A 12-year-old with exceptional abilities will attend Georgia Tech and major in aerospace engineering. The young man, Caleb Anderson, has always exhibited abilities beyond his years, learning to read at age two – his mother has videos of him reading the U. S. Constitution at that age. After telling his parents he was bored with the middle school curriculum at the school he attended, the Marietta, Georgia resident began taking classes at a community college last fall. His story caught the eye of officials at Georgia Tech. After meeting with the chairman of the aerospace engineering program, he was offered a chance to go there. Anderson will start next semester.
Category: Commercial
GKN and Partners Launch ASCEND to Accelerate High Volume Composite Technologies
GKN Aerospace is heading up a new UK industry consortium called ASCEND (Aerospace and Automotive Supply Chain Enabled Development) to develop and accelerate composite material and process technologies for the next generation of energy efficient aircraft and future mobility.
The £40m ($55.65m) consortium, funded by a £20.0M ($27.82m) commitment from industry and a £19.6M ($27.27m) commitment from the UK Government via ATI, will focus on greater adoption of composite technologies today, the industrialization of new technologies, as well as accelerating aerospace production rates to meet future high-volume requirements. The collaboration will help develop technologies from across the UK supply-chain to develop the advanced materials and automation equipment required to manufacture lightweight structures for the sustainable air mobility, aerospace and automotive industry.
Assyst Bullmer, Airborne, Cobham Mission Systems Wimborne, Cygnet Texkimp, Des Composites, FAR-UK Ltd, Hexcel Composites, Hive Composites, LMAT, Loop Technology, McLaren Automotive, the National Composites Centre, Rafinex, Sigmatex (UK) and Solvay Composite Materials will join GKN Aerospace in the consortium with collaboration and investment support from Axillium Research. Through a 3-year commitment, the partnership, backed by the UK government, will bring together expertise, capabilities and resources from across the wider UK aerospace and automotive supply chain. In doing so, ASCEND will strengthen the UK’s position as a technology leader in future lightweight structures and help to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in the aerospace and automotive industry.
The consortium will be led from GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in Bristol and will support up to 130 jobs through 2023/24. GKN Aerospace will use its long-term experience and in-depth knowledge of composite engineering for integrated airframe structures throughout the project.
“GKN Aerospace has deep knowledge and expertise in composite technology and we are proud to lead this consortium. Accelerating the next-generation of lightweight, cost effective advanced composite technologies is critical for the aerospace and automotive industry and its move to more energy-efficient aircraft and vehicles,” said John Pritchard, president Civil Airframe GKN Aerospace. “Ensuring we can not only develop these technologies, but also manufacture them at high-rate across the UK supply chain, will maintain our position as an industry leader and underpin our commitment to sustainability. Combined with the Aerospace Technology Institute, which is providing vital support for the UK’s position on the next generation of aircraft, we will be able to deliver breakthroughs in technology as well as benchmark levels of price, quality and repeatability.“
MTU Maintenance Zhuhai and Sichuan Airlines Agreement Signed for Narrowbody Engines
MTU Maintenance and long-standing partner Sichuan Airlines have signed an engine MRO contract for the airline’s V2500 and CFM56-5B engines. The agreement covers 259 engines including spares for a five-year period and services will be carried out at MTU Maintenance’s facilities in Zhuhai, Hannover and Vancouver. Sichuan Airlines operates 119 V2500 and CFM56-5B powered A319, A320 and A321 aircraft.
“We have established an excellent professional relationship with MTU Maintenance Zhuhai over the past decade,” says Shao Chuan, general manager of Maintenance & Engineering Department of Sichuan Airlines. “As such we have selected them as our maintenance provider for our V2500 and CFM56-5B fleet. They have an outstanding reputation for highly-customized and cost-effective MRO services and we are confident they will provide us with the very best solution across our entire engine fleet.”
“This tri-facility agreement is the first of its kind for MTU Maintenance and gives us the flexibility within our network to ensure the slot availability, quality, turnaround time and cost-effectiveness commitments we have made to Sichuan Airlines,” adds Michael Schreyögg, chief program officer, MTU Aero Engines. “We are delighted to apply our unrivaled engine expertise to the Sichuan Airlines fleet and look forward to supporting them with the best solution to maximize their asset usage and avoid unnecessary spend during this difficult time for the airline industry.”
Meriwani Appointed MD KLM UK Engineering
Perwien Meriwani has been appointed managing director of KLM UK Engineering Limited as of 1st July 2021. Based in Norwich, KLM UK Engineering is an AFI KLM E&M subsidiary specializing in maintenance solutions for regional and narrow-body aircraft fleets. Meriwani began her career in 2009 with KLM and held several operational management positions followed by: director Aircraft Maintenance, and VP Human Resources Engineering & Maintenance.
“I am very proud to be appointed managing Director of KLM UK Engineering Limited,” Meriwani said. “I look forward to work with the team at KLM UKE to further develop and grow our MRO business with focus on customer centricity. Safety, quality and predictability of maintenance are key factors for guaranteeing operational and financial performance of an airline. My goal is to continuously improve and adapt ourselves to the expectations of our customers.”
