Category: BizJet

Rolls-Royce and Gulfstream Give Wings to Sustainable Business Aviation

Rolls-Royce and Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. are leading the way towards sustainable business aviation by conducting the first original equipment manufacturer test flight of an ultralong-range business jet powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The test took place on the BR725-powered Gulfstream G650 twin-jet over Gulfstream’s headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.

Demonstrating that current Rolls-Royce engines for business jet and large civil applications can operate with 100% SAF as a full “drop-in” option, this test lays the groundwork for moving this type of fuel towards certification. At present, SAF is only certified for blends of up to 50% with conventional jet fuel and can be used on all current Rolls-Royce engines.

The SAF that was used in the test consists of two components: HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids), produced from waste fat and waste plant oils by low-carbon fuel specialist World Energy in Paramount, California, and (SAK) Synthesized Aromatic Kerosene made from plant-based sugars by Wisconsin-based Virent Inc. This innovative and fully sustainable fuel in development eliminates the need for the addition of further petroleum-based components and enables a 100% drop-in SAF that can be used in existing jet engines and infrastructure without any modifications. This sustainable fuel has the potential to reduce net CO2 lifecycle emissions by about 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, with the possibility of further reductions in future.

“Sustainable aviation fuels are essential for the decarbonization of the skies, as they have the potential to significantly reduce the carbon emissions of aviation and we have already proved they can be used as a drop-in fuel to power existing engines,” said Dr. Joerg Au, chief engineer – business aviation and engineering director, Rolls-Royce Deutschland. “This flight test with Gulfstream is another proof point that demonstrates the compatibility of our engines with SAF, bringing us another important step closer to enabling our customers to achieve net zero carbon emissions.”

“At Gulfstream, leading our industry closer to decarbonization is a long-standing priority, and testing, evaluating and promoting new developments in SAF takes us another step closer to that goal,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “We are grateful for our partnership with Rolls‑Royce to be able to demonstrate yet another milestone in these efforts.

The BR725-powered G650 aircraft family holds more than 120 world speed records, including the speed record for the farthest flight in business aviation history. With more than 500 aircraft in service, the G650 and its sister aircraft, the Gulfstream G650ER, prove they are among the most trusted business jets in the world. Since its entry into service in 2012, the G650 aircraft family has established a reputation for excellent reliability, efficiency, and speed, combined with outstanding environmental performance.

AMADA WELD TECH Releases WM-200A Industry 4.0 Ready Networked Weld Monitor

AMADA WELD TECH, Inc. has released the IIoT ready WM-200A Networked Resistance Weld Monitor, which it says enhances resistance weld monitoring capability by simplifying data capture, storage, and analysis on a networked platform, paving the way to next generation artificial intelligence and machine learning features.
The WM-200A monitors all aspects of the resistance welding process, providing vital visual and statistical feedback during research and development as well as production environments. High-resolution data capture is critical for artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. It also provides immediate feedback to the weld station by monitoring key aspects of the process and sending good/no good information to the process controller instantaneously during production.
Whether connected to a standalone resistance welding station, or implemented in a fully automated system, the WM-200A enables users to collect large amounts of high-resolution process data to be used for manufacturing traceability, statistical data analysis, equipment efficiency and health. Data can be stored on an on premise or cloud based server and viewed or downloaded from a remote location using the remote graphic user interface.
The WM-200A monitored inputs include current, voltage, displacement, and force. The monitor features an intuitive user interface for easy programming and quick access to view waveform and numeric data. Configurable monitoring screens enable custom viewing. The WM-200A offers high resolution data capture (up to 200 kHz sample rate) and can simultaneously monitor eight different inputs and up to four distinct windowed process limits per primary channel.
The WM-200A communicates with direct I/O and TCP/IP communication protocols; optionally, configure with an EtherNet/IP field bus to allow automated systems to communicate easily over a single communications cable. Typically, WM-200A is connected to a large display on a personal computer for easy setup and viewing of waveforms and data via WM-Inspect software GUI. Stored data is accessible by third party software suites for analysis for SPC, OEE, and equipment health. The data is also available for current and future AI/ML software algorithms.

