Category: BizJet

Quiet Technology Aerospace (QTA) has delivered its 200^thInlet Cowl upgrade incorporating a Carbon Fiber Replacement Inner Barrel to Albertsons Companies, a Gulfstream G280 operator out of Boise, Idaho. A growing and expensive fleet wide problem, these aircraft are plagued with the issue of inlet cowl inner barrel corrosion on the Honeywell HTF7250G engine inlets.

QTA is also announcing milestone progress on the 8^th airframe candidate to the company’s four-year-old STC program. The Gulfstream G450 is now in the final stages of assembling a first article for FAA Conformity to finalize the STC. This particular Inlet offers substantial weight savings of 40 pounds. Like all QTA composite inner barrels, the barrel will eliminate corrosion permanently on the G450 aircraft. QTA will have exchange inlets available as early as September this year with the STC forecast to be awarded by the end August.

QTA’s very successful engineering and manufacturing program combats an expensive and time-consuming problem of aluminum engine Inlet Cowl inner-barrel corrosion and acoustic screen degradation on several business jet airframes. QTA replaces the aluminum based inner barrel with a lighter weight state-of-the-art Carbon Graphite Composite Barrel which terminates the root cause of the corrosion issue; and comes with a lifetime warranty that remains with the aircraft’s serial number and transfers to any future owner. It is the only permanent solution available today.

When installed, the inlets appearance is better than originally manufactured. This is not a repair to the original aluminum inlet which will certainly fail again, potentially causing engine damage. It is a permanent and terminating solution to the corrosion issue.

Barry Fine, CEO of Quiet Technology Aerospace, said “The delivery to Albertsons of our 200^th Inlet Upgrade and the imminent approval of a terminating solution for G450 operators, means QTA now has a permanent and terminating corrosion fix for over 2100 aircraft around the world. Everyone at QTA is proud of this achievement. That represents a large amount of time and money saved to operators that have been continuously troubled by expensive and time-consuming inner barrel corrosion on their original OEM Inlet Cowls, not to mention the already documented danger of engines ingesting corroded aluminum while operating. The carbon fiber inlet program insures QTA customers a safe, simple and quick experience when upgrading that is most of all, cost efficient and final. Ours is the industry’s only permanent solution.”

Fine continues, “Of important note to operators considering QTA’s permanent solution versus an MRO ‘repair’ that is 100% guaranteed to fail again…our warranty program is for the life of the aircraft and is transferable to future owners. The warranty automatically transfers to the new owner. Other companies may promote a ‘lifetime warranty’ but only QTA offers a transferrable warranty.”

The QTA program was awarded its seventh STC in fall 2019 for Embraer Legacy 450/500 series aircraft as well as to the next gen Embraer Praetor 500/600 aircraft.

Other inner barrel corrosion affected airframes benefitting from QTA’s state of the art engineering and carbon fiber manufacturing are the Lear 60, Gulfstream G200 & G280, Hawker 1000, Falcon 2000LX/EX and Challenger 300/350 series.

In its 34-year history, exactly zero QTA inlet upgrades have failed on aircraft operating over 21 years. The company’s first inlet upgrade was for the Douglas DC-8 in 1986.

Additionally, QTA offers a low-cost inlet “exchange program” that keeps aircraft free from extended AOG conditions. QTA can provide either exchange inlets or upgrade a complete set of Inlet Cowls in three weeks, greatly reducing operator downtime compared to alternative corrosion repairs.

As mentioned, QTA’s carbon graphite composite inner barrel comes with a lifetime warranty, assigned to the aircraft’s serial number that automatically transfers to any future owner. The QTA upgraded inlet cowls have life time Product Liability Insurance placed via Lloyds of London. The combined Product Warranty and Liability Insurance provides owner confidence for total coverage over the life of the aircraft.

