Category: BizJet

Specialty matte paint from Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings made for a unique look on this Gulfstream. The only gloss paint is the pinstriping between the "carbon fiber effect" on the nacelles, tail and winglets and the blue accent striping. The scheme was laid out by hand. Constant Aviation image.

Deadline Soon for 2022 Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings Calendar Entries

Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings is now accepting submissions for its annual calendar to showcase the 12 best-finished aircraft of the year. Placement in the calendar is one of the industry’s most sought-after recognitions as it annually displays only the best aircraft paint schemes and exterior finishes gracing the sky.

The company is looking to again feature the finest looking aircraft in its 2022 Aerospace Coatings Calendar – whether it is a newly finished (or refinished) business or regional jet, commercial airliner, cargo aircraft, or a uniquely painted single/twin engine, kit plane, sport plane or helicopter – the calendar recognizes the outstanding work of designers, MROs and aircraft painters across the United States that rely on Sherwin-Williams aerospace products in their repaint and OEM facilities.

“The annual calendar program celebrates the scheme designs and paint craftsmen of the aviation industry and their incredible works of art – classic, custom or military – for all types of aircraft,” says Julie Voisin, Sherwin-Williams Global Product Manager for Aerospace Coatings. “Each year our calendar program gains popularity as we provide a platform to highlight 12 outstanding examples of true design and aircraft paint production excellence.”

Entries must include professional photography of the aircraft showing multiple angles and any custom details as judging is based on finish quality, technical difficulty, design originality and artistic merit. Any aircraft submitted to the calendar must be exclusively finished in Sherwin-Williams brand topcoats. Submissions will be accepted through September 3, 2021 and winners will be notified in early November.

Download the Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings Calendar entry form here. For more information about Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings, visit us online or call 1-888-888-5593.

Tracware Returns to Private Ownership

In a statement on their LinkedIn page, Traceware says they have returned to private ownership after being purchased and owned by JSSI since 2019. Here is the statement:

“In 2019, JSSI purchased Tracware Limited in order to provide industry-leading MRO and aircraft management software, and offer a fully integrated solution to manage business processes specific to the aviation MRO industry, however JSSI have determined that the MRO software market no longer fits within their long-term strategic vision, and in order to best position both JSSI and Tracware for future growth and success, Tracware was returned to private ownership in July 2021.”

AMADA WELD TECH Announces Jupiter Series of Modular Systems for Precision Joining

AMADA WELD TECH announces the availability of the Jupiter series of modular systems for precision joining, available for laser welding, laser marking, resistance welding, micro arc welding, and hot bar bonding applications. Jupiter modular systems can be equipped with all joining process modules available from AMADA WELD TECH to provide solutions to customers.

With the Jupiter series, customers purchase an automation platform from a global joining equipment leader and receive intensive process development support in AMADA WELD TECH application development centers. Joint early stage process development in AMADA WELD TECH labs ensures that customers receive the ideal system solution for years of high-quality production. Any welding, soldering, bonding, brazing, laser micromachining, and laser marking application can be handled by equipment in the Jupiter series.

The Jupiter modular system platform comes in four sizes, so it is adaptable to specific production requirements. The platform enables connections of very high quality and accuracy according to the company. The modular design is configurable to fit all process components and modules. The Jupiter models feature an ergonomic system design with high quality components, designed for 24/7 continuous production. All models are equipped with a human-machine interface (HMI) with touchscreen for easy programming and standard safety features.

Control systems, based upon a programmable logic controller (PLC) or industrial PC, collect all available process parameters and process data into one control system. The data can be stored in local and remote storage areas, all engineered to seamlessly integrate with an Industry 4.0 factory concept.

Optional features for the Jupiter systems include a combustion suppression unit (CSU) for battery pack welding; a transport system with two individual belts that can be configured for a wide range of product carriers, including transfer systems; an automatic cleaning station for electrodes and thermodes; a “Not OK” bin to separate products outside the control limits from those within control limits; and a range of water cooling options. Also available are upgraded data collection and traceability functionalities, including a barcode reader or a label printer; and interfaces for a variety of robotic systems.

Greene Tweed Offers Large-Diameter O-Ring Seals

Greene Tweed, manufacturer of high-performance sealing solutions and engineered components, announced its manufacturing solutions for large-diameter o-ring seals.

These seals are produced using either the Extensis molded o-ring or horseshoe molding methods. Both techniques are ideal for manufacturing elastomeric seals that exceed the size limitations of conventional compression molding presses.

The Extensis method provides a superior joint by bonding partially cured extrudate segments with a proprietary curing agent that is compositionally similar to the base material. The o-ring is then post-cured, de-flashed, and buffed as required, similar to the traditional compression molding process. The Extensis® method can be used for o-rings with a minimum inner diameter limit of 42 inches; there is no limit to the maximum inner diameter.

