Category: BizJet

FBOs Begin Joining MRO Insider Platform

MRO Insider announces the addition of six FBOs to the platforms’ latest feature, bringing the total number of FBOs to 14 since going live in the fall.

Andy Nixon, President of MRO Insider states, “FBOs have suffered for years with current fuel programs that force guaranteed rates, leading to margins being cut.” He adds “we incorporated this feature allowing the FBO to lower customer acquisition costs by submitting a quote based on real time supply and demand for services while only paying a $25 admin fee.”

FBOs are notified through e-mail and mobile push notification that operators are searching for fuel, hangar space, lavatory service, transportation, and more within the app. “To streamline alternatives for the operator, the app request pings all FBOs on our network within 100nm of the destination”, Nixon said “this allows FBOs to get in front of and possibly move business to their ramp. It also gives the operator a road map to the best services for that particular trip.” The FBO responds within the app directly to the operator. Pricing, customer reviews, and other pertinent details are included from the FBO. Average response time through the MRO Insider platform is less than 10 minutes, which may include a quote or a message from the FBO.

No initial fee is charged for the FBO to sign up. Service also includes logo and location(s) on MRO Insider’s live map feature. The company has a goal of surpassing 100 FBOs in 2022, which may include international locations as well.

MRO Insider Adds Multiple Provider Locations

MRO Insider announces year to date the platform has added over 70 maintenance provider locations in the United States from 14 companies supporting AOG, scheduled maintenance, and parts. This increase pushes the total number of provider locations to 350 between the United States, UK, Mexico, and Brazil.

Andy Nixon, President of MRO Insider states, “2022 has shown our company incredible growth on the service provider side along with requests sent by aircraft operators.” He goes on to state that “our team has been focusing on increasing the win percentage through the app and we are now reporting a 35% acceptance rate in 2022, even reaching over 50% in March.” Adding “what that tells us is over one-third of requests are selecting a service provider that utilizes our platform; a crucial statistic for our growth.”

Service providers are notified through e-mail and mobile push notification that aircraft operators are searching for maintenance through the platform. The provider responds within the app directly to the operator. Pricing, timing, customer reviews, and more are included from the provider. Average response times for AOG events have dropped below 8 minutes from when the operators send a request. “Our operators are receiving 3-6 competitive quotes for AOG response quicker than sitting on hold with a single call center.” Nixon adds. Also in 2022, the company has pushed into the FBO market to include hangar rental, fuel quotes, handling, and ground service equipment to name a few.

Bally Ribbon Mills Offers Industrial Fabrics That Solve Filtration Manufacturing Challenges

Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) offers specialty fabrics constructed of specialty
polymer fibers that help achieve filtration application manufacturing challenges, including
reducing environmental impacts of manufacturing and energy production. Specialty fabric
polymer selection is determined by the type of gas or air being filtered. Fabrics used are
composed of either polyester or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) for applications in which greater
heat and acid resistance is required.

BRM’s specialty fabrics, available in a wide variety of fiber combinations and weave structures,
are used in filtration applications requiring controlled air permeability and water porosity, as well
as high seam strength and structural reinforcements for industrial air filtration applications.
Seamless woven tubular fabrics can be created with a completely uniform fabric structure, often
used in medical applications for liquid filtration.

Kaman Measuring Announces ThreadChecker with Inspection Capabilities

The Measuring Division of Kaman Precision Products has announced the availability of its improved ThreadChecker. This line of non-contact application-specific sensors provides rugged, reliable verification of thread presence or absence in nearly any electrically conductive material. The ThreadChecker is a teachable eddy current inspection tool, widely used for thread detection, material sorting, plating presence, and absence of heat treatment, as examples. Any physical property difference that relates to material conductivity is readily detected. These sensors are available from stock and ready to ship immediately.

The ThreadChecker is ideal for use in any automated inspection process. Consisting of a single electronics module compatible with any probe/material combination, the ThreadChecker can check threads regardless of part cleanliness, reducing the cost of implementation.

