Category: General Aviation

Aviation Institute of Maintenance Hosts Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance’s First National Conference

–The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is proud to host the upcoming Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM) 2025 Conference, taking place September 26–28 at AIM’s Irving campus. This marks AWAM’s first large-scale national conference and underscores AIM’s commitment
to advancing women in aviation and the trades.

“AIM is dedicated to training women technicians to support the aviation industry pipeline, and this conference represents an important step toward creating a more equitable work environment for these skilled professionals,” said Jason Pfaff, chief executive officer of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. “It is our privilege to welcome AWAM members to our Irving campus as they continue building a community where women technicians feel empowered in their workplaces.”

The conference will bring together industry leaders, students, and professionals to share knowledge, foster mentorship, and create pathways for more women to enter and thrive in aviation maintenance careers. Stacey Rudser, AWAM president and the first female graduate from AIM’s Orlando campus, will lead this landmark event, showcasing the lasting impact of AIM’s alumni community on the aviation industry.

ATEQ Aviation and Pilot John International Announce Global Distribution Partnership

ATEQ Aviation, the global leader in aviation testing equipment, is pleased to announce a strategic distribution partnership with Pilot John International (PJi), a provider of aircraft maintenance tools and ground support equipment. This alliance is set to enhance the global availability of ATEQ’s advanced products through Pilot John’s established marketplace, which offers top-tier GSE and tooling, avionics test equipment, aircraft parts, consumables, and pilot supplies.

Strengthening the Foundation for Global Growth

This partnership supports ATEQ Aviation’s growth strategy by expanding its reach through specialized distributors in the aeronautical maintenance sector. By reinforcing its international sales network, ATEQ demonstrates its commitment to innovation, adaptability, and delivering exceptional customer satisfaction around the world.

Together, ATEQ Aviation and Pilot John International will provide aviation maintenance professionals—including airlines, OEMs, military organizations, general aviation, and FBOs—access to cutting-edge test solutions wherever they operate. This agreement bolsters ATEQ’s existing global sales network, ensuring clients benefit from both technical excellence and responsive support.

Expanded Product Availability

As part of this agreement, Pilot John will now offer a comprehensive range of ATEQ Aviation products, including:

•​The full ADSE product line (Air data test sets) with pitot adapter kits

•​Battery testers and accessories

•​Bond tester and accessories

•​Aviation NiCad battery covers

This expanded availability enables maintenance professionals to access high-quality, precision testing equipment faster, with the added benefit of Pilot John’s industry expertise, customer service, and global logistics capabilities.

Registration Lifts Off for The Competition Presented by Snap-on 2026

The Competition Presented by Snap-on is back for 2026, with registration officially opening October 1! 

The Competition Presented by Snap-on, and hosted by the Aerospace Maintenance Council (www.amccompetition.com), gives teams of maintenance professionals, international military personnel and aviation maintenance students the chance to test their skills against those of their peers. The Competition includes challenges in areas such as avionics; safety wiring; fiber optics/flight control rigging; hydraulics; jet engine troubleshooting; workplace safety SMS; and other tasks. Teams have 15 minutes to accurately complete each task; competitors that finish their tasks up to safety standards in less than the allotted time receive higher scores with points deducted for any errors. 

The event runs concurrently with the MRO Americas convention, North America’s largest gathering of the aviation maintenance community. Both will take place April 20-23, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, and admission to The Competition is included with MRO Americas credentials.

For the second year, the Competition will also take place in conjunction with Vertical Aviation International’s VERTICON at the Georgia World Congress Center March 9-12, 2026. Utah State University won the inaugural Competition at VERTICON earlier this year. 

“We’re thrilled to be in the early stages of preparation for next year’s Competition,” said Ken MacTiernan, council vice president and competition chairman. “Every year we are blown away by the level of enthusiasm and talent that the competitors bring to the event, and we expect next year to be no exception.”

