Nova Systems Selects FreeFlight Systems’ Advanced Weather and Airborne Aircraft Alerting System to Increase Crew Awareness

FreeFlight Systems announced Nova Systems selected their Dual-Band ADS-B receiver as part of an upgrade program for their customers to provide more efficient and better decision-making systems during flight. FreeFlight Systems Dual-Band ADS-B receiver provides critical weather and airborne traffic, significantly improving crew situational awareness and providing a well-informed operation, even under extreme conditions.

“We are thrilled to continue delivering a world-class mission system, and we are excited to have FreeFlight’s Dual-Band ADS-B system on board,” says Ronnie Trasler, general manager for Aerospace Integration for Nova Systems. “We selected FreeFlight’s Dual-band ADS-B Receiver because of leading-edge ADS-B technology for maximum crew situational awareness during critical life-saving work for search and rescue operators.”

FreeFlight Systems Dual-Band ADS-B Receiver is a mission-ready TSO-certified device designed to perform in the most critical environments, making it a strong choice for SAR activities. It provides pilots in all jurisdictions with critical ADS-B information while in flight, drastically improving situational awareness and creating a safer, well-informed operation.

“Nova Systems is a leader in modernization efforts for aircraft used for SAR programs, and this selection strengthens our collaborative partnership for creating safer skies,” says Anthony Rios, president, FreeFlight Systems. “Our ADS-B Dual-Band solution is a key component of our mission to provide progressive companies, like Nova Systems, the ability to upgrade critical aircraft with the most advanced technologies, bestowing crews with the most sophisticated airborne situational awareness.”

With its all-new air-to-air capabilities, FreeFlight Systems’ Dual-Band ADS-B Receiver leads the way with its small form factor, low weight and power, and multi-interface design. This compact device can provide all the required safety information for critical operations while keeping its footprint on the aircraft’s resources low.

Designed with safety in mind, the Dual-Band ADS-B Receiver improves situational awareness in applicable environments with its reception of traffic information, direct and rebroadcasts (TIS-B) on both the 1090 and 978 frequency bands, weather reports, and radar and flight information such as NOTAMs and TFRs.

Safran and PhilJets Sign Support Contract for New Helicopter Engine in the Philippines

Safran Helicopter Engines and PhilJets Aero Services Inc (PhilJets) marked a milestone at the Singapore Airshow 2024 by signing a new Support-By-the-Hour (SBH) contract for the Arrano engine. PhilJets, the Certified Distributor Center for Safran in the Philippines, and Safran Helicopter Engines (Safran HE) have solidified their three-year collaboration through this strategic agreement.

PhilJets and Safran are partnering to launch the entry into service of the Arrano engine, set to power the soon-to-be-delivered first Airbus H160 in the region.

During the signing ceremony at the Singapore Airshow Thierry Tea, PhilJets’ founder and Valerie Patuel, Safran HE managing director for Asia Pacific, reiterated the firm commitment of both companies to deepen their collaboration in supporting helicopter owners and operators in the Philippines.

Valerie Patuel, said: “We are very pleased to have the first H160 customer in this region supported with our SBH® contract. Our teams strive hard to provide the best-in-class support for customers and ensure a smooth entry-into-service of the Arrano.”

Jerome Hernandez, sales and MRO support manager of PhilJets said: “It is our mission to keep our customer’s helicopter flying to meet their needs. We are pleased that this contract, in addition to the other 13 Safran engines in the Philippines currently under SBH contract, will allow the owner and operator to receive extensive support for their helicopter.”             

This SBH contract formalizes a long-term Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and services agreement supporting two Arrano 1A engines, making it the first SBH contract signed for the Arrano in the South East Asia Region. 

Since 2021, Safran HE and PhilJets have joined forces to support a growing fleet of more than 100 helicopters operators flying in the Philippines, with 13 engines now covered under SBH contracts.

The collaboration aims to enhance the operational availability of helicopters in the Philippines, where PhilJets has been operating for 11 years, in order to increase customer satisfaction of helicopter operators.

