Category: Rotor

Skills and Thrills on Full Display at The Competition Presented by Snap-on

By Katie Robertson

Every year during the MRO Americas convention, one event shines a spotlight on the best and the brightest in aviation maintenance.

The Competition Presented by Snap-on features 27 skills tests, including airframe damage inspection, composite repair, engine fan blade removal, fuel tank entry precautions, and others. Each team has just 15 minutes to complete the task, and their time and accuracy are scored against other competitors to find the best of the best. Teams compete to win individual events and titles in Commercial Aviation, General Aviation, Space, Military, MRO/OEM and School divisions, as well as the overall top prize, the William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance. Presented by Snap-on, the O’Brien Award is a traveling 5-foot-tall trophy bestowed to the team with the best overall winning score. In addition to the trophy, teams will also be vying for tooling and equipment prizes.

“Supporting this event is incredibly important to Snap-on, as it elevates a field with highly trained professionals, a massive impact on the safety of air travel, and not nearly enough public appreciation,” said Bill Willetts, Vice President, Snap-on Industrial.

Regardless of how they place, the event also offers a platform for the 90 teams to showcase their knowledge, skills and integrity. Admission to the event is free with MRO Americas credentials, offering the entire aviation industry the chance to see this incredible talent up close and personal.

Cherry Creek Schools

One group that is especially excited for the spotlight offered by The Competition is the team from the Cherry Creek School District in Denver. This team of high school students is ready to prove that they have what it takes to compete against groups with much more experience.

“I’ve run into some people in the industry who think that, even though our graduates are certified, they’re still too young or immature for the workforce,” said David Williamson, Aviation Pathway Lead in the district and the team’s coach. “I think events like this help to show that Cherry Creek students pull together, organize and work as a group. Their professionalism will be on full display at The Competition, and we want the industry to know that they can do it even at 18 or 19 years old.”

The Aviation Pathway is one of seven career preparation tracks available to students at the eight high schools in the Cherry Creek district. Through these pathways, students can explore different options as part of their school curriculum. In addition to confirming whether aviation maintenance is a great fit for them, students can earn their A&P license through their time in school and one additional year after high school graduation. 

“We see a lot of career exploration. Some kids find it’s not for them, and they go on to study engineering, aviation business, or something like that. Some double down and get really excitedto finish their license and get out into the field. Either way, they have the chance to explore the possibility of a career in aviation maintenance and even become fully licensed for it without going into student debt,” Williamson said.

For those pursuing a career in aviation maintenance, The Competition offers a glimpse into the possibilities their futures hold and a chance to make an impactful first impression to potentialemployers and colleagues. Each competitor will be bringing their resume and an arsenal of skills that they are excited to display on the biggest stage in the industry.

Victory Lane Aviation

Another group with an impressive skillset to showcase is the Victory Lane Aviation team from North Carolina.

Flexibility is the name of the game during The Competition, as technicians have to learn and adapt quickly to tasks that they may not be familiar with. Luckily, flexibility is built into the culture of Victory Lane, where their specialty is anything that flies. 

“America is the only country that says if you have an A&P license, you can work on any aircraft. We take full advantage of that while also upholding the highest quality standards,” said Ryan Shepherd, CEO of Victory Lane Aviation. “That’s why we’re pumped about The Competition,because it gives us the opportunity to showcase our team’s diverse expertise and see the diversity in the industry as well.”

As the name would imply, Victory Lane has been on the fast track to success in both the industry and The Competition. Since its founding only a few years ago, the company has doubled in both staff and revenue. The team from Victory Lane also took home the General Aviation title last year, in just their second appearance at The Competition. 

In addition to his team’s strong showing, Shepherd is grateful for the recognition the event provides for the unsung heroes of the aviation industry. 

“You can see other technicians supporting each other, but you can also see the support from many other people in our industry. That recognition, whether we place or not, from Snap-on and the other sponsors that put on this event shows that they are passionate and appreciative of what we do,” he said. 

With the positive results the team has found in the past, Shepherd is unsurprisingly excited about the future of the event. He is looking forward to the networking opportunities in Atlanta to meet new potential customers or employees and the new challenges awaiting his team during The Competition.

