Category: Rotor

QT Aerospace Achieves UK CAA Part 145 Certification, Expanding Global MRO Capabilities

QT Aerospace is proud to announce it has officially received UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 145 approval, certification number UK.145.50883, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued global expansion and commitment to the highest international standards of aircraft maintenance and repair.

The UK CAA Part 145 certification authorizes QT Aerospace to perform maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in accordance with stringent UK and international aviation safety regulations. This approval further strengthens QT Aerospace’s ability to support operators, lessors, and MRO partners worldwide with compliant, high-quality composite repair solutions.

“Achieving UK CAA Part 145 certification is a testament to our team’s technical excellence, disciplined processes, and unwavering focus on safety and quality,” said Mark Lindley, QT Aerospace vice president. “This approval allows us to better serve our international customers while reinforcing QT Aerospace’s position as a trusted global partner in aircraft composite repair” he further added.

With this certification, QT Aerospace enhances its capability to support UK-registered aircraft and international operators that require CAA-approved maintenance providers. 

The approval complements QT Aerospace’s existing regulatory credentials and aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to expand its global footprint while maintaining best-in-class operational standards.

QT Aerospace is known for its expertise in aircraft composite structures, rapid turnaround times, and customer-focused approach — delivering solutions that minimize AOG events and keep aircraft flying safely and efficiently.

Sonic Reveals Recipients of Winter 2025 Impact Scholarship Program 

Sonic, a leading provider of professional-grade tool solutions and equipment, today announced the winners of its winter 2025 Impact Scholarship Program, the second round of the year’s scholarship season. The program honors outstanding students in automotive, aviation, and manufacturing technology programs who demonstrate the organization’s core PACE principles: passion, accountability, collaboration, and experience.

The company has chosen five deserving students from a nationwide applicant pool, with each recipient receiving a specially assembled collection of premium hand tools tailored to their specific discipline. Aviation students will receive Sonic’s 263-piece Intermediate Aviation Toolset with the S9 Toolbox, and the Automotive student will receive Sonic’s 255-piece Basic Automotive Toolset and S12 XD Toolbox to aid each respective student throughout their training and help them launch their professional technician careers.

Winter 2025 Scholarship Recipients:

Aviation Students:

  • Maria Hoff – Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, from Maple Grove, MN.
  • Trystan Daughtry – Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK, from Tulsa, OK.
  • Trevor Hill – Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, from Walkertown, NC.
  • Willburn Smith – University of Fairbanks in Fairbanks, AK, from Fairbanks, AK.

Automotive Student:

  • Michael Debenedetto – Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Irving, TX, from Hewitt, NJ.

“This group of five talented students exemplifies the next generation of skilled trade professionals. Every recipient has shown outstanding academic performance alongside a dedication to the PACE principles that define excellence in the automotive and aviation fields,” said Colby McConnell, CEO of Sonic USA. “By equipping them with professional-grade tools, we’re enabling them to concentrate on mastering their craft without the financial stress of purchasing the required hand tools.”

Meeting Workforce Demands

Sonic’s scholarship initiative addresses the expanding technician workforce gap throughout automotive, aviation, and manufacturing sectors. According to TechForce’s 2024 Supply & Demand Report, the automotive industry alone needs nearly one million new-entry technicians to eliminate the gap. Sonic acknowledges that qualified technicians play a vital role in maintaining essential infrastructure and making meaningful contributions within their communities and industries.

Spring Impact Scholarship Program

Sonic’s biannual Impact Scholarship Program will recommence in January 2026 and name the next five recipients in June. Students will be required to provide proof of enrollment, a recommendation letter from an instructor, a 500-word essay explaining how they embody the PACE values and aim to create meaningful impact, and a short video outlining how Sonic Tools will support their professional development and career aspirations. Applications for the Spring cycle close in May 2026.

Additional details about the Sonic Impact Scholarship are available at http://www.sonictoolsusa.com/scholarship/.

ARSA and AEA Release SMS Guidance for U.S. Repair Stations

On Dec. 18, the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) and the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) jointly released and industry advisory for U.S. repair stations holding EASA approval under the U.S./EU bilateral aviation safety agreement needing to implement a Safety Management System.

The advisory document offers clear, concise guidance to the international maintenance industry on establishing and retaining compliance with the special conditions contained in the maintenance annexes in bilateral aviation safety agreements. It is part of the associations’ ongoing collaboration to support global aerospace maintenance safety. The guidance includes regulatory references and basic instruction for integrating SMS into an existing air agency certificate holder’s quality system.