The contract signifies a commitment to continue improving Safran HE’s services in the archipelago, with PhilJets managing the contract locally and receiving support from Safran Helicopter Engines’ regional office in Singapore.

Safran’s Arrano engine, a 1,300 shp new-generation powerhouse, offers about 15% reduction in fuel consumption compared to other in-service helicopter engines. Notably, it is certified to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), like all Safran’s engines.

The SBH program from Safran Helicopter Engines provides predictable engine operating costs, eliminates cash peaks, and offers flexibility for scheduled and unscheduled MRO coverage. The program also integrates digital services like engine Health Monitoring, Expert Link, and Online SBH. SBH is part of EngineLife Services, Safran’s range of solutions for helicopter engines.

Zulu Pods Awarded Phase 2 Contract by U.S. Army to Continue Development of its Loss of Lubrication Technology

Zulu Pods has been awarded a Phase 2 contract from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) via FirePoint Innovations Center. The award will continue the partnership between ZPI and the Army focusing on further development of ZPI’s novel loss of lubrication pod technology, the ZPod, aimed at enhancing rotorcraft combat survivability during loss of lubrication events for the next generation of military helicopters.

In Phase 1, ZPI conducted instrumented tests on its internal high-speed rig that culminated in the successful validation of its technology through a simulated loss of lubrication event. The tests demonstrated mitigation of bearing failure and performance degradation by delivering minimum oil over time through a static ZPod, upgrading the technology readiness level to TRL 5.

In Phase 2, ZPI will work closely with two major aerospace engine OEMs to continue lubrication testing on bearing hardware, begin digital product integration through engine interface design, and deliver an engine ready prototype for testing and evaluation by the end of 2024.

The ZPod serves as a small decentralized, self-contained, and self-energized emergency oil system independent of the oil pump’s ability to adequately circulate oil to critical mechanical components, thus offering pilots the necessary time to carry out evasive landing maneuvers to safely land the rotary wing aircraft in the event of loss of lubrication.

AEPA Seeks Congressional Legislation to Address Workforce Challenges 

The Aerospace Education Program Alliance (AEPA) is urging industry to support the enactment of legislation that would, for the first time, bring government, industry and education together to address critical shortages in the aviation and aerospace workforce. Support for the Aerospace Workforce Development Program would grow the workforce and increase access for those interested in aviation/aerospace careers.

The organization, which arose out of the Youth Access to Aviation Jobs in America Task Force, is urging aviation, aerospace and defense companies and associations to support the Aerospace Workforce Development Program which is on the cusp of being introduced in Congress. 

“While educational funding for aviation/aerospace education is a major issue for aerospace education programs, funding alone will not solve the workforce problem,” said AEPA CEO Dr. Ralph K. Coppola, in describing the reason behind the initiative. “The key to solving the workforce problem is a developing a process to focus resources on the programs that are successfully addressing the workforce issue.”

The Aerospace Workforce Development Program has two parts. (1) Modification of Department of Defense aerospace contracts to include aerospace education programs as subcontractors; and (2) Establish an Aerospace Education Program List on the DoD website where companies will find effective education programs to partner with and invest in as subcontractors. The list will rank aerospace education programs based on their contribution to the workforce.

The legislation grew out of the Congressionally mandated youth task force. To be eligible for education subcontracts, aerospace education organizations must show that they are effective in addressing workforce shortages in pilot, aircraft maintenance, aerospace engineering, manufacturing and other technically related fields. 

The proposed legislation is the second, industry-wide initiative bringing task force recommendations to fruition with the first being the creation of AEPA itself. 

AEPA is asking Aviation, Aerospace and Defense companies and organizations to join more than 20 organizations and businesses who have already signed on to a letter supporting this program which is below.

To view the letter click here

To support the introduction of this legislation: Click the link to the Google form to add your organization’s name to the letter. https://forms.gle/Ag5rJW4e5LNPTeRy7

Service Electrical Vehicles Safely with the New Electric Vehicle General Maintenance Kit from Snap-on Industrial

The new Electric Vehicle General Maintenance Kit from Snap-on Industrial provides technicians with all the hand tools they need to service electric vehicles safely and reliably.

