Category: Rotor

ITP Aero to Provide Engine MRO for CHC’s S-92 and AW189 Helicopters 

ITP Aero has signed a contract with CHC Helicopter to provide comprehensive support for its fleet of CT7-8A and CT7-2E1 engines that are flown in its Sikorsky S-92 and Leonardo AW189 helicopters. The contract spans five years and work will be carried out at ITP Aero’s Albacete and Ajalvir facilities in Spain.

The contract includes Engine Health Monitoring (EHM), a technology based on big data analysis that offers important results in predictive engine maintenance. EHM enables monitoring of engine life based on data extraction and analysis, predicting incidents and anticipating the scheduling of precise maintenance. This will allow ITP Aero to analyze the most appropriate moment to carry out necessary minor maintenance, which in turn will prevent issues of a larger scale that would create a higher outlay, thus optimizing maintenance costs.

In addition to EHM, the contract also includes engine repair, fleet engineering activities and mobile repair equipment at CHC Helicopter’s operating bases around the world. It is also worth noting that the contract includes the repair of engines with a Turnaround Time (TAT) – the time between the arrival and entry into service of a faulty engine – of less than 30 days. This is aimed at increasing the availability of the fleet in situations of high demand and reduced spares pool.

OU Launches Aerospace and Defense Graduate Programs

The Michael F. Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma is launching new graduate business programs in aerospace and defense. The College will offer an Executive MBA and a Graduate Certificate in Aerospace and Defense through its Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business, beginning fall 2020. Information on these programs can be found at http://www.ou.edu/price/mba/executive-mba-in-aerospace-and-defense.

The Executive MBA in Aerospace and Defense is a one-year, 32-credit-hour degree, and the Graduate Certificate in Aerospace and Defense is a six-month, 12-credit-hour program. Both programs are designed specifically for working individuals to develop managerial and leadership skills of the A&D workforce, including those without a business education. OU sa curriculum was developed with input from industry leaders in aerospace and defense.

“We are excited to launch the Executive MBA degree, as well as the Graduate Certificate in this much-needed field,” said Wayne Thomas, interim dean of the Price College of Business. “Participants will be taught in live online sessions by A&D industry leaders and renowned OU faculty.”

The Executive MBA includes 20 hours completed online, with an additional 12 hours of residency work. Online courses are offered in eight-week modules and there will be three residency weeks: two in Oklahoma City, and the third will be held internationally. The program uses a cohort model, allowing students to build strong relationships with others in the industry.

The 12-credit-hour Graduate Certificate program is entirely online with live instruction. Students will choose six business courses specific to the industry in areas such as financial management, legal environment, IT and cybersecurity, managing supply chain and logistics, project management, and global A&D strategy. All coursework for the certificate is transferrable to the Executive MBA program, with flexible, online delivery.

“Our programs are poised to lead the world in preparing the leaders necessary to ensure the enduring strength of our nation’s aerospace and defense operations,” said Eddie Edwards, executive director of graduate programs at the Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business.

Limited financial assistance for those serving in the Armed Forces is available. Registration information and additional questions about Executive Business Programs in Aerospace and Defense can be directed to Shad Satterthwaite at shad@ou.edu or Michelle Brown at michellebrown@ou.edu.

Bristow Completes Merger with Era

Bristow Group Inc. and Era Group Inc. announced that they have completed their merger. The newly combined company will use the Bristow Group name and will remain a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange. The newly combined company’s common stock will begin trading under the stock ticker “VTOL” beginning on June 12, 2020 and will have a new CUSIP number of 11040G103.

“The closing of this strategic and financially compelling merger makes Bristow a larger, more diverse and stronger company, better positioned for the future,” said Chris Bradshaw, president and CEO of Bristow. “The combination brings long-overdue consolidation in the industry, better prepares us to navigate today’s market challenges, and ensures we remain the global leader in helicopter services with an outstanding culture focused on safety and providing excellent service to our valued customers.”

The merger strengthens Bristow’s global leadership position, with significant operations throughout the Americas, Nigeria, Norway, the United Kingdom and Australia for offshore aviation transportation and search and rescue solutions. The combined company offers a broader range of world-class, efficient solutions through enhanced fleet size and diversity, investments in new technology and safety features to meet the evolving needs of new and existing oil and gas customers and governmental agencies.

The combined company will be headquartered at 3151 Briarpark Drive, Suite 700, in Houston, Texas. The group says the newly structured organization encourages “enhanced collaboration globally while maintaining efficient and nimble local operations.”

The combined company has an eight-member Board of Directors, including five members from legacy Bristow and two members from legacy Era, including the legacy Era CEO. The Board of Directors is comprised of G. Mark Mickelson (who will act as chairman of the Board of Directors), Christopher S. Bradshaw, Lorin L. Brass, Charles Fabrikant, Wesley E. Kern, Robert J. Manzo, Christopher Pucillo and Brian D. Truelove.

