Category: BizJet

Greene Tweed Announces New, Ultra-Low-Temperature EPM 953 Elastomer for Phosphate Ester Hydraulic Systems

Greene Tweed announced the release of its new EPM 953 elastomer for phosphate ester hydraulic systems in aerospace applications.

Developed for its ultra-low-temperature performance and compatibility with phosphate ester hydraulic fluids, EPM 953 outperforms existing EP elastomers and maintains an excellent seal at temperatures as low as -85°F (-65°C) or below.

Suitable for static and dynamic seals in hydraulic actuation systems, Greene Tweed says their EPM 953 delivers “improved elasticity at ultra-low-temperatures.” The new proprietary elastomer material has been extensively tested, ensuring high durability and little to no hydraulic fluid leakage over the lifetime of an aircraft. EPM 953 meets and exceeds the new AMS 7361 in independent testing.

In addition, the new EPM 953 improves dynamic cap seal energization while increasing the margin of safety and elasticity at low temperatures. Its superior hydraulic fluid leak prevention ensures reduced environmental impact by eliminating the release of phosphate ester hydraulic fluids into the environment.

AMADA WELD TECH Introduces New Compacting Unit for Modular Resistance Welding of Stranded Wire and Cables

AMADA WELD TECH introduces a redesigned wire compacting unit for its line of modular resistance welders. Ideally suited for stranded wires, the plug and play, ready-to-install modular compacting unit provides precise, fast, and reproducible adjustment after electrode exchange.

This exciting new product replaces the previous open C-frame box type unit, with a unique closed box design that provides maximum rigidity; eliminating any flexing of the unit due to lateral forces. Ball bushes offer precise guidance of the ceramic slide and a new cross roller guide facilitates adjustment of the electrode position.

Featuring fast, precise, and reproducible adjustment of the ceramic and electrode position, using a micrometre screw, operators can now lock the ceramic and electrode position without affecting adjustment. As a result, the adjustment time has been reduced from thirty minutes down to five.

The versatile redesigned unit can be used for numerous process variants, including single compacting, double compacting, single compacting welding, and double compacting welding. It accommodates several unit options, including single closing right or left and double closing. The compacting unit also accommodates such special wire industry requirements as inline feeding, top loading, and front-loading.

The newly redesigned New Horizon modular resistance welder delivers consistent and accurate compacting, thus ensuring part quality, minimal variation, and increased production stability in automotive and electronics applications.

Resistance welding is a thermo-electrical process that uses the principles of Joule’s first law, known as Joule heating. Resistance welding-based compactors use the generated heat and a constantly-applied mechanical force to form the strands into the desired shape. As a result, when compared to the competing ultrasonic methods, the surface of a resistance welded stranded wire is even and not curled. This ensures superior part quality throughout the production process.

Kaman Introduces New AMS Family of High-Precision Non-Contact Displacement Sensors

The Measuring Division of Kaman Precision Products, Inc., released a new AMS family of high-precision non-contact displacement sensors ideal for condition monitoring of rotating machinery in extreme-pressure environments from 500 psi to over 22,500 psi.

Kaman Precision says AMS sensors deliver high reliability and superior performance in high-pressure environments enhancing any condition monitoring systems’ ability to measure and monitor runout, speed, and changes in machine vibration profiles. This helps to reduce risk, minimize damage and unplanned downtime due to unanticipated failures in the field.

Designed for a wide range of pressure environments, Kaman’s proprietary AMS, AMS-HP, and AMS-XHP precision sensing systems do not require a magnet and work with any ferro-magnetic target. This innovative design detects target position through non-magnetic, conductive, and non-conductive barriers making leak proof, penetrator free equipment instrumentation installations possible and economical without special magnets. With an RMS resolution down to 1 micron, and a standard measuring range up to 7mm, Kaman’s AMS sensors are compact and versatile.

Kaman Precision Products’ line of rugged AMS non-contact displacement sensors are IP-67 rated with hermetic options available. For installation versatility, Kaman’s AMS sensors come in standard IP-67 rated threaded, flanged, AS4320 pressure port compatible, and bolt head style configurations with hermetic options available. In addition to Kaman’s standard sensor configuration options, Kaman’s AMS sensors are easily tailored to meet semi-custom and custom OEM integration requirements.

