Category: BizJet

SkyThread Launches Aircraft Parts Track & Trace Solution

SkyThread has introduced SkyThread for Parts, a blockchain SaaS solution that captures and tracks all aircraft part events, both on and off aircraft, from manufacturing through decommission.

Key launch customers include international airlines, airline owned and independent MROs, as well as tier-1 OEMs and their component repair stations.

“SkyThread for Parts utilizes the SkyThread Blockchain Data Network, which enables seamless data sharing between stakeholders in complex ecosystems with consensus-driven data governance and automated data validation,” said Mark Roboff, SkyThread’s co-founder and CEO.

SkyThread for Parts dismantles the trust barriers that have inhibited efficient data sharing between commercial aviation stakeholders.

“SkyThread does not replace the legacy IT systems used by airlines, MROs, and OEMs, but rather runs in cooperation with them,” Roboff said.

“SkyThread for Parts resolves the inefficiencies, waste, and delays that plague commercial aviation due in large part to the challenges of manually sharing part history data between siloed systems,” Roboff continued. “Furthermore, SkyThread for Parts enables the industry to transform reliability analysis, moving to the tracking of actual cycles and hours for all serialized parts.”

SkyThread for Parts unlocks substantial efficiencies and cash flow benefits for all aviation stakeholders by providing critical visibility into the aviation supply chain via SkyThread’s unified source of truth.

Business Aviation Issues Guiding Principles
On Sustainability Ahead of U.N. Aviation Forum

Business aviation groups put forward a set of policy principles to guide long-term carbon emissions reductions in the lead-up to the 41st International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Triennial Assembly convening this week.

ICAO, a United Nations agency, convenes its 193 member states every three years to set worldwide aviation policy. The next triennial meeting will be held in Montreal from Sept. 27 to Oct. 7.

Under the Business Aviation Commitment on Climate Change, the industry has committed to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Sustainable aviation fuel, which can reduce aviation’s lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%, is key to reaching this goal.

The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and other industry groups have developed four guiding principles for the assembly that provide a roadmap for ensuring the sector continues to build on its established record of safety, security and sustainability in the years to come:

  • Foster investments that scale the production, availability and use of SAF, including tax credits;
  • Encourage greater use of industry initiatives, such as book-and-claim, which enable sustainability gains when SAF is not available, especially at the small airports where business aviation operations are prevalent;
  • Support innovations, including electric powered aircraft and other propulsion alternative technologies, that can greatly cut CO2 emissions; and
  • Encourage cooperative programs between member states to spread the use of best practices proven to increase aviation sustainability.

“We know what our industry needs to accomplish to reach our goal of net-zero emissions, and we have the tools available to do so,” IBAC Director General Kurt Edwards said. “Now is the time to put in place the appropriate policies for this vision to become a reality.”

A working paper presented by the global aviation industry to ICAO in July estimated that “between 53% and 71% of aviation decarbonization will need to be delivered through a shift to sustainable aviation fuels.” Significant global SAF production is “achievable with the right policy support and market signals,” and could “generate or sustain up to 14 million jobs,” the industry said.

In addition to carbon reductions from SAF, the industry said that “between 12% and 34% will need to come from the development and deployment of new technologies, including both evolutions in conventional airframe efficiency and radical new technology options such as hydrogen in the more ambitious scenarios.”

Industry emissions progress

From 2010 to 2020, the business aviation sector met its short-term climate action goal with analysis showing a 1.9% annual fuel efficiency improvement on a rolling average. As a result, between 2015 and 2020, the industry’s carbon emissions were 2.4 million tons lower than levels forecasted in 2015.

Skyservice Business Aviation Expands Presence in Montreal 

Skyservice Business Aviation has acquired a heavy-body aircraft hangar and office facility from Bombardier, thereby doubling the Company’s footprint at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) in Montréal, Canada.

The 153,000- square-foot property includes 80,000 square feet of hangar space, providing Skyservice with greater capacity to perform nose-to-tail heavy aircraft maintenance as well as support the growing demand for aircraft management at YUL, one of Canada’s busiest airports.

“We are pleased to acquire this cutting-edge facility, which will allow us to deliver our award-winning services to even more aircraft owners, clients and fleet operators at YUL,” said Benjamin Murray, president and CEO of Skyservice. “Skyservice was founded in Montréal in 1986 and we are committed to continuing to invest in aviation excellence, innovation and sustainability at this airport, creating more opportunities for hands-on training and employment, and offering aircraft owners access to a full suite of best-in-class services and support.”

The transaction further strengthens Skyservice’s presence in Canada’s aviation services market. Earlier this year, Skyservice opened Toronto South, its second private jet center at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), which includes a 90,000 -square- foot hangar and a 20,000-square-foot Fixed Base Operation (FBO) exclusive to managed aircraft clients.