He said, “They continue to add events and technology, so even if you’ve been in the industry for decades and competed multiple times, you’ll still see an event you’ve never done before. It’s not something that’s stuck in time; it keeps up with what our industry is producing and keeps the event exciting.”

See for Yourself

These two teams join the 88 others vying for the O’Brien Award, April 8-10, in Atlanta. Last year, Southwest Airlines Team Herb captured the O’Brien Award, and they will be back facing a new crop of challengers gunning for the title. 

Check out this can’t-miss event and meet the stars of aviation maintenance at The Competition.

Katie Robertson is an account executive at LePoidevin Marketing, a Brookfield, Wisconsin-based business-to-business marketing firm that specializes in hand tool and storage solutions for the aerospace industries.

Metro Aviation and Airbus Sign Agreement for up to 36 H140 Helicopters

Metro Aviation and Airbus Helicopters have signed an agreement for up to 36 H140 helicopters in the emergency medical services (EMS) sector. Metro Aviation is one of the launch customers for the new H140 helicopter that was unveiled this month.

Metro Aviation, an air medical operator based in Shreveport, Louisiana, has ordered 12 H140 helicopters, with options for 24 additional helicopters.

“We are excited about the H140 and all the improvements it brings to the helicopter industry. We have partnered with Airbus for over 40 years and it is good to have the opportunity to provide input into the design of this aircraft that is designed for the air medical mission. We are already in the process of designing a state of the art air-medical interior that will set the standard for providing safe and high quality air-medical transportation for the next several years,” said Todd Stanberry, vice president of MetroAviation.

“Our longstanding partners at Metro Aviation have built a reputation for delivering world-class services for customers and we are proud they will be partnering with us once again in the launch of the H140 helicopter,” said Bart Reijnen, president of Airbus Helicopters in the U.S. and Head of the North America region. “We are certain these new Airbus helicopters will enhance their operational capabilities, allowing them to better serve communities across the country.”

The H140 raises the bar, in the light twin-engined category, for performance, cost-effectiveness, and passenger and crew comfort. It is a 3-tonne class rotorcraft that complements Airbus Helicopters’ current light twin offering for the emergency medical services, passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. The entry into service of the helicopter is planned in 2028 for the emergency medical services segment.

The H140 features a wide range of innovations, including a new T-shaped tail boom with an optimised Fenestron that reduces sound levels, a five-blade bearingless main rotor, and new powerful Safran engines. The helicopter also features a larger cabin space, large windows and optimized cabin layout that can accommodate up to six passengers comfortably. Designed with accessibility in mind, thanks to the large clamshell doors and the high tail boom, the H140’s rear loading capabilities allow the use of different types of stretcher systems including intensive care ones and transport incubators while its large sliding doors facilitate access to the cabin.

Metro Aviation operates air medical helicopters and airplanes for healthcare providers and is a global leader for multi-mission helicopter customizations.

Safran Arriel Engine Selected to Power New Robinson R88 Helicopter

Safran Helicopter Engines and Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) announced their exclusive partnership to power the R88. This new helicopter will be equipped with the 950 shp power class Arriel 2W, the newest variant of the Arriel family.

By choosing the Arriel, Robinson Helicopter Company has selected the benchmark engine in the light helicopter market. With more than 66 million flight hours, the Arriel family has proven its performance and durability. Every day, all over the world, Arriel engines power helicopters for demanding missions, particularly in the fields of EMS, rescue operations, and population protection.

Robinson Helicopter Company customers will also benefit from Safran Helicopter Engines’ worldwide support network, which ensures customer proximity and delivers a streamlined, high-performance MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) service. 

For the first time, an airframe manufacturer is furthermore investing in engine services included from day 1 of the aircraft acquisition, to ensure operators receive a high level of support directly with Safran Helicopter Engines. At aircraft delivery, customers will automatically benefit from a Serenity package featuring services, such as unscheduled maintenance for 5 years or 2,000 flying hours, Premium Health Monitoring and advanced digital services.

“At Safran Helicopter Engines, we are proud to establish this first-ever partnership with Robinson Helicopter Company,” said Cédric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines. “With the Arriel 2W, the new R88 helicopter obtains the best propulsion solution in its power range. We are thrilled to embark on this new journey with Robinson Helicopter Company, and we are confident that the R88 will achieve great success in the light, single-engine helicopter market.”