The Electric Vehicle General Maintenance Kit (EVTECHCARTO) contains an assortment of 270 hand tools, which are composite in design to prevent electricity from reaching the technician’s hand, ensuring excellent protection without compromising on performance. Composite tools are IEC60900 compliant; composite sockets and extensions are UL rated. 

The kit also includes a toolbox and tool control foam. The Electric Orange Roll Cart (KRSC46HPJK) comes with six 35” wide drawers and a top compartment housed in a one-piece fully welded box designed to hold 120 pounds per drawer (240 pounds with double sides). The top compartment stores a battery charger and can be used as a charging station while locked. Additionally, every tool has a specific place in the box, thanks to pre-cut foam for maximum organization, tool identification, inventory, and storage. 

Tool assortment includes:

  • Composite 3/8” metric sockets from 8mm to 19mm
  • Chrome 6-point 1/4″ sockets, shallow and deep from 4mm to 15mm
  • Chrome 6-point 3/8” sockets, shallow and deep from 6mm to 21mm
  • Composite ring- and open-ended wrenches from 6mm to 19mm
  • Flank drive 12-point combination wrenches from 6mm to 23mm
  • Composite pliers
  • Composite hex keys from 3mm to 12mm
  • 1/4″ torque wrench rated from 15-300 in-lbs.
  • Digital hybrid multimeter
  • 12V DC circuit tester

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

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

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

Rotorcorp Named Winner of 2023 Presidential Award for Export Achievement by USA Department of Commerce

Rotorcorp, the largest seller of parts, engines, and overhaul kits for Robinson helicopters, today was named a 2023 winner of the President’s “E” Award for Exports. Created in 1961 by an Executive Order of President John F. Kennedy, the “E” Award is the highest recognition that any U.S. organization can receive for significantly contributing to the expansion of U.S. exports. The award was presented to Rotorcorp President Sean Casey by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo at a ceremony today in Washington, DC.

The “E” Award requires that a company demonstrate four consecutive years of sustained export revenue growth.  Multi-year growth of this nature is difficult enough to achieve in a normal business environment but was made even more challenging during the 2019-2022 consideration period by the unique obstacles resulting from the COVID–19 pandemic.  Supply chain issues, staffing shortages, logistics slow-downs, extended lead times along with the general economic uncertainty stemming from the pandemic posed significant headwinds for all of this year’s awardees.

Additionally, the broad implementation of sweeping sanctions against the Russian Federation following that country’s further invasion of Ukraine has closed a significant market for Robinson Helicopters. Rotorcorp grew its export business in other countries to mitigate the curtailment of the Russian market.

U.S. companies are nominated for the “E” Awards through the U.S. Commercial Service office network in 108 U.S. cities and more than 75 countries which helps U.S. companies export. Criteria for the award are based on four years of successive export growth, usually accompanied by a rising percentage of export sales within total sales. An applicant’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to an increase in exports is a significant factor in making the award. Following nomination by a local Commercial Service Office, the “E” Award Committee, which is chaired by the Department of Commerce, and includes representatives from ExIm Bank, and the Departments of Labor, State, and Transportation makes the final award recommendation

“The ‘E’ Awards Committee was impressed with Rotorcorp’s record of export sales to more than 45 international markets. The company’s commitment to eCommerce development to facilitate international sales was also particularly notable,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Rotorcorp’s achievements have clearly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”

Global since its inception in 2011, the Authorized Robinson Helicopter Company Service Center has grown to serve over 3,000 customers who rely on Rotorcorp to keep their Robinson R22, R44, and R66 helicopters flying safely. Throughout the arc of the pandemic, Rotocorp laser-focused on its export-reliant strategic plan and meeting the needs of critical-industry Robinson helicopter operators in law enforcement, aerial agricultural application, and energy sectors around the world. These critical-industry customers literally help keep us safe, put food on our tables, and keep the lights on. 

