Category: BizJet

Teledyne FLIR Unveils VS80 High Performance Videoscope with Seven Probe Options Including Thermal Imaging 

Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, has released the FLIR VS80 high-performance videoscope series, a professional inspection tool for use in a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications.

To enable the widest range of visual inspections, the FLIR VS80 is designed to provide versatile and powerful videoscope technology, the company says. The VS80 is outfitted with a 1024 × 600 high resolution (HD) seven-inch touchscreen display and is available for purchase in seven different kits with the option to purchase waterproof, ultra-slim probes that can be swapped in and out within seconds. Probe options include a 4.5 mm diameter two-way articulating probe; a four-way articulating probe; a plumbing spool probe with a 25-meter cable; single HD and dual HD visible camera probes; a standard definition probe; and a general-purpose thermal camera probe.

“Trades and technicians need to inspect targets in tight spaces, without time-consuming disassembly in many industries including manufacturing, building, and automotive maintenance,” said Rob Milner, business development director, Teledyne FLIR. “The new FLIR VS80 meets all these needs while providing an impressive range of diagnostic versatility across the visible and infrared imaging spectrums. Professionals are better equipped to find hidden dangers and damage in locations that are difficult or inaccessible. In total, the VS80 provides inspection and repair personnel the ability to lower maintenance costs and the capital costs of replacement while improving productivity and safety on the job.” 

Live Reference Simplifies Diagnostics and Repair Confirmation 

Teledyne FLIR offers unique live reference image comparison on the display screen to make historical or standard image comparisons easier. Inspectors simply add a side-by-side reference image with the live videoscope imagery. They can then quickly compare the imagery to see if a component has changed since previous inspection, or if it needs repair or replacement. The information can also be added to a post-inspection report with multiple options for inspectors to capture detailed information, including through text, voice, images, and videos recorded with timestamp display.

The device is also compatible with the FLIR Tools Mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. From a mobile device, view saved images and video captured from the VS80, download files, and share them easily with customers or colleagues.

Affordable Thermal Videoscope 

The forward-facing thermal imaging probe for the FLIR VS80 brings thermal videoscope capabilities to a larger array of users with a price under $1,000 USD, a la carte, or as part of a kit starting at $2,599 USD. It offers 160 × 120 thermal on the end of a one-meter cable to easily inspect attics, crawl spaces, inside walls, inside industrial gearboxes, and other mechanical equipment to quickly identify damages, leaks, and overheating parts that are invisible to the naked eye.

West Star Aviation Adds In-house Structural FAA DER at PCD

West Star Aviation has added Don Carter as the new Structural FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) at their Perryville, MO (PCD) facility. 

Carter has 30 years of aviation experience, previously working at Saberliner and, most recently, Flying Colours. With his extensive DER expertise, he is able to review, approve and certify major alterations to airframes, avionics and interior modifications and installations.

“Don’s extensive engineering experience within corporate aviation is a welcome addition to the growing capabilities at West Star (PCD),” said Kyle French, general manager, West Star Aviation – Perryville.  “He represents a significant expansion of our in-house engineering capability that will benefit our customers in the form of reduced down times and increased project efficiency.”

“I appreciate the opportunity to apply my skills and expertise to an organization of West Star’s caliber and I look forward to providing our customers with an extended level of service,” said Carter.

FEAM AERO Introduces New Service Offering

FEAM AERO will expand their portfolio of services with a new vertical in major repair and recovery, spearheaded by their most recent hire. Michael Turpin has been appointed vice president of major repair and recovery to oversee this new service offering, and uphold FEAM’s standards of quality and safety in this category.

“Our goal is to see FEAM grow in the global market, and to be considered the undisputed leader in repair and recovery,” adds Turpin, who brings 37 years of aviation experience to his new role.

Turpin is a former United States Navy Crew Chief who began his career in aviation working to repair SH-3H and CH-53E helicopters that had acquired significant structural damage. He later joined RAMS at McDonnell Douglas and traveled extensively repairing Douglas aircrafts.

As a compliment to FEAM’s MRO Services, adding major repair and recovery will allow FEAM to offer a turnkey solution to all customers who are looking for high quality, cost effective ways to recover and repair aircrafts without paying OEM prices. FEAM’s major repair and recovery teams will be deployed throughout their U. S. and international locations to support adjusters, underwriters, and airlines with on-the-ground repairs. 

“We are thrilled to add Michael Turpin to our growing team. The creation of his position, and the corresponding new capabilities it represents are a glimpse into the big-picture thinking that FEAM has embarked on as part of our global expansion plan. We are extremely confident in Mr. Turpin’s ability to exceed expectations, and look forward to all that he will accomplish in this new role,” explains Cam Murphy, president of FEAM AERO.

flydocs Signs MoU with Conduce Group for Electronic Log Book Integration

Asset management solution provider flydocs has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Conduce Group under which flydocs will support with an interface of the eTechLog8, with the intention of allowing common clients the ability to keep a central repository for their e-signed tech log pages.