David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, said: “Robinson has selected Safran’s Arriel 2W for our largest and most capable helicopter due to their unparalleled performance and proven reliability. The inclusion of the Serenity package provides our customers with the peace of mind they deserve, further solidifying our commitment to delivering the highest levels of safety and dependability.”

E-Z LOK Helical Thread Inserts and Kits for Soft Metals

E-Z LOK, a manufacturer and distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood, offers E-Z Coil and thread repair kits. 

Wire or helical coil threaded inserts quickly repair or reinforce tapped holes in soft metals. Made from 18-8 stainless steel wire, these helical coil inserts are corrosion resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 800°F. Furthermore, they offer corrosion resistance and protection from wearing and stripping. 

E-Z Coil helical insert coils are manufactured by forming the stainless steel wire into a diamond shape and then winding it into a spring. Prior to installation, the insert diameters are larger than the tapped hole.  During installation, the insert diameter of the helical coil insert is reduced, allowing the insert to thread into the hole. Once properly installed, the radial pressure of the released insert holds the insert firmly in place. 

Thread Repair kits are available in both standard and economy, and in a variety of sizes. Each Economy E-Z Coil Thread Repair kit includes a set of inserts, an STI tap, and an installation tool.  The standard kit also includes a tang break tool and drill bit. 

Hartzell Propeller’s Tanis Preheat Systems Approved for Airbus H135

Hartzell Propeller has been awarded STC approval for its Tanis Helicopter Preheat Systems for Airbus H135 helicopters. Approvals cover the United States and the European Union (including EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, EC635T2+).

Tanis brand helicopter preheat systems will be on display at Verticon Dallas 2025 in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Center in Dallas, Texas booth # 3812.

Details for the STC approvals are listed here:

Airbus H135 Preconditioning Systems

  • TA3391-1 – Preconditioning Kit for the Airbus H135 – 115 Voltage (USA Centric)
  • TA3391-2 – Preconditioning Kit for the Airbus H135 – 230 Voltage (EU Centric)

“These Hartzell Propeller STCs for our Tanis brand preheat systems expand coverage for Airbus H135 helicopters,” said Hartzell Propeller President JJ Frigge. “The entire Tanis team truly cares about enhancing the reliability, safety and utility of your aircraft, despite the cold weather,” he added.

Preheat for Fixed Wing and Rotorcraft

Hartzell Propeller offers Tanis preheat systems for numerous piston and turbine powered airplanes and helicopters. In addition, the company offers Tanis avionics/cabin preheaters and replacement parts and accessories.

Hartzell Propeller’s entire preheat product line contributes to aircraft longevity, reliability, safety, and the ability to perform protected engine starts in colder weather. The Tanis brand utilizes silicone pad elements to provide heat to critical components such as engines, gearboxes, hydraulics, avionics and batteries.

The key benefits of helicopter preheat include:

  • Extend the lifespan of critical driveline components
  • Reduce torque oscillations
  • Maximize battery and starter life
  • Minimize downtime, maximize efficiency
  • Increase ramp and taxi safety
  • Boost year-round helicopter utility

Hartzell recommends continuous use of preheat systems when ambient temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Merlin and Quikjet Partner to Conduct In-Flight Pilot Fatigue Study

Merlin, developer of autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, announced a study in partnership with leading cargo airline, Quikjet, to assess pilot fatigue levels while in-flight. The intent of the study is to assess how wellness factors impact pilot performance, informing both new standards in safety and operational efficiency across airlines and the aviation industry as well as the ongoing design and development of the Merlin Pilot.

The study consists of gathering physiological data from a pool of Quikjet’s commercial pilots in-flight to track health factors such as stress levels, sleep quality, body temperature, heart rate, and more. The data will be captured using WHOOP wearable devices, which are renowned for their accuracy and ability to track key vitals in real-time, combined with a modified Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), which evaluates a human’s ability to sustain attention. Together, the two outputs will provide a data-rich fatigue assessment as well as create predictive models that can forecast pilot fatigue based on established flying schedules.

