Category: BizJet

Dassault Aviation Rolls Out Falcon 6X Ultra Widebody

The final assembly team at Dassault Aviation in Bordeaux-Merignac (France) opened the doors of Charles Lindbergh Hall  to show the world the company’s newest and most advanced aircraft, theFalcon 6X.

“Today’s rollout is a significant achievement. I am very pleased to present the addition of an all-new aircraft design within the Falcon family, the ultra widebody Falcon 6X,” said Dassault Aviation ChairmanEric Trappier. “The challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic required exceptional perseverance and cooperation on the part of Dassault and its partner companies.”

Though circumstances forced the company to stage a “virtual” unveiling, the event had global reach. Customers and operators from all over the world logged on to see the aircraft make its first public appearance. But despite the novelty of the setting, the live-streamed world premiere was a great success, attracting a record number of visitors. Viewers can watch a replay of the event at www.Falcon6XRollout.com.

“The Falcon 6X represents a major step forward for large-cabin business jet operators,” continued Trappier. “Its award-winning cabin — the tallest and widest in business aviation — provides levels of spaciousness, comfort, productivity and safety that will set a new benchmark in the long-range segment.”

The rollout paves the way for completion of the ground test program and the extensive systems checks that must be performed before the first flight, which is scheduled to occur early next year.

In recent months, Pratt & Whitney Canada completed ground and flight tests of the aircraft’s PW812D engine, clearing the path to first flight of the 6X.

With a 5,500 nm (10,186 km) range and top speed of Mach .90, the Falcon 6X can connect passengers to major business centers far and wide. It can fly from London to Hong Kong or from Los Angeles to Moscow nonstop. The Falcon 6X can also perform safe approaches as low as only 109 knots, slower than other business jets. This allows the 6X, like other Falcons, to safely access small airports equipped with ultra-short and hard-to-reach runways.

IBA Forecasts Long-Term Engine Value Resilience

The long term value of commercial aircraft engines is set to withstand the worst effects of Covid-19, according to new data from IBA.

In a recent webinar entitled How To Build Resilient Engine Management Programmes For The Road To Recovery, the leading aviation data and advisory company outlined how engines are set to show long term value retention.

Engine values and lease rates remain soft across all the widebody, narrowbody, regional jet markets in the short term. Mature widebody engines have experienced the greatest reductions and young narrowbody engines the least.

However, engine values are showing long term stability. Taking a 1999 build Airbus A320ceo as an example, the value of its CFM56 engines has dropped by less than 10%, due to the combined benefits of OEM price inflation and regular reinvestment.

The advent of Covid-19 vaccines is driving some positivity into the engine marketplace, but activity remains depressed as traders are reluctant to sell at the 30-50% discounts currently being sought.

Lease rate factors on sale and leaseback activity have improved with activity focusing on next generation engines, whilst shop visits have now stabilised at just 50% of pre-Covid levels.

The result of this new normal in the engine marketplace is lessors seeing an increased volume of engines being returned off lease and stored, MROs cutting capacity to meet new demand levels, and OEMs focusing activity on correcting service entry issues with new engines.

While the long-term value proposition for the more liquid engine types is sound, the immediate issue for most engine owners, lessors and airlines is cash management and considerable efforts are being made to optimise the blend of cost versus time on wing.

IBA forecasts that the earliest that MRO demand will start to surpass pre-Covid levels is early 2024, with shop visit demand not set to recover until 2022 at the earliest.

“The engine marketplace has faced significant, immediate challenges since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, but the underlying, long term picture is a more stable one and the advent of vaccines is likely to accelerate that trend,” says Phil Seymour, president of IBA.

Duncan Aviation Expands Burn Testing Lab  

Construction on the new Flammability Lab at the Duncan Aviation full-service facility in Battle Creek, Mich., will be completed next week. Duncan says their Engineering & Certification Services is not only expanding the size of its Burn Lab, it is also expanding its testing capabilities to include the NexGen or Sonic Burner test (also known as the FAR 25.853 (b) Fire-Blocking test).

