Category: BizJet

Streamlining Endurance Tests With Standalone Control Systems

The goal of product endurance testing is to subject manufactured products to real-world stress and ultimately to achieve service life certification. In these long-term applications, engineers require both data acquisition and control capabilities.

The Delphin ProfiMessage devices are ideal for multi-channel test applications, providing stand-alone operation managed by an on-board processor, and up to 16 GB of memory for data storage. These systems feature data acquisition and control functions, network connectivity, support for standard communications protocols such as Modbus, CAN, and Profibus, and the capability to expand to over 100 analog and digital I/O channels.

Data Security And Monitoring

Delphin devices can continuously stream data to a PC and also record to internal memory, providing users with redundant data recording. This is especially useful for ensuring that there are no data gaps in lengthy testing applications in the event of a communications interruption or computer restart/failure.

Test failures can be immediately reported via email or via digital outputs for a local alarm. An integrated scheduler within the Delphin DataService software enables periodic data archiving to a backup device. Users can use Delphin’s ProfiSignal Software to configure measurements, monitor live data, create automated tests sequences, and evaluate historical data.

Product Test Application Features:

  • Measurement, automation, and analysis functions in a single device
  • Multiple test stands can be operated independently of one another
  • Standalone operation independent of a PC
  • Data security through redundant storage and automated backup
  • Email/test message notification upon product test failures

Bluetail Introduces the Next Generation of its Time Saving Mach Conformity Module

Bluetail, the modern aircraft records platform for business aviation, has announced the release of its new and improved MACH Conformity Module.

The application, which allows operators to conform their aircraft for FAA Part 135 requirements in 50% less time, now delivers an array of performance enhancements created to further reduce time and cost. 

“When we introduced the Mach Conformity Module at last year’s NBAA-BACE, it was an instant hit among Part 135 charter operators because it allowed them to reduce the often multiple-week process of FAA conformity down to five days or less,” said Roy Gioconda, VP of Products and Solutions at Bluetail. “For most operators, MACH Conformity pays for itself on the very first use. And now, the process is even more intuitive, faster, and more capable than anything else on the market.” 

What does the new and improved MACH Conformity module include? 

Leveraging Bluetail’s industry-leading secure software platform and MACH 2 Search capability, the MACH Conformity Module introduces a range of repeatable and revenue-recapturing features, including: 

• Auto-built Smart Lists based on CSV or XLS file uploads, allowing operators to search for documents related to ADs, SBs, components, and inspections

• Create Smart Lists to quickly search all FAA Form 337 data, including STCs, ICAs and flight manual supplements

• FAA compliant conformity binder builder, needed for the applicable FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)

• Easily save and share the final conformity binder for future use and export documents into a standard format for FSDO review 

• Ability to build and track task lists, including assigning tasks to team members 

To learn more, visit https://bluetail.aero/conformity or stop by the Bluetail booth (C7122) at NBAA-BACE on Oct. 17-19. 

ILS, CORRIDOR and Quantum Control Power New Era of Aviation Part Sales With Integrated eCommerce Solution

Co-developed by ILS (Inventory Locator Service) and aerospace ERP software providers CORRIDOR and Quantum Control, SalesEdge Commerce provides the only native ERP and marketplace integrated eCommerce platform for the Aviation Aftermarket.

By enabling Aviation Parts suppliers with custom-branded storefronts and materials co-listed in the ILS
Marketplace and integrated with their ERP, parts suppliers can:

  • Provide best-in-class online parts purchasing experiences to their customers,
  • Improve their operational sales productivity, drive growth and reach more markets,
  • Protect their investments in workflows, company brand and IP (intellectual property) and extend the value of the ERP and Marketplace presence they already have.