Flexjet Graduates its first class of Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Technicians from their FAA-Accepted Apprentice Program

Fleannounced has graduated its first class of Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) apprentices. These 10 individuals completed 30 months of paid, on-the-job training while working alongside some of the most experienced and professional maintenance technicians in the nation. Following completion of their apprenticeships, the candidates received their FAA-issued A&P licenses as well as an offer of full-time professional employment with Flexjet.

“We applaud the graduates of our inaugural class of A&P Apprentices. The successful completion of our program and subsequent award of their FAA-issued license positions them perfectly for a rewarding and financially lucrative career,” said Flexjet SVP of Maintenance Jay Heublein. “Our apprentice program allows individuals to immediately begin earning a great salary while they complete their professional development. Not only are they able to avoid the expenses and debt that are associated with a typical FAR Part 147 school or four-year college, but they also get to train alongside some of the most talented and accomplished professionals in the industry. In addition to their technical development, they are exposed early on to our culture of safety and professionalism that is difficult to teach in a traditional classroom environment. We see this program as the right solution at the right time for many people contemplating their potential career paths.”

Flexjet A&P apprentices must first pass an aptitude test and go through an in-depth interview process. Once selected, they begin their training while earning $50,000 per year during the 30-month apprenticeship. On successful completion of the program, they earn their A&P license and receive an offer of employment that includes a base compensation of $80,000 plus an industry leading benefit package. Additional benefits associated with an A&P position at Flexjet include:

·         All new A&Ps are given a Snap-On Tools box and a starter set of tools valued at nearly $30,000. The technicians own this equipment following three years of successful service.

·         Deferred compensation

·         Cost-of-living adjustments for different regions and shift differentials as high as 12 percent for overnight shifts

·         Relocation assistance program

·         Bonus programs

·         Company-paid, aircraft-specific schooling plus training

·         Medical plan options (including vision) and dental plan

·         Company-paid benefits include short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance

·         401(k) retirement savings plan with 100 percent matching up to 6 percent of income

·         Medical and childcare flexible spending programs

·         Paid time off

The demand for licensed A&P technicians is forecasted to grow significantly in the coming years and Flexjet plans to hire more than 100 additional A&Ps in the next 12 months alone.

Earlier this year, Flexjet received the 2021 Federal Aviation Administration’s Diamond Award of Excellence for Aviation Maintenance Technician Training for a record 23rd consecutive year, more than any other private jet travel provider in history.

Flexjet is currently recruiting the next class of 10 Aviation Maintenance Technician apprentices across its network of maintenance facilities for training that will begin in January 2023.

GLOBAL PARTS, INC. IS NOW
VSE AVIATION

As of December 5, 2022, Global Parts, Inc. (Global Parts) has merged with its corporate affiliate VSE Aviation, Inc., a Florida corporation, and has become part of the VSE Aviation, Inc. entity. The company said it will continue to operate the business with the same structure, officers, personnel, account information, quality systems, FAA and EASA certifications and policies and procedures.

New Mechanic Figures Trending in Right Direction, But Major Workforce Shortage Still Looms, ATEC Pipeline Report Finds

A healthy but expected increase in newly certificated mechanics last year did not offset momentum lost during the pandemic, leaving the new-technician pipeline at least 20 percent below the levels needed to meet rising demand across civil aviation, the latest Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC) Pipeline Report concludes.

The latest edition of the Pipeline Report, produced annually to chart U.S. airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic workforce trends, found that 6,929 individuals obtained their FAA mechanic certificate in 2021—a 33 percent increase from the previous year. While the jump was the biggest in recent history, the increase left the total number of new mechanics short of 2019 levels and did not make up for the previous year’s 30 percent drop in certifications.

Considering the significant decline, ATEC estimates that the pandemic cost industry 5,000 new mechanics.