With Kaman’s proven eddy current technology at its core, the ThreadChecker is designed specifically for in-die use. It features four internal probes, ranging from 4 to 10 millimeters (mm) and two external probes, 6mm and 8mm. Available with a DIN rail mounting option, ThreadChecker is CE-compliant and features IP-67 rated probes and electronics.

The ThreadChecker is available with both switched and analog outputs. With the switched output option, the sensor is wired to a PLC or other controller, programmed to alarm when no thread is detected. As an alternative, users can monitor the analog voltage and program the PLC or other control device with limits suitable for the application.

THOMMEN Launches Display Solutions for Legacy CRT Upgrades to LCD Displays

Swiss avionics manufacturer THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT announced its display replacement services coming to the broader market for CRT (cathode-ray tube) and first-generation LCD display in legacy aircraft.

THOMMEN says it has brought together “the engineering and manufacturing expertise of more than a century of providing avionics solutions to fixed wing, rotorcraft and special mission type operations.”
THOMMEN offers in-house lamination and assembly services thanks to a state-of-the-art ISO class 5 certified cleanroom with aerospace-grade standards and display manufacturing capabilities. Modern LCDs can be tailor-cut to virtually any size of displays that are used in aircraft cockpits and mission systems. THOMMEN has completed multiple similar upgrade programs replacing aging CRT displays with modern LCD units and is now ready to offer this service to the broader marketplace.

“There are a lot of good avionics systems out there that have old CRT displays on them and are becoming increasingly more costly and difficult to keep airworthy, simply because of the numerous obsolescence issues those CRT units are facing.” said Pete Ring, senior sales executive for North America, “Thommen has solutions available today to update and modernize most aging legacy CRT and older LCD displays, breathing new life into these venerable systems and airframes at a fraction of the cost of a brand-new full panel upgrade.”

In the upgrade process, analog information is converted and processed to color and composite video signals to provide accurate navigation and mission data to the flight crew in a digital format. THOMMEN’s display solutions are fully functional, fully customizable and designed to meet the harsh requirements of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft operating in all environments thanks to its environmental qualifications that meet and exceed most mission requirements. THOMMEN also offers display mounting solutions, custom bezels, and specialized finishes designed to meet any customers unique specifications.

AMADA WELD TECH EUROPE Announces the DC-H3000A High Duty DC Spot Welding Power Supply

AMADA WELD TECH has announced the availability of the DC-H3000A High Duty cycle, DC Spot Welding Power Supply for high precision micro-joining applications. This power supply is designed for applications where high levels of accuracy, process control and traceability is required.

The switching system architecture of the DC-H3000A provides unsurpassed levels of DC current purity, with ultra-low ripple and fast loop response, which enables it to react to, and control challenging applications, achieving a stated accuracy of +/- 1% of the controlled parameter set point. The precise pulsed output delivered to the weld, is controlled in terms of either the peak voltage, current or power.

The DC-H3000A also features an exceptional user interface and system connectivity capabilities. A modern, intuitive Touch Screen display allows easy access to the weld settings, data logging and communications functionality. The DC-H3000A is equipped with USB, Ethernet, RS232 and conventional I/O communication ports for interfacing with control systems and/or capture of all welder performance data, which allows for simple automation and machine integration.

For a complete solution, the DC-H3000A can interface directly with the high-performance AMADA WELD TECH WH-L090A Linear Motor Weld Head or pneumatically driven weld heads for improved process control.

The DC-H3000A (formerly known as DC2013-T) is suited to any micro-joining application requiring a current of less than 3,000 Amps.

Flying Classroom Takes to the Sky with Support from Starling

A project to facilitate the training of the next generation of aerospace engineers in the UK’s only ‘flying classroom’ is fully operational thanks to the aircraft interior specialist, Starling Aerospace.