Pioneer Metal Finishing Acquires Electrochem Solutions, a Precious Metal Plating Company in Silicon Valley
Pioneer Metal Finishing (Pioneer), a portfolio company of Aterian Investment Partners (Aterian), announced the acquisition of Electrochem Solutions (Electrochem).
Founded in 1982 and based in Union City, Calif., Electrochem is a metal finishing company in Silicon Valley. Electrochem provides a range of highly technical finishing solutions including gold plating, silver plating, anodizing, electroless nickel, and other services to clients primarily in the semiconductor fabrication equipment end market.
“Pioneer is the right choice for Electrochem, our employees and customers,” David Rossiter, owner of Electrochem, said. “Pioneer is recognized as the ideal buyer for family and founder owned metal finishing businesses. I am confident Pioneer will be a great home for our employees and customers because of our shared goals and values.”
Daniel Krasnow, principal at Aterian added, “We are excited to continue to build upon Pioneer’s strategy of acquiring leading metal finishing businesses. Electrochem expands Pioneer’s presence on the West Coast and adds new technical capabilities Pioneer can build upon.”
Defense, aviation and aerospace firms all demand mission-critical performance from precious metal plating and coating for a variety of rigorous applications including systems for missile guidance, aircraft power and thrust and satellite communications. Connectivity solutions, for example, must deliver 100% reliable current and voltage under potentially harsh conditions.
“For aerospace customers, this acquisition uniquely positions Pioneer to provide highly complex solutions, flexible capabilities and an ultra-reliable supply chain to a dynamic industry that’s exhibiting strong growth. Across all markets, customers appreciate the stability offered by Pioneer’s financial strength, broad customer base and large footprint across North America – currently 11 facilities and more than one million square feet of manufacturing capacity. Pioneer in committed to continually meet their needs today, tomorrow and into the future,” said Carlos Miller, Pioneer Metal Products’ VP Aerospace and Defense, shown here. “Like Pioneer, Electrochem has a proud history of developing and executing challenging engineered surface solutions that other companies shy away from. We’re now a one-stop shop for precious metal coatings that provide superior connectivity and anti-corrosion performance. Founded nearly 40 years ago, Electrochem focuses on functionally engineered precious metal plating, electroless nickel, aluminum anodizing, complex masking and clean room-based related services for specialized, high-tech components; Electrochem is an approved vendor for many Fortune 500 companies. Francisco Ruiz, current General Manager, will continue leading this division.”
Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP advised Pioneer on the transaction.
Vallair Augments its Aircraft Maintenance Capability with Addition of New Châteauroux Facility
Vallair has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with The Centre-Val de Loire Region and The Châteauroux Centre Airport Establishment. The LoI will see Vallair awarded a ten-year lease for a state-of-the-art full-service aircraft maintenance, repair, overhaul and cargo conversion hangar adjacent to its existing aerostructures repair and logistics facility in Châteauroux, France.
“This is an important step for Vallair as we establish our blueprint for growth,” says Gregoire Lebigot, CEO of Vallair. “This new facility will be a natural extension of Vallair’s existing operations in Montpellier and Châteauroux providing maintenance, lease transfers, modifications, reconfigurations, aircraft parking and storage as well as repairs of aerostructure and composite elements. In addition to this we will be establishing our own dedicated conversion unit which will showcase Vallair’s experience and knowledge of passenger-to-freighter conversions. Our aim is to support our customers through these challenging times and to be prepared for the surge in demand expected from the fourth quarter. Vallair currently has seven aircraft scheduled for such work in Châteauroux, with another five expected over the coming weeks. This will be our initial orderbook.”
Vallair says the new hangar will have a positive impact on local employment through the creation of 200 jobs which will be divided between Vallair employees and subcontractors. With a footprint of 8,500m² the facility will be able to accommodate four A321 size aircraft, or a combination of A330s and A321s. Although completion is anticipated by Summer 2021, Vallair will continue to support this project with a forecasted 5m Euro investment in the coming months.
“On behalf of Vallair, I would particularly like to thank Francois Bonneau from The Centre-Val de Loire, and Dominique Roullet from the Châteauroux Centre Airport Establishment and their teams for their continuous support of this project,” continues Lebigot. “Our unrivalled focus on mature aircraft assets enables us to provide enhanced sustainability, and we look forward to the contribution this new facility will make towards a future full of opportunities for Vallair.”
ACC Aviation Touts Flexible ACMI as Help for Airlines
Airlines holding worldwide AOCs with ‘go now’ capacity have the opportunity to diversify into flexible, short-term Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) wet leasing contracts.
The flight ready solution can enable airlines to start revenue flying again at short notice and be an ideal solution for carriers wanting to take-off again this summer, while navigating the uncertainty around demand, ACC Aviation highlighted this week. Typical ACMI market lease contract terms will be relaxed in a united effort to get an industry grounded by the pandemic, back flying again.
