Category: BizJet

New Textbook Available Now: Introduction to Aircraft Structures, Systems, and Powerplants

Introduction to Aircraft Structures, Systems, and Powerplants: A Handbook for Pilots, Mechanics, and Managers is out now and available for purchase. This book introduces aircraft to students in any aviation-related track of study, whether they are future mechanics/technicians, pilots, or aviation managers. High school programs will also find this book useful for teaching the basics about aircraft.

Readers get an excellent overview of aircraft structures and systems. A substantial portion of the book is devoted to reciprocating and turbine powerplants and the systems that support them. Similar books offered in the past are out of print, out of date, and some ignore turbine engines. Throughout, this book explains the newest technologies and the tried-and-true ones that are still used. It is easy to understand, heavily illustrated, and has many photographs—all to enhance learning.

Topics include Aircraft Structures; Flight Controls and Flaps; Electrical Systems; Hydraulic Systems; Landing Gear, Wheels, Tires, and Brakes; Fuel Systems; Cabin Atmosphere; Instrument Systems; Ice, Rain, Smoke, and Fire Protection Systems; Aircraft Powerplants Overview; Reciprocating Engines; Reciprocating Engine Systems; Turbine Engines and Systems; and Aircraft Maintenance and Documentation.

This textbook is $39.95 and available in paperback, as a downloadable PDF, and as a Web-based interactive eBook.

 

Aerospace Approved Explosion-Proof Borescopes being Offered by ITS

ITS Videoscopes West Coast – iTConcepts has brought a Borescope – Videoscope Explosion Proof Camera to Aircraft Maintenance – Turbine Inspection Applications.

The Scope has a cold tip LED with spark-proof scope tip, four-way articulation – can almost see a target behind itself, 5″ high resolution display, with live video and photo capture capability all in a provided industrial type SD card.

The new Scope’s minimum diameter is 3mm, and largest diameter is 8mm. Working lengths, shortest is 1.5 Meters the longest being now 10 Meters.

ITS says the scope tip can be submerged into gasoline, diesel fuel and or oil.

The company says their cable is flexible, and it will bend without breaking the fiber connections. The cable material is made from tungsten braided material for heavy daily usage.

GROB Systems Introduces New GRC Robot Cell

GROB Systems, makers of manufacturing systems and machine tools, announced the availability of the new GROB robot cell (GRC), which combined with the company’s G-modules, provides maximum flexibility and customization for manufacturing of aerospace, mold & die, medical, and many other industry applications.

The company says the GRC offers a complete solution from a single source, with a uniform design and coordinated interfaces. This solution is capable of part handling as well as pallet handling which allows for maximum flexibility.

The compact design of the GRC has a shared base frame enabling quick and easy installation; the standardized software allows the cell to be commissioned quickly. The innovative feeding system with part drawers enables longer unmanned production. In addition, an automatic clamping fixture and part gripper change is available for different clamping fixtures and part types.

The connection to GROB’s production control software GROB4Automation allows for flexible planning and management of work orders resulting in improved production sequences. The GROB robot cell can also be configured with a variety of modules, depending on customer requirements such as deburring, washing and measuring all in the same cell. The GRC can also be expanded to feed multiple machining centers.

Jet Parts Engineering Acquires Aerospares

Jet Parts Engineering (JPE), a PMA parts supplier, announced the acquisition of AeroSpares in late December. AeroSpares was founded in 1993 to provide airlines with alternate means of customer support, and focuses on reducing aircraft and engine direct and indirect costs with FAA approved replacement parts for a variety of large commercial aircraft.

“I’m excited to team up with Jet Parts Engineering. AeroSpares has focused our efforts on providing improved reliability with our products. Combined with the customer service, technical capabilities, and sales reach of Jet Parts, it will benefit everyone in the aviation aftermarket,” said Tom Webb of AeroSpares.

“Jet Parts Engineering is looking forward to partnering with Tom and AeroSpares. Tom is a true innovator in the aerospace business. Each of the parts Tom has designed imbeds technology that significantly improves the performance and reliability compared to the originally designed parts,” said Anu Goel, president of Jet Parts Engineering. “Tom and his team are leaders in the PMA development of pressure sensors and pressure switches. JPE is excited to offer these parts to our customers. Additionally, we look forward to having Tom work with our engineers to develop more PMAs in the pressure sensor and switch categories.”

The transaction was overseen by Vance Street Capital LLC, a middle-market private equity firm focused on investing in highly engineered solutions businesses across the aerospace and defense, industrial, and medical markets. JPE is a Vance Street Capital portfolio company.

Atlantic Aviation Adds Hangar in Montrose, Colorado

Atlantic Aviation announced that it has completed the acquisition of a 30,000 sqare-foot hangar at its Montrose, Colorado (MTJ) campus.  The additional hangar is capable of housing a Gulfstream G650.

“With customers spending more time in the Rockies and the size of business aircraft increasing, the additional hangar space enhances our ability to serve the growing needs of the general aviation community at MTJ,” said Jay Hamby, senior vice president of the Mountain Region. ”In addition to its existing amenities, Atlantic Aviation MTJ now features a total of 57,000 square feet of hangar space.”