Since the carbon fiber inner barrel replacement program began in 2015, operators of affected aircraft have shown enthusiastic support of QTA’s technology and the manufacturing quality of their product. Delivery and installation on Albertsons G280 marks 200 QTA Inlet Upgrades with carbon fiber inlet barrels installed on aircraft around the globe. Operators are both relieved from the corrosion problem that has plagued their engines inlets and impressed with the quality and reasonably priced QTA solution.

QTA’s other STCs for Inlet Upgrades cover the following aircraft types:

• Bombardier Challenger 300 and 350
• Bombardier Learjet 60 and 60XR
• Dassault Falcon Jet 2000LX-EX
• Gulfstream G200 & G280
• Hawker 1000
• Embraer Legacy 450/500 series and Embraer Praetor 500/600

A bankruptcy case concerning Engineered Propulsion Systems, Inc, of New Richmond, Wisconsin, was filed under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The case was filed by the debtor’s attorney, James D. Sweet of Steinhilber Swanson LLP.

Engineered Propulsion Systems, Inc. (EPS) was formed in 2006 to develop, manufacture, and market a revolutionary new GA diesel engine, which addresses the needs of the single and light-twin piston engine market. The EPS engine set new standards for fuel economy and performance through its revolutionary light-weight, Flat-Vee, engine design using internationally available Jet fuel. At the time of its’ bankruptcy filing, EPS had expended more than $60 million in private shareholder investment, as well as state and US Air Force grants seeking certification of its revolutionary engine with both civil and military applications.

EPS’ technology is defined as “critical” (NAICS Code: 336412), and its acquisition will likely fall into new regulations defined under Treasury Department guidelines. On May 22, the Treasury Department published proposed revisions to existing regulations that implemented the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (“FIRRMA”), a law passed in 2018 that expands the Committee’s jurisdiction over transactions involving certain sensitive U.S. businesses. Among other things, the proposed regulations would modify the scope of transactions that are subject to mandatory review by CFIUS—namely, those foreign investments in U.S. businesses that produce, design, test, manufacture, fabricate or develop “critical technologies.”

In a shareholder meeting held on Thursday August 4^th, 2020 it was revealed by EPS’ attorney James Sweet that a receiving entity named “EPS Engineered Propulsion Systems, LLC” was formed in Delaware by Chinese and other foreign interests’ intent on taking possession of EPS. They have already assumed the role of Debtor in Possession, and are in the process of preparing a binding “stalking horse bid” to assume all assets in a Section 363 auction process defined by the US Bankruptcy Code. The first step in that process typically entails the debtor’s execution of a binding “stalking horse” agreement with an initial purchaser against which higher and better offers can be solicited, and which spells out that the stalking horse will be deemed the “highest and best” bid if no competing proposals are received. Mary R. Jensen was designated the US trustee for the bankruptcy. She can be reached at the following location for further details: https://www.justice.gov/ust-regions-r11/region-11-western-district-wisconsin

https://www.justice.gov/ust-regions-r11/region-11-western-district-wisconsin

e-mail: Mary.r.jensen@usdoj.gov

For those desiring to view the bankruptcy petition (Case 1-20-11957) and other documents filed by the debtor, they are available at the Internet home page www.wiwb.uscourts.gov, or at the Clerk’s Office, U.S. Federal Courthouse, 500 S. Barstow Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

The Globalair.com Calvin L. Carrithers Aviation Scholarship is entering the final week of application submissions, which ends on August 15^, 2020.

GlobalAir.com says it welcomes students enrolled in an accredited college or university aviation program for the 2020-2021 school year to apply. Four students will be awarded the scholarship and accepted into the program, which entails writing weekly blogs sharing their flight training or aviation class experiences while being awarded a scholarship of $250 twice a semester, equaling a total award of $1,000 for the school year.

While some flight schools and universities are engaging in off-campus learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many are still fully operational and flying. Addi Hemphill, scholarship curator for GlobalAir.com, explains, “We are seeking highly motivated individuals who are looking to make aviation a professional career. Despite an uncertain timeline for many in regards to training, GlobalAir.com would like to provide financial assistance to those students who are passionate about continuing their flight training and aviation education.”