The global aviation maintenance industry was facing a shortage of certified mechanics before the pandemic, and the U.S. market was no exception. The downturn’s ramifications mean meeting demand now will be even more challenging.

“The number of prospects in the mechanic pipeline needs to grow by at least 20 percent to meet industry’s needs,” said ATEC President and WSU Tech Aviation Program Dean James Hall. “National enrollment at A&P schools is only growing at about 2 percent per year, so we have a lot of work to do.”

The council has several initiatives focused on spreading awareness and funneling more students into A&P programs. “The ATEC community is committed to getting more future mechanics into that pipeline,” said Hall. “The vast majority of the council’s planned activities for the coming year are focused on increasing awareness and removing pathway bottlenecks.”

Much of that effort is being driven through Choose Aerospace, an ATEC-backed non-profit that is deploying aviation curriculum into high schools across the country. The initiative is focused on getting students on an earlier path to mechanic certification, while building pipelines directly into A&P programs.

Other trends noted in the report:

  • Repair stations hired the most new mechanics, scooping up 31 percent of all aviation-employed A&P graduates, followed by regional airlines at 17 percent. Major passenger airlines came in third, but they are the fastest growing aviation employer segment for new mechanic entrants.
  • Last year, major passenger and cargo airlines combined to hire 25% of all A&P gradates, up from 15 percent in 2020. If this keeps up, it will put more pressure on sources that traditionally feed skilled technicians to large carriers–notably repair stations and regional carriers—to fill open positions.
  • AMTS continue to increase their market share of mechanic production—and by extension their importance in helping industry meet demand. Last year, 67 out of every 100 new mechanics went through A&P school. The other 14 came from military and 19 from civilian work experience.
  • Females make up 2.63 percent of the population, a number that is trending up, but only slightly. One positive sign is that 9 percent of all new A&P graduates last year were female.

Download the 2022 Pipeline Report & Aviation Maintenance Technician School Directory at www.atec-amt.org/pipeline-report.

Bombardier Inaugurates Expanded London Biggin Hill Service Center, the Largest BizJet MRO Facility in UK

Bombardier has inaugurated its expanded London Biggin Hill Service Center, the latest addition to the company’s extensive and growing worldwide customer service network. Located at the bustling London Biggin Hill Airport, the newly enhanced London Biggin Hill Service Center has grown to nearly 250,000 square feet (approximately 23,225 square meters), adding a suite of new maintenance and modification capabilities and full-service interior finishing capacity for its family of Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft.

With its new service capabilities and additional hangar space, Bombardier’s service center – the largest business jet MRO facility in the UK – is the perfect oasis for customers of the OEM’s growing fleet of business jets. Bombardier’s London Biggin Hill Service Center is the largest tenant at the London Biggin Hill Airport, providing customers with complete heavy maintenance capabilities, wheel and battery shops, a component paint shop and much more. The new hangar has transformed from eight to 22 service bays, increasing on-site capacity to accommodate a wide array of aircraft, including up to 14 Global 7500 aircraft at one time – as well as Bombardier’s newly launched Global 8000 business jet when it enters into service in 2025.

“With the expansion of the London Biggin Hill Service Center, we are taking another step in showcasing our unwavering commitment to our European customers with industry-leading services on a global scale – OEM expertise that customers demand and expect from Bombardier,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, executive vice president, Services and Support, and Corporate Strategy. “The European market is a very important one for Bombardier and this expansion perfectly underscores our ongoing commitment to the region, allowing us to be closer to our customers and offering them even more world-class services and support.”

Originally inaugurated in 2017, the London Biggin Hill Service Centre, provides a shining example of how Bombardier is enhancing the accessibility of its OEM expertise for customers worldwide and redefining its position as a leader in aftermarket services. This expansion will bring the facility’s workforce to more than 250 employees, with the expectation to grow this number given increasing demand for support.

And as one of the busiest business aviation airports in the UK in terms of aircraft movements, London Biggin Hill Airport is home to more than 70 aerospace companies and boasts more than 1,300 jobs. Over the past number of years, Bombardier has developed a successful collaboration with the airport, which has helped boost local employment and increase supply chain activities.