“Merlin is committed to enhancing aviation safety, with a core focus of our work being to understand all facets of the pilot experience during flight operations, from crew workload to personal health impacts,” said Matt George, CEO and founder, Merlin. “The uniqueness of this study is that we are analyzing pilot fatigue both in and outside of flight operations, versus other studies done in simulated environments. This data provides us with a deeper, more accurate representation of pilot wellness in real-world conditions, which is pivotal to enhancing aviation safety. The study also supports our ongoing focus on human factors-driven innovation, where we’re continuously looking at how advanced automation can be a collaborative technology for pilots.”

TASKING Acquires LDRA to Speed Development and Verification of Critical Embedded Applications

TASKING has announced the acquisition of 100% of LDRA, a provider of software tools for code analysis and software testing for safety-, mission‑, security- and business-critical markets. 

LDRA has been a privately owned company with a team of more than 100 employees distributed across the United Kingdom (headquarters), United States, India and Germany. LDRA’s tools achieve early error identification and elimination by enabling bi-directional requirements traceability, static and dynamic code analysis, and unit- and system-level verification on a wide variety of hardware and software platforms. LDRA’s extensive reporting capabilities help critical application development teams to mitigate risk and demonstrate compliance to functional safety and security standards. LDRA’s certification services complement the LDRA tool suite offering with industry-specific subject matter expertise.

The integration of LDRA technologies further enhances TASKING’s safety- and security-oriented software ecosystem and broadens its capabilities as a trusted partner for embedded software development tools and services. LDRA’s impressive portfolio of software tools that automate code analysis and software testing for safety-, mission-, security‑, and business-critical markets is highly complementary to TASKING’s existing high-quality, functional safety-certified embedded software development tools and compilers.

“TASKING and LDRA have worked together in a trustful partnership for many years,” said Ian Hennell, operations director, LDRA. “We look forward to taking this collaboration to the next level. With the combination of our product portfolios, we enhance the customer experience. Together, we speed development and verification of critical embedded applications using industry best practices even on the most complex applications that leverage multicore processors.”

“With the acquisition of LDRA, we offer our customers a comprehensive portfolio to support the software development for safety-critical applications in a wide range of markets, including aerospace and automotive,” confirmed Gregor Zink, CEO, TASKING.

Mankiewicz Presents Sustainable Lightweight Layers

At AIX, Mankiewicz will present a 3-in-1 lightweight solution: ALEXIT FST PrimeFill. It is a pore filler, primer, and filler in one, saving time during application and weight during operation. Another notable sustainability feature is, that it is a water-based product that eliminates the intermediate drying time between filler and primer.

These technical advances do not affect the decorative effect of the final layer. Without compromising the visual appearance, ALEXIT FST PrimeFill is a lightweight solution that even helps to prevent the so-called telegraphing effect. Regardless of whether the airline is looking for a high quality design effect finish or a long lasting, highly economical textured surface, PrimeFill is the enabler for a high performance finish.

PrimeFill

When it comes to making aviation more sustainable, every kilogram counts. Multiply the weight savings of each aircraft by the size of the fleet, and you will have a significant sustainability impact.

Finishing touch in one layer

Focusing on the final layer in combination with process advantages, ALEXIT FST SelfTex is a efficient and high-quality one layer system to create uniform textures. You can achieve outstanding visual effects in a wide color and effect range. The self-texturing topcoat is available in metallic, translucent, frosted glass effect as well as in solid colors.

The textures directly from the spray gun are applicable as water and solvent based system and they come along with FST properties and durability in regard to abrasion and scratch resistance.

The lightweight duo helps to optimize process times and minimize the layer structure. And it is only one of many developments that Mankiewicz has driven forward in the last decade to contribute to environmental protection and sustainability. Mankiewicz will be exhibiting its latest highlights at AIX, stand 7E40.





































CHC Helicopter pioneers AI-Powered Engine Diagnostics and Health Monitoring with ITP Aero’s DigitAI Aero Service

CHC Helicopter has signed a new agreement with ITP Aero to implement DigitAI Aero across its fleet of helicopter engines. This partnership establishes CHC as the leading helicopter operator to embrace AI-powered solutions for engine diagnosis and health monitoring, enhancing its existing maintenance support partnership with ITP Aero.