Addressing comprehensive aviation industry requirements
Fueled by the consumerization of IT and accelerated by the pandemic, B2B aviation professionals increasingly want more efficient ways to buy parts. B2B aviation suppliers have struggled to meet this demand with other solutions and technologies significantly burdening internal resources requiring the deployment of expensive, and complex IT technologies not specifically designed for the Aviation aftermarket or participate in eCommerce markets that compromise their independence and prior investments.

Introducing SalesEdge Commerce
With SalesEdge Commerce, buyers and sellers now have more efficient means of parts procurement and sales. Buyers receive the B2B purchasing experience expected with aviation material, including the ability to securely buy online with terms set with the supplier, review critical material characteristics and certifications, plus track order status and delivery. Part sellers can increase revenues by opening new channels of business, save time and effort by automating their sales processes, and deliver a better experience for their customers by enabling online purchasing. Key capabilities and benefits of SalesEdge Commerce include:

  • Best-in-class purchase experiences – Buyers benefit from a streamlined, automated buying process enabling faster, 24/7 ordering capability with less effort and more visibility into orders and options including single page
    checkout, repeat ordering and custom pricing for corporate accounts.
  • Drive Growth and increase Sales and Marketing Productivity – Suppliers gain by increasing their market reach, improving sales productivity with workflow automation leveraging the existing modules in their ERP, and executing integrated campaigns across their branded storefront and ILS marketplace presence. Also, the solution includes all modern digital marketing tools like SEO and Content management, Landing Pages, and allows sellers to analyze Search history and User Behavior.
  • Designed for the aviation aftermarket – SalesEdge Commerce is purpose-built to handle all types of aviation part sales, from consumables to expendables and rotables, complete with part pedigree information. The solution is offered by Aerospace Marketplace ILS and trusted ERP providers CORRIDOR and Quantum Control, together serving nearly 10k global customers with extensive experience in aviation supply chain software.
  • Investment protection – By providing a native integration with their ILS Marketplace presence, Quantum Control or CORRIDOR ERP, sellers extend the value of their existing workflows and platforms used to run their business today.
  • Payment functionality – Buyer experience during the checkout process will replicate how they purchase with their supplier today and offer credit card options for new customers. The native ERP integration enables buyers to use their accounts and purchase within available credit limits, net terms, or execute a transaction directly with credit card.
  • Implementation and Centralized support – Configuration and deployment services are included as well as proactive monitoring and customer support is provided by a centralized Storefront, Marketplace & ERP support team.

  • “Customers in our eco-system are keen to advance their commercial reach and improve productivity, while offering superior customer buying experiences to their customers at any time, from any device, and from any location – including shop floors,” said Sean Lanagan, CEO at CAMP Systems. “Our vision was validated by our customers who all wanted to add eCommerce to their digital strategy yet wanted to ensure they could do so while protecting all the investments in processes, knowledge, people and systems made over time. With SalesEdge Commerce, we are excited to enable them with a complete natively integrated eCommerce capability with our Quantum Control or CORRIDOR ERP and ILS Marketplace platforms that allows them to seamlessly serve their customers using their own branded storefront leveraging the tools they use every day to manage their complex business processes. It also allows us to extend our SalesEdge product family providing more advanced sales automation and intelligence capabilities to our customers’ sales teams. Aviation parts suppliers want to focus on their core competencies and not on systems integration, and with SalesEdge Commerce can now benefit from an all-in-one solution designed to support their unique Aviation industry needs.”

StandardAero Springfield, Ill. Business Aviation MRO Shop Announces $10 Million in Facility Investments and Upgrades

StandardAero has announced a commitment to invest $10-12 million in leasehold improvements at the company’s Springfield, Illinois business aviation MRO facility. The investments, in partnership with Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, will be completed in three phases over a two-and-a-half-year period.

The investments and upgrades will be applied to major building improvements and modernization including hangar door overhaul, interior door replacement, resurfacing of hangar floors, exterior paint, interior paint, HVAC replacements, flat roof replacements, paint facility equipment upgrades, parking area and road resurfacing to name a few. 

