Category: BizJet

Marsh McLennan’s Oliver Wyman to Acquire SeaTec Consulting

Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting, and a business of Marsh McLennan announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire SeaTec Consulting Inc. a leading provider of consulting, engineering, and digital expertise across the aviation, aerospace and defense, and transportation industries. SeaTec will join CAVOK, a division of Oliver Wyman, focused on aviation services.

For more than 20 years, SeaTec’s deep industry knowledge, paired with technical and digital expertise, has delivered high value programs for clients. SeaTec has a long-standing record of excellence by providing expertise and insight to clients on aircraft acquisitions, engineering, maintenance records, MRO IT systems replacements, operational improvement, and supply chain solutions.

“SeaTec perfectly complements our CAVOK business while also extending our technical services and technical consulting capabilities giving us an opportunity to further scale the business globally,” said Anthony DiNota, senior vice president of CAVOK. “SeaTec’s focus on helping clients solve complex problems and improve processes directly aligns with Oliver Wyman’s core offerings. The combination of CAVOK and SeaTec will provide powerful and unmatched offerings to clients.”

“We’ve long respected the CAVOK team and their capabilities. We are excited about the growth opportunities for the business and what the future holds for us together,” said Paul Harper, managing partner of SeaTec.

“Our companies share a strong set of core values including caring for our customers and our people. Joining the CAVOK team furthers the SeaTec mission to deliver excellence, delight our customers, and unleash the potential of our people and our clients” added SeaTec chairman, Tim Rider.

“As a firm with deep expertise, Oliver Wyman and our Transportation Practice are excited about the enhanced capabilities to serve our clients. This combined team will enable Oliver Wyman, CAVOK and SeaTec to continue to make a significant impact in operations, cost, reliability and safety for the aviation, defense, and transportation industries,” said Brian Prentice, Partner at Oliver Wyman.

SeaTec is based in Atlanta, GA and has offices across the US, Canada, and UK with an extended network of clients and senior advisors around the world. The firm’s employees will join Oliver Wyman and integrate with CAVOK.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024. This is Oliver Wyman’s second recent acquisition in the aviation consulting industry. In November 2022, Oliver Wyman acquired Avascent, an aerospace & defense management consulting firm focused on the corporate and private equity sectors.

Gulfstream Customer Support Announces Strategic Service Center Appointments

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. recently announced several appointments across its customer support network to further enhance the Gulfstream customer experience. 

Sasha Cejic, Robert Medina and April Morina have each been promoted to regional vice president of service center operations, a new role created to ensure that customers and operators continue to experience consistent excellence across the Gulfstream service network. All three have held leadership positions within Gulfstream Customer Support’s service centers, and combined, bring decades of experience working directly with Gulfstream customers. 

“The Gulfstream fleet is growing, and so are we,” said Derek Zimmerman, president, Gulfstream Customer Support. “Our longstanding commitment to exceeding customers’ expectations is well known, and these promotions are part of the strategic expansions to our extensive support network that will position us to continue to provide the exceptional service our customers have long relied on.”  

Cejic is responsible for facilities in Brunswick and Savannah, Georgia; and Farnborough, England; Medina for facilities in Mesa, Arizona; Van Nuys and Long Beach, California; and at Fort Worth Alliance Airport in Texas; and Morina for facilities at St. Louis Downtown Airport in Illinois; and in Palm Beach, Florida; Appleton, Wisconsin; and Westfield, Massachusetts. All report to Joe Rivera, vice president of service center operations.

Additionally, Gulfstream Customer Support recently named Scott Larner general manager of Gulfstream’s Westfield service center. In this role, Larner reports to Morina and will oversee daily operations including aircraft maintenance, safety, quality and customer satisfaction. 

These appointments follow recent Customer Support facility expansions that are in progress or have been completed in Savannah, Mesa, Fort Worth, Farnborough, Palm Beach, Appleton and Van Nuys.

Mid-Canada Mod Center Awarded STC for Falcon 50 InSight Upgrade with Universal Avionics

Universal Avionics (UA) recently announced that Mid-Canada Mod Center, an Authorized Dealer, has been awarded Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from Transport Canada and the FAA for NextGen flight deck upgrades on the Dassault Falcon 50. 

The upgrade program from Mid-Canada Mod Center installs the InSight flight deck solution to modernize Falcon 50 aircraft with latest-generation displays and NextGen capabilities for Data Comm including domestic Controller Pilot Datalink Communication (CPDLC), FANS 1/A+ and ATN B1. Replacement of legacy CRT displays helps address obsolescence, resolving maintenance and repair challenges.  

The Falcon 50 InSight installation includes four EFI-1040 LCD displays, two UNS-1Fw SBAS-FMS, and two touchscreen-enabled EFIS Control Display Units (ECDU). The installation also includes UA’s Data Communications package with the UniLink UL-801 Communications Management Unit, and KAPTURE™ Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) with internal Recorder Independent Power Supply (RIPS). 

The InSight Display System offers the Falcon 50 a new set of capabilities including next-generation 3D Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS), advanced interactive digital maps, embedded electronic charting, high-resolution airport maps, and intuitive touchscreen controls. InSight also offers up to 130 lbs. weight reduction (savings) based on customer-selected options and final aircraft configuration, increased reliability, and reduced maintenance costs. 

“Owners of older aircraft like this Falcon 50 find themselves in a challenging position with obsolete parts that can’t be repaired and flight deck systems lacking the enhanced situational awareness newer aircraft take for granted,” said Bill Arsenault, president at Mid-Canada Mod Center. “Our commitment to safety underpins all of our modifications, and our specialty is reinvigorating aging aircraft and extending their useful life. We couldn’t be more pleased to work with our long-time partner, Universal Avionics, to equip this aircraft with new, future-ready capabilities.” 

“Falcon 50 operators can enjoy efficient operations and NextGen capabilities with InSight, a sustainable glass cockpit upgrade offering long-term cost savings,” said Dror Yahav, CEO of Universal Avionics. “Our long relationship with MC2 and their specialty in developing unique future-proofing solutions makes them the ideal partner to deliver this modern display system upgrade.”

InSight Display System integration with Universal’s SBAS-FMS and UniLink UL-801 CMU provides Falcon 50 operators a path to meet current and future NextGen and SESAR mandates and capabilities: ATN B1, ADS-B Out, CPDLC, Domestic Departure Clearances (DCL), Data Communications, FANS 1/A+, and SBAS/LPV. The 4-display InSight solution is also the first building block in preparing the Falcon 50 flight deck for other systems such as UA’s ClearVision Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) with SkyLens™ Head-Wearable Display, Interactive SVS (i-SVS), and more. 

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