THOMMEN Welcomes New CEO

THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT Ltd. announced Daniel Grosch has joined the THOMMEN team on March 10th 2020 as their new CEO, based at the headquarters in Switzerland.

Grosch previously served as company director and director of Business Development at MSI Defence Systems and vice president Global Sales at Arktis Radiation Detectors with a proven track record of sales achievements, new business development and growing revenue streams.

He has more than 15 years’ experience in the aerospace and defence business. With strong analytical, negotiation and inter-personal skills, he has led teams to achieve record levels of business, THOMMEN says.

Previous to that he was with Bruhn NewTech and L-3 Communications holding diverse senior management positions where he secured access to new and existing markets within the industry and Government customer base, enabling expansion of market presence and reputation.

Grosch joins the company as they adjust to the COVID-19 era and the resulting operational challenges. “He brings with him much excitement to strengthen the joint efforts of our group for the months and years to come,” the company says. He can be reached at: daniel.grosch@thommen.aero.

 

Maverick Helicopters Celebrates Reopening with Bogo Offer on Vegas Helicopter Flights

As part of its reopening plan, Maverick Helicopters is presenting for the first time, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers on helicopter flights over Las Vegas now through June 30. During the 15-minute experience, passengers take in views of the iconic Las Vegas Strip and downtown Las Vegas in a helicopter.

“We are excited to share our love of Las Vegas from the sky with this exclusive offer,” said John Buch, president of Maverick Helicopters. “Maverick Helicopters is excited to provide our unparalleled aerial experience which can be shared with friends or loved ones.”

This offer is valid for two or four guests and is available now through June 30, 2020. The offer allows guests to purchase two seats for $124 or four seats for $248, a great gift for recent graduates or Father’s Day. For additional information and to book a flight, guests can visit www.FlyMaverick.com or call 702-405-4300.

 

BAE Systems Honors WireMasters with a Bronze Tier Supplier Award

WireMasters announced it won a Bronze Tier Award for exceptional performance and contributions to supply chain success in 2019 for BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems sector. WireMasters was selected from a pool of more than 2,200 suppliers that worked with the sector in 2019.

WireMasters President and CEO, David C. Hill stated, “It is an honor and privilege for WireMasters to receive this award. We are grateful to BAE Systems for their continued partnership with WireMasters and look forward to additional successes in the future. This award represents WireMasters’ dedication to quality, excellence, and efficiency in meeting our customers’ needs.”

BAE Systems’ Partner 2 Win program is designed to achieve operational excellence and eliminate defects in its supply chain by raising the bar of performance expectations to meet the demand of current and future customers. As part of the program, BAE Systems meets regularly with its suppliers at their locations to transfer best practices to ensure that the components and materials that compose BAE Systems products meet the highest quality standards.

“We are proud to partner with companies – including WireMasters – committed to delivering the highest quality products on-time, every time,” said Kim Cadorette, Vice President of Operations for BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems sector. “We look forward to continued collaboration and success.”
About BAE Systems

BAE Systems provides some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defense, aerospace, and security solutions. The company employs a skilled workforce of more than 83,000 employees worldwide and operations in 30 U.S. states. Working with customers and local partners, BAE Systems develops, engineers, manufactures, and supports products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

Introducing the Threadless Nyloc Nut

Introducing the new and innovative Threadless Nyloc Nut, trademarked Vee Nut, a design never seen before. The Threadless Nyloc Nut has a number of spectacular advantages not available with any existing fastening hardware. As shown, a nylon insert is provided with hole diameters to accommodate any standard size bolt.

In this unique design, as shown above, the nylon insert is not threaded, which is a cost savings. One size nut can handle coarse or fine-metric, SAE, UNF, BSW or any other type threads for a specific bolt diameter. This reduces the inventory requirements for your hardware.

There is no chance of damaging the lead thread on the bolt as it is threaded into the nut. The nylon protects the bolt from physical damage.

The loosening torque on the Threadless Nyloc Nut is many times that of standard hardware available today. Up to 300% higher. Loosening during service with the Threadless Nyloc Nut is much safer as can be seen from the graph shown below.

This graph presents data from tests of an M14 Threadless Nyloc Nut compared to both an M14x1.5 plain nut and a M14x1.5 standard Nyloc nut, all using M14x1.5 bolts.

When compared to standard steel hardware or even the available nylok designs, safety advantages are immediately evident. Even after many uses, the Threadless Nyloc Nut provides three times the loosening torque as other hardware.

Another advantage is that each size of Threadless Nyloc Nut can easily be designed for any specific torque requirement. The height of the Threadless Nyloc Nut is increased to provide additional torque for meeting any special design conditions.