The team earning the overall best score takes home the grand prize in aviation maintenance – the William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance. Presented by Snap-on, the coveted award signifies the highest standard of excellence in aviation maintenance. The O’Brien Award is a traveling trophy that debuted at the 2013 Competition at MRO Americas. The winning team receives the honor of displaying the trophy in their facility for a year. In 2025, the honor was awarded to Southwest Airlines-Team Herb for the second year in a row.

In addition to the William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance, Snap-on provides all the tools and equipment used by the participants during The Competition and donates tool prizes to top finishers. 

This is the 13th year in a row Snap-on has served as the title sponsor for The Competition at MRO Americas and the first year as title sponsor for The Competition at VERTICON. 

“What The Competition stands for is something we deeply believe in, and that’s celebrating the critical nature of aviation careers,” said Bill Willetts, vice president of Snap-on Industrial and Aerospace Maintenance Council board member. “Through our partnerships with technical education institutions and NC3, Snap-on plays an active role in promoting aviation careers and all skilled trades. This partnership with The Competition has moved the industry forward, and we will do our part to continue making it a success.”

Snap-on works closely with the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) to promote and facilitate its technical education program to high schools and tech colleges. NC3 is a network of education providers and corporations that, together, embody passion for innovative career and technical education models to produce a sustainable, highly-skilled workforce.

Team registration opens Oct. 1 at https://www.amccompetition.com/competitions/amcc-2026-mro.

Bluetail Named Among Top Aviation Companies on 2025 Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future, announced that Bluetail has been ranked 309th overall in the annual Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

Bluetail also earned recognition as one of the top business aviation companies on the list, reflecting its position as the leading software solution trusted by maintenance professionals to modernize, secure, and streamline aircraft records management.

The prestigious Inc. 5000 list provides a data-driven snapshot of the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Past honorees include companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle, and Patagonia.

“As the leading provider of AI-enhanced, cloud-based aircraft records management solutions for business aviation, we are extremely proud of being recognized among the top aviation companies on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list,” states Bluetail’s CEO and co-founder, Roberto Guerrieri. “Our ranking parallels our unprecedented growth and underscores the industry-changing impact that our focus on providing tools that increase an aircraft operator’s efficiency and compliance efforts is having in the business aviation industry.”

This year’s Inc. 5000 honorees have demonstrated exceptional growth while navigating economic uncertainty and a challenging labor market. In addition to being ranked 309th overall, Bluetail is proud to be recognized as #28 in Software and #9 among all companies in Arizona, further underscoring its rapid rise as a leader in business aviation technology.

For the complete list, company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, visit: www.inc.com/inc5000.

“Making the Inc. 5000 is always a remarkable achievement, but earning a spot this year speaks volumes about a company’s tenacity and clarity of vision,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “These businesses have thrived amid rising costs, shifting global dynamics, and constant change. They didn’t just weather the storm—they grew through it, and their stories are a powerful reminder that the entrepreneurial spirit is the engine of the U.S. economy.”

Hartzell Engine Tech Delivers First Shipments of Prototype Electronic Wastegates

Hartzell Engine Tech has delivered its first shipments of developmental prototype electronic wastegates to multiple undisclosed aircraft engine manufacturers for functional testing.

Known for its traditional hydro-mechanical wastegates, Hartzell Engine Tech has recently invested in advancing wastegate technology for the future. The company’s AeroForce brand prototype electronic wastegate serves as an early-stage plug-and-play replacement for hydro-pneumatic wastegates on aircraft engines equipped with FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Controls). Hartzell Engine Tech is also developing electronic wastegate applications for non-FADEC legacy engines.

“The design intent of the AeroForce prototype is to maintain the current installation envelope and weight while reusing the existing, time-tested hot section butterfly valve and housing,” said Rick Quave, Hartzell Engine Tech vice president of engineering. “Our design features a single-point OEM electrical connection, replicates current actuation force by way of a linear actuator and proprietary driver design hardened to comply with DO-160 conditions, ensuring reliable performance across various environments.”

Potential benefits of the new electronic wastegate include eliminating multiple leak paths from oil hoses and connections, reducing oil stress, and streamlining on-engine setup. Additionally, the prototype offers immediate responsiveness to engine-measured parameters and direct integration into the FADEC system for precise control.