“London Biggin Hill Airport is in a strategic location for business aviation operators – and we are thrilled that Bombardier is committed to its long-term relationship here,” said Robert Walters, commercial director of Biggin Hill Airport. “Bombardier has been a tremendous collaborator and we will continue to work closely together as a leading center for aviation technology and innovation and as a catalyst for business aviation growth in the region.”

Bombardier says their focus is on an environmentally respectful approach to its design and project development is also an essential part of the newly transformed service facility. Key projects include the installation of solar panels and electrical charging stations on site, building on Bombardier’s commitment to reduce its environmental footprint.

Bombardier also announced JETEX as its preferred FBO provider at the London Biggin Hill Service Center. JETEX will offer customers concierge services onsite, extending Bombardier’s customer service offerings.

Creating a solid aerospace pipeline in the region to foster the development of highly skilled technicians at the site is also paramount in the creation of this project, the company says. Bombardier has used apprenticeship programs and has worked with UK training leader Marshall Center in the development of its 36-month program, providing an important conduit for impactful, high-paying aerospace jobs in the region.

Bombardier says the expansion of the London Biggin Hill Service Center – in concert with new facilities in Miami, Florida and Melbourne, Australia and the expansion of its service center in Singapore – underscores their comprehensive global commitment to global customer service.

TACG Has Added a New Human Factors Trainer Recurrent Course

Dr. Bob Baron and The Aviation Consulting Group announced a brand new course for Human Factors Instructors.

This Human Factors Trainer Recurrent course is appropriate for HF trainers who need refresher training (something that should typically be done every two years). Upon completion of this course, the attendee will be up-to-date on HF topics and course development/delivery methodologies.

Full course information can be viewed at https://www.tacgworldwide.com/Human-Factors/HF-Trainer-Recurrent.

Helicopter Pioneer Frank Robinson Has Died

On November 12, 2022 Robinson Helicopter Company bid a final farewell to its founder, Frank Robinson. Robinson, 92, passed away peacefully at his Rolling Hills, California home.

One of the most recognizable names in the helicopter industry, Frank Robinson was a pioneer, not driven by reward or accolades but by a vision that redefined the industry and changed general aviation.

Robinson will be remembered for the design and manufacture of the R22, R44, and R66 model helicopters. Known for their simplicity and reliability, the popular helicopters have a distinct profile and can be spotted easily and frequently all over the world.

Robinson’s fascination with helicopters began in 1939, at age nine, when he saw a picture in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer of Igor Sikorsky hovering his VS-300 helicopter, an image that captivated Robinson and set the course for his life’s work.

He earned a BSME degree from the University of Washington, later attending Wichita State University’s graduate aeronautical engineering school. His career began in the late ‘50s with Cessna and continued through the ‘60s working for many leading aerospace companies, including Bell and Hughes. In 1973, at age forty-three, unable to interest any of his employers in the idea for a simple, personal helicopter, he resigned from his job at Hughes and founded Robinson Helicopter Company in his Palos Verdes, California home. Six years later, defying critics and overcoming enormous obstacles, Robinson was granted FAA certification for his two-place, piston powered R22 helicopter. The unknown helicopter company delivered its first production R22 in October 1979. By 1989, the R22 had gained a foothold in general aviation, opening a previously untapped market for private helicopter ownership.

In the early ‘90s, realizing the potential for a light mid-size helicopter, Robinson introduced the four-place piston powered R44. Orders for the R44 quickly piled-up and the company became a recognized player in the aviation industry. In 2010, Robinson once again expanded his line with the five-place, turbine powered R66.

Robinson’s relentless determination earned him the respect of both colleagues and competitors. Affectionately called a rock star in certain aviation circles, Robinson retired in 2010 at age 80.