Working in partnership with Cranfield University’s National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC), Starling has completed a six-month program of modification and re-certification of all 35 seats in the NFLC’s Saab 340B aircraft, which is the latest educational asset to join the university’s fleet.

The project required a bespoke solution for the fitment of computer tablets and other equipment to each seat-back of the flying classroom. Starling was responsible for the complete design, fabrication, modification, re-certification and installation process, which provides aerospace engineering students from more than 20 universities and Cranfield to gain invaluable flight test experience as part of their research studies.

Operating from Cranfield’s Global Research Airport in Bedfordshire, the Saab 340B is unique in the UK in its role to create new research capabilities, including projects which test the development of advanced aerospace technologies and flight operations.

“Supporting Cranfield’s training program of future aerospace engineers has made this an exceptionally rewarding undertaking for Starling and one that required a complex array of technical challenges to be overcome, regarding bespoke design, parts manufacture and stringent re-certification,” said Starling’s co-founding director, Coralie Wigg. “Our team of design engineers and fabricators rose to these challenges with great professionalism and we were very proud to have partnered with Cranfield in support of its endeavours.”

Richard Jones, Aircraft Technical Manager, National Flying Laboratory Centre, said:
“Starling Aerospace delivered a fantastic ‘future proof’ solution to accommodate the Microsoft Surface Pro tablets in the headrests of the Saab 340 cabin seats, for our flying classroom tutorials. We were equally impressed with the durability and finish of the synthetic leather together with high standard of workmanship achieved by the whole Starling team.”

Textron to Acquire Pipistrel

Textron home to the Cessna, Beechcraft, and Bell aviation brands, announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase Pipistrel, an award-winning pioneer and global leader in electrically powered aircraft, based in Slovenia and Italy.

With Textron, Pipistrel will have access to greater resources, technical and regulatory expertise and a global aircraft sales and support network, enabling it to accelerate its development and certification of electric and hybrid electric aircraft. Upon closing of the transaction, Textron plans to form a new business segment, Textron eAviation, focused on the development of sustainable aircraft, which will include Pipistrel.

“Pipistrel puts Textron in a uniquely strong position to develop technologies for the sustainable aviation market and develop a variety of new aircraft to meet a wide range of customer missions,” said Scott Donnelly, Textron chairman and CEO. “Today’s announcement supports Textron’s long-term strategy to offer a family of sustainable aircraft for urban air mobility, general aviation, cargo and special mission roles.”

“Pipistrel has been celebrated as one of the world’s most important and successful manufacturers of electric aircraft,” continued Donnelly. “Textron is committed to maintaining Pipistrel’s brand, headquarters, research and development, and manufacturing in Slovenia and Italy, while making additional investments in Pipistrel for the development and production of future products.”

Pipistrel founder and CEO Ivo Boscarol will remain a minority shareholder as well as chairman emeritus, consulting on future product plans and strategies for a two-year period.

“Under my 30-year leadership, Pipistrel’s team has achieved a unique prime position in personal, affordable, environmentally friendly and electric aviation. The trend and foundation for future projects has clearly been set,” said Boscarol. “To drive Pipistrel’s ambitious goals and to continue its story of success, the joining of Textron and Pipistrel provides deep expertise and resources which would otherwise be inaccessible to Pipistrel alone. With Textron, we are together geared to strive for future growth and look forward to announcing exciting new products and projects. I am delighted to continue witnessing my vision become a reality by being actively engaged with the company for the future.”

The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

CAPTURE 3D Makes Digital Engineering Affordable with GOM Scan 1

CAPTURE 3D, provider of 3D measurement solutions and the official U.S. partner for GOM GmbH, a ZEISS company, announced GOM Scan 1 — an affordable, precise blue light 3D scanner with mesh editing capabilities to accurately digitize physical objects into the 3D world. Offered at an affordable price, GOM Scan 1 provides accessibility to the leading GOM blue light 3D scanning technology used by top manufacturers worldwide.

