AviationManuals, the leading provider of procedure development services and Safety Management System (SMS) software, announces upgrades to its popular ARC platform, the industry’s leading comprehensive SMS and app solution for business aviation.
The updates focus on the ARCrisk tool reflecting industry best practices and customer feedback. ARCrisk is a tool for calculating risk factors for flight operations, maintenance, and ground operations assisting in mitigating potential problems. The updated ARCrisk tool will make assessing and responding to risk easier through integrations and mitigation guidance.
The updates include:
New integrations offering weather forecasts, AC-U-KWIK airport details, NOTAMs, and TFRs
Integration with ForeFlight Dispatch providing an automatic flow of flight data eliminating manual input, as well as notifications for pre-flight assessments for ForeFlight users.
Risk factors will be automatically populated based on known trip data.
Suggested mitigation actions will be provided by AviationManuals’ expert Advisors
A Risk Assessment Report is provided containing trip data in one central location
Next up integrations will include:
Flight data integration with Leon Software a European FMS, providing a SMS service to Leon users.
Integration with NuvolOps, with a modern flight scheduling software and friendly crew scheduling.
This update is part of the substantial upgrades, enhancements, and partner integrations the company has planned in 2023 as part of its Ready Flight Programs.
“At AviationManuals we continually strive to improve our client experience,” said Mark Baier, CEO. “These updates are a direct reflection of client requests combined with our knowledge of safety management best practices and will benefit a wide variety of business aviation operations.”
Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics announced the company’s West Coast facility is relocating from its current Van Nuys, California location to a new facility, less than ten miles west, in Chatsworth, California. The move will be completed by May 15, 2023. There will be no interruption to Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics’ customers.
“We’re keeping things simple for our customers. We’re the same great team, providing the same excellent customer support,” said Bryan Miner, director of the Western Region for Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics. “We’re even keeping the same phone number. We’ll just have a new address at a new and improved facility. It’s exciting!”
EFFECTIVE MAY 15, 2023, customers shipping units to Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics’ West Coast facility must use the following address:
Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics
9722 Topanga Canyon Boulevard
Chatsworth, California 91311
Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics’ California facility was established in 1991 to expand the company’s service capabilities and international reach. The West Coast location provides extended hours to customers in later U.S. time zones and around the globe. It offers new product sales and first-class repair services for instruments, avionics, electrical power systems and accessories. The facility is FAA and EASA-certified, provides quick turns and dedicated, one-on-one technical support. Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics has a second location (headquarters) located in Wichita, Kansas.
Bluetail, the leading Software as a Service (SaaS) aircraft records platform for business aviation, has introduced its second-generation Bluetail MAC 2 Search feature.
“When we introduced our MACH Search engine in 2021, it set the standard as the first machine learning search engine purpose-built to meet the specific needs of aircraft owners and operators,” stated Roberto Guerrieri, Bluetail CEO, and co-founder. “The many improvements we’ve built into MACH 2 are the results of what we’ve learned and what our customers and partners have asked for over these past two years.”
“Today, MACH 2 is the fastest, most logical, and easiest-to-use digital records search engine in aviation,” he continued. “It lets aircraft owners and operators perform faster and more accurate records searches, which in turn allows them to return their aircraft to service faster and at a lower cost.”
To achieve MACH 2’s industry-redefining capabilities, Bluetail’s engineering teams developed a series of enhancements to the search algorithms, creating advanced auto-organization and filters and an enhanced database architecture.
“While the technology behind MACH 2 is proprietary, the real differentiator is just how much it can do to help our customers achieve faster turns on each maintenance, compliance, or conformity event,” added Bluetail VP of development and delivery, Greg Baynham. “There are no cumbersome search filters. MACH 2 auto-recognizes all major filters, so maintenance personnel just have to click on the link to view, search or share logbooks, forms, ATA codes, file names, dates, or whatever the job requires.”
“Today’s aircraft operators and maintainers need tools that make their work more efficient,” he continued. “Bluetail’s new MACH 2 Search is the only solution that has been developed to do just that.”
MACH 2 Search will be available for Bluetail customers by the end of May 2023.
About Bluetail MACH 2 Search:
Auto-organizes large files and eliminates all manual indexing of keywords, numbers, or tags.
Machine learninganalyzes aircraft records data in real-time for a best-in-class search experience
Automatically recognizes all major search filters, including FAA Forms, Logbooks, ATA Codes, project dates, etc.
Finds any operations or maintenance records in seconds.
Recognizes handwriting of A&P signature or inspector signoffs.
Built on the most advanced enterprise security protocols.
