Category: BizJet

Duncan Aviation Receives TCCA and EASA Approval for ACA Ionizer Installation Packages for Challenger Aircraft 

Duncan Aviation announced it has recently added to its efforts to keep aviation enthusiasts safe in their aircraft by securing approval from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for two Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs). Duncan Aviation’s Engineering & Certification Services and Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) departments created an installation package for the Aviation Clean Air (ACA) ionization system for Global and Challenger 300 and 350 aircraft, and Duncan Aviation customers throughout Canada and the European Union can now buy these ACA packages for their aircraft.

“We’re seeing strong demand for the ACA system in Europe and the Middle East,” says Avionics Installation Sales Rep Steve Elofson. “A Global Express in Europe is currently having the ACA Ionization system installed in accordance with the EASA-approved STC.”

The packages include everything necessary for installing the ACA Ionizer system, including the STCs, the ionizers, and PMA parts kits.

“When we say the kit includes everything, we mean every nut, bolt, screw, and switch necessary for the installation,” said Manager of Avionics Install & Avionics Line Pat Mapes.

The company’s facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, has been modifying the air ducts for the installation; however, any of Duncan Aviation’s three main facilities (Battle Creek, Michigan; Provo, Utah; and Lincoln) and many of the company’s Satellite Shops are able to perform the necessary modifications prior to installing the ACA Ionizer system.

“This system is designed to neutralize harmful pathogens, including those that cause COVID-19, so if customers want peace of mind as they fly, this is the system for them,” said Regional Avionics Sales Manager Michael Kussatz.

Designed to be installed in an aircraft’s existing environmental control system, the ACA ionizers  operate in the aircraft’s ductwork. The ionized hydrogen molecules neutralize pathogens, including those that cause the flu and the common cold. The system also removes allergens and unpleasant odors, including those from pets, cigarette and cigar smoke, engine exhaust, cooking, lavatories, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

In May 2020, testing conducted by independent lab Innovative BioAnalysis found the ACA ionizer effective at rendering harmless the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The lab test showed that 99.4% of the virus particles were inactivated within 30 minutes. The system has been tested and proven to kill the coronavirus that caused SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) as well.

Airforms, Inc. Adds Baffle Kits for Cessna 120/140

Airforms, Inc., the world’s largest producer of replacement baffle kits for antique and classic general aviation aircraft, has received FAA approval to manufacture kits for the Cessna 120/140. The 18-piece kits will fit both models of the Cessna classics since both were powered by the Continental 85 hp engine.

Owners can order the kits with bare metal or powder coated. Standard seals for the baffles feature black, high-temp silicone with a thin fiberglass “sandwich” in the middle. For a slight premium, the kit can be upgraded to orange or blue silicone seals with no other change in the seal specifications. Baffle kits, with good seals are essential for proper engine cooling.

Metal parts in the kit are configured from 6061-T6 aluminum ranging in thickness from .032-.040. The original crankcase baffles lack support and attachment pieces, so Airforms has added an approved modified part which stiffens the baffles and helps to secure them in place.

With all the aging certified aircraft, Airforms, Inc. has shipped over 5,000 baffle kits, for over 60 aircraft models, during the time the company has been in the business.

They are also a leading supplier for STCs and replacement parts for the Cessna Caravan and CASA series aircraft.

GAMA Welcomes Five New Memberships

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced the addition of Airbus Corporate Jets, Hartzell Engine Technologies and Incora as Members, Beta Technologies as an Associate Member, and Toyota Motor North America as an Associate Member EPIC.

Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) is headquartered in Blagnac, France, and was founded in 1997. They manufacture a modern and comprehensive corporate jet family that provides a rewarding flying experience for customers through expertise, technology, service and  high standards of care. These customizable corporate aviation flying experiences are all derived from the successful family of Airbus jetliners.

Hartzell Engine Technologies is headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama, and was founded in 2010.  They are the manufacturer of aircraft engine accessories and cabin heating solutions for manned and unmanned fixed and rotary-wing aircraft powered by piston, turboprop and turbofan engines.

Incora is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, and was formed in 2020 by the merger of Wesco Aircraft and Pattonair. They are a leading global provider of innovative supply chain management solutions from procurement and inventory management to logistics and on-site customer service for aerospace, defense and other industries.

BETA Technologies is headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont, and was founded in 2017. They build eVTOL aircraft and charging systems to help the world in the transition to electric-powered aviation and enable their customers to seamlessly move people and cargo around the world safely, cost-effectively, and with minimal environmental impact.