“We have already started the repair and overhaul process for our hangar doors and we’re proceeding with the other phased improvements,” said Dave Pearman, vice president & general anager of StandardAero Springfield.  “We are grateful to the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport for their support and once all of the upgrades are completed, we’ll essentially have a ‘like new’ operation.” 

Earlier this year, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport implemented a project install of a 2.88 Mw solar project that consists of 6 solar arrays with over 6,500 panels on 7.5 acres of the airport property.  Now in full operation, the arrays generate nearly 4,000,000 kWh annually and is one of the largest solar arrays in the state of Illinois on an airport. StandardAero currently receives 100% of its electrical power from the solar arrays, making it one of the “greenest” facilities in the industry. 

“We are grateful for StandardAero’s continued commitment to the Springfield community,” stated Mark Hanna, Executive Director of the Springfield Airport Authority. He continued, “We are very excited to share this opportunity with StandardAero to pursue these facilities improvements, which will of course enhance their operation upon completion, but will also provide prospects for future growth.” 

StandardAero Springfield supports primarily airframe maintenance for business aviation aircraft including scheduled maintenance, avionics installations, full interior refurbishments, and full aircraft paint. 

“The modernization of our facility represents our commitment to our customers to deliver excellent customer service and the best quality aircraft service in the industry,” Pearman concluded.

Bluetail Announces Comprehensive Integration with JSSI’S Traxxall Platform

Bluetail announced a new collaboration between their aircraft management solution and JSSI’s maintenance tracking software, Traxxall. A bridge between the two platforms, this integration empowers maintenance personnel to harness, uncover, and fully utilize the full breadth of their aircraft data and digital records from a single source. 

“At Bluetail, our customers drive the evolution of our product,” said Sam Celaya, Bluetail’s Vice President of Sales & Business Development. “JSSI and Bluetail have both been consistent innovators in the Business Aviation market. With this integration, our joint customers can benefit from increased efficiency and direct access to their aircraft records anytime, from anywhere in the world.” 

This new collaboration will enable both technology platforms to seamlessly communicate with each other, preventing redundant effort and empowering customers to easily search any record using Bluetail. 

“The integration with Bluetail enhances the user experience for our mutual customers, who can now manage their historical data directly from Traxxall,” said Mark Steinbeck, Chief Commercial Officer at JSSI Maintenance Software. “This makes their lives easier and their operation more efficient.” 

The integration is now available to all Traxxall customers via their management tracking software.

Trimec Aviation Wraps Up First Falcon 2000/EX Upgrade with Universal Avionics InSight and Accepting Reservations for Upgrade

Trimec Aviation, a certified FAA Part 145 Repair Station (#18TR248C) and Universal Avionics (UA) are completing the first Falcon 2000/EX aircraft Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) with UA’s InSight Flight Display System. The newly installed system replaces the Pro Line 4 and includes SBAS-Flight Management Systems, Universal’s Connectivity Ecosystem, and UniLink Communications Management system which supports RNP 0.3 instrument approaches and CPDLC, digital clearances, FANS 1A+, and ATN B1. 

“We are proud of our Fort Worth technical team for making this possible and look forward to welcoming other Falcon 2000/EX operators looking for a solution for their aging and obsolete avionics,” said Mike Rabadi, Trimec Aviation president, and CEO. “This upgrade will not only increase the value of their asset but improve operating efficiency, enhance pilot safety, and increase the aircraft’s available payload.”

John Holland, Trimec Aviation general manager, said, “It’s exciting to reach the final stage of this important STC for Falcon 2000/EX operators. The CDUs and FMS for the Pro Line 4 are irreplaceable and are no longer supported so this is a timely solution that Trimec is ready to provide.”

“We are thrilled to deliver a modern, sustainable solution for the Falcon 2000/EX in partnership with Trimec Aviation,” added Dror Yahav, Universal Avionics CEO. “The InSight Display System has achieved certification on a variety of business jets, upgrading them to the latest available operational capabilities and significantly extending the aircraft’s longevity for years to come.”