“For an aircraft to fly well, it must be beautiful,” Marcel Dassault famously said. Already well known for the sleek Mirage fighters, Dassault—the man and the company—proved the adage once again on May 4, 1963, with the first flight of the Mystère 20, the company’s first business jet. With an eye toward the sizable American market, the Mystère 20 would soon be rebranded the Falcon 20.
Sixty years and more than 2,700 business jets later, Dassault Aviation continues the tradition of building beautiful, advanced-technology aircraft.
“The formula has not changed,” said Dassault Aviation’s Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. “Every Dassault aircraft must have superb handling, beautiful lines, and rugged construction. And, of course, it has to provide state-of-the-art comfort.”
The Falcon 20 wowed some of the top aviation leaders of the time, including Charles Lindbergh, Pan Am chief executive Juan Trippe, and FedEx founder Fred Smith. It went on to spawn 27 different model types that found eager buyers among entrepreneurs, government agencies, and several nations’ armed forces. Its pioneering safety features, including the use of rugged fighter structures and systems, set the standard for countless future safety improvements, from head-up cockpit displays to digital flight controls—technology that subsequently became widespread across the industry.
Today, Dassault’s strong corporate values, design ethos, and relentless focus on elegant lines, inside and out are embodied in two brand new models, the 5,500 nm Falcon 6X and the 7,500 nm Falcon 10X. These aircraft feature the largest cabin cross sections in business aviation, setting a new standard for long-range passenger comfort. Each has been recognized by the design community with prestigious interior design awards. The 6X, which enters service this year, is equipped with Dassault’s most advanced digital flight control system to date. The 10X, which is in the early stages of assembly, will come with even more advanced systems and safety features.
The First Dassault Business Jet Takes Off A little after 5 pm on May 4, 1963, test pilots René Bigand and Jean Dilliare “gave it the gas,” as one historical account recalls, taking the Falcon 20 for an inaugural one-hour flight.
The flight occurred late in the day because of the visit of Charles Lindbergh, who dropped by to inspect the new business jet on behalf of Pan Am. It was only after he had departed Dassault’s Mérignac final assembly plant, near Bordeaux, that the flight team readied the aircraft for flight.
Charles Lindbergh’s visit, May 4, 1963.
Lindbergh reportedly wired Pan Am CEO Juan Trippe: “I’ve found our bird.” The airline promptly ordered 40 units with an option for 120 more and established Pan Am Business Jets to run its executive jet operations. The new entity later evolved into Dassault Falcon Jet (DFJ), a fully owned Dassault Aviation affiliate. Headquartered in Teterboro, New Jersey, DFJ is responsible for representing and supporting Falcons in the U.S. and elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere.
More Orders
In 1973, Fred Smith launched FedEx with a fleet of 33 Falcon 20s modified with a large cargo door, helping set that company on the road to success. In the 1980s, the U.S. Coast Guard ordered 41 Falcon 20’s (designated the HU-25) modified for search and rescue. In all, Dassault went on to build nearly 500 20-series aircraft.
Continuous Advances
In the years following, the company introduced a series of aircraft models widely considered by pilots to be among the best business jets to fly. Currently, more than 2,100 Falcons are operating in over 90 countries around the world.
The best-selling model has been the Falcon 2000, a highly economical, super-efficient twin that has been continuously updated to remain at the top of its class. Nearly 700 have been delivered so far.
The second-best seller has been the workhorse Falcon 900, which has also gone through numerous iterations. To date more than 550 of these aircraft have been delivered, including two that were recently handed over to the Royal Air Force for VIP transportation service.
Also popular has been the fly-by-wire Falcon 7X/8X line. Some 400 of these ultra-efficient, versatile, very long-range models have come off the assembly line.
“Through these different models, we have built up a strong legacy and a solid base of technological know-how that makes us confident in our ability to continue developing new products that fully meet customer expectations,” said Trappier. “Sixty years on, Falcons are still completely distinctive in the business jet world: beautiful, delightful to fly, and always on the leading edge of technology, bringing safety, comfort and productivity benefits to operators around the globe.”
True Blue Power announced the company’s Gen5 TB40 (40 amp-hour) Advanced Lithium-ion Main Ship Battery is Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approved on Hawker/Beechjet 400 Series aircraft. The ultra-lightweight TB40 reduces Hawker/Beechjet aircraft battery weight by up to 60 pounds, increases useful load, faster turbine starts and improves performance.