“The techs needed more space to accommodate the new test equipment and to adequately ventilate the lab so the air is safe for employees,” says Michael Hill, enterprise manager of Engineering .

When construction is complete, Cliff Barker, team leader, and Travis Wilcox and Ryan Ball, flammability technicians, will move the test equipment from the old space to the new, set it up, calibrate it, and test it to make sure it works properly. The team will move and set up one test chamber at a time so Duncan Aviation’s flammability testing capabilities will continue during the move.

“Currently, we have two vertical test units and a multi-use test unit for horizontal, 45-degree and wire testing,” says Barker. “After those have been installed and are fully functional, we’ll install the new Sonic Burner (Fire-Block) test equipment and begin conducting those tests as well.”

The Flammability Lab team will conduct calibration and R&D tests to make the necessary adjustments on the Sonic Burner for several weeks. When they’re finished, Duncan Aviation’s Organization Designation Authorization’s (ODA’s) Engineer Structures-Flammability unit members (Barker and Wilcox) will submit an application to the FAA seeking the authority to issue approvals on FAR 25.853 (b) Fireblock Testing.

FAR 25.853 (b) Fireblock Testing was mandated by the FAA in the mid-1980s for aircraft flying under Part 25, and it was amended in 1995 for all aircraft operating under Part 135; however, the former Oil Burner seat-cushion test did not apply to many of Duncan Aviation’s customers at the time. Now, as more owner/operators are flying aircraft that must meet and maintain the Amendment 25-59 requirements, or they opt to operate under Part 135 rules, testing has become an additional safety feature. Duncan Aviation’s ability to provide in-house testing will minimize the turntime and ensure we meet the customers’ schedules.

“Once the FAA has granted Duncan Aviation’s ODA unit members authority for approvals, we’ll begin performing the new tests,” says Barker.

Barker has an A&P certificate, an Inspection Authorization (IA) certificate and an FAA-ODA certificate for Engineering Structures/Flammability and Manufacturing Inspection and Conformity. He was instrumental in the development of the Duncan Aviation Flammability Lab in 1995.

Wilcox also holds an A&P certificate and an FAA-ODA certificate for Engineering Structures/Flammability and Manufacturing Inspection and Conformity and has worked in the Flammability Lab for 12 years. Ball has worked in the Flammability Lab for 15 years.

The team plans to have the equipment set up and operating by March 2021. Performing these burn tests in-house means neither Duncan Aviation nor its customers will have to wait for results to ship from other test labs, nor will they be subject to another lab’s scheduling priorities. Because the tests are done in-house, customers will get their test results directly from their Duncan Aviation project manager as part of their delivery package, providing a single point-of-contact for all of their Flammability test data.

“Our in-house testing capabilities will reduce wait times for results by several days,” says Barker. “Our customers are welcome to visit the lab and ask questions, as well.”

Norm Matheis Joins Mid-Canada Mod Center

Norm Matheis has joined Mid-Canada Mod Center (MC2) to take on a business development role with the company. An avionics industry veteran, his focus is helping commercial, government and special mission aircraft operators future-proof their operations, enhance safety and achieve operational efficiencies through emerging avionics technologies.
“The MC2 team and I are extremely pleased to have Norm take on this new business development role,” said Bill Arsenault, president of Mid-Canada Mod Center. “There aren’t many in Canada with the talent, breadth of experience and skills he has honed over his long and successful career. Norm’s deep technical insight, coupled with sales and marketing acumen are sure to provide significant benefits to our clients and MC.”
Before retiring in 2018, Matheis worked with Universal Avionics, an Elbit Systems Company, for more than ten years in senior sales roles with responsibility for the Canada region and dealer and OEM network. Since the beginning of 2019 he has been consulting on avionics and special mission aircraft and contributed to the aviation media. A graduate of the Centennial College Avionics Maintenance Specialist program, Matheis is also a licensed AME E. Prior to Universal Avionics, Matheis held technical support, management and sales roles at aircraft modifiers and an airframe OEM.
“I get a lot of satisfaction from taking complex requirements, developing possible solutions, and presenting them so it’s clear to the client how their challenge may be solved,” Matheis said. “I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with Bill and the MC2 team. We have collaborated on many successful solutions for clients over the years, and experience demonstrates that, while I’ll be concentrating on specific market segments, owners and operators of virtually any aircraft type can put their trust in Mid-Canada.”