Trimec Aviation was recognized as an Outstanding Dealer of the Year for 2022 by Universal Avionics and continues to build on its foundation as an innovative avionics solution provider with this new STC.   

Lufthansa Technik and Pilatus Unveil Strategic Cooperation

Lufthansa Technik and Pilatus Aircraft are unveiling their strategic cooperation regarding a cabin management system for the Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet. For this purpose, the Original Equipment & Special Aircraft Services segment of Lufthansa Technik has adapted its renowned »nice« (networked integrated cabin equipment) specifically for the popular jet aircraft type of the Swiss manufacturer.

In the PC-24, the system is called “integrated Cabin Management System 4.0″ (iCMS 4.0) and features a 10” touch screen controller with 3D moving map, USB ports, media storage server and four high fidelity cabin speakers with optional sub-woofer, HDMI input, and mood lighting. In the past, such systems have only been installed in mid-size and large business jets – mainly due to the number of their components, weight, performance, and associated costs. For its new partner Pilatus, Lufthansa Technik is therefore introducing an Ethernet-based »nice« in which the entire system is housed as a 
line-replaceable unit in a compact enclosure.

The resulting iCMS 4.0, which builds on Lufthansa Technik’s enormous experience in providing line-fit systems to heavy business jet platforms, features four Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The interface to the passengers is provided by the touch-sensitive surface already known from existing »nice« systems, which allows, for example, navigating through the various entertainment options. This 
allows passengers to seamlessly manage comfort functions as well as audio and video content, either via the built-in 10″ touch screen or from their personal electronic devices (PEDs). In addition, the new system provides a fully digital platform that allows the crew to personalize the PC-24’s cabin for the passengers in advance of each flight.

“Pilatus is proud to introduce the iCMS 4.0 inflight entertainment system in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik,” said Ignaz Gretener, vice president of Pilatus’ Business Aviation unit. “Our modified system, more compact and efficient than ever before, features a fully customized interface tailored to Pilatus’ discerning customers. This innovation not only enhances the onboard experience but also reflects
our commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.”

“We are honored to be part of this remarkable aircraft and to offer Pilatus service enhancements that will elevate the PC-24 passenger experience to an even higher level,” said Andrew Muirhead, vice 
president OEM and engineering services and head of the original equipment & special aircraft services segment at Lufthansa Technik. “We are proud of our technical achievements in integrating so much 
functionality into such a compact unit – once again a demonstration of the innovative power of our team. Together with our valued new partner Pilatus, we are now making the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet even more versatile.”

A first PC-24 equipped with the new iCMS 4.0 will be presented in the static display (AD_32) at the National Business Aviation Association Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). In addition, experts will be available at the Pilatus (N1808) and Lufthansa Technik (C12613) booths to provide more information.

Technical data and functionality of the »nice«-based iCMS 4.0:
– Wi-Fi 802.11N/AC/AX capable of simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
– Bluetooth transceiver for audio sink or source
– Multicast streaming
– 6-channel digital amplifier, which can include optional subwoofer
– Controls via Ethernet, ARINC 429, RS485/422/232, discrete and 
relays
– 1 terabyte of storage space for personal AVOD (audio/video on 
demand)
– »niceview« mobile moving map
– »nice« wireless app control

StandardAero’s Western Jet Aviation Certified as FAA Repair Station at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF)

Western Jet Aviation, a StandardAero company, has received certification as a FAA Part 145 Repair Station at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF). The facility will provide maintenance and avionics services for large-cabin business aviation aircraft in Florida.

Western Jet Aviation was acquired by StandardAero in February 2023, and is well-known for its facility in Van Nuys, California, which is one of the largest independent business jet maintenance providers specializing in Gulfstream aircraft services including heavy airframe maintenance, structural repair, engine line maintenance, avionics installations, engineering services and interior soft good upgrades.