The MoU reflects a shared commitment between flydocs and Conduce Group to focus on high standards of operational efficiency and innovation in the aviation sector. 

Commenting on the collaboration, John Bowell, chief commercial officer, flydocs said; “Conduce provides several integrated cross-platform companion applications using their latest mobile technologies and this MoU strengthens our partnership and accelerates our ambitions for achieving our common goals. This is a great moment for us as this MoU will further drive our commitment to creating a seamless exchange of data between our products to bring additional value to our clients, jointly.”

Paul Boyd, managing director, Conduce said; “For Conduce Group, system integration is one of the cornerstones of eTechLog8, to ensure that the airlines obtain the greatest benefit on their digitalization journey. eCentral8 with its inbuilt integration manager, eGIS8, can seamlessly link data bi-directionally with other airline applications. Collaborating with the leaders in records management software, flydocs, we’re excited to advance the digital transformation journey and provide exceptional added value to our clients.”

Constant Aviation Expands Capabilities to Include Helicopter MRO Services

Constant Aviation has expanded its MRO capabilities beyond its portfolio of business jets, commercial airliners and other fixed-wing aircraft to include rotorcraft such as helicopters, drones and other Commercial Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

“We have striven to be at the forefront of aviation technology in all its forms, including servicing helicopters and emerging technologies such as Commercial Unmanned Aircraft Systems,” said David H. Davies, Constant Aviation’s CEO. “Our expansion into these sectors positions us well for the future, including our ability to serve even newer emerging technologies such as Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. We are fully staffed and equipped to service any private aircraft that can fly, from fixed-wing aircraft such as business jets to helicopters, drones and other rotorcraft.”

As part of this initiative, Constant is completely refurbishing the Sikorsky S-76 helicopters flown by Flexjet’s new private helicopter division. The interiors of each helicopter are being refurbished in Flexjet’s LXi custom cabin interiors, with the first being the “Phantom” interior theme. All veneers are being refinished and all soft goods (seats, carpets and side walls) are being restored with new materials rich with texture. The newly painted livery was designed by Constant Aviation to pay homage to Flexjet’s distinctive business jet liveries which include a chameleon paint with an added carbon fiber accent on the upper cowling and leading edge on the vertical tail.

The private helicopter division refurbishments are being performed at Constant Aviation’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Orlando Sanford International Airport (ICAO: KSFB).

“We are proud that Flexjet has chosen us to ensure that its private helicopters meet its exacting standards,” said Davies. “The refurbishment demonstrates how we have successfully expanded our offering to include providing maintenance, repair and overhaul services to helicopters and other rotorcraft.”

Constant Aviation says its expansion into helicopter MRO services is “a natural step in ensuring the company remains at the forefront of aviation maintenance needs across the full range of aircraft.” The company also believes the expertise developed with helicopters and other traditional rotorcraft systems strategically positions it to serve emerging technology areas such as UAS and eVTOLs, which employ similar engineering, materials and systems.

“The aviation industry is evolving quickly, with new systems coming to the fore, especially in vertical flight and unmanned systems,” said Davies. “We want to be positioned as the leader in servicing these newer forms of flight, and have been expanding our capabilities to offer them the same levels of skill, speed and quality that we have long provided to business jets and other fixed-wing aircraft.”

In recent years, Constant Aviation has been dedicating additional resources towards these platforms, including adding even more FAA-authorized capabilities to its repair station certificates. These have the express purpose of working tip-to-tail on today’s helicopters, UAS and, eventually, eVTOLs that require specific expertise that frequently is not aligned with standard repair station capabilities and issued ratings.

For example, in 2021 Constant Aviation renewed its partnership with Robotic Skies, a global marketplace for drone maintenance services, to support next-generation aviation sector UAS. With one of the nation’s largest aircraft-on-ground (AOG) mobile fleets, Constant Aviation can repair drones wherever they may be, an important consideration given how widely such vehicles are now used in business and industry. The continuation of this partnership, which resulted in Constant Aviation becoming an authorized UAS service center in 2017, positioned the two companies at the forefront of these emerging markets.

Deadline Closing in for FAA Aviation Workforce Development Grants Application

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration is seeking applications for two Aviation Workforce Development Grant programs aimed at developing and inspiring a more diverse pool of pilots and aviation maintenance technicians to join the next generation of aviation professionals. This is the FAA’s second funding opportunity for these programs. A total of $10 million is available for the grants.

The Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants will educate students to become pilots, aerospace engineers or unmanned aircraft systems operators. The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants will prepare aviation maintenance technicians. Eligible entities can submit applications at www.grants.gov through June 10, 2022.

