Category: BizJet

Aerospace Maintenance Competition Back on in April 2022

The Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on is back on for 2022.

“We’re very happy to be back hosting the AMC and hope that teams from around the world can join us in showcasing their maintenance and troubleshooting skills next April in Dallas,” said Ken MacTiernan, chairman, Aerospace Maintenance Competition.

The AMC coincides with the MRO Americas 2022 Convention, April 25-28, at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. The annual competition for aircraft maintenance professionals and aspiring students has been cancelled for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Team registration opens Oct. 1 at:

https://www.aerospacecompetition.com/

MacTiernan said excitement of the AMC’s return is growing within the maintenance community, as several airlines, MROs and schools have already verbally committed to fielding a team in next year’s competition.

“The AMC is a great venue for everyone to reconnect and stand proud again for our craft,” MacTiernan said. “Although the travel industry certainly slumped over the past year, we’ve never really left. Mechanics were still fixing airplanes. Students were still in school. Manufacturers were still building aircraft. The AMC is back, but collectively as a maintenance community, we never really left.”

Over the past several years, the Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on has grown to become a widely attended international aviation experience for both technicians and fans. The venue provides certified AMTs from major airlines, MROs and OEMs, as well as military personnel and students in FAA Part 147 schools, the chance to test their skills against their peers.

Participants compete in more than 20 events, including challenges such as airframe damage inspection, cable rigging, fiber optics, engine fan blade removal and many others that test their knowledge, skill and team work.

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. The winning team receives the honor of displaying the 5-foot-tall trophy in their facility for a year. In addition to the trophy, Snap-on is awarding more than $75,000 in tools and equipment as prizes to the top finishers in the competition. In 2019, the five-member team from United Airlines Team Cleveland won the O’Brien Award for the third straight year. 

For information on the 2022 Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on, visit:

https://www.aerospacecompetition.com/

Wencor Inks Exclusive Distribution Strategic Partnership with PMA Aeroparts

PMA Aeroparts has selected Wencor as its exclusive global distribution partner for its Part Manufacturer Approval (PMA) product line, approved by the FAA under AP part number references, effective immediately. The global agreement includes filtration, sensors, switches, controls and hardware products which will boost Wencor’s material solution offerings. 

“We are excited to partner with PMA Aeroparts, as its extensive engineering experience designing complex switches and sensors is an excellent complement to Wencor’s industry leading portfolio of greater than 11,000 alternative material solutions.  Adding PMA Aeroparts products to our portfolio and collaborating on future design and development opportunities enhances our objective of providing innovative solutions to our customers that enable reliability, availability and cost efficiencies,” says Shawn TrogdonWencor CEO.

“Partnering with Wencor makes perfect sense given Wencor’s proven track record of PMA development and acceptance and Wencor’s close relationships with the world’s leading airlines and MRO’s,” says Mark Hansson, president & CEO of PMA Aeroparts.

Kaman Measuring to Highlight New Product Innovation at Sensors Converge 2021

The Measuring Division of Kaman Precision Products, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of high-performance, precision non-contact position measuring systems, will highlight two new product innovations and its complete range of inductive eddy current technology at Sensors Converge 2021, September 21-23, 2021 at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California, Booth #1031. Featured at the show will be Kaman’s ParallelPro leveling tool and the AMS-3000 series precision non-contact measuring systems designed to detect magnetic materials through non-magnetic barriers.

Kaman’s new upgraded ParallelPro leveling tool, is designed for use in Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) processes. Wireless communications and a log-life, vacuum capable field-serviceable battery pack make ParallelPro the most flexible and cost-effective product of its kind on the market. New features and capabilities simplify the chamber set up process, eliminate potential sources of operator error, and require less technician movement around the machine, resulting in increased productivity and uptime. The app-based GUI displays setup parameters and status on an intuitively presented data layout, representing the actual chamber and leveling tool configuration.

Also on display is Kaman’s new Advanced Magnetic Sensing 3000 (AMS-3000) precision non-contact measuring systems designed to detect magnetic materials through non-magnetic barriers. The AMS-3000 detects target position through non-magnetic, conductive, and non-conductive barriers. It features a RMS resolution down to 1 micron and standard measuring range up to 7 mm. The AMS-3000, selected as a finalist in The Best of Sensors Awards 2021, is designed for operation in environments from 500 psi to 30,000 psi. It is available in standard sensor configurations and can be easily tailored to meet semi-custom and custom OEM integration requirements.

Constant Aviation and Western Technical College Partner to Offer Career Solutions for Students

Constant Aviation, the nation’s leading provider of quality maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) and aircraft-on-ground (AOG) services, announced that it is partnering with Western Technical College of El Paso, Texas, to provide flexible, long-term career paths for students looking to enter the high-technology world of aviation maintenance.

The partnership comes as Constant Aviation says they are seeing a rapidly growing demand for its services, having expanded its nationwide AOG mobile response network by more than 15% this year alone. In order to fulfill needs in AOG and at facilities in Cleveland and elsewhere, the company is recruiting for positions including technicians in avionics, A&P mechanics, paint, wire harness and other areas, with many positions offering $2,000 signing bonuses.