Constant Aviation Adds Philadelphia-Based Aircraft on Ground Mobile Response Capabilities


Constant Aviation has added to its nationwide AOG (Aircraft on Ground) mobile response network with a new Philadelphia-based group that will focus on servicing southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. It is the second new location announced this year after the new station in Salt Lake City. Constant Aviation now operates 28 AOG teams nationally, up by more than 30 percent from the 21 teams in 2020.

“In my 25 years in the private aviation industry, this continues to be one of the most robust periods we have seen and that has generated record demand for our services,” said David H. Davies, Constant Aviation’s CEO. “The increase in AOG service locations is intended to help meet current demand, but mobile AOG services have proven sustainable in all market conditions as aircraft always need on-demand service at the hundreds of smaller airports that lack substantial maintenance capabilities.”

Davies said that Constant Aviation is bolstering its capabilities by expanding hiring, not only in its newest locations, Philadelphia and Salt Lake City, but also in such high-demand areas as California, Texas, Florida, the Chicago and Scottsdale metro areas and the greater Northeastern U.S.

“We’ve always said our most important asset is our workforce of trained, talented technicians, and that has never been more true than during the current surge in business,” said Davies. “We’re looking to expand our team by recruiting new technicians through a range of channels, and offering not only opportunity but also the most competitive compensation and the best working conditions in the industry.”

Constant Aviation Steps Up Technician Recruitment Efforts

Constant Aviation recently enhanced its Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program, which enables applicants without military or college training to participate in a two-year aviation services program and earn the FAA Airframe Certification, a first step in a career in aviation services. Program participants learn by performing technical tasks alongside veteran

technicians and participate in classroom and lab work all while earning a steady income. Constant Aviation covers the cost of all training and certification testing for the program.

In addition to the apprenticeship program, the company is recruiting established technicians by offering a $15,000 signing bonus for military veteran candidates, a $2,000 signing bonus for other successful technical position candidates and grants of up to $8,000 to successful aircraft-on-ground (AOG) technician candidates following the completion of their first year with the company.

Constant Aviation also boosted recruitment and retention by increasing pay to all technicians by 10 percent, offering tuition reimbursements and increased paid time off and expanding career-enhancing training opportunities, with training engagements up 150 percent.

AOG a Critical Part of Aircraft Maintenance Services

Constant Aviation’s 28 AOG mobile teams now support 86 aircraft models from 14 manufacturers, and each AOG vehicle is fully equipped and supplemented with expanded tooling strategically placed around the country, so aircraft can be serviced wherever they are located, whether in a hangar, at an FBO or on a ramp.

In addition to its nationwide network of mobile technicians, Constant Aviation operates full-service aircraft maintenance facilities at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (ICAO: KCLE) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (ICAO: KSFB) that provide airframe and engine maintenance, major repairs, avionics, interiors and painting.

CWIs/SCWIs Can Get Certification Endorsement to Perform Welding Procedure Qualifications 

The American Welding Society (AWS) has introduced the Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement, developed for existing Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWI) who want to conduct Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) qualifications. .

The WPS is a key component to ensuring weld quality; its qualifying process is a complex mixture of engineering, metallurgy, welding capability, and inspection. When a problem exists in any of these areas, the result can be failure of the weld to meet specified service conditions. To meet code requirement, the WPS must be properly qualified by a relevant engineering authority.

While Certified Welding Inspectors have a fundamental knowledge of WPS qualification,” commented Denny Smith, managing director of Certification, “they require further training and assessment. CWIs or SCWIs who hold the Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement have demonstrated that they are able to qualify WPSs with appropriate engineering oversight.”

Prior to sitting for the endorsement exam, candidates are encouraged to participate in either an in-person or online training seminar; 16 hours of instruction provided in two and four days, respectively. “The Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement Seminar covers activities related to the qualification of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)” Alicia Garcia, Director of Education, stated. “Participants will learn how to assess project requirements, demonstrate knowledge of process variables and relevant documents, evaluate mechanical and nondestructive testing for procedure qualification purposes, prepare a PQR, establish ranges for prequalified WPSs, and list ranges for WPS qualified by testing.”

The group says CWIs and SCWIs who hold the Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement will better be able to:

  • Differentiate between codes, standards, specifications, and other documents commonly used in a welding environment
  • Evaluate the various documents reviewed by the welding inspector prior to fabrication
  • Discuss the role of the welding inspector
  • Examine the role of procedure qualification records in the welding process
  • Assess control of materials and explain the importance of material control in meeting standards or specifications for production
  • Analyze alloy identification and material specification within welding inspector responsibilities
  • Navigate and identify pertinent information in the AWS D1.1 and B2.1 codebooks
  • Apply the necessary documents for a particular procedure qualification.
  • Explain the process of procedure qualification
  • Develop welding procedure specifications using real world examples
  • Analyze prequalified WPS’ and understand how they are developed
  • Analyze how Standard Welding Procedure Specifications are developed, qualified, and used

CWIs seeking to take their career to the next level and become a SCWI, can use this all-new endorsement to help reach their goal. Their added skillset will also contribute to their company’s QA program.

