Category: PRs

The first M-346 advanced trainer for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) was rolled out in a ceremony held at Alenia Aermacchi’s plant in Venegono Superiore, Italy.

In September 2010, ST Aerospace, as the prime contractor, teaming with Alenia Aermacchi and The Boeing Company, was awarded a contract to supply 12 M-346 aircraft and ground based training system for the RSAF’s Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) program.

The roll-out ceremony was attended by officials from the RSAF, key representatives from ST Aerospace, The Boeing Company and Alenia Aermacchi, as well as staff representatives involved in the program.

“We signed the contract less than two years ago and today we have rolled out the first of twelve M-346 aircraft for the RSAF’s Advanced Jet Trainer program. This is a particularly important moment for our company, a great team job has been achieved in strict collaboration with our industrial counterpart, ST Aerospace, and we are proud to celebrate together with them.” ~ Giuseppe GIORDO, Alenia Aermacchi’s CEO and Responsible for Finmeccanica’s Aeronautics Sector

“The successful rollout of the first M-346 illustrates the firm commitment by ST Aerospace and Alenia Aermacchi, in support of the RSAF’s next generation training needs. Together with our partners we will continue to marry the strengths of one another to deliver an outstanding solution to our customer.” ~ CHANG Cheow Teck, President, ST Aerospace

The rollout follows the obtaining of the type certificate and the first flight made by this aircraft in July 2012. The delivery of the first M-346 is scheduled for the end of 2012.

 

Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings has launched a new, informative website to assist aircraft coatings specifiers, influencers and users. It can be accessed by clicking on www.swaerospace.com.

The new website is one of the most detailed in the aircraft coatings industry; it is easy to maneuver and provides more connectivity for visitors. Users will find its clean appearance extremely intuitive to navigate and allows them to directly search via their specific market niche (general, business, commercial and military aviation markets), and/or product system (interior, exterior coatings, primers, fillers, etc.).

The new site also complements the corporate Sherwin-Williams site. This now brings a consistent look and better positions the brand in accordance with its status as one of the aerospace maintenance industry’s market leaders.

A highlight of the new site is its detailed products and systems section. In particular, this includes information specific to SKYscapes, its new basecoat/clearcoat exterior paint system. This state-of-the-art product line now has two complete coating systems – including pretreatment, corrosion protective primer, topcoat and clearcoat – certified with SAE International’s Aerospace Material Specification 3095 (AMS 3095).

Also featured in the products section is Jet Glo Express Polyurethane topcoat, which is a high performance, multi-purpose product often preferred as a complete painting system for commercial airline fleets. It is also qualified to numerous general aviation OEM specifications and is military aircraft-qualified to MIL-PRF-85285, Type I, Class H.

The new website also allows immediate access to the brand’s recently launched YouTube channel. This has been developed specifically for airline manufacturing engineers and procurement executives, maintenance repair overhaul professionals and painting crews. Now they can see video firsthand on both: the features, advantages and benefits of Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings products; as well step-by-step instructional video of the aircraft painting and repair process. The main link to these informational videos is available via direct link on You Tube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/swaerospace1

In addition, the new site provides more extensive technical data for its global audience. This includes providing information in more languages and regulatory documents that are easily available. Other features on the new site include:

• Re-organized and focused site map
• Comprehensive product listings
• Paint systems specifically designed for each product segment
• New downloadable product flyers and sell sheets
• An updated Qualified Products List

For more information on Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings, call 1-888-888-5593 or visit its new website at http://www.swaerospace.com.

This week the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved USAeroTech to start accepting students for a new one-year accelerated aircraft maintenance training program.

“Boeing has predicted that over 600,000 new aircraft maintenance technicians will be needed between now and 2031.  These are good paying jobs.  They usually start at around $45,000 to $60,000 a year and if you are willing to go overseas you can even make $100,000!  After 3 years of working in the field, you can qualify for another designation (Inspection Authorization) that can help you make even more!”, according to Mark D. Spang, who is one of four partners who own USAeroTech LLC, a Greenville, S.C. based training facility.

“Employees are needed in businesses that repair or manufacture general aviation, corporate or commercial aircraft as well as with companies that repair and manufacture aircraft components.  I only know of one graduate that we have taught that isn’t currently employed. If someone is looking for a new career path and they are “handy” with home repairs, plumbing, automotive repair or are somehow mechanically inclined then they really should consider a career in the aerospace and aviation industries,” said Spang.