Atlantic Aviation is also constructing a state-of-the-art fuel farm at MTJ that will add 52,000 gallons of capacity to its existing inventory and help support one of the fastest growing airports in Colorado. The new fuel farm is expected to be in operation in the fall of 2021.

“We are pleased to be working closely with the Montrose County Airport Administration to complete these projects and to continue to support the growth of the greater Montrose community,” Hamby added.

EcoCortec Announces Compostable Electrostatic Dissipating Anti-Corrosion Film

EcoCortec has introduced what they are calling “the world’s first Eco-Corr Film ESD –  biodegradable, compostable static dissipative films and bags powered by “Nano” VpCI.” The company says this latest film technology is targeted mainly for electronics, telecommunications, packaging, and electric car industries seeking environmentally friendly packaging solutions. In anticipation of new EU regulations penalizing sales of non-recyclable plastic packaging materials, EcoCortec is offering revolutionary, commercially compostable alternative to conventional polyethylene electrostatic dissipating (ESD) films.

Eco-Corr Film ESD products are high performance anti-static, corrosion inhibiting films and bags intended for disposal in a commercial composting environment. They are designed for use in the protection of static sensitive multi-metal items such as electronics. The film contains permanent anti-static properties to immediately reduce or eliminate static buildup as long as the films or bags are in use, independent of the presence of humidity. Eco-Corr Film ESD forms a molecular corrosion inhibiting layer on metal substrates and does not interfere with the physical or chemical properties of electronic components. The film and bags replace conventional rust preventatives such as oils and desiccants and allow the film to be used immediately without cleaning or degreasing. Eco-Corr Film is commercially compostable, meaning that when the film is placed in a typical commercial composting environment it will disintegrate within months. The exact time is dependent upon the conditions and activity of the disposal environment (temperature, soil quality, activity of microorganisms). Eco-Corr Film ESD is shelf stable and will not break down prematurely until disposed of in a proper composting environment.

FEATURES

  • Contains Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors (VpCI) to protect void spaces and recessed areas
  • Contains permanent anti-static agent
  • Does not affect optical properties
  • Does not affect plastics used in electronics industry
  • Does not contain free amines or harmful Prop 65 ingredients
  • Commercially compostable packaging film that provides contact, barrier, and vapor corrosion inhibition
  • Meets NACE TM0208-2008 standard for corrosion protection
  • Meets German TL-8135-002 standard for corrosion protection
  • Complete replacement for non-degradable and inferior blend films
  • Static decay rate conformance to MIL-PRF-81705D
  • No ill effects on solderability of PCB, meeting the requirements of IPC-JSTD-003C, Am1 (Edge Dip Solderability Tests

A Czech subsidiary of one of the world’s three largest car manufacturers, selected Eco-Corr Film as a biodegradable substitute to reduce the amount of conventional plastic packaging they use. They tested Eco-Corr Film as part of their new “green” logistics project aimed at decreasing plastic consumption.

Eco-Corr Film was tested as part of the pilot project  of packaging car parts for shipment to their plant in Pune, India. Several tests were conducted for compliance with strict conditions for transport in sea containers. Quality control did not show any damage or traces of corrosion on the components wrapped in Eco-Corr Film® upon arrival in India.  In order to test if the film were able to be composted according to plan, the staff built compost bins near the plant. After six months, the foils had largely disintegrated in the compost bins, helping them to eliminate plastic waste. Eco-Corr Film®successfully replaces conventional plastic films they used previously and provides the same effective corrosion protection. Composted packaging material will be used as soil improver at the plant’s logistics park. Manufacturer was able to cut the amount of conventional plastic packaging in half thus eliminating a significant amount of plastic waste (as much as 500 kg [1102 lbs] per month).

BA Group and Modern Aviation Complete Phase 1 of Expansion at BFI Seattle

The Business Aviation Group (BA Group) has been retained by Modern Aviation to bring much-needed additional hangar space to their current FBO Campus located at King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KBFI).

The first phase of this development project includes a new ramp and construction of a 40,000 square-foot climate-controlled, state-of-the-art hangar. This hangar has just been completed and turned over to the Modern Aviation team and is ready for immediate lease up.

The second phase of the development project is underway just adjacent to this hangar and has a targeted completion date of May 2021.  This phase will bring an additional 24,000 square feet of hangar space and 7,000 square feet of office space to their FBO Campus.  Once complete, these additional hangars will bring the total capacity up to 100,000 square feet across 4 hangars.

“The BA Group brings years of experience – with a team dedicated to ensuring general and business aircraft operators have access to well-planned and well-constructed facilities around the United States,” said Barry Sherman, partner/owner, Business Aviation Group. “We have been thrilled by the opportunity to work with Modern Aviation and their team on this project. Their commitment to excellence has allowed us to assist them in effectively doubling their footprint here at BFI.”

Serving small commercial passenger airlines, cargo carriers and private aircraft owners, King County International Airport-Boeing Field is one of the nation’s busiest primary non-hub airports.