Greene Tweed’s horseshoe molding process, used in high-pressure, vacuum, dynamic, or other extreme applications, is ideal for critical equipment where asset integrity is paramount, such as compressors used in the oil & gas industry. The horseshoe molding process is consistent with that of typical compression molded o-rings and produces a truly homogenous joint with the highest performance. The process can be used for o-ring seals with a 28-inch minimum inner diameter limit, and no limit to the maximum inner diameter.

Greene Tweed performs extensive dimensional and visual inspection for large o-rings using standard measurement tools, best-in-class optical non-contact measurement systems and ISO 3601-3 criteria. Upon customer request, additional quality assurance criteria can be accommodated, such as 100-percent inspection or ISO 10423 destructive testing for high magnification crack verification.

Bally Ribbon Mills Bringing Smart Textiles to Commercialization

Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) is bringing to commercialization a variety of smart textile products – those that incorporate electronics or other actuation mechanisms into traditional fiber technology. Working with developers or fabricators making products for OEMs, BRM is using its proprietary E-WEBBINGS e-textile product base as the foundation layer to which electronic intercommunicative technology is integrated directly.

BRM’s recent work includes using LED lights to provide illumination embedded within a textile; embedding fiber optics technology that measures mechanical/thermal stress applied to a fiber optic monofilament; and adding metallic coatings on standard textile fibers, especially for applications requiring more than electrical conductivity. For example, BRM is working on applications with customers interested in EMI shielding, electro-magnetic field creation, piezo-resistive capability, and data collection. Spurred on by the critical need to tackle the presence of the COVID virus on textile surfaces, BRM is developing a new application focused on adding antimicrobial yarns and antimicrobial finishes to kill bacteria and viruses, speeding up product cleanup time.

BRM’s success in overcoming barriers is based on using established electrical components to shorten the R&D cycle and forming informal partnerships with fabricators and OEMs to develop solutions while protecting intellectual property. BRM has also made significant investments in new products without having an end use application – conducting benchtop analysis work with the technology supplier to provide working examples demonstrating how the technology can be applied.

BRM frequently manufactures small product runs, using an iterative development process that helps suppliers bring up the technology readiness level (TRL) of the technology they are promoting. BRM’s work typically focuses on ideas being developed for the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and Department of Health and Human Services.

Spartan and Teamsters Form Historic Partnership

Officials from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced the formation of an exclusive educational partnership between them. Spartan College and the Teamsters Union will host a signing day in August.

To serve the educational goals of Teamsters and their families, Spartan College offers special scholarships to those who qualify at all four campus locations – Tulsa, Oklahoma; Broomfield, Colorado; Riverside and Inglewood, California. Through this partnership, Teamsters and Spartan are committed to co-developing custom training to ensure their students are at the forefront of emerging aviation industry needs.

“We are thrilled about this monumental partnership,” said Rob Polston, Chief Executive Officer at Spartan. “We know this partnership will allow us to match our expertise of delivering career-oriented aviation training to the Teamsters who have set the standards for labor benefits that have positively impacted our economy. Furthermore, we’re excited to co-develop training products that anticipate the future needs of the aviation industry. Both Spartan and Teamsters will benefit greatly from this partnership.”

“This partnership is a perfect alliance,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “Spartan is a well-recognized educational aviation institution that continues to invest in their student experience and innovative programs. We are excited to offer incredible educational opportunities to Teamsters and their families to support their careers today and into the future.”

The Teamsters Union Airline Division has over 90,000 members across trades such as aircraft maintenance, piloting and customer service.

Established in 1928, Spartan College has trained over 100,000 pilots and aviation technicians and currently offers diploma and associate degree programs in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aviation Electronics Technology, Nondestructive Testing Technology/Quality Control Management and Aviation Flight. Additionally, Spartan College has developed a hybrid AMT option that maximizes student flexibility while minimizing time away from home, along with an online Bachelor of Science degree program in Technology Management.

Bluetail Announces $1b Worth of Business and GA Aircraft within its Digital Records Platform

Bluetail announced that with the company’s latest customer additions, it now manages back-to-birth aircraft records for over $1B in aircraft value.

In addition, Bluetail also disclosed that it recently closed a Series A financing round from a SaaS focused Venture Capital firm which will provide the company growth capital to support additional product enhancements, employee hiring and accelerate growth initiatives.

“Whether it be a Fortune 500 flight department, an owner/pilot or charter operator – every aircraft owner wants to ensure that all of their valuable aircraft records are protected, shareable and organized,” stated Stuart Illian, Bluetail co-founder. “Bluetail has proven to be the perfect complement to other “must have” aviation applications and now provides product coverage for all the major aircraft OEMs from piston singles, to private airliners and everything in between.”