The list of awards and honors bestowed on Robinson is long.  Most notable:

2013      Daniel Guggenheim Medal – AHS International

2011      Lifetime Aviation Engineering Award – Living Legends of Aviation

2010      Cierve Lecturer – Royal Aeronautical Society

2011      Inducted into the U.S. National Academy of Engineering

2004      Howard Hughes Memorial Award – So. California Aeronautic Association

2000      Named Laurels Hall of Fame Legend – Aviation Week & Space Technology

1997      The Doolittle Award – Society of Experimental Test Pilots

1992      Laurels Award – Aviation Week & Space Technology

1991 & 1990      Igor I. Sikorsky International Trophy – American Helicopter Society

Today, the company continues under the leadership of Frank’s son, Kurt Robinson and, to date, has delivered over 13,000 helicopters worldwide.

Greene Tweed Highlighted Xycomp® DLF™ High-Performance Thermoplastic Composite Aerospace Brackets at 2022 NBAA-BACE

Greene Tweed,  showcased its Xycomp DLF high-performance thermoplastic composite aerospace brackets at the 2022 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), which was held October 18-20, 2022, in the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla.

Developed as part of Greene Tweed’s role as innovators in the evolution of aerospace, Xycomp DLF high performance thermoplastic composite brackets can endure the substantial demands of aerospace environments, while offering significant weight savings over metallic parts. They are 35 to 50 percent lighter than competitive metallic components, making them an excellent replacement for metal materials.

Greene Tweed uses its proprietary compression molding system to produce complex-contour shapes for near-net, intricate geometry with molded-in features such as bushings or attachment points. The material meets fire, smoke, and toxicity (FST) safety requirements for interior aerospace parts, and offers excellent resistance to aerospace solvents, high temperatures, and high vibrations for extended component life. In addition, Xycomp DLF brackets can be recycled upon removal from an aircraft.

ACI Jet Expands Into Van Nuys Airport (VNY) with AOG Maintenance Hub

ACI Jet, a Bombardier Authorized Service Facility (ASF) and Citation repair station, announced today from the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Orlando, Florida that the company has finalized the acquisition of a Van Nuys Airport-based aircraft maintenance operation. The acquisition secures a footprint at one of the busiest general and business aviation airports in the world. A tenant of Castle & Cooke Aviation on the west side of the airport, ACI Jet has secured office space and stationed technicians and two mobile aircraft vehicles with plans for additional vehicles and crew in 2023.

ACI Jet’s mobile unscheduled aircraft maintenance (“AOG”) division serves two primary functions: an extension of support for the company’s Repair Station customers and on-demand support for both transient and managed fleet aircraft throughout California. The new footprint in Van Nuys, California, coupled with existing vehicles, technicians and both office and hangar space at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, expands the volume of customers served throughout Southern California and facilitates greater support throughout Northern California by the company’s San Luis Obispo-based AOG team. The immediate coverage area of the new operating base will extend beyond Van Nuys Airport to Burbank Airport (BUR), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Camarillo Airport (CMA) and Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), to name a few.

While primarily focused on Bombardier Global and Challenger-series aircraft and Cessna Citation business jets, the AOG response team is capable of providing services for a full range of business aircraft. The strategic location of the new operating base puts additional parts, staffing, resources and tooling from the Repair Station at less than three hours away.

While the new AOG maintenance hub is fully operational, senior vice president of aircraft maintenance, David Jensen, outlined a phasing plan to scale up capabilities as local demand dictates. “Our goal is to be responsive to the needs of our customers at the airport while balancing the existing resources provided by some of our partners,” Jensen stated. The initial phasing plan includes the two current mobile aircraft maintenance vehicles and full-time technicians covering VNY and surrounding airports, plus additional vehicles and technicians by the close of this year. Dave anticipates additional vehicles and technicians in early 2023 as demand rises.

Jensen added: “A lot of our customers, including large fleet operators with whom we have long standing relationships, have asked specifically for ACI Jet’s support in Van Nuys, and we want to deliver on their needs. Basing vehicles and technicians locally will reduce our response times to virtually zero while bringing our renowned Repair Station capabilities and resources for select airframes within reach. This will be unrivaled coverage and service for ACI Jet’s customers.”