With a reduced number of components, the AeroForce electronic wastegate has the potential to lower maintenance costs, enhance reliability, and decrease engine oil heat load, all while improving stability and accuracy in manifold absolute pressure (MAP) control. AeroForce wastegates respond to controller commands to manage turbo speed by regulating exhaust pressure.

TrafFix Devices Enhances Airport Security with the Water Wall System

Innovative Positive Separation System Delivers Enhanced Safety, Durability, and Flexibility

TrafFix Devices, a leading manufacturer and supplier of traffic control devices and crash attenuation products, highlights the Water Wall, a durable and highly adaptable safety device designed for superior performance that continues to set the standard in temporary positive separation solutions. As a MASH-eligible TL-2 Longitudinal Channelizing Device, the Water-Wall provides essential protection in airport environments. During peak travel times or special events, it helps manage passenger flow and create organized queuing areas. When maintenance or repairs are underway on runways, taxiways, or other airport infrastructure, these longitudinal channelizing devices effectively separate work zones from active areas.

Manufactured from durable, low-density polyethylene plastic, the Water Wall is built for longevity, resisting cracks and breakage even in demanding conditions. Its double-wall knuckle design reinforces hinge points, reducing the risk of structural failure. With a hinge that allows up to 30 degrees of pivoting, the positive separation system can be adjusted to fit various layouts, while a newly introduced corner piece enables 90-degree turns for even greater versatility.

The Water Wall is engineered for efficiency, and includes an 8-inch fill hole with a twist-lock plastic cap, expediting the filling process, and a tamper-resistant offset drain plug that secures or releases in just two and a half turns. A steel connection and keeper pin system ensures secure interlocking between sections, while molded-in forklift and pallet jack slots allow for easy transport and positioning. For added security, the Water Wall is compatible with the Water-Wall chain-link fence attachment, providing an additional layer of protection when necessary.

Designed to meet rigorous safety standards, the Water Wall has been NCHRP-350 tested and passed to MASH TL-1 Barrier Wall, TL-2 Longitudinal Channelizing Device, and TL-3
Barricade. It also seamlessly connects to the SLED end treatment, eliminating the need for additional shielding or flaring, further simplifying deployment.

IAEG Unveils Updated Aerospace and Defense Declarable Substances List to Enhance Compliance and Efficiency

In response to the growing complexity of global chemical substance regulations, aerospace and defense industry companies are urged to maintain rigorous reporting of product-related substance data. The International Aerospace Environmental Group (IAEG) announced the release of Version 9.0 of the Aerospace and Defense Declarable Substances List (AD-DSL).

The newly updated Version 9.0 of the AD-DSL incorporates a revised list of declarable substances that reflects the latest regulatory changes potentially impacting the global aerospace and defense industry. Additionally, it includes updated definitions for regulatory criteria, allowing users to ascertain whether specific substances are subject to product and/or material restrictions, reporting requirements, or a combination of both.

The AD-DSL Version 9.0 is now available for voluntary use by members of the aerospace and defense industry and their associated supply chains. These resources can be accessed and downloaded in various formats, including Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and an Extensible Markup Language (XML) version that adheres to the IPC-1754 data exchange standard for materials and substances declaration.

The development of the AD-DSL was made possible through the collaborative efforts of IAEG member companies, which represent a diverse cross-section of the aerospace and defense industry, including product manufacturers, component suppliers, and service contractors.

Signia Aerospace Acquires Precise Flight

Signia Aerospace, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, announced the acquisition of Precise Flight, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative aviation safety systems and equipment. Based in Bend, Oregon, Precise Flight will continue to operate from its current headquarters.

Precise Flight is known globally for its trusted product lines, including the Pulselite System, fixed and portable oxygen systems, and Speedbrakes. These products are installed on a diverse range of aircraft, with customers across the aerospace spectrum including airlines, airframe OEMs, and leading completion centers and MROs. Notable customers include Qantas, Alaska Airlines, Gulfstream, Bell Textron, Bombardier, Cirrus, Textron Aviation, Daher, Piper, Mooney, Robinson Helicopters, and Airbus Helicopters, among many others.  