“Constant Aviation’s partnership with Western Technical College will make many career opportunities available to its students,” said Nicole Krafchek, Constant Aviation’s head of recruiting and employee engagement. “We have always focused on attracting top talent and team members with a passion for their careers. Western Tech’s mission, together with academic programs that align with the aviation industry’s needs, make this partnership a perfect fit.”

Constant Aviation has capabilities in aircraft and engine maintenance, major repairs, avionics and other critical areas, and is a national leader in the field. In order to meet the demand for its services, it not only is recruiting nationally but also offers a range of innovative apprenticeship programs designed to introduce talented young workers to the company.

Under the new partnership, students will be able to exit the Western Tech program and enter directly into the aviation workforce, earning their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications while also working at Constant Aviation, learning from the best and using the most advanced technology.

“Western Tech’s curriculums are perfectly suited as a head start to our apprentice programs,” said Jim Yarborough, Constant Aviation’s head of work force development. “The quality instructors at Western Tech, the outstanding curriculum and the program’s high standards lend themselves to creating skilled technicians with outstanding earnings potential in a meaningful career.”

Added Brad Kuykendall, CEO at Western Tech, “Our curriculum fits seamlessly with the industry’s expectations for future generations of aviation technicians, preparing students so they immediately can transition into the field using the knowledge they’ve just developed. It’s a remarkably small commitment for the dividends that are paid.”

In addition, Western Tech will work with Constant Aviation on future endeavors to supplement emerging technologies initiatives such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Constant Aviation has been an authorized UAS service center since 2017 and has been building partnerships to support the market for this emerging technology.

Specialty matte paint from Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings made for a unique look on this Gulfstream. The only gloss paint is the pinstriping between the "carbon fiber effect" on the nacelles, tail and winglets and the blue accent striping. The scheme was laid out by hand. Constant Aviation image.

Deadline Soon for 2022 Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings Calendar Entries

Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings is now accepting submissions for its annual calendar to showcase the 12 best-finished aircraft of the year. Placement in the calendar is one of the industry’s most sought-after recognitions as it annually displays only the best aircraft paint schemes and exterior finishes gracing the sky.

The company is looking to again feature the finest looking aircraft in its 2022 Aerospace Coatings Calendar – whether it is a newly finished (or refinished) business or regional jet, commercial airliner, cargo aircraft, or a uniquely painted single/twin engine, kit plane, sport plane or helicopter – the calendar recognizes the outstanding work of designers, MROs and aircraft painters across the United States that rely on Sherwin-Williams aerospace products in their repaint and OEM facilities.

“The annual calendar program celebrates the scheme designs and paint craftsmen of the aviation industry and their incredible works of art – classic, custom or military – for all types of aircraft,” says Julie Voisin, Sherwin-Williams Global Product Manager for Aerospace Coatings. “Each year our calendar program gains popularity as we provide a platform to highlight 12 outstanding examples of true design and aircraft paint production excellence.”

Entries must include professional photography of the aircraft showing multiple angles and any custom details as judging is based on finish quality, technical difficulty, design originality and artistic merit. Any aircraft submitted to the calendar must be exclusively finished in Sherwin-Williams brand topcoats. Submissions will be accepted through September 3, 2021 and winners will be notified in early November.

Download the Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings Calendar entry form here. For more information about Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings, visit us online or call 1-888-888-5593.

Tracware Returns to Private Ownership

In a statement on their LinkedIn page, Traceware says they have returned to private ownership after being purchased and owned by JSSI since 2019. Here is the statement:

“In 2019, JSSI purchased Tracware Limited in order to provide industry-leading MRO and aircraft management software, and offer a fully integrated solution to manage business processes specific to the aviation MRO industry, however JSSI have determined that the MRO software market no longer fits within their long-term strategic vision, and in order to best position both JSSI and Tracware for future growth and success, Tracware was returned to private ownership in July 2021.”

AMADA WELD TECH Announces Jupiter Series of Modular Systems for Precision Joining

AMADA WELD TECH announces the availability of the Jupiter series of modular systems for precision joining, available for laser welding, laser marking, resistance welding, micro arc welding, and hot bar bonding applications. Jupiter modular systems can be equipped with all joining process modules available from AMADA WELD TECH to provide solutions to customers.

With the Jupiter series, customers purchase an automation platform from a global joining equipment leader and receive intensive process development support in AMADA WELD TECH application development centers. Joint early stage process development in AMADA WELD TECH labs ensures that customers receive the ideal system solution for years of high-quality production. Any welding, soldering, bonding, brazing, laser micromachining, and laser marking application can be handled by equipment in the Jupiter series.

The Jupiter modular system platform comes in four sizes, so it is adaptable to specific production requirements. The platform enables connections of very high quality and accuracy according to the company. The modular design is configurable to fit all process components and modules. The Jupiter models feature an ergonomic system design with high quality components, designed for 24/7 continuous production. All models are equipped with a human-machine interface (HMI) with touchscreen for easy programming and standard safety features.

Control systems, based upon a programmable logic controller (PLC) or industrial PC, collect all available process parameters and process data into one control system. The data can be stored in local and remote storage areas, all engineered to seamlessly integrate with an Industry 4.0 factory concept.