“The Calvin L. Carrithers Aviation Scholarship is different than most scholarships in the sense that it’s geared towards aviation and has students keep a blog throughout their school year. As a previous recipient, creating a blog was a new experience for me that proved to be beneficial. In addition to financial assistance, this scholarship allows students to share their own unique stories and connect with others in the process. Thanks to this scholarship, I have continued learning, networking, and hearing other’s experiences while getting to share my own. It opens doorways that before, I would not have known existed,” she continued.

The application process for the program involves a short essay detailing the applicant’s career path, a letter of recommendation, and proof of enrollment in an accredited college or university aviation program. Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on these qualifications and they will be notified of winning by late-August when many go back to school and their blogs officially begin. The GlobalAir.com Scholarship Team is welcoming any qualified and passionate aviation student to apply before August 15 to be considered for the opportunity.

You can access the application page at https://www.globalair.com/scholarships/

Duncan Aviation announced that the U. S. Department of Labor has endorsed its new Powerplant Apprenticeship program, and eight full-time technicians will begin their 24-month apprenticeships this month. In spite of everything 2020 has thrown at the business aviation industry, Duncan Aviation continues to take a proactive approach to finding ways to resolve the critical shortage of skilled technicians that’s expected in the industry in the next few years.

Leading through action and innovation and focusing on solutions are two of Duncan Aviation’s core values, and the company lives its values, even during a global pandemic. In 2019, the U. S. Department of Labor endorsed Duncan Aviation’s Airframe Apprenticeship program, and the first cohort will be finished with course work in September.

“When we discussed ways to alleviate the shortage of trained and skilled technicians expected industry-wide, we liked the idea of Airframe and Engine Apprenticeship programs because we could offer this career path to our team members, and the A&P certificates they earn are recognized throughout the industry,” said Duncan Aviation’s VP of Aircraft Services Kasey Harwick.

By offering an apprenticeship program to full-time Duncan Aviation team members, who will be prepared over the next 24 months to take their written, oral and practical examinations for their Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificates, Duncan says it is continuing to ensure that its technicians are fully prepared to provide the highest-quality services in the industry to their customers.

“Through a combination of on-the-job experience (OJE), classroom training, hands-on lab work, and supplemental course materials, the Engine apprentices will get the work experience and knowledge necessary to become the kinds of skilled technicians Duncan Aviation Engine teams want to employ,” said assistant manager of the Engine Line in Lincoln, Bradley Wales. “Once the techs have completed their apprenticeship, they will have the confidence, technical abilities, and troubleshooting skills to find their lasting careers at Duncan Aviation.”

Apprentices will spend numerous hours in classrooms and hands-on labs, and they’ll be responsible for learning the following:

• Reciprocating Engines/Applied Reciprocating Engines
• Turbine Engines/Applied Turbine Engines
• Powerplant Ignition Systems/Powerplant Electrical Systems/Fire Protection Systems
• Aircraft Propeller Systems/Applied Propeller Systems
• Induction & Fuel Metering/Applied Induction & Fuel Metering
• Lubrication, Cooling & Exhaust/Applied Lubrication, Cooling & Exhaust
• ESD (Electric Static Discharge) Awareness & Prevention Training
• Aviation Human Factors

Duncan Aviation’s first cohort for the Powerplant Apprenticeship program was drawn from the Engine Shops and Engine Overhaul area of the business. In the future, the program will be open to team members throughout the company. As with the Airframe Apprenticeship program, the techs chosen for the program don’t necessarily have to have any experience; the program will provide all of the training, classroom work, and job experience necessary to earn an A&P license. However, the technicians do need some mechanical aptitude, and they must be highly motivated because the demands of the apprenticeship programs are rigorous: Apprentices will be working full-time, carrying a full course load, and studying on their own.

