Category: BizJet

Cementex Highlights Contractor Series of Arc Flash PPE Task Wear

Safety tool specialists Cementex is highlighting their Contractor Series of Arc Flash Protective Clothing PPE, an option the company says does not sacrifice quality or safety.  Cementex offers Arc Flash Task Wear with reliable, classic protection for the safety of personnel in environments in and around energized equipment.

The company says their Contractor Series provides a total system of arc-rated protective clothing with kits that include hood, hard hat, coats, pants, coveralls, ear canal hearing protection, and safety glasses or goggles, as well as optional gloves and hard hat liners or balaclavas as needed.

This PPE is available in 8 CAL/cm² and 40 CAL/cm² levels of protection and complies with the NFPA 70E and CSA Z462 standards. It covers Category 1 and 2 with the 8 CAL/cm² and Category 3 and 4 with the 40 CAL/cm² for complete protection with minimal redundancy.

The 40 CAL/cm² Contractor Series of Arc Flash PPE Task Wear is compatible with an innovative ventilation system that ensures greater air circulation, provides cooling, reduces the risk of dehydration, and makes long-term wear easier and safer for users.

In addition to the Contractor Series of Arc Flash Protective Clothing PPE, Cementex also offers the Feature Series for the next level of comfort, safety, durability and protection and the UltraLite Series, with innovative design and materials for the lightest, most comfortable Arc Flash PPE Task Wear available. All Cementex PPE is made in the USA.

Marshall Announces Apprenticeship Partnership with Bombardier

Marshall Skills Academy has announced plans to partner with business jet aviation specialist Bombardier to deliver its Level 3, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship from September 2022.

This will be the first time that aviation training specialist Marshall Skills Academy, which rebranded at the start of 2022 to better reflect its core focus and expertise, has delivered an apprenticeship provision externally, building on a proud 100-year history of providing its own award-winning apprenticeship programs.

The new cohort of Bombardier Level 3 apprentices will complete their first year in Marshall’s workshop in Cambridge before returning to the aircraft manufacturer’s Biggin Hill site, where they will be given day release to continue with their studies.

Marshall Skills Academy will provide continuous on-site learning and assessment at Biggin Hill along with dedicated support to the wider Bombardier team to enable them to develop and grow the apprentices within their workplace.

Marshall Skills Academy’s Head of Aviation Excellence Matt Siggens, himself a former Marshall apprentice, explains: “The Marshall Apprenticeship programme has long been acknowledged as setting the gold standard in the industry and I am incredibly proud and excited to working with the Bombardier team at Biggin Hill to help them grow the next generation of aviation engineers.

The decision to extend our Aviation Apprenticeship offering beyond those that we need for our own aerospace businesses will enable us to partner with more like-minded organisations to develop a robust pipeline of talent for the future.

“We are very happy to be working with Marshall Skills Academy on this critical programme to develop future generations of aircraft technicians,” said Paul Thompson, General Manager of Bombardier’s Biggin Hill Service Centre. “This world-class facility will provide a solid training ground for our apprentices in a technologically advanced workplace environment – with the possibility for full-time employment at the facility upon graduation.”

Commenting on the partnership with Bombardier, Dan Edwards, General Manager of Marshall Skills Academy said, “There is a growing concern across the aviation sector over the massive skills gap in competent aircraft maintenance professionals. Marshall Skills Academy is proud to be involved with doing its part to close that gap so that the world’s fleet of aircraft can continue to fly safely.”

Dan continued, “It is also an exciting time for the business as we have started working more collaboratively with industry professionals to help them solve their biggest challenges by delivering the world-class training that puts Marshall apprentices above and beyond the competition. As we move towards blending traditional delivery methods with technical learning, we aim to build strong collaborative relationships with future customers rather than transactional ones. Therefore, Marshall Skills Academy’s holistic approach to apprentice training, support and wellbeing is truly unique.”