Optional features for the Jupiter systems include a combustion suppression unit (CSU) for battery pack welding; a transport system with two individual belts that can be configured for a wide range of product carriers, including transfer systems; an automatic cleaning station for electrodes and thermodes; a “Not OK” bin to separate products outside the control limits from those within control limits; and a range of water cooling options. Also available are upgraded data collection and traceability functionalities, including a barcode reader or a label printer; and interfaces for a variety of robotic systems.

Greene Tweed Offers Large-Diameter O-Ring Seals

Greene Tweed, manufacturer of high-performance sealing solutions and engineered components, announced its manufacturing solutions for large-diameter o-ring seals.

These seals are produced using either the Extensis molded o-ring or horseshoe molding methods. Both techniques are ideal for manufacturing elastomeric seals that exceed the size limitations of conventional compression molding presses.

The Extensis method provides a superior joint by bonding partially cured extrudate segments with a proprietary curing agent that is compositionally similar to the base material. The o-ring is then post-cured, de-flashed, and buffed as required, similar to the traditional compression molding process. The Extensis® method can be used for o-rings with a minimum inner diameter limit of 42 inches; there is no limit to the maximum inner diameter.

Greene Tweed’s horseshoe molding process, used in high-pressure, vacuum, dynamic, or other extreme applications, is ideal for critical equipment where asset integrity is paramount, such as compressors used in the oil & gas industry. The horseshoe molding process is consistent with that of typical compression molded o-rings and produces a truly homogenous joint with the highest performance. The process can be used for o-ring seals with a 28-inch minimum inner diameter limit, and no limit to the maximum inner diameter.

Greene Tweed performs extensive dimensional and visual inspection for large o-rings using standard measurement tools, best-in-class optical non-contact measurement systems and ISO 3601-3 criteria. Upon customer request, additional quality assurance criteria can be accommodated, such as 100-percent inspection or ISO 10423 destructive testing for high magnification crack verification.

Bally Ribbon Mills Bringing Smart Textiles to Commercialization

Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) is bringing to commercialization a variety of smart textile products – those that incorporate electronics or other actuation mechanisms into traditional fiber technology. Working with developers or fabricators making products for OEMs, BRM is using its proprietary E-WEBBINGS e-textile product base as the foundation layer to which electronic intercommunicative technology is integrated directly.

BRM’s recent work includes using LED lights to provide illumination embedded within a textile; embedding fiber optics technology that measures mechanical/thermal stress applied to a fiber optic monofilament; and adding metallic coatings on standard textile fibers, especially for applications requiring more than electrical conductivity. For example, BRM is working on applications with customers interested in EMI shielding, electro-magnetic field creation, piezo-resistive capability, and data collection. Spurred on by the critical need to tackle the presence of the COVID virus on textile surfaces, BRM is developing a new application focused on adding antimicrobial yarns and antimicrobial finishes to kill bacteria and viruses, speeding up product cleanup time.

BRM’s success in overcoming barriers is based on using established electrical components to shorten the R&D cycle and forming informal partnerships with fabricators and OEMs to develop solutions while protecting intellectual property. BRM has also made significant investments in new products without having an end use application – conducting benchtop analysis work with the technology supplier to provide working examples demonstrating how the technology can be applied.

BRM frequently manufactures small product runs, using an iterative development process that helps suppliers bring up the technology readiness level (TRL) of the technology they are promoting. BRM’s work typically focuses on ideas being developed for the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and Department of Health and Human Services.

Spartan and Teamsters Form Historic Partnership

Officials from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced the formation of an exclusive educational partnership between them. Spartan College and the Teamsters Union will host a signing day in August.

To serve the educational goals of Teamsters and their families, Spartan College offers special scholarships to those who qualify at all four campus locations – Tulsa, Oklahoma; Broomfield, Colorado; Riverside and Inglewood, California. Through this partnership, Teamsters and Spartan are committed to co-developing custom training to ensure their students are at the forefront of emerging aviation industry needs.

“We are thrilled about this monumental partnership,” said Rob Polston, Chief Executive Officer at Spartan. “We know this partnership will allow us to match our expertise of delivering career-oriented aviation training to the Teamsters who have set the standards for labor benefits that have positively impacted our economy. Furthermore, we’re excited to co-develop training products that anticipate the future needs of the aviation industry. Both Spartan and Teamsters will benefit greatly from this partnership.”

“This partnership is a perfect alliance,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “Spartan is a well-recognized educational aviation institution that continues to invest in their student experience and innovative programs. We are excited to offer incredible educational opportunities to Teamsters and their families to support their careers today and into the future.”

The Teamsters Union Airline Division has over 90,000 members across trades such as aircraft maintenance, piloting and customer service.

Established in 1928, Spartan College has trained over 100,000 pilots and aviation technicians and currently offers diploma and associate degree programs in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aviation Electronics Technology, Nondestructive Testing Technology/Quality Control Management and Aviation Flight. Additionally, Spartan College has developed a hybrid AMT option that maximizes student flexibility while minimizing time away from home, along with an online Bachelor of Science degree program in Technology Management.