“We are truly honored to be one of the companies to receive the 2023 “E” Award,” Casey said upon receiving the award. “With more than half of our revenues now derived from International sales,  the “E” Award is validation of our commitment to better meet the needs of our international customers through a well-developed export strategy and continued investments into our systems, processes, and the growth of our professional team.”

In addition to Rotorcorp’s eCommerce store, which makes it easy for customers to buy parts online in multiple languages, Rotorcorp’s customer service team is fluent in English and Spanish. This makes it easier for international customers to call or email the company to get help and technical advice when they need it. In December of 2022, Rotorcorp delivered major components and engines to the Uruguay National Police as part of a winning contract the company was awarded. Faced with continued extended lead times from both the airframe (Robinson) and engine (Lycoming) manufacturers, Rotorcorp worked with both company’s leadership team to drastically reduce the time these critical public safety aircraft would be down for service. “We are very pleased with how Rotorcorp advocated on our behalf,” said Eduardo Cheker, director of aviation for the Uruguay National Police. “They helped deliver the items we needed on time and helped keep our public safety mission flying,” continued Cheker.      

ITP Aero to Deliver New GE CT7 SAF-Tested Engines for NH-90 Helicopters

Within Feindef, the International Defence Exhibition being held in Madrid, ITP Aero has announced that during 2023 it will deliver, from its Albacete facilities, new GE CT7 engines, which power the NH-90 helicopter of the Spanish Ministry of Defence, tested with SAF (sustainable aviation fuel). This milestone is part of ITP Aero’s commitment to the decarbonisation of aviation, and was announced during an event attended by representatives of the Spanish Ministry of Defence.  

General Coll, head of rotary wing air systems at the DGAM’s sub-directorate general for programs, said: “The fact that ITP Aero can carry out bench tests on the engines that will be installed in our NH90 helicopters using SAF fuel is undoubtedly a very important first step towards standardising the use of this type of fuel in our aircraft engines, which will have an impact on reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere and, consequently, on preserving the environment, an objective with which the Armed Forces are aligned and committed.”

General Gómez Blanco, deputy director of fighter and RPA engineering at MALOG, said: “The use of Sustainable Fuels in Aviation is the most solid option to boost the decarbonisation of the aeronautical sector in the short term. The trials announced today by ITP are a significant boost to the engineering activities that will consolidate the use of these fuels in Armed Forces helicopters. These activities are fully in line with the tests being carried out by the Spanish Air and Space Forces in collaboration with the most important Spanish companies in the sector, including ITP, of course.”.Álvaro Santodomingo, director of defence at ITP Aero, said: “This milestone is a further step in our commitment to continue advancing the use of SAF on Spanish Ministry of Defence platforms and is in line with our commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Together, we are positioning Spain as a major player in the use of SAF, and we are proud to be able to do so now hand in hand with the Ministry of Defence.

This milestone joins other projects for the use of SAF that ITP Aero is promoting in different platforms of the Spanish Ministry of Defence. In this regard, it should be noted that ITP Aero is part of the Air and Space Army’s BACSI (Connected, Sustainable and Intelligent Air Base) programme with the aim of increasing the effectiveness, productivity, efficiency and sustainability of air bases. As part of this project, the Eagle Patrol flew for the first time with SAF during the air parade of the last Columbus Day. ITP Aero designed an instrumentation system to help validate the use of SAF in the engines that power the Eagle Patrol’s C-101 aircraft. The technology developed by ITP Aero was able to automatically measure the temperature of the engine gases, helping to validate their proper operation with SAF.

Erickson S-64 FAA Certified for NVG Ops

An Erickson S-64F Air Crane helicopter was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for night vision goggle (NVG) operation on April 6, 2023. The approval is a
key component of Erickson’s integrated NVG program, which aims to offer customers increased flexibility and expanded operational capabilities. This added proficiency presents the opportunity for increased tactical planning and agility in aerial firefighting and a variety of civil protection operations.

NVG Program Milestones

Erickson partnered with Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) to modify an S-64F to perform NVG operations. Concurrently, Erickson pilots received NVG training and certification through ASU. Aircraft modifications and pilot certifications were completed in March, with FAA aircraft certification in April.

