Category: PRs

Kim Ashmun Joins StandardAero as President, Components & Accessories Division

StandardAero has appointed Kim Ashmun to serve as president of the company’s components & accessories (C&A) division.  In this role, she is responsible for all aspects of the commercial, operational, financial and technical performance of StandardAero’s C&A business units and facilities located across the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia.  

Ashmun formerly served as vice president of global supply chain operations for Lockheed Martin’s Rotary & Mission Systems Sikorsky line of business. In that role, she led a large team, managing a multi-billion dollar portfolio of ~1,800 suppliers. Ashmun has more than twenty years of leadership experience in the aerospace industry, working at Lockheed Martin in a variety of technical, program and executive leadership positions. She began her career as a manufacturing engineer for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics with roles in engineering and operations supporting the F-35 program. 

Ashmun holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering and MBA from Southern Methodist University.  In addition, she completed Lockheed Martin’s Engineering Leadership Development Program and multiple executive courses from Columbia Business School and UC Berkeley Executive Education.

“Kim’s extensive Aerospace Industry experience and knowledge is perfectly matched to her new role as President of C&A,” said Russell Ford, chairman and CEO of StandardAero.  “I am proud to have her join our Executive team and to bring her skills and accomplishments forward in leading this growing strategic division of our company.”

Ashmun will be based at the company’s Cincinnati, Ohio MRO facility.

GA Telesis Engine Services Jet Engine Mechanic Traineeship Program in Finland

GA Telesis Engine Services (GATES) welcomed its seventh cohort into the Jet Engine Traineeship Program. The GA Telesis Engine Services Traineeship Program is a paid, six-month program that lets you acquire the knowledge and skills needed to work on jet engines that are overhauled and maintained by GATES.

The Traineeship curriculum consists of two weeks of classroom training and twenty-two weeks of On-the-Job Training (OJT). There are two annual intakes (January and September) with six students per intake. During the program, trainees will have the opportunity to experience all the steps of the GATES production system. All training courses and OJT are provided by industry-experienced instructors who will share their expertise and best practices. After successfully completing the program, a trainee will be offered a permanent position as a GATES Jet Engine Mechanic.

“I am so proud of our Traineeship Program, developed by our strong leaders and institutionalized within GA Telesis Engine Services. I look forward to seeing our current and future Trainees develop and grow within the GA Telesis organization,” said Julie Seydlitz, vice president of people operations, GA Telesis HQ.

“Our program has provided a wealth of talented employees, which has enabled GATES to expand and grow. We are especially proud of the diversity of our cohorts,” said Russ Shelton, president of Engine Strategy Group.

AAR Launches Additional Fellowship Programs to Expand Aviation Maintenance Technician Pipeline

AAR CORP. announced the launch of Fellowship Programs with Vincennes University and Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) in Indianapolis. A leader in developing the aviation maintenance technician pipeline, AAR continues expanding efforts to attract talent to the field.

AAR’s latest Fellowship Programs build on longstanding relationships with Vincennes University and AIM and complement AAR’s existing EAGLE Career Pathway Program designed to meet the future demands of the industry.

Students selected as AAR Fellows receive scholarships to pursue Airframe and Powerplant programs while working at an AAR MRO facility. After graduation, Fellows in good standing are guaranteed employment with AAR.

Earlier this year, AAR matriculated its inaugural class of Fellows at its Fellowship Program in Rockford, Illinois.

“AAR’s Fellowship Program removes the cost of education as a barrier to enter the aviation maintenance technician field,” said Michael Gehrich, Vincennes University’s director of Aviation. “This shows AAR’s commitment to help fill the aviation maintenance technician pipeline and connect students with the potential for a six-figure career track.”

“The need for aviation maintenance technicians is as critical as the shortage of pilots and continues to grow,” explained Brian Sartain, AAR’s vice president, Repair and Engineering. “AAR continues to lead the industry in addressing the need for mechanics in the industry while strengthening our relationships with these schools through our Fellowship Program.”

Wencor Enters Multi-Year Defense Channel Partnership with AMETEK Sensors and Fluid Management Systems

AMETEK Sensors and Fluid Management Systems has selected Wencor as its exclusive distributor supporting global military and government aftermarket. The agreement includes aircraft and engine sensors for temperature, pressure, flow, fluid level, acceleration, proximity, speed and position, supporting key military platforms in the aerospace and defense market segments.

“We are excited to partner with AMETEK SFMS and their market-leading offerings. Their diverse product and technical engineering capabilities, combined with our extensive defense portfolio and value-added services will expand our opportunities to the defense markets. Wencor prides ourselves in our ability to provide innovative solutions that enable reliability, material availability and cost efficiencies for our customers and this partnership will enhance these deliverables,” said Scott Herndon, Wencor president of Defense.