mPale (Antimicrobial Coating) and mPerial (Disinfectant) Are Now Available from Boeing

Boeing announced that mPact Environmental Solutions mPale antimicrobial coating and mPerial disinfectant are now available for purchase from Boeing. They say these antimicrobial products offer an extra layer of protection in providing a clean and safe travel experience.

How do antimicrobial products work?

mPale is an exclusive antimicrobial agent that controls mold and bacteria without using a poison, instead controlling such microbes by puncturing cell walls on a microscopic level. mPale’s spiked molecular structure is imperceptible to human touch but is highly effective against virtually all viral, bacterial and fungal infestations.

  1. Clean the surface that is to be treated. mPerial is a cleaner, sanitizer and deodorizer and is registered with the EPA as a virucide and fungicide. mPerial may be used in food preparation areas and many other areas, and is specifically formulated for compatibility with mPale antimicrobial coating.
  2. Apply the antimicrobial coating. Unlike chemical poisons, mPale, once it is sprayed and bonds to the surface, retains effectiveness for 30 days. mPale is colorless, odorless, and can be applied to wood or steel, sheet-rock, carpets, upholstery, and painted surfaces in addition to plastic, leather and fiber. mPale is registered with the EPA.

Boeing says these antimicrobial coatings can give peace of mind knowing that germs and viruses that land on treated cabin surfaces won’t survive for long.

mPale and mPerial are referenced in the Boeing Multi-Operator Message (MOM) of October 05, 2020.

Pacific Propeller Completes Shop Prep Following Dowty Propellers Agreement

Following Pacific Propeller International’s (PPI) unique OEM agreement with Dowty Propellers that designates PPI as a Dowty factory authorized repair and overhaul facility, PPI is now fully operational and fulfilling market MRO needs. Both military and commercial operator approval along with business orders are positive and growing strong.

PPI’s agreement with Dowty calls for PPI to repair and overhaul Dowty metal propellers on four airframes: Casa 212, British Aerospace Jetstream 31, and Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner and Merlin.

Dowty assisted PPI in ramping up production requirements. Dowty provided training, technical data, as well as equipment and support to assist in establishing the new repair and overhaul capability at PPI’s 64,000 square foot facility in Kent, Washington. Additionally, Dowty will provide ongoing engineering and technical assistance.

PPI has incorporated a Dowty engineering procedure for their metal props called Flap Frequency Testing. The procedure is an advanced blade balancing technique only available at PPI.

Pacific Propeller International has, for over 60 years, provided repair and overhaul services to metal propellers and their control systems on the world’s largest propeller aircraft, including the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, Lockheed P-3 Orion, Lockheed L-188 Electra and the Convair 580.

PPI also has a long history of repair and overhaul for mid-sized business and airline commuter class turboprop aircraft with metal propeller blades.

Tim Gellerson, the COO/President of PPI’s Aerospace Group, appreciates the Dowty/GE relationship. “I thank Dowty/GE Propellers for their help in getting our shop opened up and delivering the highest quality repair and overhaul to this line of very hardworking propellers. These props are on a large category of aviation ‘workhorses’ and it’s our job to keep them operating safely and reliably. We look forward to maintaining the excellent quality, customer service and turn times that both or our companies currently provide.”