“Employers continue to tell us that there is a need for skilled individuals who have some sort of technical training beyond high school. We know that these sorts of jobs tend to pay better than average and that will help increase per capita income in our region,” stated Hank Hyatt, Vice President of Economic Development for the Greenville Chamber. ” Having training opportunities like those provided by USAerotech is an important competitive advantage for our community. Now we just need to help educate the general public about what industries have ongoing openings and how to go about getting the training these positions require,” added Hyatt.

“I have nothing but praise for the instructors and the facilities which are present at USAerotech Institute. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile in making sure that all students not only know things which are being taught, but fully understand them. They also have the facilities on hand to be able to demonstrate the things which are talked over within class. Any student who goes through the program at USAerotech Institute is sure to receive first class training which will benefit them in their career. I greatly value the training I received at this school. It set me up extremely well to enter into my full-time job in a fast-paced general aviation service center with all the skills I needed to be valuable to my employer from the first day. Now that the aviation industry as a whole is picking up again with aircraft owners and corporate planes out flying once more, it is a great time to be going through the program that USAerotech has to offer and know that you are going to have the what it takes to get into the aircraft maintenance field”, stated Matthew Gill, a former student.

“We started USAeroTech LLC when we were professors in the aviation department of Bob Jones University (BJU).  We were told that BJU’s aircraft maintenance training program was going to be phased out.  We looked into making it a one year program and transferring BJU’s FAA certificate to USAeroTech so that our community wouldn’t loose this incredible program.  It has been a long road but we were able to do it and now are open for students to enroll!”, stated Brett Zukowski, a partner of USAeroTech.

“Since the program is no longer under BJU’s direction, which required additional general and religious course work, we found that we could restructure the curriculum making it shorter, less expensive, and all about aircraft maintenance.  This change has also made it possible for more folks to apply and students can attend without going through the BJU application process. We still recommend higher education to students but in addition to job specific certification, not in place of it,” Zukowski mentioned.

“I don’t know of any other one-year training programs that are being offered in the Southeast.  Most programs take anywhere from 1 1/2 to 3 years to complete which equates to more time, money and delayed income!” said Spang.

The new one-year training program prepares students for the FAA examinations leading to certification as an airframe and powerplant mechanic (A & P certificate).  Classes start August 27th at the Greenville Downtown Airport. They will be held 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for 48 weeks and consists of classroom instructional time as well as a lot of hands-on training in a large aircraft hangar.  Twelve spots are currently open.  To enroll in the program one needs to have a GED or high school diploma.  Housing can be arranged for people coming to Greenville for this training.

 

British Airways Engineering has announced a significant development in its maintenance training capabilities.

To fulfill market need, a substantial investment has been made to inaugurate three new, state-of-the-art, bespoke training rooms at its Heathrow maintenance base. The EASA approved classrooms each have a capacity of 12-16 students and will be used to deliver theoretical and practical training elements dedicated to B787, A380 and the Airbus A318/9/20/21 variants.

The British Airways B787 training facility is the world’s first, outside those currently provided by Boeing. Both the B787 and A380 rooms will initially be used to prepare British Airways for its entry into service of the next generation aircraft, which are due to take to the skies in 2013. It is planned to make these facilities available to commercial customers seeking the advanced technical training required to serve these aircraft variants in the near future.

To enhance and modernize the learning experience, the classrooms are all equipped with the latest technology. This includes ‘virtual technology’ which is able to simulate aspects of the aircraft’s mechanical and avionic systems behavior. This means engineers can explore and understand their workings from the comfort of the classroom.

“The advanced technologies and materials used in the Boeing and Airbus next generation aircraft require a new level of skill and technical expertise. As British Airways gets ready to become the first airline to have both the A380 and B787 in service next year, we need to ensure all our engineers are ‘match fit’,” David Smyth manager Engineering Training, British Airways says. “These new ultramodern facilities are evidence of our investment in the future and reflect the change needed in how technical training is shaped and delivered to serve these aircraft.”

British Airways is EASA 147 approved to deliver aircraft training, specialist training and Part 66 basic skills training for category A, B and C licenses.