Cementex Announces Range of T-Handle Tools Including Hex Wrenches, 6-Point Socket Wrenches, and Drivers

Safety tool specialists Cementex announced the availability of its T-Handle Driver Tools, including Hex Head Wrenches, 6-Point Socket Wrenches, and Drives. All of the T-Handle tools incorporate the superior Cementex 2-layer insulation system and solid core handle to distribute pressure evenly through the gloved hand. Made in the USA featuring hardened American steel, the T-Handle tools rigid construction prevents twisting and flexing while providing the quality customers rely on from Cementex as the industry leader.

The T-Handle Hex Wrenches are available in multiple shaft lengths and a range of combinations in order to meet each application’s unique insulated hand tool needs. The wrenches can be purchased individually or in kits, and can be added to custom Cementex insulated hand tool kits. Additionally, the T-Handle 6-Point Socket Wrenches and Drives are available in a range of sizes and lengths to meet users’ needs.

ASM Rebranding as JANA Engineering

JANA, Inc., an engineering and technical documentation services company, has announced the rebranding of Aircraft Systems and Manufacturing, Inc. (ASM) to JANA Engineering.

Ean Niland, president of JANA, Inc., states that the move is the last piece of the transition plan that began when JANA purchased ASM in 2017. “We are undertaking this rebranding effort to reflect the reality that ASM has grown to become an integral part of the JANA family, and its inclusion is an important step toward achieving the overall company goals that were established when JANA purchased ASM nearly five years ago.”

Under the new name, JANA Engineering will continue to serve the Aerospace industry as a whole, with emphasis on operators and commercial carriers, component OEMs, airframe OEMs, and MROs. As the world leader in advanced avionics integration, JANA Engineering is able to offer FAA Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) services, STC certifications, design and engineering for avionics integration, fabrication/assembly and kitting capabilities, and 24/7 AOG support.

As part of the transition, the company name, logo, and website will adopt the present JANA branding. The content from ASM’s website has been incorporated into the existing JANA site and can be found at janacorp.com/engineering. The company says these changes will not affect JANA Engineering’s ability to deliver top-notch customer service and solutions to clients and that their primary focus continues to be ensuring that all projects receive the highest level of attention and follow-through.

Hometown Chicago Celebration for Global Icon Promotes Diversity and Inclusion in Aviation

On June 15, luminaries from aviation, entertainment and sports as well French Consulate and Chicago officials will gather at the DuSable Museum, the oldest African American Museum in the United States, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bessie Coleman earning her pilot’s license and defying the barriers raised to keep her out of the sky. The event, organized by AeroStar Avion Institute and hosted by DuSable Museum, is designed to raise funding for educational programming for youth from underserved communities to pursue aviation careers. 

One hundred years ago, Bessie Coleman, born in Texas and raised on the South Side of Chicago, was smitten with flight but could not pursue her dream to become a pilot in the U.S. because of her race. No barrier was too great, however, and on June 15, 1921 she achieved her goal by earning a pilots license from the French Fédération Aéronautique Internationale as the first African American and Native American pilot in the world to gain such certification. 

“Bessie Coleman is relevant today,” said Tammera L. Holmes, Founder and CEO of The AeroStar Avion Institute. “A century ago, Bessie was shut out of aviation because she was Black, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. Still today, most African Americans are not aware of the many opportunities for aviation careers and do not have access to pursue these opportunities. As of 2019, only 3% of commercial pilots are African American and less for Latinos. Bessie can still inspire the next generation to pursue their dream especially since the industry is now demanding more diversity as evidenced by United Airlines recent announcement on working with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).”

The event coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa massacre on Black Wall Street, illustrating the environment Bessie faced as she overcame her barriers. It also comes as the aviation and aerospace industries face acute workforce shortages with Chicago-based Boeing reporting a global industry need of 763,000 pilots and 739,000 aviation maintenance technicians by 2039. Without broadening recruitment beyond traditional white, male pipelines, these industries will not be able to meet its workforce needs. That is why AeroStar Avion Institute developed K-12 aviation education not only to expose youngsters in underserved communities to popular aviation careers like pilots and mechanics, but prepare them for the many STEM career opportunities in the industry including architects, engineers, computer scientists, graphic artists, entrepreneurs, tradesmen and even utility workers.