Clemens Aviation, a full-service FBO, maintenance facility and private aircraft management company in Wichita, Kansas, selected the TB40 due to its superior performance and ability to deliver cooler, faster engine starts, improved starter generator efficiency and longer component life. Clemens is the launch customer for the new True Blue Power TB40 Lithium-ion Battery STC Kit. The company is upgrading their fleet of Hawker/Beechjet 400s from lead acid to lithium-ion main ship batteries.
“The TB40 lithium battery is a game changer for our fleet of 24 Beechjets,” said Alex Clemens with Clemens Aviation. “Between the cooler starts, weight savings and increased dispatch reliability, we were sold on the TB40 immediately!”
The new Hawker/Beechjet 400 Series Lithium-ion Battery STC Kit can be purchased from True Blue Power. It includes: (1) TSO-certified Gen5 TB40 Advanced Lithium-ion Battery, (1) Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics Flex Digital Battery Annunciation Control Unit (ACU), installation hardware and manuals. This certified upgrade provides owners and operators with the lightest, most powerful and most reliable main ship battery on the market.
Replacing the lead-acid battery in a Hawker/Beechjet 400 with a new TB40 cuts battery weight by 60 pounds. This significant weight savings allows for easy battery installation and removal in tight, hard-to-reach spaces. Less weight means more passengers, more cargo, more fuel and more design flexibility.
True Blue Power batteries deliver cooler and faster engine starts which improves the Hawker/Beechjet 400’s starter generator efficiency. The TB40 lithium-ion battery can fully recharge within 30 minutes and features a built-in automatic heater for superior performance in extreme temperatures, down to -40°C.
The TB40 features a proprietary Battery Management System (BMS) and provides constant monitoring, protection and capacity data. The Flex Digital ACU displays the 400’s main battery status, state of charge, state of health, volts, amps, temperature, remaining life and fault data directly to the pilot. Even smarter, Gen5 batteries are on-condition, require no capacity checks and last 8 years!
True Blue Power partnered with Peregrine, an industry-leading certification resource, to develop the Hawker/Beechjet 400 lithium-ion battery STC.
“The certification of the True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries on the Hawker/Beechjet 400 has taken the collaboration between our companies to new heights,” said TJ Spitzmiller, vice president of business development and administration for Peregrine. “This STC demonstrates how True Blue Power’s lithium batteries continue to meet—and exceed—new FAA safety standards.”
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.
PWI has developed and earned PMA approval for a complete LED cabin light system. This LED lighting package fully replaces the PWI OEM fluorescent lights originally installed in the 900B. This LED kit uses the original aircraft lighting wiring and direct replacements for each fluorescent light in the passenger cabin, lav and galley areas.
“The Falcon 900B is a proven, reliable, workhorse aircraft and PWI is grateful for the original opportunity to supply cabin lighting. Today, we are excited to bring our LED cabin lighting back to this business jet,” said Robi Lorik, President and CEO of PWI. “Our cabin completion and MRO installation centers have encouraged us to complete this lighting update. PWI is looking to expand approved LED lighting to additional business jets this year,” he continued.
There are two different cabin lighting options in the 900B. One features two long runs of lights – one upwash onto the headliner, and the other row is downwash lights – just above the windows, on each side of the cabin. The other cabin lighting design features louvered lights in the headliner. Both versions share the downwash lights.
The installation of PWI LEDs is very straightforward. Using the original aircraft wiring, the LEDs are installed in the exact location as the fluorescents. PWI LEDs are supplied with the correct aircraft electrical connectors. The PWI LED light design allows use in the upwash and downwash indirect lighting that the Falcon 900B is known for. There is no new complicated lighting control system to install and learn to use.
PWI LEDs are already known for very long life, compatibility with any cabin management system or aircraft dimming controls, and very low power draw. These approved LEDs are designed specifically for the Falcon 900B and are not a one-size-fits-all generic lighting solution. “You can spend far more money on cabin lights, but you don’t have to,” Lorik noted.
Some cabin LEDs require the purchase and installation of a third-party cabin management system. PWI LED customers avoid that additional time and cost creep by using the original cabin lighting controls. One less variable during installation and testing means the aircraft can be returned to service sooner.
The PWI LED design was designed to retain the original cabin appearance. There are no dark spots or light gaps – which is especially important in long runs of light through the open passenger cabin. Some fluorescent light and even LED systems create dim or dark spots between light elements. PWI fluorescents solved that challenge in the 1970s and the new LED system retains that appeal.
Whether charter, special missions or business travel, installing PWI LEDs provide long life and minimal power draw. Low power LEDs make it easy to turn On cabin lights for passenger boarding, without draining the aircraft battery.