 

TrueNorth Avionics announced recently that it has achieved AS9100 Rev C Quality Management Certification for its Ottawa, Canada facilities, validating its status as a certified aerospace supplier. Achieving this certification speaks to TrueNorth’s renowned customer service, customer-centric product focus, and also opens-up new opportunities with aircraft OEMs says the company. BSI Group Canada Inc., the Canadian office of BSI Group (British Standards Institution), performed the audit.

“Achieving this certification is an important milestone for the TrueNorth team,” says Mark van Berkel, CEO of TrueNorth. “AS9100 Rev C is not only a prerequisite for doing business with aerospace OEMs, it is a rigorous prescription for quality that exemplifies our philosophy on products such as our new Stylus

multilingual handset. AS9100 validation is our commitment to aircraft manufacturers and purchasers that TrueNorth will continue to deliver the highest quality products as we continue to grow.”

Baker Aviation Maintenance (Baker) recently announced they have purchased AeroMech. As part of the agreement, Baker will now operate at two locations: Meacham International Airport (KFTW) in Forth Worth, TX, and Addison Airport (ADS), in Dallas, Tex The purchase was finalized late 2011.

Originally a mobile maintenance company, AeroMech was best known for their aircraft inspection/repair work and their superior product knowledge gained over a 28-year span. Baker will capitalize on this extensive knowledge and reputation by retaining all AeroMech employees.

“By keeping all AeroMech employees and technicians on board, we have merged the talent from both companies and created an even stronger team,” says Marty Dryer, director of operations, Baker Aviation. “Customers can expect quicker turn times with the same high quality work and customer service they have come to expect from us.”

In addition to providing extra hangar space for maintenance operations and expansion, the agreement also gives Baker the means for additional tooling purchases for customer support. All maintenance operations will take place at Addison Airport and services offered include avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, and full line maintenance. Currently, Baker says it offers airframe maintenance for Hawker, King Air, Beechjet and Citation aircraft.

 

Lufthansa Technik Component Services (LTCS), headquartered in Tulsa, Okla., has significantly expanded its portfolio of technical services for aircraft components and plans to grow even further.

LTCS says it “has bundled all its services for the repair and supply of aircraft components at this site in the heart of the American continent, with the result that the square footage of its workshops and warehouses has significantly increased in recent years.” In addition to component services, the company now also offers services for the disassembly of aircraft and the sale of their components and engines.

“With our expanded service offer in the center of one of the world’s most important aviation markets, we can meet the needs of our customers on site in the Americas even better,” said Dr. Thomas Stueger, Lufthansa Technik chief executive Product and Services, after a meeting elected officials in Oklahoma on 1 August in Tulsa. “For this reason, we definitely see potential for a further expansion of our service portfolio for the American market at this successful location.”

Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb said: “Lufthansa Technik’s decision to expand its business in the Tulsa area is wonderful news for the state’s thriving aerospace sector, and proof of Oklahoma’s strong business climate for growth. We are proud that Lufthansa Technik Component Services is finding tremendous success in Oklahoma and we look forward to building upon our great partnership with this company.”

President and CEO of LTCS Michael Scheferhoff says he is satisfied with the company’s prospects and the increasing demand for its services: “Thanks to the outstanding support and close cooperation we enjoy with Component Services from Lufthansa Technik Group, we have a very broad product portfolio at our disposal and logistics services that span the whole world.”

“The great support we have received from the state of Oklahoma, the city of Tulsa and the Tulsa Metro Chamber has contributed terrifically to our success. We would like to thank everybody involved very sincerely for that, and we hope to continue our teamwork in the future,” adds Dirk Ripa, chief commercial officer at LTCS.

Tulsa Metro Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal stated: “Lufthansa Technik’s continued growth in the Tulsa region will have a significant impact on the economy of northeast Oklahoma. We thank this industry leader for its commitment to the Tulsa region and for its important contribution to our thriving aerospace sector.”

 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing two civil penalties totaling $987,500 against Delta Air Lines of Atlanta, for allegedly operating an Airbus A320 and a Boeing 737-800 on flights when they were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

In the first case, the FAA alleges Delta failed to repair a chip in the nose radome, or nose cone, on the B-737 after an FAA inspector conducted a pre-flight inspection and informed Delta he had observed chip damage. Delta’s structural repair manual requires the airline to seal radome chip damage before further flight. The enroute inspection took place Feb. 25, 2010, and the airline operated the plane on 20 additional flights between that date and March 1 while the aircraft was not in compliance.