Elaine O’Neill, vice president and business unit manager of AMETEK Sensors and Fluid Management, noted, “This partnership allows us to effectively service the military aftermarket with our broad product offering of highly engineered technology solutions.”

RAF AVIA Chooses OASES for Stores and Inventory Management

OASES, the Airworthiness and MRO software developer, welcomes a partnership with Latvian passenger and cargo airline RAF AVIA. The airline, head-quartered in Riga, operates a fleet of ATR 72 and Saab 340 aircraft for both cargo and passenger flights across Europe and beyond. The company maintains its aircraft and those of third-party customers at a modern hangar facility located at Riga International Airport and as such have opted for OASES’ Inventory Manager module to optimize stores and inventory management processes. 

“We are a well-established and growing airline and one of the oldest freight and passenger carrier in the Baltic region,” Igors Bezsmertnijs, CEO of RAF AVIA said. “Our operations extend across Europe and as such we have been looking for the right software solution for managing our increasingly complex inventory requirements. OASES, with its extensive experience as a software solutions provider for the airline industry will provide a solid foundation for our needs moving forward whilst bringing major benefits to our customers through operational efficiencies and improved productivity.”

Paul Lynch, managing director of OASES, added, “RAF AVIA joins a growing list of aviation partners who have selected OASES as part of their digitalization strategy, and we look forward to working closely with them as they grow and expand their operations.”

The OASES implementation team are currently working with RAF AVIA staff to have OASES fully deployed and operational within a ten-week timeframe.

StandardAero’s Brazil Turbine Center Receives Argentina and Chile Authorizations to Perform OEM Approved Engine MRO

StandardAero’s Regional Turbine Center (RTC), located in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, has received new authorizations from both Argentina and Chile aviation authorities to perform OEM approved aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services for operators of aircraft registered in those two countries.

Argentina’s authorization is called the “Certificado de Habilitacion de Taller Aeronautico de Reparacion” or Certificate of Authorization of Aeronautical Repair Shop. For Chile, the authorization is called “Certificado de calificaciones y limitaciones para reconocimiento de estación de reparación extranjera” or Ratings and limitations certificate for recognition of foreign repair station.

As a result of these new authorizations, Argentinean and Chilean-registered aircraft can now be supported by StandardAero’s Brazil RTC in several different ways. While operating their aircraft in Brazil, operators can receive services at the Belo Horizonte facility. In addition, StandardAero’s Brazil Mobile Services Team (MST) can travel to operator locations in Argentina and Chile and perform services for their aircraft.  Finally, Argentina and Chile operators can also ship their engines and APUs to Brazil for service at StandardAero’s facility.

“We are very pleased to provide these expanded services for this important region of the world,” said Jeff Turner, vice president of StandardAero’s RTC and MST Network. “These authorizations are significant and rather than waiting for support and services from North America, our customers can now receive local support by an OEM-authorized facility and staff, but closer and in-region.”

StandardAero’s Brazil RTC supports the following engine platforms:  Honeywell TFE731, HTF7000, GTCP 36 APU and Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A, PW100, PW500 and JT15D.

“StandardAero’s RTC and MST network is second to none and our mission is to continue to expand services to operators around the world and to be where our customers need us, when they need us,” Turner added.

Empire Screen Highlights Wide Range of Warning, Danger and Safety Decals

Empire Screen Printing, a leading manufacturer of screen-printed products, highlights its warning, danger, and safety decals that keep people safe by warning them of potential hazards. The application of these products is in line with Empire’s own commitment to the safety of its employees, with its proven safety record as an organization.

These warning, danger, and safety decals are compliant with a range of standards, including ANSI, UL, CUL, RoHS, Prop 65, and REACH. This allows organizations to promote a safe working environment across a range of industry verticals, from OEM and sporting goods to medical device and electronics manufacturers. They come in multiple languages, allowing them to be employed by organizations across the world.

The decals are offered in custom shapes and sizes. They are created from a variety of materials, including vinyl, polycarbonate, and polyesters, as well as rigid materials, such as aluminum, and Sintra. Sintra, a lightweight PVC board that is waterproof and unaffected by heat and weather conditions, is particularly ideal for outdoor and indoor signage. The decals are printed via screen, flexo, or digital output.

Easy to peel and apply, with a wide range of materials and printing methods, organizations can choose the option that best fits the specific application they have in mind. These can be indoor and outdoor applications including everything from equipment warning decals, product safety labels, hazardous warning decals, and signage. Some customers also dome their decals to provide extra protection and scratch resistance.

Empire itself has a commitment to safety across its organization, with its safety committee established in 2005. The organization provides CPR and First Aid Training, and has a record number of days with no loss time accidents, specifically, 1,437. Empire’s recent safety awards include the 2020 EHS Safety Standout Awards and M3 Insurance Nominee Letter for the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year. This experience gives Empire a deep appreciation for the value of warning, danger, and safety decals, which play a crucial role in keeping people safe.