“If a child has an interest in STEM, there is a place for them in aviation and there is no better time to pursue those interests than now,” Holmes continued. “The entire aviation and aerospace industry is actively working on diversity, equity and inclusion as they search for the talent they need. But we still must prepare our children to meet the workforce needs of the future and that is what this celebration is all about – to raise money to provide funding to children from underserved communities to access aviation education and take their first step on a pathway to quality, high-paying aviation careers. Our goal is to educate and train 10,000 black and brown youth over the next 10 years, and we are using Bessie’s anniversary to inspire the next 100 years of diversity and inclusion in aviation.” 

The event kicks off with a Youth AeroSTEM Expo introducing 50 to 100 youngsters to Chicago-area aviation and STEM organizations. It then launches into a reception, a video of Bessie Coleman, comments by the 21st Century Bessie Coleman, Kellee Edwards, Travel Channel TV host of “Mysterious Islands,” a licensed pilot, certified scuba diver and named “the most interesting women in the world” by Outside Magazine, as well as by 11 year-old acting sensation, Chase W. Dillon, starring in Amazon Prime’s hit series “Underground Railroad.”  Capping the festivities will be the distribution of Bessie Coleman Awards to African Americans who have demonstrated an impact and aptitude for aviation, social justice and education.

“Partnering with The AeroStar Avion Institute is a perfect role for the DuSable Museum because our missions align and serve as a point of connection between underserved communities and the historical impact the African diaspora has on American industry and culture,” said Perri Irmer, DuSable Museum CEO. “For us, it is important to increase the diversity, equity and inclusion in this vital industry so our young people can not only learn to fly but can take our entire community with them on their journey.” 

The celebration is coordinating events at museums around the country throughout the year, providing local communities with awareness and access to local aviation and STEM education programs. Also invited to celebrate Bessie’s Centennial are the National Air and Space Museum, Seattle’s Museum of Flight, Dayton’s National Museum of the US Air Force and the Adler Planetarium in Chicago.

Baker Aviation Adds Sixth Citation X to Fleet

Baker Aviation has added its sixth Citation X to its fleet of 13 aircraft. Now located in the newly built 66,000+ square foot facility at Fort Worth, Meacham International Airport (KFTW), Baker Aviation continues to position the business for growth which opens several key positions within flight operations and maintenance. Pilot hiring is also fully underway with a move to a home base model.

“We have continued to build our fleet at the most critical time. For our business, it is not a comeback from Covid as we never lapsed in talent and admiration,” Stan Baker, III, President of Baker Aviation, stated. “Investing in the new facility that we built in 2019 launched our growth strategy of making Baker the charter-management powerhouse in this region that we are today. We are advantageously located in the middle of the country with easy access to either coast, Mexico, or the Caribbean, and the Citation X is an outstanding business jet for today’s charter market. Placing industry veteran Harry Mitchel as VP of Operations earlier this year has also positioned us as leaders in this market and I look forward to his leadership and success,” added Baker. 

Established in 2008 exclusively as a private jet services company to provide a broad scope of customized aviation services, Baker Aviation has diversified their maintenance platforms and product offerings over the years and today serves as a full-service aircraft maintenance, avionics, management, and global charter company.

Partners In Aviation Announces Growth, Quicker Time To Match for Co-Ownership

Partners In Aviation (PIA), the developer of “Managed Co-Ownership” which matches two owners to one aircraft, which the company says allows them to operate for half the cost of traditional private aviation options, has released statistics that point to significant growth in the co-ownership sector. More specifically, a reduced timeline for successfully matching interested co-owners and pairing matches with an appropriate professional management company. 

“When we first brought Managed Co-Ownership to the market in 2018, the concept was new,” said Mark Molloy, PIA founder and aviation veteran. “Taking what had in the past been an ad hoc, legally-intimidating, co-ownership search process and creating a coherent operation was a major undertaking. The process includes identifying, vetting and introducing like-minded co-owners based in a common geographic region, and getting them into the aircraft of their choice. The key was developing the legal structure, created by our industry’s top aviation counsel, that protected both co-owners and was credible to their in-house counsel.”

Mark Molloy, Founder PIA

According to Molloy, the process initially took six months or more to get co-owners matched and wheels-up. “That ‘Time-to-Match’ (TTM) is the metric we measure ourselves by and what is top-of-mind for our customers when it comes to co-ownership,” Molloy said. 