This solution reduces the barrier to entry into digital engineering with its price point that allows more people to experience the power and benefits of 3D digitalization. Ideal for serious hobbyists or industrial engineers, GOM Scan 1 digitizes small to medium-sized objects in high-quality data.

“GOM Scan 1 is a great tool to support great ideas, and with technology that’s proven to meet professional and industrial standards, you can rely on this 3D scanner to help you get things done,” said CAPTURE 3D General Manager Richard White.

GOM Scan 1 is used for diverse applications such as creating a digital file of an object for 3D printing, reverse engineering, manufacturing, quality control, virtual display and 3D modeling, research and education, art and design, and healthcare. GOM Scan 1 offers GOM Inspect 3D inspection software to quickly capture, visualize and analyze 3D measurement data within the same workflow.

Intelligent Mesh Editing for 3D Printing
GOM Inspect delivers a comprehensive 3D measurement experience that provides practical advantages for modern digital engineering applications. For example, mesh editing software functions allow users to smooth, thin and refine polygon meshes, fill holes and extract curvature lines, resulting in accurate meshes that support the reproduction of parts, creation of 3D models, development of new products, and 3D printing and reverse engineering applications. The smart polygonization software feature creates a highly detailed mesh while keeping its size easy to handle by importing and aligning CAD and mesh files to create surface comparisons and dimensional inspections and generate reports. These meshes can be saved in many standard formats, including STL, G3D, and POL.

Fast Fringe Projection and Blue Light Technology
GOM Scan 1 joins CAPTURE 3D’s collection of non-contact blue light 3D scanners that utilize GOM’s proprietary fringe projection technology to capture detailed full-field data with narrowband blue light recorded by two cameras that work based on GOM’s stereo camera principle. The powerful light source enables short measuring times and filters out interfering ambient light during data acquisition. This principle allows the sensor to recognize and compensate for changing ambient conditions. At the same time, its software continuously monitors the calibration status, transformation accuracy, environmental changes, and part movements to ensure high-quality measurement data collection.

Small and Lightweight for Easy Travel
Weighing 2.5 kg, GOM Scan 1 is compact and lightweight. The travel case it offers fits everything required for scanning, making it possible to transport the system wherever small and medium-sized parts need to be measured. Accessory options include a desk stand to mount the scanner and an automated rotation table. GOM Scan 1 caters to various applications with three measuring volumes: 100, 200, and 400 mm field of view.

GOM Scan 1 is available now through CAPTURE 3D. For more information or to schedule a demo, visit: http://www.capture3d.com

Lundin Acquires AMICOS Aviation Software

International aviation maintenance software designer, Lundin Software, has announced its acquisition of the Danish aviation maintenance software program AMICOS.

Lundin is the company behind the highly innovative and increasingly popular GANNET aviation maintenance management software, and launched its Gannet 3 – a faster, smarter and highly competitive new version of the GANNET – earlier this year.

The development relates to  the acquisition  AMICOS’s software programme and activities from the Amicos A/S business, which was recently purchased by Benjamin Nielsen, the owner of Skyways Technics A/S. 

“We appreciate the arrangement with Lundin Software as it has the competence needed to support the AMICOS software client base,” says Nielsen. 

AMICOS was successfully developed by Cimber Air, in Denmark, but has been struggling to modernise its platform since the demise of the Cimber Aviation Group.

“We aim to re-establish confidence in the AMICOS brand and will offer operators who still use the system both ongoing support and highly competitive solutions for the future,” says Lundin founder Jørleif Bech.

Lundin has successfully implemented GANNET worldwide with a broad portfolio of companies across the aviation sector, covering fixed-wing,  rotary-wing and a variety of MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) companies.

GANNET is an intuitive and easy to use system that provides an instant and reliable update of the fleet status. It is a tool designed to support a safe and compliant operation while saving time and money.

Lundin’s Executive Chairman Magni Arge adds: “Gannet has been brought into service by about 50 operators in 15 countries on five continents, so we are perfectly positioned to ensure continuity for AMICOS clients.”