GA Telesis Engine Services Announces Bradley Carucci as Managing Director of US SPAH Facility

GA Telesis Engine Services (GATES) announces industry veteran, Bradley Carucci, has joined GATES as Managing Director of the US-based Specialized Procedures Aeroengine Hospital (SPAH) in Wilmington, Ohio. This new 72,000 sq. ft. facility is a joint venture with GA Telesys and Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG).

Carucci brings a broad range of aviation experience with increasing levels of responsibility in the commercial aircraft maintenance industry. He began his career as a Jet Engine Specialist with the United States Air Force. Carucci received his bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts and Aviation Sciences from Eastern New Mexico University.

“There were several reasons for joining GATES, but the one that stood out was the solid team of professionals. GA Telesis has always held the highest standards for customer service, and I am proud to be part of the team,” said Carucci. “This new capability enhances our support to airlines and lessors with quality engine maintenance while supporting their fleets,” he added.

“We are excited to have Brad on the team. His prior experience in MRO Quality and Training Management will be of great value in establishing the operation,” commented Russ Shelton, president, Engine Strategy Group. “His knowledge of the industry brings us an extremely valuable competitive edge as we move forward into the future,” added Shelton.

MAAS Aviation Welcomes Malachy McEnroe to the Team as Chief Financial Officer

 MAAS Aviation, aircraft painting and exterior coatings specialists, announced the appointment of Malachy McEnroe as chief financial officer.

An experienced international CFO and board member, McEnroe has worked in finance and business for over 25 years, most recently in the international logistics equipment leasing sector. He has extensive experience in growing international businesses, spearheading transformation and has contributed to impressive value creation. As part of the company’s C-Suite Team and a board member, his role at MAAS will focus on supporting the business growth strategy and future investments, while driving day-to-day financial and operational improvements.  

“Malachy will be a great asset to our team and we are delighted to welcome him on board,” comments Tim Macdougald, MAAS Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “I am looking forward to working closely with Malachy to develop and implement the sustainable, robust financial structures necessary to support our growth, enhance our financial communications and ensure our ongoing investments deliver for our customers and stakeholders.”

McEnroe has held senior finance roles at both GE and HNA and completed seven years at TIP Trailer Services as global CFO. He has also served as a non-executive director at German-based international modular construction specialist, Cadolto GmbH. “MAAS has a great track record and an excellent market reputation. Their experienced and knowledgeable management team has a ‘can do’ attitude and serious growth ambitions. It was these attributes, combined with the support of a focused and committed investment Group in Egeria, that attracted me to join the business,” comments McEnroe. “We have exciting development plans, and I am looking forward to being part of that journey.”

McEnroe will be based between MAAS’ facilities in the Netherlands and Dublin but plans to have a strong presence at all of the Group’s operational facilities in Lithuania, Germany, and Alabama, USA. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant (FCA) and holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business and Accounting from University College Dublin.

Corso Magenta Receives EASA Approval

Smart applications and painting solutions provider, Corso Magenta, has achieved EASA approval. transforms liquid paint into a dry paint film. On Thursday June 23, 2022, EASA (the European Aviation Safety Agency) approved the CorsoPatch Aircraft fast paint repair solution. The efforts of the Corso Magenta team have been rewarded, as this approval attests that CorsoPatch Aircraft meets, as a standard repair solution, the safety and airworthiness requirements set by the European Union.
The solution is now applicable to aircraft from manufacturers like Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and ART.

The process increases the robustness of paint, eliminates drying time and makes it possible to integrate functionalities. The company says their technology offers “efficient and responsible solutions” to multiple sectors, by offering five key functionalizations:

– RFID Shielding for retail and supply chain
– Sustainable protection and decoration for retail and construction
– In-factory dry finishes for modular construction
– Fast repairs for aeronautics, maritime and defense
– Drapable paint for industries

Each solution, the company says, saves time for maintenance, manufacturing, operations and production processes.

Aviation Application
CorsoPatch Aircraft is a dry paint patch, dedicated to fast repair of paint damage on airplanes (wings and fuselage) from impacts in operation (lightning, erosion) and in maintenance. Manufactured from qualified aeronautical paints, CorsoPatch Aircraft is composed of a solidified paint film with an adhesive, supported by a liner and a protective film. Developed since October 2016, CorsoPatch Aircraft was born from the “SYSCO” project, as part of the Dual Innovation Support Scheme “RAPID” supported by the French army. The development of this technology has been made possible thanks to state (DGA, DMAé) and industrial (Airbus, Air France Industries) partners.

Corso Magenta says their paint patch solution can reduce maintenance downtime by 85% and therefore increasing aircraft uptime. “While traditional repairs using liquid paint take up to 10 hours, repairs with CorsoPatch Aircraft are performed in less than 40 minutes, saving an hour and a half of manpower, and eliminating eight hours of drying time.