Part Number 42-light LED kit and 36-light LED kit: 6910100-007
Skyservice Business Aviation (“Skyservice” or “the Company”), a North American leader in business aviation, opens its Vancouver International Airport (“YVR”), Fixed-Based Operations (FBO).
“We are delighted to welcome customers to our newest FBO facility,” commented Benjamin Murray, President, and CEO of Skyservice. “Vancouver is an essential hub for Canadian commerce and recreation and a key location for our clients. We intend to make further investments at the airport, including expanding our hangar footprint, providing on-site maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, and operating sustainability initiatives.”
Skyservice Vancouver is the company’s eleventh fixed-based operation and sixth World Fuel Air Elite location in Canada, providing extensive ground handling, fueling, and hangarage services along with bespoke customer service, aircraft management, and private jet charter services. Skyservice operates two additional locations dedicated solely to MRO services in Muskoka, Ontario, and Montreal, Quebec, and is expanding into Napa, California this spring and constructing an additional private jet center in Seattle, Washington to replace its existing facility.
“We are thrilled to announce our expanded relationship with Skyservice, a trusted leader in aviation services. Our new agreement marks an important milestone in our growth strategy, allowing us to invest and expand with Skyservice at Vancouver Airport”, said Malcolm Hawkins, senior vice president at World Fuel Services. “As an essential location in the World Fuel Network, Skyservice’s membership in Air Elite and commitment to providing the highest standard of service will allow us to deliver exceptional experiences to our flight department cardholders. We look forward to working together to provide unparalleled service and solutions to general and business aircraft operators.”
The FBO offers a multi-level passenger lounge with beautiful views of the Pacific Mountain Range, three heated hangars, and a 175,000 sq ft ramp space capable of accommodating aircraft like the Global 7500/8000 and Gulfstream 700/800s. The Vancouver facility will enjoy the same comforts and luxurious amenities as Skyservice’s other award-winning FBOs once renovations are complete.
Skyservice is committed to sustainable operations and will provide carbon offsets to clients. Skyservice was the first business aviation company, in partnership with World Fuel Services, to offer sustainable aviation fuel in Canada to business aviation clients at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The company is targeting becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
Cirrus Aircraft, in collaboration with Garmin International, Inc., announced that its Vision Jet Safe Return Emergency Autoland system has received type certificate approval from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) of Brazil. Safe Return Emergency Autoland is a revolutionary system, enabled by Garmin’s Collier award-winning autoland technology, that allows passengers to autonomously land the Vision Jet with the touch of a single button in the event of an emergency. The certification follows the continued success of the Vision Jet, including being recognized as the world’s best-selling jet in general aviation for four years in a row and delivery of more than 450 Vision Jets worldwide.
“Receiving ANAC certification for the Vision Jet’s Safe Return is a tremendous milestone for our Brazilian owners and operators,” said Zean Nielsen, chief executive officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “We are excited to continue offering this award-winning safety technology throughout the world.”
With this new type certificate, new Vision Jet exports and certain aircraft already in Brazil can now have Safe Return enabled for use.
Safe Return Emergency Autoland was previously certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the United States aviation authority, in August 2020 and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in July 2021. It joins the Collier-winning Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) on the Vision Jet to provide the most comprehensive, must-have total safety solution in general aviation.
EMUGE-FRANKEN USA, a manufacturer of high-performance taps, thread mills, end mills, drills and other rotary tools, has introduced a full line of 3XD and 5XD high quality solid carbide multipurpose drills that are ideal for a wide range of materials and applications typically found in high mix – low volume job shop environments.
“Our extensive research and testing has resulted in a completely new high penetration rate drill design providing everyday use and maximum productivity,” said Marlon Blandon, product manager, drills, thread milling.
EMUGE MultiDRILL is made of a unique sub-micro grain carbide grade that is harder than conventional carbide grades for drilling, yet it retains the ability to withstand shock and chipping, the company says. MultiDRILL features advanced TIALN-T63 coating utilizing nano-layer technology with surface hardness exceeding standard TIALN-based coatings, for reduced friction at high temperatures.
Featuring concave cutting edges, MultiDRILL has higher chip shearing ability and a tightly controlled edge preparation process that provides consistent performance and long tool life. In addition, a double margin design helps stabilize the drill in the cut, allowing rounder, more accurate holes. Another unique MultiDRILL feature is a drill web construction with a wide open flute form for maximum chip evacuation. MultiDRILLs are also self-centering, eliminating pre-spot drilling applications, and all tools feature coolant-thru capability.
EMUGE MultiDRILL is available in 3XD and 5XD sizes from 0.1181 to 0.7500 inch, a total of 372 SKUs in the program.
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