“Precise Flight is a critical supplier of innovative products to aviation customers worldwide and leads with forward-thinking design and manufacturing,” said Norman Jordan, CEO of Signia Aerospace. “Their reputation for quality, innovation, and reliability makes them a natural fit for our growing platform.”  

Precise Flight will continue to be led by Bill Hoback. “Joining Signia Aerospace marks a significant milestone for our company,” said Hoback. “This partnership strengthens our foundation and positions us to accelerate product development, expand market reach, and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers.”  

Precise Flight will report into Signia Aerospace Group President Keith Bagley. “Welcoming Precise Flight into the Signia Aerospace family strengthens our ability to serve the aviation industry with integrated and advanced technologies,” said Bagley. “Precise Flight aligns perfectly with our mission and complements the capabilities of our existing brands.”

EASA Certifies Hartzell Polaris Propeller for Diamond DA40 NG

Hartzell Propeller has received approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for its 3-blade Polaris high-performance carbon fiber propeller for use on Diamond DA40 NG aircraft.

Working closely with Diamond Aircraft, this Hartzell propeller is now also available as a factory-installed option on new Diamond DA40 NG models.

Hartzell’s lightweight Polaris propeller offers enhanced performance and durability over the standard wood-core propeller. The new propeller and included spinner delivers smoother operation, improved climb rates, and a 2 to 3 KTAS increase in cruise speed. Additionally, it features a quieter, eco-friendly noise signature of just 74.1 dB(A).

“The Top Prop performance conversion kit for the DA40 NG includes our carbon fiber propeller, choice of a white or metallic silver composite spinner, and complete STC documentation,” said Jon Stoy, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Hartzell Propeller. “It’s an ideal upgrade for operators seeking advanced technology, enhanced performance, and long-term durability.”

The 74-inch diameter Polaris propeller is designed specifically for the Austro Engine E4-A and features a robust Bantam aluminum hub. It comes with  a 2,400-hour or 6-year Time Between Overhaul (TBO) and is covered by Hartzell’s comprehensive warranty through the first overhaul cycle. The Top Prop conversion kit is available for DA40 NG aircraft equipped with either MÄM 40-434 (Cowling Redesign) or OÄM 40-310 (Exhaust System with Muffler).

Engineered for low weight and inertia, Hartzell’s Polaris propeller is built using advanced structural carbon fiber composites, delivering excellent reliability, durability, and lifecycle value. Proven across multiple platforms, Hartzell’s carbon fiber propellers continue to set the benchmark for General Aviation performance and innovation.

Air Plains Services Gains PMA for Airbox Filter Seal Assembly for 172L/M Models

Air Plains Services, a provider of general aviation engine and avionics upgrades, announced it has gained Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the airbox filter seal assembly for Cessna 172 L and M model aircraft. 

“The seal assembly is an important part of the cooling system and plays a key role in proper CHT management,” said Katie Church, president of Air Plains. “We specialize in PMA parts for Cessna piston, particularly the cooling system, and when we find ways to improve on an original design, we want to add it our product range.” 

Mechanics at Air Plains report the absence of the filter seal assembly on many L and M model Cessna 172 Skyhawks coming in for engine upgrades. This can cause a change in designed air flow over the engine, resulting in higher CHTs, as much as 10 to 15 degrees F. 

“The seal is essential to achieve a greater pressure differential in the engine compartment that strengthens the flow of cooler air over the engine,” Church said. “As we’ve done with other components such as the airbox, we’ve made it better, easy to install and less expensive than other options.”

Air Plains opted for a special, lightweight polycarbonate plastic due to its higher temperature resistance, weight and strength. The fiberglass-reinforced silicone material is a single piece seal that provides the best differential pressure between the upper and lower cowl and is designed for easy installation. 

Air Plains offers a wide range of PMA parts for the induction system including airboxes, collars, gaskets, adjustable brackets and baffles assemblies, all available at the company’s online store.