“Modern Aviation and BA Group share a similar vision of bringing the highest quality of services and facilities to the general aviation community,” said Mark J. Carmen, CEO & president, Modern Aviation. “This project aligns perfectly with our strategy and is an excellent addition to our portfolio of state-of-the-art facilities across the country.”

This is the second project that BA Group and Modern Aviation have undertaken together. They are currently collaborating to offer 50,000 square feet of premium FBO/office and hangar space at Centennial Airport (APA) in Denver Colorado.

Industry Groups Release Guidance on Aircraft Leasing Best Practices

As part of a comprehensive industry response to federal concerns over illegal charter flights – including those conducted under so-called “sham dry lease” arrangements – the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and other leading industry groups today announced the publication of the “General Aviation Dry Leasing Guide,” which breaks down key regulatory information related to the proper use of leases and how improper use, whether intentional or inadvertent, can lead to illegal operations.

The free “General Aviation Dry Leasing Guide” was assembled by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Helicopter Association International, National Air Transportation Association and National Business Aviation Association.

Nearly all general aviation flights – including those conducted under dry leasing arrangements – take place in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and other applicable laws. Aircraft dry leases are commonly used in the industry, and when properly implemented, they are compliant with the regulations. In simplest terms, a dry lease is one in which the lessor simply provides an aircraft, leaving it to the lessee to obtain crewmembers, and also to assume operational control of a flight.

That said, the FAA’s increased scrutiny over illegal charter flights using “sham dry leases” to disguise the true commercial nature of a flight – which has taken shape largely under the agency’s Safe Air Charter initiative – has led aircraft owners and lessors to seek greater clarity on the arrangements, in order to fully ensure proper compliance.

Written by veteran industry experts, the “General Aviation Dry Leasing Guide” offers a detailed breakdown of the best practices for proper use of dry leases, clarifying how aircraft owners can derive benefits from the arrangement, while enhancing the industry’s vigilance against practitioners of illegal charter.

“We came together as an industry to develop the General Aviation Dry Leasing Guide so that general and business aviation aircraft owners and operators can have a better understanding of the intricacies of dry leases. To maintain the health of our industry, it is important that we all continue operating in a safe and compliant manner,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO.

Information covered in the publication includes an overview of the different types of dry leases, the difference between dry and wet leases (which involve the provision of crewmembers), as well as how “operational control” is determined, and how to maintain compliance when considering maintenance, authorization and insurance requirements. It also includes 22 frequently asked questions that clearly and specifically address common causes of confusion for both operators and consumers.

Moog Inc. Acquires Genesys Aerosystems

Genesys Aerosystems announced that Moog Inc. purchased Genesys Aerosystems on December 18, 2020. Genesys will remain at its locations in Mineral Wells, Texas and Anchorage, Alaska, and will continue doing business as GenesysAerosystems, part of Moog’s Aircraft Controls segment.

As a world leader of flight control systems for military and commercial aircraft, Moog’s addition of Genesys adds advanced avionics suites, including the IDU-680 and IDU-450 displays, digital radios, ADAHRS, GPS, DAU and autopilots for fixed wing and rotorcraft aircraft.

“It has been exciting to be part-owner of Genesys Aerosystems as we have seen the company grow over the last few years,” explained Roger Smith, CEO of Genesys Aerosystems. “We know that to optimize the growth potential of the company and product lines, Genesys needs to have a long-term parent company that can support both organic and inorganic growth, and Moog is just that company.”

“When searching for a company that would be the right fit for Genesys, we highlighted Moog as the best option to ensure our customers will still receive the highest level of customer support,” adds Gordon Pratt, chief growth officer of Genesys Aerosystems. “The core philosophy of both companies is well aligned; we expect the transition to be seamless and imperceptible to our suppliers and valued customers.”

Superior Air Parts Applies for AMOC Approval with FAA on Crankshaft Assemblies

Superior Air Parts, Inc., annou nced that the company has been working with representatives of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the FAA to develop and submit an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) covering the recently announced FAA Airworthiness Directive (A.D.) regarding certain Superior Air Parts manufactured crankshaft assemblies.

The crankshaft assemblies were originally installed in new Superior Air Parts XP-Series Model O-360 and IO-360 engines and as replacement parts under Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) on certain Lycoming Model AEIO-360, IO-360, and O-360 engines.

A list of the affected crankshaft serial numbers can be found on the FAA’s website. Docket No. FAA-2018-1077-AD2020-25-12.

A superior spokesperson said that the company has assembled a team including engineers, metallurgists, representatives of the FAA, and AOPA to develop this AMOC that, when approved, will enable affected aircraft owners to comply with the A.D. at a significantly lower cost without impacting the engine’s or aircraft’s safety.

“We are very confident that the FAA will approve the proposed AMOC prior to the A.D.’s assigned active date of January 15, 2021,” the representative said.

“Superior’s primary goal, in this unfortunate situation, and always is the safety of our customers and their passengers,” he continued. “We feel that delivering an affordable alternate means of meeting the A.D.’s requirements, that also encourages early compliance is a major step in that direction.”

Superior will release more details on the AMOC as soon an agreement is reached.