 

ATP and Epic Partner

ATP and Epic Aircraft, announced a new partnership for maintenance tracking and technical publication distribution. Epic Aircraft will utilize ATP’s Flightdocs for maintenance tracking and electronic logbooks across their fleet of E1000 GX aircraft, and will leverage the ATP Aviation Hub to distribute technical publications, including maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, and IPCs.
“The E1000 GX is an aircraft where performance, function, and form are the cornerstone of our pilot-driven design process. ATP embodies this same commitment with their suite of aviation solutions,” said Epic CEO, Doug King. “Our commitment to our operators includes ensuring that we have partnerships in place that enhance the customer experience and ensure maximum operational efficiencies, reliability, and value.”

“We’re very excited to partner with the team at Epic Aircraft,” explained ATP Chief Strategy Officer, Greg Heine. “Our product suite delivers a unique set of capabilities to aircraft owners, operators, and OEMs. We’re giving real-time, paperless access to the data and publications they need every day, right from their phone or iPad.”

The E1000 GX, powered by the Pratt & Whitney 1200-HP PT6A-67A engine and the Hartzell 5-blade composite propeller, cruises at over 330 knots, climbs at 4,000 feet per minute, offers a full-fuel payload of 1,100 pounds, operates up to 34,000 feet, and travels coast to coast with one fuel stop. It is equipped with the Garmin GFC 700 Automated Flight Control System.

All E1000 GX aircraft will come with subscriptions to the fully integrated Flightdocs and the ATP Aviation Hub platforms. This company says the integration gives “users “one-click’ access to their Epic Aircraft technical publications and regulatory content without needing to leave their maintenance tracking platform.” The ATP Aviation Hub also provides Pratt & Whitney engine and Hartzell Propeller content as part of its comprehensive aircraft library.

Yingling Aviation Receives Garmin Aviation Dealer Awards, Expands G5000 Installs

Yingling Aviation has been awarded Garmin Avionics’ top dealer awards for 2019 and 2020.   After securing a Gold Award of Excellence in 2019 for having attained “a first-class level of sales performance, technical expertise, and customer service,” Yingling also received advance notification that they have already qualified for Platinum Award recognition in 2020.  The Gold Award placed Yinging among the top 10% of all Garmin dealers. The Platinum Award is Garmin’s top level of recognition.  The high level awards recognize Yingling’s success in only its third and fourth years as part of the Garmin Integrated Flight Deck (IFD) dealer network. The Olathe, KS-based avionics manufacturer typically presents its awards based on dealers’ performance during the previous year.

Yingling’s avionics department offers solid and proven experience with the full-range of Garmin avionics packages, from the G3X, G500TXi, G600TXi and G1000NXi Phase II on single engine piston and turboprop aircraft to the G5000 glass upgrade suite.  The G5000 is Garmin’s latest line of satellite-based navigation capabilities, digital management tools, NextGen/SESAR/Eurocontrol operational support for ADS-B and Data Comm/Link 2000+ and graphical display technologies for enhanced safety and crew coordination.  Yingling began doing the G5000 upgrades after being approved in 2016 as one of the very limited number of Garmin Upgrade Centers.  Yingling also holds the STC for audio expansion of the Garmin G1000/NXi for Special Missions aircraft including law enforcement and Military piston and Caravan turboprop aircraft.

“We are very pleased to receive this Gold Award in only our third year as an authorized Garmin IFD level dealer,” said Dominic Stremel, Yingling’s Director of Avionics. Stremel, who joined Yingling in March from Bombardier Learjet, noted that “this recognition spotlights the efforts of our very capable avionics team. This award builds on their outstanding record across the Garmin product line, which includes retrofitting more than 250 Federal Express Cessna Caravans with Garmin G600 PFD/MFD flight display systems and 120 with Garmin GFC600 Autopilots.  

Stremel leads a staff of 20 technicians, installers, and support personnel.  He brings more than a dozen years of experience in the aviation industry to his role at Yingling.  A graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, he has served as a manufacturing engineer and operations manager at Bombardier, and as a manufacturing engineer at Gulfstream and Heroux-Devtek prior to taking his current post. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of professionals in this industry and it’s very obvious to me that this group deserves these Garmin Awards.”

