Category: BizJet

aerospace tech week rescheduled

✈ Aerospace Tech Week (ATW) rescheduled to 3-4 November ’21.

It’s very encouraging that the end of the pandemic is hopefully in sight and once these wonderful vaccines are successfully rolled out then life can start to return to some normality. At which point travel and events such as ATW can safely recommence.

We therefore feel it is more prudent to reschedule ATW, one last time, to 3-4th November ’21 giving the vaccine roll out more time. The event will remain at the same Diagora venue in Toulouse, France.

We are very confident that our in-person event will be a great success and it’s even bigger than when it was originally scheduled pre-pandemic! The conference programmes are already in place https://lnkd.in/dmS7FSz and the exhibitions halls are nearly full https://lnkd.in/dTRjzTW.

The hiatus in our event schedule has ironically given us more time to use our new publication, ✈ Aerospace Tech REVIEW to share news and raise even greater awareness of the event for us all. Therefore we expect a significant take up from attendees which will create a much needed business platform for us all.

Thank you to all our loyal supporters and see you in Toulouse!

REGISTER now https://lnkd.in/dPymy2Y

BA Group Adds to Real Estate Portfolio with Exclusive Property Hagerstown Area

Business Aviation Group, LLC is proud to add a purpose-built MRO/Defense Hangar to its industry-leading real estate portfolio in the US.

Located at the Hagerstown Regional Airport and currently available for lease, Hangar 65 is well-equipped for a variety of aviation services and business applications – from Flight Departments to Aircraft Service Centers and MRO operations.

Built in 2007, Hangar 65 offers 20,000 square feet of office/shop space and 40,000 square feet of state-of-the-art Hangar space. The large Hangar footprint – which features heated flooring, compressed air and foam fire suppression – makes it ideal for heavy and ultra-long-range aircraft.

“BA Group caters to discerning aviation clients looking for versatile and modern facilities in key locations,” said Will Mace, Associate Broker, BA Group. “Specifically designed with the needs of a large MRO/defense contractor in mind, Hangar 65 fits our real estate portfolio perfectly.”

Located just a 35-minute flight or 90-minute drive northwest of the DC/Baltimore area, Hagerstown Regional Airport is an important business hub in the North West region and is currently completing a $6 million terminal expansion project which is set to be completed this spring.

“The Hangar 65 facility has been an important flagship at our airfield for many years,” said Garrison Plessinger, Airport director, Hagerstown Regional Airport. “As we prepare to unveil our newly designed terminal, we are proud to include it in our airport community.”

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/y4vv39ax

Wencor Announces New CEO

Wencor Group has announced that Shawn Trogdon has been promoted to chief executive officer. Trogdon succeeds Chris Curtis, who is stepping down as CEO on August 31 to retire.

Trogdon joined Wen cor in 2014 as global controller and has held the CFO position at the company since 2016. He brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience in the aerospace industry, having consistently demonstrated an ability to build, grow and enable high-performing teams and businesses. Prior to Wencor, Trogdon held senior finance positions at Wesco Aircraft Holdings, an aircraft parts distributor, Landmark Aerospace, an aviation services company and Grant Thornton, an independent audit, tax and advisory firm.

“As the aerospace industry navigates a complex and rapidly evolving environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe that Wencor has the unique opportunity to not only adapt and recover, but also emerge stronger and more resilient. Wencor remains committed to providing world-class customer excellence and innovative solutions to the aerospace aftermarket,” said Trogdon. “I also want to thank Chris for his leadership of our company over the past four years and wish him the best in his retirement.”

Curtis joined Wencor in 2016 as CEO, during which time he helped the Company grow its strategic customer relationships through Wencor’s Total Material Solutions programs, expand and deepen Wencor’s OEM supplier relationships, and improve the operational delivery and product development functions to deliver industry leading responsiveness, customer service, and economic value to Wencor’s airline and MRO customers.

“It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of Wencor for the last four years, and I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished,” Curtis said. “Now is a natural time to transition leadership as Wencor enters its next chapter and Shawn is the ideal person to continue to grow Wencor’s business lines and deliver long-term value.“

“We thank Chris for his contributions to the company and dedication to developing Wencor into a market leading aftermarket components and repair platform,” said Dan Zamlong, managing director at Warburg Pincus. “We are excited to continue to partner with Shawn for the next phase of the company’s growth. Shawn’s deep understanding of the industry and business will ensure Wencor’s continued execution on its mission to provide innovative solutions, particularly in the post-Covid world, that enable airlines and MRO providers to maintain aircraft with maximum reliability, availability and cost efficiency.”

Wildlife Officials to “Launch” Sea Turtles after Ripple Effect from Recent Cold

On Friday, Feb. 26 at Canaveral National Seashore wildlife officials will launch rehabilitated sea turtles into the ocean.