Marshall Skills Academy is working with Bombardier to support their recruitment efforts to onboard up to 20 new apprentices in 2022

GKN Aerospace Named Supplier of All New Gulfstream G800 and G400 Business Jets

GKN Aerospace has been selected as a supplier on Gulfstream’s new Gulfstream G800 and Gulfstream G400 business jets. GKN Aerospace is using its world-leading capability in design and manufacture of business jet empennages and aerostructures on the advanced aircraft. The rudder and elevators from the empennage, in addition to the floorboards, will all feature the latest thermoplastic technology. GKN Aerospace also produces the metal bonded fuselage panels for the body of the new G800 aircraft, as well as the aluminum machined wing skins for the G400.

A team of experts from GKN Aerospace has joined the Gulfstream engineering team in the design process. Production will ultimately take place in facilities in Papendrecht and Hoogeveen in the Netherlands, Chihuahua in Mexico, and Wellington in the US.

This agreement is a continuation of the long-term business relationship between Gulfstream and GKN Aerospace. GKN Aerospace’s Fokker business began participating in Gulfstream’s very successful business jet programs in 1993. Over that time, GKN Aerospace has built a market leading position in business jet empennages as proven in the design and manufacture of empennages for many Gulfstream large and ultra-large cabin aircraft, as well as for other business jets customers. GKN Aerospace current involvement in Gulfstream business jets include the Empennage on G650 and G700, fuselage panels on G650 and G700, floorboards on G650 and G700, Rudder on G500 and G600 and Wing skins on G500 and G600.

“We are excited to be selected again as a key supplier on Gulfstream’s next generation of business jets and we truly value this partnership of almost 30 years,” John Pritchard, President Civil Airframe of GKN Aerospace, said. “Our advanced lightweight thermoplastic technology offers a sustainable solution for aircraft structural components. Together with Gulfstream, we look forward to continuing to shape the future of flight.”

ATP Announces Bluetail Integration Partnership

ATP announced a new integration partnership with Bluetail.

“While Flightdocs has focused on ensuring aircraft compliance and current records, this partnership and integration with Bluetail allows our operators to have complete access and control of all historical documents and data from a single platform,” explained ATP’s VP, Product Management, Business Aviation Solutions, Kent Pickard. “The opportunity to add this benefit to our customers brings an aircraft’s history under one umbrella. This approach is essential for a proactive approach to managing your aircraft and ensures a seamless and enhanced customer experience.”

The advanced digitization of historical records along with the integration will allow for Flightdocs users to search and access current and historical records directly from the Flightdocs platform. Whether preparing for a prebuy, major inspection, or an audit, the ability to not only access, but act on records and data over the life of the aircraft streamline processes and add value to both the aircraft and the operator.

“When we originally founded Bluetail, we always envisioned that our platform could become the de facto aircraft records stack for business aviation, the document “foundation” if you will. With our deep integration with ATP Flightdocs – and thus their full suite of rich and integrated maintenance software – we believe that we can now offer our mutual customers the perfect structure built upon that foundation,” said Stuart Illian, Bluetail, COO and co-founder.

AMERON of AMETEK MRO Receives FAA-PMA Approval for Oxygen Mask Overhaul Kit

AMERON, a global provider of aviation safety OEM and PMA products and third-party repair and overhaul services, recently achieved FAA-PMA approval on its Eros Mask Overhaul Kit, P/N M422B340.

The M422B340 kit is used for the overhaul of OEM Zodiac Aerospace’s MF20 Series Full Face Quick Donning Masks and is similar to the OEM P/N 422B340 in fit, form, and function.
“AMERON’s M422B340 kit will save customers money when compared to standard OEM pricing,” said Adam Brammer, divisional vice president and business manager of AMERON. “It is yet another major addition to AMERON’s constantly growing PMA parts line available for purchase on our online store.”