PIA reports that they now have a critical mass nationwide of interested co-owner candidates to draw from and connect, allowing PIA to more-quickly accommodate matches in any region of the country. They provide co-ownership in all turbine categories: turbo-prop, light-Jet, midsize, super-midsize and heavy jets. And now they do it quicker. “For the end of Q1 2021, our Time-to-Match (TTM) average is down to two months. It’s a gratifying statistic and underlines the acceptance, interest and growing popularity of Managed Co-Ownership.”

With private aviation firms across the board reporting substantial numbers coming into the new year, that surge of activity has only served to bolster PIA’s activity. 

“It is truly an instance of a rising tide lifting all boats,” Molloy said. “Our inquiries continue to climb and as the program has matured, this reduced Time-to-Match allows us to provide co-owner candidates a more efficient experience. It is still a process. Unlike a jet-card or membership solution, this is ownership. But at half the net cost-per-hour, the value-proposition is worthy of investing in that time-frame.” 

Krimson Aviation’s Lemma is Named to the IS-BAH Standards Board

Dawit Lemma, founder and CEO of Krimson Aviation, the Addis Ababa-based flight support, charter, leasing, MRO solutions and aviation consultancy, joined the prestigious International Standards for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) Board on May 17. The IS-BAH Standards Board is the decision-making body for all changes to the standards contained in the IS-BAH. This marks a new phase for IS-BAH™ standards with Lemma’s selection representing the first African board member to be appointed. 

With seven of the world’s fastest growing economies occurring in Africa, complying with international business aviation standards is essential for gaining operator confidence when flying to the continent. Putting Africa on the business aviation map and ensuring its nations are ready to meet the pending needs are among Lemma’s goals in this new role. 

“As we have worked to grow Krimson, we have worked simultaneously to grow both the physical infrastructure and the quality standards for business aviators flying to Africa. African destinations are becoming increasingly popular for business travelers, and we want their experience here to be on par with their other travel experiences. I’m honored to represent Africa on the IS-BAH™ Standards Board. I look forward to spreading the word about all we have to offer and to bringing home best practices that can be deployed across the continent. Africa is perfectly poised for growth.”

Lemma says his objectives are to promote and create awareness about IS-BAH on the continent and increase the number of certified handlers. The move to IS-BAH™certification will increase safety and overall service standards of business aviation ground handling on the continent. “I am bringing expertise and knowledge of the African continent, and I hope to leverage this insight to break up misperceptions. I want members of the IS-BAH™Standards Board, and IBAC at large, to understand that African bizav is on the rise and that we are ‘open for business.’ I am confident we will begin a ripple effect of raising standards which is our goal,” added Lemma.

Lemma founded Krimson Aviation in 2015. He is a Swiss citizen of Ethiopian origin, and he has lived and/or worked all over the world; from Zambia to Afghanistan, the USA to Switzerland – making him a true global citizen. He returned to Ethiopia in 2012, after almost 30 years abroad, as he recognized the thriving potential and opportunities being offered by Ethiopia’s economic resurgence. 

“Dawit’s unsurpassed knowledge of business aviation, the international climate, his attention to detail and the opportunities and challenges of operating in Africa make him an excellent choice for the IS-BAH™ Standards Board. He is going to add tremendous value and bring a new voice and perspective to the table. It will be an honor to help him introduce and implement standards throughout Africa which will support its progress towards becoming a major player in business aviation,” said IBAC’s Terry Yeomans, Program Director for IS-BAH. 

As an advocate and promotor of the growth of business and general aviation in Africa, Lemma served on the Executive Committee of the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) as Director of Membership and Events, and he currently serves as a Board Member of the AfBAA and as the President of the AfBAA Ethiopia Chapter. 

West Star Aviation Completes Local Environmental Outreach Program at GJT

West Star Aviation reports the company completed their 2021 ELP Outreach Program at the Grand Junction, CO (GJT) facility, aiding a local middle school with two solar charging stations.

West Star works in correlation with other local supporting companies to design, build and fund environmental projects in the area. This particular project was started over three years ago with West Middle School and their STEM department. The charging stations will aid the students with the ability to charge all the electronics devices now being used in the classrooms (laptops, iPads, smart phones) while on lunch, breaks or between classes. The additional education of Environmental Sustainability helps foster these ideas for improvements at a young age.

“We put great emphasis on these local community projects and value our involvement with each and every one, while also improving our impact on the environment,” said Kraig Meyer, director of EHS (GJT).