The turtles being released suffered from cold-stunning in the northeast, just like the thousands of sea turtles that washed up on Texas beaches after the recent cold snap. With these turtles returned to health, rehabilitation facilities have space that could be used to help treat other sea turtles, including the Texas cold-stuns.

Turtles Fly Too’s “Turtle Fliers” are transporting three dozen rehabilitated sea turtles, mostly endangered Kemp’s ridley species, from Cape Cod, Mass., and New York to the warmer waters of the Space Coast for release. Kennedy Space Center is working with several federal, state, and charitable organizations for this unique rescue.

Turtles Fly Too is coordinating the rescue flight. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other agencies call on organizations like Turtles Fly Too to provide air transportation when endangered species are in need of transport to distant facilities for treatment and rehabilitation. General aviation pilots donate their expertise, aircraft, fuel, and labor to provide air transportation to shorten travel time and reduce stress on these endangered species.

Space Florida is supporting the mission by allowing use of the Launch and Landing Facility (formerly the Shuttle Landing Facility) to streamline the transportation and release of the turtles at Canaveral National Seashore.

Canaveral National Seashore and Kennedy Space Center biologists are supporting the release of rehabilitated sea turtles rescued in New England after they were cold-stunned (hypothermic) as a result of dropping sea temperatures before they could return south for the winter. Releasing them in the water off Canaveral National Seashore puts them back in the habitat where they should be this time of year, giving them a better chance for survival.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provided authorization for the transport of these protected species into the state and subsequent release into the wild through their permittees.

Reduce Rounded Corners with New 8″ Talon Grip FlankJaw Slip-Joint Pliers from Snap-on Industrial

Most technicians know the frustration of rounding off a fastener when trying to remove it with a pliers. It kills your momentum, slows you down and wastes time. Just like you, Snap-on Industrial has had enough…and did something about that.

The new 8″ Talon Grip FlankJaw Slip-Joint Pliers from Snap-on Industrial works to prevent fasteners from being rounded off by using FlankJaw geometry to place the load away from the corners on hex nuts and bolts. This design secures hex heads without rounding, while also providing up to 30% more torque to bust them free; the Talon Grip, with a relocated-joint design, provides up to 57% increased pulling power.

Features and benefits of the 8″ Talon Grip FlankJaw Slip-Joint Pliers include:

  • Optimized for grabbing 5/16-1″ hex heads
  • Patented three-position slip joint, plus shear cutter provides a smooth cut with minimal hand pressure
  • Longer contoured handle for added comfort and better leverage
  • Cold forged steel with higher alloy content for added durability and strength
  • Available in three colors
    • HJ47ACF (red)
    • HJ47ACFG (green)
    • HJ47ACFO (orange)

EAP Hires Hubble

Engine Assurance Program (EAP), a fast-growing hourly maintenance program for operators of Honeywell, General Electric, Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney engines, has added 27-year industry veteran Stephen Hubble to its team.

Over the past year, EAP has seen new enrollments grow by 40 percent and has expanded its coverage to 14 engines which power more than 30 aircraft. Steve Hubble has joined EAP as director of technical engine solutions with responsibility for sales of the company’s ever-expanding engine programs, serving as technical liaison between customers and MROs, and delivering EAP’s signature customer service. Immediately prior to joining EAP, Hubble spent seven years with StandardAero as international sales director where he was charged with international sales and service.

“Steve is an excellent addition to the EAP team,” said Sean Lynch, EAP program coordinator. “He understands the value of providing excellent customer service, with nearly 30 years in business aviation he really knows engines, and he can help us expand our business into all markets including internationally.”

In addition to StandardAero, Hubble has worked for Raytheon, Bombardier Aerospace and Garrett Aviation on a wide variety of business jets and their engines. He is a licensed A&P technician with IA authority. He holds numerous manufacturer certifications in engines and airframes, and he has earned a Rolls-Royce mechanical engineering degree. He is also a licensed pilot.

EAP’s hourly engine maintenance programs provide customers with dispatch reliability, increased residual value, enhanced customer service and meaningful cost savings, while using the same high-quality engine MRO shops and field service technicians as the other programs. EAP covers scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, LRUs, R&Rs, shipping, rentals, trend monitoring, catastrophic coverage and more. “Steve has lots of good news to share with clients and prospects,” adds Lynch.

 

Kaman Measuring Announces New KD-5100+ High Reliability Sensor System for Fast Steering Mirror Control

The Measuring Division of Kaman Precision Products announced the KD-5100+, an upgraded higher reliability version of Kaman’s legacy KD-5100 measuring system. The KD-5100+ retains the proven performance of the KD-5100 system while incorporating upgrades to the circuit layout, ground connections, and sensor connectors. The upgraded system also features higher reliability diodes and capacitors.

The KD-5100+ is the ideal choice for laser communications, satellite and ground station applications, as well as directed energy (ground, shipboard, and airborne), and image stabilization systems.