Toyota Motor North America is headquartered in Plano, Texas.  Toyota is working collaboratively in the advanced air mobility sector, sharing its expertise and integrating best practices from the Toyota Production System for projects such as manufacturing for eVTOL and others.

Additionally, GAMA announced the addition of three board members to serve on its Executive Committee leadership team. The Executive Committee is comprised of members of GAMA’s Board of Directors, who provide strategic leadership for the association and lead its policy committees.

David Coleal, CEO of Incora, pictured here, will serve as chair of the Airworthiness and Maintenance Policy Committee. The committee works with authorities to promote appropriate regulations and policies for maintenance and repair stations. Coleal has previously served on the Executive Committee and chaired the Environment Committee. Coleal has been a member of the GAMA Board of Directors since 2015.

JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, and Roei Ganzarski, CEO of magniX and Executive Chairman of Eviation, will serve as co-chairs of the Electric Propulsion and Innovation Committee (EPIC). The committee works to create an environment conducive to efficient design, production, operation and maintenance of hybrid and electric propulsion aircraft, including eVTOLs. This will be Bevirt and Ganzarski’s first time serving on the Executive Committee. Bevirt has been a member of the GAMA Board of Directors since 2018 and Ganzarski has been a member since 2019.

The additions to the GAMA Executive Committee were elected by the Board of Directors during its Winter Board Meeting.

For more information about GAMA membership criteria, visit gama.aero.

Duncan to Locate Repair Station at New Chantilly Air Near Washington, DC

Duncan Aviation is opening its newest Satellite Repair Station in the Washington, DC, area at Chantilly Air’s newly completed Jet Center. This latest endeavor will offer complementary services to maintenance and avionics customers in and around the Manassas Regional Airport (HEF) in Northern Virginia.

Located roughly 30 miles from downtown Washington, DC, Chantilly Air’s new FBO adds 60,000 square feet of hangar space along with a state-of-the-art FBO that includes:

  • Conference rooms
  • Pilot lounge with private snooze rooms
  • Crew fitness center and private shower facilities
  • VIP waiting and screening area
  • Rentable office space
  • Go Rentals onsite

Manager of Duncan Aviation’s Satellite Operations Matt Nelson says staffing for the new Satellite is well underway, and the company is planning to start serving customers in the Mid-Atlantic region in April of this year.

“Duncan Aviation is excited to have a presence in this region and honored to be housed in this gorgeous new facility,” says Nelson. “Additionally, our relationship with Chantilly Air allows both of us to build on our brands to create a strong, local presence.”

Originally developed to offer avionics support for aircraft owners/operators in times of critical and remote-location needs, the teams located at high-volume business aviation hubs around the country provide popular avionics installations such as:

  • ACA Air Purification Systems
  • Wi-Fi air-to-ground or satellite-based
  • Cabin Systems
  • Flight Management Systems
  • Cockpit Modernizations (Displays, FANS 1/A, ADS-B)
  • WAAS/LPV
  • And much more

Human Factors Training Back On in South Carolina

Human Factors training has proven to be an effective countermeasure against human error in the workplace. The Aviation Consulting Group’s (TACG) Aviation Human Factors Initial course creates an in-depth understanding and awareness of the factors that contribute to human error; errors that lead to accidents and incidents that cost billions of dollars’ worth of damage and loss of life each year. Most, if not all, of these accidents are preventable. Human Factors training is a highly cost-effective tool that can help minimize human error and reduce accidents and incidents in the workplace.

TACG is presenting Human Factors Train-The-Trainer, Initial, and Recurrent courses at their location in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Myrtle Beach is a top beach and golf destination in the United States and TACG encourages attendees to “Come to train…stay to play…bring the family!” Courses start July 12. Attendance is limited.

Click the here for course details and registration.

 

Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW800 Engine Family Achieves Milestone with First Flight of Dassault Falcon 6X

Pratt & Whitney Canada announced its PW800 engine has achieved a new milestone with the first flight of the Falcon 6X business jet, powered by PW812D engines, from Dassault’s assembly center in Bordeaux-Mérignac, France.

“The PW812D engine for the Dassault Falcon 6X features the latest innovations and technologies,” said Maria Della Posta, president of Pratt & Whitney Canada. “We are thrilled with the engine’s performance and proud to have it powering the Dassault Falcon 6X, building on our successful relationship with Dassault over the past 20 years of active programs.”