Paris Air Show Cancelled for 2021

The organizers of the Paris Air show have announced that in light of the uncertainty linked to the current COVID-19 health crisis, the 2021 Paris Air Show has been cancelled. The event was scheduled to take place from 21 to 27 June 2021.

Together with the Board of Directors of the GIFAS (French Aerospace Industries Association), the Board of Directors of the Paris Air Show has taken the decision in response to the international health crisis and the large number of visitors that this popular show attracts. The decision was agreed upon unanimously by the Paris Air Show Board members in the context of a crisis that has had an unprecedented impact on the aerospace industry.

The next edition of the Paris Air Show will be held in June 2023, at a date that will be announced shortly, the organizers say. Exhibitors will receive a full refund of all sums already paid and the Paris air Show says it will take full financial responsibility for the decision.

“We are obviously disappointed not to be able to hold the 2021 edition of the Paris Air Show. After many months of all trade show activities being suspended throughout the world, the entire international aerospace and defense community was very much looking forward to being able to meet. We have already started work to ensure that the 2023 edition celebrates the resurgence of the aerospace industry on an international scale,” explains Patrick Daher, chairman of the International Paris Air Show and Chairman of the Daher Group.

Gilles Fournier, CEO of the International Paris Air Show, adds, “We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of our partners, exhibitors and service providers for the trust they have placed in us. We share their disappointment, as the Paris Air Show continues to be an extremely popular event, even in periods of crisis. The 2023 edition will be larger than ever, and our teams are already working to ensure its success.”

ISOtunes Expands Roster of Headphones with Two New Designs

ISOtunes, an industry leader in Bluetooth hearing protection, announces the launch of two new products: ISOtunes XTRA 2.0 and ISOtunes LINK. While LINK is the first Bluetooth earmuff headphone for the company, XTRA 2.0 features a redesign of ISOtunes’ best-selling neckband-style line.

Ranging from $69.99 to $79.99 (US MSRP), these new Bluetooth products maintain ISOtunes’ SafeMax Technology while introducing enhancements in design and functionality. Unlike most headphones, all ISOtunes headphones limit the volume to 85 decibels (dB) and offer a noise reduction rating (NRR) between 22 and 29 dB, making them OSHA and NIOSH compliant.

“When we came out with our first product in 2016, we noticed a need for an in-ear version of a Bluetooth hearing protector,” said Eric Murphy, Co-Founder of ISOtunes. “Since then, we’ve been committed to personal safety and continue to meet OSHA and ANSI requirements so our products can be used as hearing protectors in the workplace. We continue to develop and upgrade our products based on consumer demand and believe both ISOtunes LINK and ISOtunes XTRA 2.0 will continue to meet those demands.”

ISOtunes LINK ($69.99 MSRP)
ISOtunes LINK is the company’s first Bluetooth earmuff, perfect for the worker who prefers over-ear hearing protection but refuses to compromise their listening experience. Lightweight and comfortable with a 14+ hour battery life, LINK safely reduces damaging noise by 24 dB. Its noise-isolating microphone also blocks out steady-state noise for clear calls in loud environments.

ISOtunes XTRA 2.0 ($79.99 MSRP)
ISOtunes XTRA 2.0 provides an all-over upgrade to ISOtunes’ best-selling neckband-style line with the same classic magnetic earbuds customers love. With an NRR of 27 dB, XTRA 2.0 is fully water, dust and sweatproof and comes with an increased battery life of up to 11+ hours. With a redesigned controller, XTRA 2.0 is ISOtunes’ easiest-to-use product for staying connected and protected while you work.

Both ISOtunes LINK and ISOtunes XTRA 2.0 are currently available for pre-order online. To see all ISOtunes products, visit isotunes.com or Amazon.