FAA’s Largest Solar Project to Power Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center

The FAA’s largest solar project to date is coming to the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (the Center) in Oklahoma City. The clean electricity generated from the solar panels on FAA property will help serve the Center’s power needs.  

“This project captures the area’s abundant sunshine, will save valuable taxpayer dollars and will help build a more sustainable aviation system,” said Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen.

The panels are expected to produce 2,600 megawatt hours annually, the equivalent needed to power 260 average homes. The project will reduce the Center’s electric bill by an estimated $170,000 – $200,000 annually. Air traffic controllers, technical operations professionals and aviation inspectors are trained at the Center.

There are many energy-related advancements currently underway at the Center. Sixteen of the FAA’s 24 certified sustainable buildings are located on the Center’s campus. The Center has participated in two pilot programs for electric vehicle charging stations, and local university students are currently studying ways to better track the Center’s energy use and reporting.

This project helps the FAA meet President Biden’s goal for federal buildings to be clean and sustainable. Other solar projects include a 1,600 panel solar farm adjacent to the Tucson, Ariz., air traffic control tower. The panels generate enough power to support all of that facility’s electrical needs for several hours a day and help cool the building at night.

Sherwin-Williams Accepting Submissions for 2023 Aerospace Coatings Calendar

Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings is now accepting entries for its 2023 Aerospace Coatings Calendar, which exhibits superb aircraft paint schemes and exterior finishes completed with the brand’s coatings.

All aircraft types are encouraged for submission – from business, regional and commercial jets to kit planes, helicopters, military aircraft and more. The annual program recognizes the outstanding work of designers, MROs, and aircraft painters from across North America who rely on Sherwin-Williams brand products in their repaint and OEM facilities.

“Each year our calendar program grows in popularity and continues to represent the pinnacle of true design and paint production excellence,” says Julie Voisin, Global Marketing Manager, Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings. “We are honored that our annual calendar program celebrates the scheme designers and paint craftsman of the aviation industry and their incredible works of art.”

Any aircraft submitted to the calendar must be finished exclusively in Sherwin-Williams brand topcoats. Entries must also include professional photography of the aircraft showing multiple angles and any custom details. Judging is based on finish quality, technical difficulty, design originality and artistic merit.

Submissions will be accepted through Sept. 19, 2022, and winners will be notified in November. Download the Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings Calendar entry form here to submit an aircraft.
or more information about Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings, visit aerospace.sherwin.com.

FAA Awards $5 Million in Grants to Train the Next Generation of Aviation Maintenance Technicians

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded $5 million in grants to develop a diverse talent pool of aviation maintenance technicians. The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants were awarded to organizations that will teach technical skills and prepare participants to pursue aviation maintenance careers.

“A career as an aviation maintenance technician opens a wide world of opportunity. These grants will allow us to reach and support individuals who may not had the chance to pursue this exciting career before,” FAA Deputy Administrator A. Bradley Mims said. 

Grant recipients include:

  • Macon County School District, Tuskegee, Ala.: $425,000
  • Pima County Community College District, Tucson, Ariz.: $490,000
  • North Orange County Community College District, Anaheim, Calif.: $250,000
  • San Bernardino Community College District, San Bernardino, Calif.: $400,000
  • International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Washington, D.C.: $450,000
  • DLK Aviation Inc., Kennesaw, Ga.: $250,000
  • Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs, Iowa: $475,000
  • Southern University at Shreveport, Shreveport, La.: $500,000
  • Dutchess Community College, Fairview, N.Y.: $450,000
  • Guilford County School System, High Pint, N.C.: $45,500
  • Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Ohio: $250,000
  • Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla.: $450,000
  • Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, Penn.: $214,500
  • South Carolina Department of Education, Charleston, S.C.: $250,000
  • Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Madison, Wis.: $100,000

Grantees can use the funds to establish new educational programs; provide scholarships or apprenticeships for individuals pursuing employment in the aviation maintenance industry; conduct outreach about careers in the aviation maintenance industry to primary, secondary and post-secondary school students; and support educational opportunities related to aviation maintenance in economically disadvantaged areas. 

ITT Expands Compact Actuation Portfolio with
Acquisition of Clippard Cylinder Product Line

ITT announced it acquired Clippard Instrument Laboratories’ product lines of durable, low maintenance, and cost competitive interchangeable pneumatic cylinders. The product lines include stainless steel, brass and aluminum cylinders and volume tanks. These industry-leading components will expand ITT’s Compact Automation product offering of air cylinders, linear and rotary actuators used in applications such as robotics, packaging, and automation. The acquisition closed in the second quarter of 2022.