Erickson NVG night firefighting training with multi-agency coordination. Photo courtesy of Crook County Fire Department.

A critical element of Erickson’s NVG program is ensuring
that the NVG flight crew maintain currency in accordance
with current FAA regulations, though it is the policy of the Erickson training department that pilots exceed the FAA’s minimum requirements to maintain a high level of proficiency. Erickson conducted NVG training in accordance with this policy at its annual spring training event in Oregon.

As part of the currency flights, prior to conducting operational training, flight crews completed Helicopter Night Vision Goggle Operations (HNVGOs), in accordance with the FAA regulations. Upon completion of those activities, the flight crews initiated their Night Fire Fighting training. During the training, they performed a variety of drops using multiple coverage level options. A variety of filling techniques performed in the S-64 included ground fill, Pond Snorkel hover release into an open water source, hover fill, as well as tank fill operations.

This was a multi-agency event, with the FAA and U.S. Forest Service on-site, observing the training. In addition, the Crook County Fire Department was also on site, providing ground fill for the S-64 tank and simultaneously conducting required helicopter coordination training and signoffs.

Regarding Erickson’s NVG capabilities, ASU Director of Operation Tony Tsantles commented, “I had the pleasure of working with Erikson pilots personally; they are professional and prepared to conduct operations around the clock now. That is exciting, not just for themselves, but for their supported customers as well!”

Program Development

Erickson’s approach to the NVG program development demonstrates the company’s “safety-first” mentality. Program participants were able to operate outside of a fixed timetable, which resulted in the removal of any perceived pressures and allowed for optimal coordination, planning, and risk mitigation.

Erickson’s Director of Operations, Ray Touzeau, commented on the development of the NVG program: “Safety is the first and foremost aspect of the NVG training program. Erickson’s goal is always to be the master of our craft, with safe and effective operations being the marker of success.” Touzeau also explained that risk mitigation strategies such as employing extensive training and following detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), regulatory protocols, and procedures will be paramount in achieving NVG safety and performance objectives.

The Future of Erickson’s NVG Operations Program

Erickson’s recent dedication to developing a comprehensive NVG program is fueled by feedback from long-term customers, coupled with a commitment to remain at the forefront of aerial firefighting technology and current industry trajectories.

Touzeau commented, “Erickson’s historical strategy has been to ask customers what they want, and then work with them to make it happen. Our goal with the NVG program will be to continue implementing the program, while soliciting customer feedback to determine where potential for enhancement exists.”

Armed with customer feedback, Erickson plans to continue exploring additional strategies, integrations, and technologies to enhance competencies and optimize situational awareness in all operations, to include the NVG program.

TARMAC Aerosave and Donecle Sign Drone Aircraft Inspection Agreement

Aircraft and engine lifecycle management provider TARMAC Aerosave and Donecle, a manufacturer of drones specifically for aviation maintenance purposes, have signed an agreement to develop automated aircraft inspections.

Donecle, based in Toulouse, France, develops a range of automated solutions to optimise visual aircraft inspections. The Donecle system consists of a fully automatic flight — without a pilot or GPS — coupled to image analysis software and a secure platform for digital inspection monitoring.  

As part of its innovating and permanent client satisfaction strategy, TARMAC Aerosave considered the Donecle solution with great interest. 

Without being a substitute for maintenance procedures or mechanics, drones make it possible to carry out inspections in less than two hours — such as general visual inspections (GVI), lightning strike inspections, paintwork and regulatory marking inspections — thus making faster aircraft delivery to clients possible – whether on exit from storage or from maintenance.  It is a valuable decision aid tool.

A successful test campaign was conducted by the two partners on the TARMAC Aerosave site in Toulouse-Francazal. The solution is currently fully operational for narrow-body aircraft in hangars. Developments are now focusing on the capacity to carry out inspections outside and on wide-body aircraft.

The large number of aircraft accommodated by TARMAC Aerosave, the varied types, the regular flow of arrivals and departures and the three Tarbes, Teruel and Toulouse sites, allow Donecle to develop its products for every environment.