Eligible entities may apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 for each grant per fiscal year. Last year, the FAA awarded $10 million in grants to more than 30 schools and organizations.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity for each grant provides detailed information on eligibility, deadlines, evaluation criteria and application procedures. To ensure fair and open competition for the grants, answers to public questions will be posted on the FAA website at www.faa.gov/go/awd. 

Potential applicants should visit the site to review answers to frequently asked questions, eligibility requirements and guidelines that may assist them to complete their grant application.

FAA Modernizes Aviation Maintenance Technician School Curriculum Requirements

A new rule from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will improve and modernize the training requirements for aviation maintenance technician schools (AMTS). This will ensure that new aviation technicians learn from curriculums that align with current industry standards.  

“These improvements will help us educate the future workforce and meet the demands of the evolving aviation community,” said FAA Deputy Administrator A. Bradley Mims. 

The previous requirements for AMTS were almost 50 years-old, which limited schools from aligning curriculums with modern industry standards. The new rule will enable schools to teach students with a curriculum that incorporates new innovations and technologies.  

In the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act of 2020, Congress directed the FAA to adopt new requirements for issuing AMTS certificates and the associated ratings. This rule adopts those requirements and revises the general operating rules for the holders of AMTS certificates and ratings.

The final rule takes effect 120 days after it published in the Federal Register. 
 

Bombardier Increases Maintenance and Repair Capacity at its Le Bourget Line Maintenance Station

Bombardier has expanded its Line Maintenance Station (LMS) at Le Bourget Airport near Paris to increase its maintenance and repair services for European customers. The company believes the facility is strategically located at one of Europe’s busiest airports for business aviation and the expansion is another step in the company’s drive to lead the industry in aftermarket services by bringing best-in-class OEM service, parts and know-how closer to its customers.

Bombardier recently boosted its workforce at the Le Bourget LMS, established in 2018, and has added more than 30,000 sq. ft. (3,000 square meters) of hangar space, capable of accommodating up to three Global 7500 aircraft at one time or as many as six Learjet or Challenger aircraft at a time. The expansion has increased the slots available for light scheduled maintenance as well as unscheduled and aircraft-on-ground (AOG) maintenance and parking services currently provided by the LMS. The additional space and technicians are poised to enhance the reach and response time of Bombardier’s locally stationed Mobile Response Team (MRT). Near term plans also include the addition of wheel and battery shop maintenance services.

“As we actively grow our worldwide service footprint, we are creating more and more opportunities for our business jet customers to leverage Bombardier’s vice president, Customer Support, Bombardier. “Our supplemental light and line maintenance capabilities and parking solution at this strategic location complement our existing heavy maintenance offerings in Berlin and London and ensure customers of our already-popular Le Bourget LMS can benefit right now from access to a broader range of top-tier options in the region.”

The Le Bourget facility is certified for the Learjet 60 and Learjet 75 aircraft, as well as Challenger and Global series business jets, including Bombardier’s flagship Global 7500 and its new, Challenger 3500 aircraft.

Textron Aviation Adds Mobile Service Location in Madrid

Textron Aviation has opened a new mobile service location in Madrid, Spain. The Madrid-Barajas Airport location will act as an extension of its factory service center in Valencia, to initially support in-region customers who own Cessna Citation jets and Caravan turboprops. This new location will offer additional flexibility to customers and complement the company’s Aircraft on Ground (AOG) response.

The mobile service location can conduct minor service tasks including troubleshooting and AOG support at any given time. With this expansion, Textron Aviation is increasing its team support in Madrid with the addition of two technicians and one office administrator. The company has more than 450 Textron Aviation employees in Europe providing customers local access to factory-direct expertise.

Textron Aviation has around 1,800 jet and turboprop aircraft operating in the region. Textron Aviation expanded its footprint in Germany last fall at its Stuttgart facility, now a satellite service center.

Textron Aviation Makes Aftermarket Investments in Europe with Expansion of Parts Availability

Textron Aviation recently announced it is continuing its investment in the region, specifically through increased parts accessibility and dedicated customer support team members to better serve its customers.

Parts fulfillment from the European Distribution Center has steadily increased since it opened in 2015 in Düsseldorf, Germany. It is Textron Aviation’s second largest parts distribution facility, carrying more than 14,000 unique parts aimed to ensure its customers have the parts they need within Europe and thereby bettering their operational availability.

The company has expanded the facility by 4,000 cubic feet to prioritize high-demand parts and to increase parts availability for both its company-owned service centers and retail customers.

“This investment ensures our customers are able to be successful and we continue to evaluate market opportunities in the region to support them,” said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, Global Parts and Distribution. “We recently increased our team to offer additional dedicated regional support for parts and warranty claims to assist our customers.”

Textron Aviation has a team of more than 450 employees in Europe providing customers local access to Textron Aviation-owned parts distribution centers and service centers. With this expansion, Textron Aviation is able to increase the team by two percent dedicated to aftermarket support.