The DigitAI Aero service unlocks the potential of full-flight engine diagnosis for CHC’s fleet, providing a big data solution capable of processing more than three million data points per flight hour for the S-92, one million for the AW139, and more than six million for the AW189.

Additionally, engines in operation will be diagnosed daily using a suite of specialized tools developed specifically for the S-92 and AW139, helping to facilitate early detection of potential engine issues. With ITP Aero’s DigitAI Aero service, helicopter AOG (Aircraft on Ground) may now be addressed months in advance.

“The integration of DigitAI Aero into our operations marks a transformative step forward for our fleet management and maintenance processes,” said Miguel Carrasco, SVP technical operations at CHC Helicopter “We are not only enhancing our predictive maintenance strategies but also ensuring the highest levels of safety and reliability for our customers. Using AI to predict when a helicopter might be grounded due to engine unscheduled maintenance needs, weeks in advance, significantly improves our operational planning and customer service.”

Barry van der Ark, director strategic sourcing, categories and licensing at CHC Helicopter added: “After our consultation with “AI” companies, working with our Engineering, Reliability and Technical Airworthiness teams, we are proud to lead this innovation in the helicopter industry, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and safety with our long term partner ITP Aero.”

Daniel Barredo, DigitAI Aero Services Manager said: “CHC Helicopter were the first to use HUMS over 25 years ago and is now the first helicopter operator to embrace our DigitAI Aero service. Over the past seven years of dedicated collaboration, we have processed significant volumes of data and analyzed more than 214,473 complete flights within the S-92 fleet. We have proactively addressed over 100 engine events, resulting in a dramatic decrease in AOG calls. This partnership exemplifies the effective collaboration between two pioneering companies”.

Muirhead Launches Integrated Seat Cover Service for Airlines

Aviation leather supplier Muirhead announced a strategic expansion into the global seat cover business, that they way will disrupt the traditional airline seating supply chain with a unique, vertically integrated service model.

This strategic move positions Muirhead — known for sustainable leather production — as a fully certified service provider offering a streamlined, ‘one-stop shop’ seat cover solution for airlines and seat OEMs.

The new Muirhead Seat Cover Service integrates every aspect of the production process – from initial design and fit checks to testing, authority certification, material production and seat cover manufacturing. This end-to-end approach eliminates the need to coordinate with multiple suppliers, reducing complexity, lead times, and overall costs while enhancing quality control and accountability.

“This marks a significant milestone for Muirhead,” said Nicholas Muirhead, CEO of Muirhead’s parent company, Scottish Leather Group. “Our entry into the seat cover market builds on over a century of leather expertise, and we’re bringing that same commitment to quality and innovation to a new frontier. By integrating every stage of the seat cover production process, we’re offering airlines a seamless service that ensures absolute accountability and delivers superior value.”

Martin Longden, head of Cabin Engineering at Muirhead, added: “Unlike fabrics or synthetics, leather demands specialized craftsmanship and technical expertise to achieve the fit and performance required in aviation – expertise often missing in traditional supply chains. At Muirhead, we’re proud to have integrated every step of this process under one roof – ensuring airlines benefit from a seamless, accountable solution and the unrivaled quality that only comes from working with a dedicated leather specialist.”

The Scottish manufacturer’s vertically integrated approach disrupts the conventional supply chain by eliminating an intermediary stage, reducing margin stacking and ensuring complete traceability from farm to fit. Airlines can expect faster turnaround times, competitive pricing, and a service backed by Muirhead’s industry-leading leather manufacturing expertise.

Leveraging its unique understanding of leather’s properties, Muirhead eliminates the challenges that often arise from misaligned manufacturing processes. This expertise ensures that leather seat covers meet the highest standards of durability and performance.

Sustainability remains integral to Muirhead’s operations. The company’s patented circular manufacturing processes and commitment to zero waste and traceability ensure that its seat covers meet the highest environmental standards. With a seven-year leather warranty and independently verified Life Cycle Analysis, Muirhead provides a solution that is not only cost-effective but also aligned with airlines’ sustainability goals.