Two matched sensors of a measuring channel are positioned opposite each other on the back of a fast steering mirror (FSM) in two axes at 90 degrees to each other. As the FSM actuators drive the mirror about the center flexure, the mirror moves away from one sensor of an axis and toward the other sensor an equal amount. The KD-5100+ output signal is used to actively control mirror position.

The upgraded KD-5100+ has a Mil-PRF-38534 Class H proprietary hybrid microcircuit. The system also features dual channel signal conditioner with two precisely matched sensors per channel.

Designed for thermal and long term stability, radiation tolerant, and suitable for vacuum applications, the KD-5100+ offers a small package size and low power consumption. It features isolated signal and chassis grounds and low outgassing components.

Signal conditioning electronics are available in the identical low profile enclosure as the KD-5100. Enclosure finish can be either black paint for low reflectivity or bright nickel finish for lower outgassing. Sensor and signal conditioner packaging can be customized for unique requirements.

 

Summit Aviation Adds New Partner for Interior Work

Summit Aviation announced that it is now partnered with New Jersey-based Cabin Crafters Inc. (CCI) to support fixed and rotor wing interior refurbishments.

Cabin Crafters has specialized in quality aircraft interiors for more than 35 years. As the first Federal Aviation Administration certified repair station specializing in aircraft interiors CCI is a pioneer and leader in the industry. The company’s 25,000 square foot facility is located in the tristate area adjacent to Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey.

“Cabin Crafters has robust capabilities and an excellent reputation for providing quality interior refurbishments and cabin reconfigurations,” said John Gonsalves, director of sales and marketing for Summit Aviation. “We believe our customer base will benefit substantially from its years of experience with both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.”

“Cabin Crafters is excited to partner with Summit Aviation,” said Mario Diaz, president of Cabin Crafters, Inc. “The extensive experience and history offered by each company will enhance our abilities to exceed customer expectations in interiors, paint and maintenance. Our teams have worked together in the past; however, this arrangement will streamline processes and offer advanced solutions and incentives for our loyal customers.”

GROB Systems Introduces New Universal Machining Center

GROB Systems announced the availability of its new universal machining center, the G150, rounding out the company’s universal machining center range of products. The modular G-series system has continually set the bar for productivity and process safety.

The G150 is positioned for the precision engineering, medical technology, mold and die, mechanical engineering and aerospace industries as the only horizontal 5-axis machining center in its class, the company says. During the development of the G150, particular emphasis was placed on spatial accuracy to achieve excellent surface finishes and the highest form and position tolerances. In addition, accuracy for machining complex, high-precision components was also a main focus.

As part of the G-series, the G150 features a rigid 5-axis horizontal design with capabilities to invert the table and machine upside down for optimal chip evacuation. The unique ergonomic design is suited for shops and automation integration with easy access to the work area. New additions to the modular options system are the HSK E40 spindle with up to 42,000 rpm and a compact table with central clamping. This makes the G150 particularly attractive for application areas such as medical technologies, with smaller parts and smaller tools.

 

 

StandardAero to Acquire Signature’s Engine Repair and Overhaul Business

StandardAero has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Signature Aviation’s Engine Repair and Overhaul (ERO) business.  The transaction is expected to close mid-2021, subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Like StandardAero, ERO is an engine MRO provider primarily for business jet and rotorcraft platforms made up of the following five entities: Dallas Airmotive, H&S Aviation, W.H. Barrett Turbine Engine Company, International Governor Services (IGS) and International Turbine Service (ITS).  ERO is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with two overhaul facilities (one in Dallas and the other in Portsmouth, England), ten regional turbine centers, one component MRO site and two parts/distribution facilities.

ERO employs around 1,100 people with 2020 annual revenue around $500 million.  Customers include regional airlines, commercial transportation providers, corporate flight departments, private operators, government agencies and defense departments.

Services include MRO for the majority of turbine engine models powering fixed and rotary wing aircraft used for business aviation, and many of the engines used in government, military and commercial applications.

“ERO is a terrific and complementary fit for StandardAero, expanding our portfolio with more volume of the engines we support today, while also growing our service base with a significant number of new engine platforms and customers,” said Russell Ford, chairman & CEO of StandardAero. “Like StandardAero, ERO is OEM-aligned and has a long history of outstanding service and customer satisfaction.  With this acquisition, StandardAero will achieve significant cost and operational efficiencies and will continue on pace to become one of the preeminent MRO companies in the world.”

Upon closing, ERO will significantly expand upon StandardAero’s current capabilities for providing MRO services for a number of Pratt & Whitney, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce and General Electric platforms.  The acquisition also brings new capabilities to StandardAero’s MRO portfolio including services for PW200, PW500, Spey & Tay engines and PW901 APUs.  In addition, ERO also expands StandardAero’s component repair capabilities, parts distribution channels and mobile field services for our combined customers.

“We are excited to combine forces with ERO and looking forward to welcoming all of its employees to the StandardAero family,” Ford added.