A995’s lifespan and creates a cleaner work environment. Minimizing dust will reduce the risk of contamination in the shop, improve operator safety, and reduce the time spent cleaning up after a job. All these benefits encourage optimum productivity for the user.

The Multi-Air Blaze A995 range also features Norton’s No-Fil® water-based stearate coating. The No-Fil® coating prevents clogging and ensures users get the superior finish they need while minimising user fatigue, rework, and endless consumption of discs.

Perfect for coarse and medium sanding jobs, the Multi-Air Blaze A995 can be used in automotive, marine, composite, and many more industrial applications.

“Our customers are always our top priority. We’re passionate about creating well-priced, high-quality products that operators love to use again and again,” said Jonathon Sanders, national sales manager at Saint-Gobain Abrasives. “Norton is tried and trusted by the industry, and the new Multi-Air Blaze A995 range is no exception. Available in 150mm, with a grit range from P40 to P400, this new range is designed for longer life, consistent sanding quality, and unrivalled performance to help users produce great work and generate more profit.”