“We are extremely proud of the rapid acceptance of Bluetail as evidenced by our record growth and validation of our unique value proposition added Roberto Guerrieri, Bluetail co-founder. “Our growing customer base coupled with our new funding will now drive future product innovation in the areas of business process automation, data management and security to a degree that separates us from all other solutions.”

In the 14-months since the company’s launch, Bluetail has been a major catalyst for the rapidly-growing aircraft digital records market segment, delivering an array of new products and services, including its latest revolutionary service offering, MACH Search. Aircraft owners and operators, MROs, brokers, aircraft lenders and even regulatory authorities now see the enormous potential benefits of having “back-to-birth” aircraft record systems that were previously only available for operators of commercial airliners.

“One of the first things a prospective customer asks us is if we can quantify how Bluetail will positively impact their operation,” Illian added. “Once we show them the difference in value and time with the added benefit of how we now offer essentially “insurance” for previously unprotected assets, they immediately understand the incredible value add that Bluetail is able to provide, both in maintaining and when they are ready to sell their aircraft. With these two important milestones, we are now embarking on the next phase of growth and we could not be more excited about the direction we are headed.”

Premier Aircraft Announces First U. S. Diamond DA50 RG Retail Order at AirVenture 2021

Premier Aircraft Sales announced at Oshkosh AirVenture 2021 that it had signed an order for the first DA50 RG to be delivered in the U.S.  

The New England-based buyer said that he chose the new Diamond model for its unmatched cabin space, fuel efficiency, payload, and overall versatility.

According to Jeff Owen, Premier’s vice president of Sales, the new-generation DA 50 RG will deliver in Q4 2022 following the completion of the FAA’s validation of the European certification of the aircraft.

“The DA 50 RG is the latest addition to the successful Diamond model line-up and fills the need for a large cabin high-performance single-engine aircraft that customers have been asking for in this category of aircraft. And Diamond has more than delivered,” Owen stated. “The DA 50 RG, powered by a 300-hp Continental CDI-300, six-cylinder, turbo-diesel powerplant, provides the most spacious cabin in its class with seating for five and generous baggage space and capacity.”

“Carrying on with Diamond’s commitment to manufacturing the safest aircraft in general aviation, the DA50 RG incorporates all the hallmark features of Diamond Total Safety Concept, giving owners the knowledge that their airplane provides the demonstrated occupant safety features that will keep them and their passengers safe,” he added.

The airplane’s capability to operate on lead-free, environmentally friendly Jet-A1 fuel at consumption rates as low as nine (9) gph makes the DA50 RG unique among all its competitors. Diamond is committed to bringing to market a family of aircraft which offers the most modern composite construction methods, matched with the most technologically advanced avionics systems and modern, fuel-efficient, diesel engine powerplants.

During the announcement of the first DA 50 RG order in the U.S., Owen also noted that sales of all Diamond models have been very strong during the show.

“During AirVenture 2021, we also took orders for ten new Diamond aircraft (3 DA20-C1’s, 2 DA 40NG’s, 2 DA42-VI’s, and 3 DA 62’s), making this one of Premier’s most successful shows in quite a few years,” Owen he said. “We’ve seen the overall interest general aviation aircraft travel skyrocketed since the COVID pandemic started in 2020 as more a more people are recognizing that you cannot beat the personal safety and convenience of traveling by private aircraft.”

West Star Adds Decker as the New Citation Project Manager at ALN

West Star announced Brian Decker as the new Citation Project Manager at their East Alton, IL (ALN) facility.

Decker has more than 30 years of aviation experience, 15 of those at Jet Aviation along with Windwalker, Solarius, Cessna and Dallas Airmotive. He received his A&P license from Lewis University.

“Brian will be a great addition to the team with his long history in aviation, maintenance background and passion to learn even more,” said Scott Koehler, senior manager of project management (ALN).

“I was a long-time customer of West Star’s and I’m excited to provide the same great customer services that I received, while continuing to build rewarding business relationships,” said Decker.

AEM Limited Achieves JOSCAR Accreditation

AEM Limited, a business unit of AMETEK MRO, has successfully renewed its JOSCAR accreditation. JOSCAR (the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register) is a collaborative tool used by the aerospace, defense, and security industry to act as a single repository for pre-qualification and compliance information. Using JOSCAR can determine if a supplier is fit for business.

“We are thrilled that AEM has once again satisfied the requirements to become fully compliant on the JOSCAR supplier accreditation register,” said Andy Wheeler, Divisional Vice President and Managing Director of AEM. “The accreditation is a testament to our commitment in the aerospace, defense, and security industries.”

AEM has been Europe’s leading independent overhaul and repair facility for over 60 years. The company has built a solid reputation in the aerospace industry, providing a broad range of services to international and regional airlines, helicopter operators, airframe manufacturers and military organizations. Conducting business from three sites in the United Kingdom, AEM is proud to receive the accreditation, which shows the company has gone through the process required to demonstrate its commitment and credentials to the industry.