In summary, this new and innovative Threadless Nyloc Nut provides for:

Economy in manufacturing Safety in application Minimizes inventory Protects bolt threads Design Flexibility

The Threadless Nyloc Nut has a Utility Patent issued with another pending. Also, the Threadless Nyloc Nut has International Patent Protection, and 153 countries currently recognize the Patent Cooperation Treaty(PCT).

For more information, contact:

David A. Fussell, co-inventor and managing partner.

dafussell@gmail.com

404-915-7975 USA

LX Series Sheave Alignment System with ColorGage Alignment Targets

Laser Tools Co. has introduced the new LX Series Sheave Alignment System for aligning sheaves, belt and chain drive systems, conveyor rollers and pulley drives. The system uses a unique fluorescent and retro-reflective target design that changes the color of the laser light so that it can be seen in bright ambient light.

The LX Series Sheave Alignment System is available in three different wavelengths including Red, Green and Blue. Each ColorGage magnetic target includes a wide, color matched retro-reflective film and fluorescent stripe that displays the laser alignment line during adjustment. The company says this makes the laser adjustment line easy to see while the motor is moved and sheave alignment is measured.

The LX Series Sheave Alignment System includes three ColorGage Magnetic Targets, LX Series Sheave Alignment Laser and Carrying Case.
For more information contact Laser Tools Co., Inc., 12101 Arch St., Little Rock, AR 72206, Phone 501-562-0900, FAX 501-562-0022, Web Site http://www.lasertoolsco.com, e mail info@lasertoolsco.com

Helicopter Association International Announces the Passing of Matthew Zuccaro

Helicopter Association International (HAI) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Matthew S. Zuccaro, the immediate past president and CEO of the association. Plans for services are still being determined and will be shared as soon as they are available.

“Matt was one of a kind in our industry,” says current HAI President and CEO James Viola. “Helicopters were part of his life, beginning with his US Army service in Vietnam. Throughout his career, he made safe helicopter operations his priority, and we are a better, stronger, and safer industry today because of his efforts on behalf of rotorcraft. Speaking on behalf of our industry, we have lost a good friend whom will be missed. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Doreen, and his family.”

An HAI member since the early 1980s, Matt was elected to the HAI Board of Directors in 1987 and served as chairman in 1991. He was named president of HAI in 2005 and retired in January of this year. During HAI HELI-EXPO 2020 in Anaheim in January, Matt was honored with the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, recognizing his 50 years of professionalism and skill as a pilot.

Among his many accomplishments, Matt may be best remembered for a column he wrote for ROTOR magazine in 2013, encouraging pilots to “land the damn helicopter” in situations where proceeding would endanger themselves and passengers. From that column, HAI’s Land & LIVE program was born, saving countless lives around the world—a fitting legacy for a man who was passionate about safety in the industry he loved so much.

Those interested in sharing memories or leaving messages for Matt’s family may do so at https://www.rotor.org/about/matt-zuccaro.

First Canadian Customer Takes Delivery of StandardAero/Robertson AS350/EC130 Crash-Resistant Fuel Tank

StandardAero and Robertson Fuel Systems announced the delivery of two crash-resistant fuel tanks (CRFTs) to the first operator in Canada to adopt this potentially lifesaving equipment.  The CRFTs will be installed on one AS350 BA helicopter and one AS350 B2 helicopter owned and operated by Ontario-based Zimmer Air Services Inc., both of which have incorporated HeliLynx FX2 or Soloy SD2 modifications utilizing LTS101 engines.

“Our multi-purpose missions often involve a great deal of low-level flying, often with underbelly installations such as cargo swing/hooks or spray equipment, so we recognize the risk and that we must remain proactive in the safety of our operations for both our crews and our passengers,” said Paul Zimmer, president of Zimmer Air Services Inc.  “For more than 40 years, we have established a reputation within the industry as a company committed to quality, service and safety, and the addition of these crash-resistant fuel tanks to our fleet is one more example of that continued determination.”

“We are pleased to have Zimmer Air Services as our first customer in Canada to take on a leading role in improving helicopter safety in Canada by introducing the CRFT,” said Julien Roy, StandardAero’s general manager in Langley, British Columbia.  “We received TCCA approval of our CRFT STC in October of last year, and within just a few short months we have already received significant interest.  We believe the prompt delivery of these first two tanks in Canada is the start of what will be many more to come.”

The StandardAero and Robertson CRFT is the only Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) approved Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) solution for virtually all models of the H125/AS350 helicopter and also has approvals from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Customers such as Zimmer Air Services operating B2 and older variants of the popular AS350 platform can achieve modern standards of fuel system crash-resistance and occupant protection comparable to that of new production aircraft only through the StandardAero and Robertson CRFT, as no other solution is available for these legacy models.