The M422B340 kit consists of 13 parts, which are eligible to be installed on Airbus A300, A310, A340, A380 and Boeing 727, 737, 747, 757, 767, DC-10, MD-10, MD-11 series of aircraft.

Part Number Description
M419628 Locking Block
M447883 Valve
M553008 Gasket
M553044 Seal
M555012 Valve
M555015 Diaphragm
M555016 Main Valve
M555070 Diaphragm
M555153 Combined Diaphragm
M559018 Filter
MR00220X160A20B6 O-ring
MR00490X190A5005 O-ring
MR03460X240A20B6 O-ring

AMERON recommends Zodiac Aerospace’s MF20 Series Full Face Quick Donning Masks be overhauled every six years utilizing the M422B340 overhaul kit.

C&L Aviation Group Receives STC Certification for Embraer 135/145 Universal FMS Upgrade

C&L Aviation Services has received STC certification by the FAA for its upgrade of the Universal UNS-1K (SCN600 or SCN800) Series Flight Management System (FMS) to the UNS-1LW (SCN1000-Series) WAAS enabled unit for the Embraer 135/145 aircraft. EASA and UK CAA approval is pending and expected to be completed by spring.  

“We have invested heavily in the success of this aircraft and having a viable option for operators to upgrade their FMS systems as these systems continue to evolve is an important piece of that,” said Charlie Carroll, Avionics sales manager for C&L Aviation Services. “Having our own in-house engineering group allows us to dedicate resources to STC projects like this one that meets customer’s needs.”

C&L has been modifying and upgrading the interiors and systems on ERJs for several years and specializes in converting these aircraft into business-class and luxury jets. C&L also provides on-site engineering, avionics support, aircraft exterior painting, and heavy maintenance services. The company also carries one of the world’s largest inventories of ERJ parts in their warehouse, which helps to reduce maintenance times associated with these types of projects. Currently, the company is developing several other ERJ upgrades including a new 1st-class seat design.

KADEX Aero Supply Announced the Availability of a New STC Approved LED Wing Tip Light Assembly for Beechcraft King Air 350

KADEX  announce the addition of the HYPERION II – LED Wing Tip Light Assembly for the Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft. Developed by KAD Aerospace, the manufacturing arm of KADEX Aero Supply, this STC approval was granted after extensive prototyping and DO-160 EMI, and Photometric testing was completed.

Assembled from proven TSO Approved components and a robust bracketry system – The HYPERION II is ready to meet the needs of 350 operators worldwide. Following on the heels of the HYPERION I series LED for the King Air C90/200/300 and 1900’s the HYPERION II LED allows for a Plug and Play Installation into the 350 Wing Tip, as well as removal of the High Voltage Power Supplies. “KADEX is very excited to bring this long awaited upgrade to the King Air 350” says Ken Blow, KADEX Vice President. “Months of development and careful component selection, have culminated in something we are really proud of – This LED makes for trouble free operation with Safety Enhancements that can only come from the latest LED Technology. 5-Times brighter – 5-Times Lower Current Draw – and a 5 Year Worry Free Warranty – It’s just what the operators asked for” adds Mr. Blow.

Combined with the previously approved ORION 500 Tail Nav/Strobe – The King Air HYPERION II 350 LED Lights are available through KADEX Aero Supply, Ltd at both company locations in Peterborough, and Calgary Canada.

HEATCON Composite Systems Announces Strategic Distributor Relationship with Watlow

HEATCON Composite Systems recently entered into an expanded distributor agreement with Watlow, a leading designer and manufacturer of industrial technology and thermal solutions, to provide standard products, services and thermal systems to the aerospace industry.

HEATCON Composite Systems is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of aerospace composite repair equipment and products with ISO9001, AS9100D and AS9120 certification.

For more than 40 years, HEATCON has supplied heating solutions to the aerospace industry—working closely with Aircraft Manufacturers (OEMs), Space and Defense Organizations, Commercial Airlines and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.