P&W says their PW800 is the “most modern, efficient and environmentally responsible engine in its class.” Using the most sustainable and high-performance technologies, the engine offers double-digit improvements in fuel burn, emissions, maintenance times and noise. The PW800 engine also incorporates the latest generation of technologies in every aspect, from advanced design to innovative maintenance functionality. For passengers, the engine is designed to provide an exceptionally quiet and comfortable cabin.

“All of this is backed by the most comprehensive hourly maintenance program on the market,” said Della Posta. “The PW800’s Eagle Service Plan (ESP Program) represents the industry’s most extensive end-to-end coverage, providing a true ‘concierge level’ of service, supported by data-driven prognostics.”

The engine has 3,000 hours of engine testing, including more than 300 hours on the flight test bed and 19,000 hours on the core. With the total PW800 engine family, more than 32,000 hours of testing has been conducted, including close to 25,000 hours of flight testing.

Pratt & Whitney Canada is Canada’s largest R&D investor in the aerospace sector and the fourth in the country – all industries combined.

Carlos Miller, VP Aerospace and Defense, Pioneer

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.

Olivier Dassault Dies in Helicopter Crash

French aviation scion, Olivier Dassault, has died in a helicopter crash in France. The 69-year-old was the son of Serge Dassault, French billionaire, businessman and politician who had been the chairman and chief executive officer of Dassault Group.

Olivier Dassault served in several executive roles at Dassault during his lifetime including chairman of the supervisory board of Dassault Group, but resigned when elected to the French Parliament to avoid any conflict of interest. He was elected in 2002 to France’s lower house of parliament, the National Assembly.

“Olivier Dassault loved France. Captain of industry, lawmaker, local elected official, reserve commander in the air force: during his life, he never ceased to serve our country, to value its assets. His sudden death is a great loss,” said French President Emanuel Macron in Tweet.

The pilot of the helicopter was also killed in the crash – they were the only people onboard.

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.

 

MTI Instruments’ PBS-4100+ Series Training Now Eligible for Credit Under Bill O’Brien Technician Awards Program

MTI Instruments’ training course on the PBS-4100+ engine vibration measurement and balancing system is now credit-eligible under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) William (Bill) O’Brien Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Awards Program.

With the new credit designation, MTI Instrument’s course, “Vibration Analysis and Engine Balancing Using the PBS-4100 System,” can earn an eligible individual up to 16 hours of credit towards AMT Awards issued through the FAA Safety Team continuous training program. With the completion of MTI’s course requirement, plus the core course (required through the AMT Awards program), the participating individual can earn Bronze Award level recognition. Continuous participation in the AMT Awards program for regulatory, airworthiness and safety awareness training reinforces a high level of professionalism and safety within the industry to maintain proficiency.

“MTI Instruments’ conviction to the importance of training and skill development has resulted in the acceptance of our coursework for the FAA Safety continuous training program,” said Moshe Binyamin, president of MTI Instruments. “The FAA’s recognition of this important training on the PBS-4100+ series is truly encouraging, especially for our aviation customers. Aviation maintenance technicians proactively developing their knowledge in this technology benefits the industry as a whole.”

As a U.S. manufacturer, MTI Instruments’ products are designed, manufactured and supported in Albany, New York. Designed to swiftly pinpoint engine vibration problems and eliminate avoidable engine removals, the PBS-4100+ series are known for providing critical diagnostic tools to analyze and resolve engine vibration to assure maximum engine uptime and safety. The configuration and the intuitive user interface make the PBS-4100+ product line easy to use, while the built-in rapid diagnostics and traceability reporting help aviation customers reduce labor hours and minimize engine downtime by reducing maintenance needs.

MTI Instruments’ training program, which is held at customer facilities, emphasizes hands-on learning with the customers’ equipment.

“The objective for pursuing ongoing training on MTI Instruments is to ensure our customers, both military and commercial, are competent and confident with engine vibration measurement and engine balancing operations,” said Ken Ameika, global director of PBS Products of MTI Instruments. “With proper training, a post maintenance engine vibration test should be reduced to two hours or less; versus manual methods which require several hours of effort and thousands of pounds’ worth of fuel.”

The PBS-4100+ course is offered throughout the calendar year. For registration, contact MTI Instruments Support Team (518-218-2567) at support@mtiinstruments.com.