Continental received the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) Type Certificate (TC) validation for the Jet-A CD-170 engine.

The CD-170 engine is a part of Continental’s CD-100 series of engines that have accumulated over 7.1 million flight hours worldwide since its inception. The newly certified Jet-A engine is included in the current type certificate for the already proven and reliable CD-100 engine series. The TC is the first of many certification milestones as Continental plans to apply for other foreign validation type certificates (VTC) for the CD-170 to reach aviators worldwide.

“We are pleased to reach this significant milestone for the CD-170 engine,” said Jurgen Schwarz, executive vice president of Global Engineering of Continental Aerospace Technologies. “This milestone represents the dedication of our team and our commitment to advancing Jet-A technology. This engine design demonstrates innovation through our enhanced fuel system that provides an additional level of redundancy, making it a safe and reliable option.”

Continental says this 170-horsepower engine has a higher power output that is achieved through several internal design features, such as an increased fuel injection rail pressure and adjusted injection time. These and other design changes result not only in higher performance output but maximized efficiency through an overall improved combustion process. The CD-170 operates efficiently on readily available Jet A-1 or Diesel EN590, reducing fuel consumption by up to 50 percent compared to comparable gasoline engines. The engine benefits from reduced operating costs and has extended endurance or range that is monitored from the engine’s Full Authority Engine Digital Control (FADEC) system.

This engine design has received production certificate validation and is successfully integrated into Tecnam’s P2010 TDI aircraft.

Sino Jet, an Asia-based business jet operator, has shared insights into their operational environment in 2020. The company commented that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in public perception of business jets from a luxury product to a safe and efficient transportation tool and alternative to commercial options. Despite “third-wave” restrictions now tightening in Hong Kong, Sino Jet stated confidence that if cohesive stakeholder cooperation can be achieved, international travel in Asia could resume as early as Q4 2020.

Sino Jet received more than two thousand inquiries during the period ofJanuary to April 2020, many from first-time users of business aviation. These passengers included study-abroad students and stranded business people. A company spokesperson said, “These passengers would ordinarily fly with the airlines, however, flights were either cancelled or deemed unsafe, and we saw an increase in business jet charter as a result. From June, the volume of flight requests has slowed due to completion of repatriation flights, however, demand from business users remains strong.”

The operator reported an uptake in “new entrants” including technology and start-up leaders. “Our clients rely on face-to-face interactions, especially in Asia. When travel is essential for a business’s survival, we pride ourselves on achieving the ‘Mission Impossible’ that can be the difference between a company’s survival or its collapse. The impact of one business trip could affect jobs across the whole supply chain, and we take seriously our part in keeping businesses moving.”

Across the region, restricted border passage and crew visa requirements present further issues in allocating crew to missions. Sino Jet has adjusted to this challenge by making use of its extensive, international and local crew network, dual headquarters in Beijing and Hong Kong SAR, and highly skilled operations team. The company says it has introduced a dedicated, 24-hour team to monitor the fast-changing operational and regulatory environment, and stringent regulations relating to crew health, aircraft cleaning, disinfection, and administration.

“Despite all the obvious issues, we see an opportunity for the industry to play a role in the region’s economic recovery. With increasing understanding of the value of business aviation, we can operate essential flights that would otherwise be impossible,” the spokesperson says.

Border control has been one of the most challenging elements of the operational environment in 2020. Often policies change quickly, leaving little time for repatriation before, for example, a border closes. Sino Jet has invested significant manpower in staying abreast of changes and providing solutions to ensure its clients can travel when needed. With dual headquarters in Beijing and Hong Kong, and offices around the region, the company is well placed to navigate policy changes and border restrictions faster than many industry players.

Sino Jet began implementing precautionary steps to its operations when COVID-19 was first detected in early January. The company’s cabin service department introduced new aircraft disinfection and safety guidelines including temperature checks, wearing PPE, and coating the aircraft with an antibacterial sanitization product. In addition to stringent crew and passenger hygiene policies, Sino Jet crew also self-quarantine after every trip.