“We are excited about the new opportunities this partnership represents,” said Eric Casterline of HEATCON Composite Systems. “There is a large and untapped market utilizing Watlow’s products and HEATCON experience to reach those areas.”

Entering into this agreement with Watlow, HEATCON looks to expand the offering of thermal solutions to its customer base while supporting Watlow’s goal of expanding their presence into the aerospace industry.

“HEATCON is a respected and well-established partner of leading airframe manufacturers. Watlow is especially excited to work with HEATCON as we support this critical infrastructure sector with leading thermal products and industrial technology,” said Peter Gonzalez, Watlow’s director of global sales.

Watlow carries a variety of products that are ideal for HEATCON’s aerospace customers. These products include: temperature controllers, power switching devices, data loggers, electric heaters and temperature sensors.

Founded in 1922, Watlow has transformed itself into a diversified, industrial technology company providing thermal solutions to many of the world’s largest companies in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, sustainable power generation, environmental technologies, medical equipment and aerospace manufacturing.

FAA Awards $5 Million in Grants to Train the Next Generation of Aviation Mechanics

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded $5 million in grants to develop a diverse talent pool of aviation maintenance technicians. The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants were awarded to organizations that will teach technical skills and prepare participants to pursue aviation maintenance careers.

“A career as an aviation maintenance technician opens a wide world of opportunity. These grants will allow us to reach and support individuals who may not had the chance to pursue this exciting career before,” FAA Deputy Administrator A. Bradley Mims said.

Grant recipients include:

  • Macon County School District, Tuskegee, Ala.: $425,000
  • Pima County Community College District, Tucson, Ariz.: $490,000
  • North Orange County Community College District, Anaheim, Calif.: $250,000
  • San Bernardino Community College District, San Bernardino, Calif.: $400,000
  • International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Washington, D.C.: $450,000
  • DLK Aviation Inc., Kennesaw, Ga.: $250,000
  • Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs, Iowa: $475,000
  • Southern University at Shreveport, Shreveport, La.: $500,000
  • Dutchess Community College, Fairview, N.Y.: $450,000
  • Guilford County School System, High Pint, N.C.: $45,500
  • Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Ohio: $250,000
  • Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla.: $450,000
  • Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, Penn.: $214,500
  • South Carolina Department of Education, Charleston, S.C.: $250,000
  • Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Madison, Wis.: $100,000

Grantees can use the funds to establish new educational programs; provide scholarships or apprenticeships for individuals pursuing employment in the aviation maintenance industry; conduct outreach about careers in the aviation maintenance industry to primary, secondary and post-secondary school students; and support educational opportunities related to aviation maintenance in economically disadvantaged areas.

IS&S Mourns Death of Chairman & CEO Geoff Hedrick

Innovative Solutions & Support reports that their founder, Geoff Hedrick died. “It is with great sadness that we announce that Geoffrey S. M. Hedrick, our founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, has passed away due to complications from a sudden illness. The entire IS&S family mourns this tragic loss. He will be sorely missed,” said a statement released by the company.

Glen R. Bressner, the vice chairman of the board of directors of IS&S, added: “On behalf of our Board of Directors, management team, and employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Hedrick’s wife, daughter and loved ones. We will miss the creativity, keen intellect and leadership Geoff has shown over the past several decades.” IS&S said Hedrick spent his entire professional career in the avionics industry. Following his electrical engineering education at Cornell he worked briefly in the aviation instrument subsidiary of Bulova. In 1971, Hedrick founded Harowe Systems, Inc. as a joint venture with another company in aerospace hardware. By 1978, Harowe Systems had grown substantially and was spun out and acquired by Smiths Industries. He continued to run Harowe and later served as president and CEO of Smiths Industries North American Aerospace Companies. In 1988, he founded IS&S where he served as chairman and CEO. During the course of his career in avionics, Hedrick held nearly 100 patents in the electronics, optoelectric, electromagnetic, aerospace and contamination-control fields.