“ACMI rates within Europe have stabilized off the back of the pande
Separately, smaller airlines that have down-sized and cut capacity will want to take advantage of a shortened European peak summer in 2021, he suggested. “Turning to an ACMI solution in the peak season will provide these airlines with an immediate opportunity to retain or gain market share on popular routes. It will also add much-needed additional income, offering temporary peak season lift without the need to invest in longer-term resources.
“Airlines and tour operators face a difficult period forecasting when demand will pick up and ensuring they are ready to scale up services in line with that demand. It’s about being flexible so they can bring back that capacity – in terms of flight crew, operations and dispatch personnel – as and when it’s needed,” Dave Williams said.
Since the UK Prime Minister announced the Government’s roadmap to ease travel restrictions from 17 May, buoyed by its successful and speedy vaccination programme, TUI UK and easyJet reported immediate surges in demand for summer flights and inclusive bookings.
The fact is that airlines have spent the last 12 months in recovery mode – downsizing and cutting back fleet and resources, including returning aircraft to lessors. Personnel in operations, dispatch and planning roles have been made redundant or furloughed. Flight crews have been in hibernation mode through most of the winter. To get operations back up and running crews will need to refresh licences, book simulator time and ensure maintenance is current. This will inevitably result in bottlenecks and airlines will find themselves without the capacity (supplemental lift) to satisfy the demand. Ultimately they could lose out on much-needed revenue and income.
“Although there is an excess of aircraft available, post pandemic, dry leasing options (longer term leasing, no crew) will not necessarily provide an immediate solution. This still requires crew training and maintenance and faces the same bottleneck as the rest of the market,” Williams added.
WaPo Reports on 777/PW4000 Issue – AVM Columnist Guzzetti Quoted
The Washington Post reports that “multiple potential cracks near the spot where a fan blade broke off” have been found during the investigation of the United Flight 328 B777/PW4000 inflight engine failure. The Post says this information “adds to questions on the pace and effectiveness of inspections on such blades and whether potential indications of cracks were missed.”
Aviation Maintenance columnist and safety expert Jeff Guzzetti is quoted in the article: “The bottom line is the NTSB is looking into all the potential ways in which a crack goes undetected, and that’s good,” said Jeff Guzzetti, former director of the Federal Aviation Administration’s accident investigation division. “This may lead to another type of inspection or a change in the frequency of inspections.”
Read the full Washington Post article here.
C&L Aviation Services Looks Forward with Apprenticeship Program
As part of the company’s continued expansion, C&L Aviation Services, a C&L Aviation Group company, announced the formalized start of their Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship Program registered with the Department of Labor. The program, set to begin in April, will provide paying jobs to apprentices while they receive on-the-job instruction, preparing them for their FAA certification examination and a career in aviation.
C&L’s apprenticeship program will be a three-year program which will lead to the FAA’s Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification. An A&P certificate is required for all aircraft mechanics to sign off on aircraft maintenance. Part of the interview process for applicants will be meeting the C&L mentors and training team and demonstrating their mechanical aptitude. Applicants with previous experience and/or a military background may qualify for C&L’s accelerated apprenticeship program which is one year. Military veterans who attend the program on the accelerated basis are eligible to utilize the GI Bill to supplement their income as apprentices as well.
“We have seen a lot of growth here in the past few years and it is a really exciting time to launch our newly registered Apprenticeship Program,” said Valerie Byers, recruiting manager for C&L Aviation Group. “We have a great group of employees here at C&L, and their ability to pass on their years of knowledge and experience to the next generation is an incredible advantage to those who will enter the program.”
C&L plans to hire and start the first class of six this April with an additional six in the fall. Apprentices will work full-time at the company’s 200,000 sq. ft. MRO facility located in Bangor, Maine.
S. S. White Technologies Flexible Rotary Shafts Support Thrust Reverser Actuation Systems On CFM LEAP 1-A Turbofan Engines Selected By Scandinavian Airlines To Power Their Order For An Additional 35 Airbus A320neo Aircraft
S.S. White Technologies is the supplier of flexible shafts that transmit power to activate the critical Thrust Reverser Actuation Systems (TRAS) on the CFM LEAP 1-A turbofan engines selected by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to power their latest purchase of 35 Airbus A320neo aircraft. SAS is currently operating a total of 44 A320neo aircraft powered by LEAP 1-A turbofan engines.
S.S. White provides a set of flexible rotary shafts per LEAP 1-A TRAS that transfer power and enable safe operation during flight and deployment of the thrust reverser during landing.
In addition, all aerospace flexible shaft products are designed to one of the industry’s highest performance criteria by utilizing a unique computer modeling software program developed by S.S. White called PERFLEXION. The company says this program allows the design engineers to more fully model the behavioral characteristics of the wire bundles within the shaft core and arrive at an optimum product that provides maximum bending flexibility and torsion strength while allowing minimal torsion deflection with up to a 30 percent improvement above current industry standards.