“With all the new measures in place, we deliver a clean, safe and healthy environment for all our clients and employees.  In 2020, as always, our priority is as a responsible employer and member of the aviation community. At the heart of this is our commitment to defining a safe, new normal that allows businesses and economies to recover, and families to be together.”

Master Appliance Corp. is offering newly optimized flameless Master Heat Guns for a variety of applications including drying, activating adhesives, bending plastics, defrosting coils, stripping paint, and packaging. Master Heat Guns are available in four models, and have temperature ratings up to 1400°F (760°C) with powerful airflow output of 27 CFM. Designed and assembled in the USA and C-UL-US Listed, Master’s new HG D Series heat guns have double the motor life of previous models, new plug-in heating element and new soft grip ergonomic handle.

Master Heat Guns feature a double protected element housing, long lasting, reinforced, mica-insulated ceramic heating element, heavy-duty die cast aluminum housing and a powerful high-speed universal motor. They have a 3-position (off-on-hot) rocker switch, non-slip rubber-backed base that permits full 90° rotation and oil-resistant neoprene 3-wire grounded cord set. Master Heat Guns are also available in 220V models, 230V CE Certified models and with a momentary contact switch option. When the switch is released, the heat gun automatically turns off.

New Master D Series Heat Guns are available at MasterAppliance.com or from an Authorized Master Heat Tool Distributor. For the name of your local distributor or more information, contact Master Appliance Corp. at sales@masterappliance.com, visit Master’s web site at http://www.masterappliance.com or call (262) 633-7791.

 

Air Plains Services, a provider of general aviation engine and avionics upgrades, announced it is offering the newly certified Lycoming Electronic Ignition System for its Lycoming 180 hp engines. The Lycoming EIS is a drop-in replacement for one mag, requires no maintenance through TBO and “provides precise starts every time,” the company says.

“The new Lycoming EIS is designed and tested to provide trouble-free operation and installation is not an issue,” said Katie Church, head of Air Plains marketing. “We’re offering it now as a stand-alone replacement of one mag and we’ll be adding it to our future XP kits as a no-cost option which we believe will be the most popular way to go.”

The Lycoming EIS, developed with SureFly, has no mechanical parts that wear and features all solid-state electronics providing operators a 2,400-hour operating service time with no inspections, no rebuilds, no overhauls. It promises a more consistent spark with higher accuracy than traditional magnetos and results in a more efficient operation, using less fuel.

Lycoming recommends replacing only one magneto – generally the left or impulse-coupled/starting magneto on most aircraft engines. Since the EIS requires the aircraft’s power to function, Lycoming recommends retaining one conventional magneto for when a redundant power source is not available.

Air Plains has delivered more than 2,500 172XP upgrades based on the Lycoming 180 hp engine and currently offers two STCs designed to meet almost any requirement.

For more information on the Lycoming EIS, call Air Plains at 800-752-8481 or (outside the U.S.) +1-620-326-8904.

Trimec Aviation, a certified FAA Part 145 Repair Station (#18TR248C) and authorized full-service maintenance, repair, and overhaul Gogo dealer, has added the Gogo AVANCE L3 to its AVANCE L5 Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Gulfstream G200. The AVANCE L3 connectivity solution provides a Wi-Fi experience for customers flying throughout North America at an affordable price.

“The AVANCE L3 option is a terrific connectivity package for G200 operators and we have already had great response from our customers,” says John Holland, Trimec Aviation, general manager. “This package uses the same proven platform that the L5 uses, and at an attractive price point that aligns nicely with our G200 customers’ needs. Our technicians are well versed in Gogo systems and we look forward to many installations in the coming months,” added Holland.
The AVANCE L3 system is small and light enough for virtually any business aircraft, provides connectivity to up to 25 devices, and is customizable to a customer’s needs offering three different configuration packages.