“Clippard’s interchangeable solutions are an exciting addition to Compact’s already vast product offering of small, powerful, and configurable components,” said Ryan Flynn, president of ITT Connect & Control Technologies. “This expanded product line offers our customers a single source of critical application solutions for challenging environments. The acquisition expands ITT’s presence in attractive end markets, including automation, and builds on our already strong position in components.”  

Clippard’s pneumatic cylinders broaden the compact offering with products designed for high-speed, high-cycle applications found in industries such as warehouse automation, textiles, and food and beverage, where CCT already has a strong presence. At the same time, the two businesses share distribution networks that, when combined, will simplify the customer purchasing experience and create opportunities to extend relationships with distributors.

To further serve the growing needs of its customers, ITT also announced that its Compact business will expand its Westminster, South Carolina operations, including engineering, assembly, machining, customer service and quality departments, to house the newly acquired Clippard cylinder production assets.

Lufthansa Technik Renews Commitment to Apprentice Training

After one of the biggest aviation industry crises, Lufthansa Technik’s apprentice training program this year has returned in terms of numbers to roughly where it was in 2020: 186 young people will begin  their apprenticeship at the German locations of the company. Furthermore, a  total of 23 dual students were taken on, i.e. school graduates who combine their degree courses with practical 
applications.

“We need reinforcements for the decade ahead; mechanics and engineers for the production divisions, we need young staff members for logistics and also the commercial sector,” says Barbara Koerner, head of Training & Dual Studies at Lufthansa Technik. “We are competing  with many other companies that are preparing for the changes brought about by the upcoming generation change and increasing digitization. The job market has changed a great deal: In a constantly evolving  world, we increasingly find ourselves in the situation of no longer being able to choose but having to be chosen as an attractive employer. In this respect, vocational training of highly qualified workers remains one of our most important measures for securing the future.” 

In view of an increasingly tight HR market, Lufthansa Technik is using a number of new methods in addition to tried-and-tested measures in personnel marketing in order to reach young people who 
are suitable both personally and professionally: With new visual language and under the slogan “We are Aviationeers” in printed and online advertising formats as well as social channels, the company is also advertising for new employees in Hamburg and Frankfurt with campaigns in public transport and in fast food restaurants. Presence at trade fairs will also be intensified again, as will cooperation projects with schools and universities.

Of the altogether 209 new training positions or places to study, 122 are directly attributable to Lufthansa Technik AG, 36 for the first time to the technical operations of Lufthansa Airlines, and the remainder to the companies of the Lufthansa Technik Group (see listing below). The percentage of women in this year is a good fourteen percent. The inclusion of people with physical disabilities  also remains a declared goal of the company: In Hamburg, two hearing-impaired people will start their training as tool mechanics this year.

Training figures by location and specialization:

Lufthansa Technik AG, Hamburg (training starts August 8), 111 in total (incl. Technik Students)

93 apprentices:
28 aircraft mechanics for technical maintenance 
10 aircraft mechanics for production engineering 
21 aircraft mechanics for engine technology 
6 tool mechanics (2 of which are hearing-impaired) 
13 electronics technicians for devices and systems 
11 aircraft electronics specialists 
4 cutting machine operators 

18 Technik Students

Bachelor:
3 aircraft construction specialists
2 electrical engineering and information technology specialists 
6 mechanical engineers 
1 mechatronics specialist 
Master: 
3 industrial engineers 
3 information technology specialists

Lufthansa Technik AG, Frankfurt (training starts August 22), 65 in total (incl. Technik Students)

60 apprentices:
24 aircraft mechanics for engine technology 
18 aircraft mechanics for technical maintenance (training for Lufthansa Airlines) 
6 aircraft electronics specialists (training for Lufthansa Airlines) 
6 aircraft mechanics for technical maintenance (training for 
Lufthansa Airlines, after basic training deployment in Munich) 
6 aircraft electronics specialists (training for Lufthansa Airlines, 
after basic training deployment in Munich)

5 Technik Students – Bachelor 
1 international business engineer 
2 business engineers
2 Applied Physicists

Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services, Hamburg (training starts August 
8), 8 in total
8 specialists for warehouse logistics

Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services, Frankfurt (training starts 
August 22), 9 in total
7 specialists for warehouse logistics 
2 specialists for forwarding and logistics services

Lufthansa Technik AERO Alzey, Alzey (training starts August 1), 11 in total

11 aircraft mechanics for engine technology 

Lufthansa Engineering and Operational Services GmbH (training starts 
August 22), 1 in total
1 specialist in mechatronics engineering

Lufthansa Technik AG, Berlin (training starts September 1), 4 in total
4 aircraft mechanics for production engineering