“We are excited to bring the exceptional level of service and support to Gulfstream operators in and around Opa-locka that customers have come to expect from our Van Nuys location,” said Cooper Skeen, maintenance supervisor. 

According to Katie Higgins, VP/GM of Van Nuys and Opa-locka locations, expanding into the southern Florida region allows the company to also extend support to existing customers who may require service on the east coast when they are away from southern California.

StandardAero’s Western Jet Aviation locations in Van Nuys and Opa-locka complement other StandardAero business aviation MRO sites in Springfield, Illinois, Dallas and Houston, Texas, Augusta, Georgia, and Gosport, UK. The company also has regional service centers located in the U.S, Brazil, U.K., South Africa and Singapore in addition to Mobile Service Teams around the world to support wherever operators fly.

Executive Jet Maintenance Expands Operations, Adding 32,000 sq. ft. Hangar at San Bernardino Airport

Executive Jet Maintenance announced a significant expansion in September that underscores their commitment to growth in the aviation industry. The company has added a state-of-the-art 32,000 square-foot hangar at the San Bernardino Airport, solidifying their presence as a leader in aircraft maintenance and service solutions in Southern California and beyond.

This expansion marks a major milestone for Executive Jet Maintenance as they continue to rise to accommodate the evolving needs of their discerning clients and the greater aviation community. The new hangar facility boasts cutting-edge infrastructure, advanced security features, and a spacious environment that accommodates a wide range of aircraft sizes and types.

In addition to infrastructure, the firm is advancing its services offered. A key highlight of its expansion is the availability of monthly leasing for its premium aircraft hangar space. Aircraft owners, operators, and businesses in need of secure and convenient storage can now take advantage of this offering. The spacious hangar provides an ideal solution for those seeking a reliable location to house their valuable assets, while benefiting from Executive Jet Maintenance’s renowned service quality. Access to the EJM’s world-class personnel for ongoing maintenance and repair is a significant value-add to the ongoing benefit of jet storage at the new facility.

“We are extremely excited about the opening of our new 32,000 sq. ft. hangar at the San Bernardino Airport,” said Kurt Belcher, CEO of Executive Jet Maintenance. “This expansion reinforces our enduring mission of offering elite services and facilities to our unique clientele. The ability to access secure and efficient storage and maintenance on a monthly basis is of great value to many clients, and it just underscores our recognition of the diverse needs of Southern California’s aviation community.”

Sherwin-Williams Launches New Aerospace Conductive Coating

Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings added a new aerospace conductive coating (CM0485115) to its line of undercoats, enabling aircraft owners to impart conductivity onto aluminum and composite substrates. The coating offers high conductivity to non-conductive substrates by producing an anti-static conductive film on their surfaces with a resistivity of 0.1 to 100,000 ohms per square meter to help static charges dissipate from antennas and radomes. The coating is designed with excellent adhesion and offers excellent fluid resistance.

Conductive coating (CM0485115) is designed to work with Sherwin-Williams topcoat systems. Using a 1:1 mix ratio, the product is simple to mix and apply. It is compatible with all non-electrostatic spray equipment and can be applied onto pre-primed aluminum and composite substrates to achieve high conductivity. For the best results, the company says the conductive coating should be applied in one singular, continuous closed film or one cross coat. The application can happen in a wide range of environmental conditions, and the coating can be air cured or force dried, providing flexibility for applicators. Drying times vary based on the dry film thickness.

“As composite substrates continue to grow in popularity in the aerospace market, it’s important for our customers to have ready access to a robust conductive coating that can meet their requirements for functionality, durability and ease of application,” said Julie Voisin, market segment manager, aerospace, OEM interior and commercial vehicle refinish. “Our new conductive coating is a perfect complement to our product offering and commitment to deliver high-performing products to the aerospace marketplace.”