The FAA further alleges Delta again failed to repair the radome during layover inspections of the aircraft on Feb. 25 and 28. The proposed civil penalty is $687,500.

“Safety is our highest priority,” said FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta.  “Operators must follow the proper procedures to maintain their aircraft.”

The FAA also proposes a civil penalty of $300,000 against Delta for allegedly operating an Airbus A320 on 884 flights between May 25, 2010 and Jan. 3, 2011, when it was not in compliance with FAA regulations.

The FAA alleges the carrier incorrectly deferred repair of a broken cockpit floodlight socket at the first officer’s position. Maintenance procedures allow the airline to defer repairs on a dome light for no more than 10 days before repairing or replacing it.  The FAA discovered the alleged violation during a routine inspection.

Delta has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA’s enforcement letters to respond to the agency.

 

Duncan Aviation announced plans for a new business aircraft maintenance hangar and facility to be built at its Lincoln, Neb., headquarters during an open house ceremony for a new 45,000-square-foot paint shop that the company completed this spring.

Duncan Aviation plans to begin construction this fall. However, specific details on the new facility are not currently available, as they are not yet finalized.

“We are still evaluating our current and future needs as well as the continued economic climate,” says Todd Duncan, chairman of Duncan Aviation. “The size of aircraft our customers are flying has continued to increase and, with the new paint facility, it is obvious that we need more room for accompanying maintenance, modifications and completions work that our clients will need.”

The new facility will likely include two hangar structures and three areas for office and backshop expansion. Not all of it will be completed during the initial phase, however.

“We would like to take advantage of construction and material costs and initially build the overall structure,” Duncan says. “We can then decide, based on a variety of internal and external factors, how much of it we need to finish when we open the first hangar and how much of it can wait for future phases.”

Duncan says Duncan Aviation currently employs 2,013 team members worldwide, 1,230 of them in Lincoln. That is 74 more jobs worldwide than the company had last summer at this time. In the next five years, Duncan Aviation anticipates that its workforce could grow by 400 or more positions worldwide, with roughly 200 more anticipated in the Lincoln area.

 

Singapore, 6 August 2012 – Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) announced today that further to its announcement on 18 June 2012, Vision Technologies Aerospace Incorporated (VT Aerospace) and Pemco World Air Services Inc. (PEMCO) have agreed to terminate their asset purchase agreement whereby VT Aerospace intended to acquire PEMCO’s Tampa aerospace facility and certain other assets. The decision to terminate the agreement was made after certain closing conditions could not be fulfilled by the seller prior to the closing deadline.

*****

VT Aerospace (Vision Technologies Aerospace Incorporated) is the aerospace operations of VT Systems (Vision Technologies Systems, Inc.). A leading aerospace maintenance and engineering division specialising in aircraft engineering design, maintenance and modification, it owns four aerospace operating companies in Mobile, Alabama; San Antonio, Texas and Hartford, Connecticut. It is one of the largest private employers in Mobile, and the largest private independent MRO employer in San Antonio.

VT Systems (Vision Technologies Systems, Inc.) is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. VT Systems’ innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialised truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit http://www.vt-systems.com.

ST Engineering (Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd) is an integrated engineering group providing solutions and services in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. Headquartered in Singapore, the Group reported revenues of S$5.99b in FY2011 and ranks among the largest companies listed on the Singapore Exchange. It is a component stock of the FTSE Straits Times Index, FTSE ASEAN 40 Index, MSCI Singapore and other indices. ST Engineering has more than 22,000 employees worldwide, and over

100 subsidiaries and associated companies in 23 countries and 41 cities. Please visit http://www.stengg.com.

Media Contacts:

Lina Poa
SVP, Corporate Communications
ST Engineering
Tel: (65) 6722 1883
Email: linapoa@stengg.com

Belinda Ng
AVP / Head, Corporate Communications
ST Aerospace
Tel: (65) 6380 6176
Email: belindang@stengg.com

Edward Szeto
Manager, Corporate Communications
VT Systems
Tel: (1) 703 739 2610
Email: eszeto@vt-systems.com