The advisory is available as part of ARSA’s free “tools for members.” To request your updated copy, which is delivered as a .zip file containing the “tools,” complete the order form at arsa.org/publications.

KNIPEX Tools Awarded Chicago’s 2025 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For

KNIPEX Tools was recognized as one of Chicago’s Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, a distinction awarded by the National Association for Business Resources. The award celebrates organizations that prioritize their workplace culture and continue to raise the bar as leaders in employment standards.

With 25 years of experience conducting the Best and Brightest competitions, the National
Association for Business Resources (NABR) partners with an independent research firm to review several key metrics before selecting winning companies. The categories for scoring include: Compensation, Benefits, and Employee Solutions; Creative Wellness and Wellbeing Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement, and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment and Selection; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Civility and Inclusion; Work-Life Blend; Community Initiatives and Corporate Responsibility; and Leadership, Strategy, and Company Performance.

Six years ago, KNIPEX Tools LP (KTLP) launched a values-based culture for its employees with four core values: Knowledge, Teamwork, Loyalty and Passion. The values have become the building blocks for how the company does business, informing everything from people
strategies, benefits, training, performance reviews and more.

The award comes just on the heels of KNIPEX Tools being Certified by Great Place To Work
for the second consecutive year.

“We are very proud of the culture we have built – one based on respect, support,
communication, and especially, our shared values.” Julie Day, vice president of human
resources, expressed when asked what the latest accolade means to the organization. She
continued, “The experience we create internally directly influences company performance.
When our employees feel valued and love what they do, they contribute at the highest levels.
Receiving this additional recognition helps those outside the company see what we already
know to be true — that KTLP is a great company to work for.”

Rautenstrauch Named President and CEO of Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc.; Scholl to Assume New Role as Bell CCO

Textron announced that Jörg Rautenstrauch has been named president and CEO of Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., effective January 4, 2026. Rautenstrauch will continue to serve in his role as president and CEO of Kautex and the Textron Industrial segment.

Rautenstrauch will succeed Rob Scholl, who has been named chief commercial officer of Bell to replace Danny Maldonado who, as previously announced, was appointed as Bell’s president and CEO, effective January 4, 2026.

Rautenstrauch joined Textron in 2011. He was named president and CEO of Kautex in 2016, and in 2020, was appointed president and CEO of the Textron Industrial segment.

“Jörg has been an outstanding leader for Kautex and possesses a deep understanding of our TSV business,” said Scott C. Donnelly, Textron chairman and CEO. “His leadership will allow us to effectively execute on our business plans and meet the demands of our customers.”

In joining Bell as chief commercial officer, Scholl brings more than 19 years of experience across Textron businesses. Since 2023, he has led Textron Specialized Vehicles and, prior to this role, built Textron eAviation as a business segment as president and CEO. At Textron Aviation, Scholl held a series of senior sales and marketing roles, including senior vice president, Global Sales & Flight Operations; vice president, Parts & Programs; and vice president, Marketing.

Commenting on Scholl’s appointment, Lisa Atherton, Bell president and CEO and the incoming Textron president and CEO as of January 4, 2026, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Rob to Bell as our new chief commercial officer. Rob is a respected leader across the Aviation industry and Textron and he is well positioned to continue achieving success across our commercial sales, aftermarket and customer service programs.”

AvionTEq Announces 2025 Year-End Inventory Reduction Event: Exclusive Discounts, Trade-In Offers, and Complimentary Gifts

AvionTEq, a leading global supplier of new and refurbished avionics test equipment, is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 Year-End Inventory Reduction Event. This limited-time promotion features exclusive savings, special trade-in credits, and a complimentary gift with select purchases — available through December 31, 2025, or while supplies last.

As part of the promotion, clients can choose one free premium gift with eligible purchases: an Apple iPad (9th Gen), Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), or Amaztim T3 Ultra smartwatch — offering added value to every qualifying order.

Featured Avionics Test Equipment

AvionTEq’s year-end event includes a wide selection of new and refurbished avionics test sets from leading manufacturers such as Laversab, Viavi, Barfield, Tel Instrument, and BAE Systems. Featured equipment includes:

  • FDS FDS40-0301 HHMPI for CVR, FDR, SSFDR (New)
  • CCX T-RX RP+ Radio & Pulse NAV/COMM Transponder Multifunction Test Set (New)
  • Laversab ARTS-7000 NAV/COMM Test Set (New)
  • Tel Instrument TIC SDR-Omni Multifunction All-in-One Avionics Test Set (New)
  • Barfield DPS450 Pitot Static Test Set (Refurbished)
  • Laversab 6600-NG Air Data Test Set (New)
  • Laversab 6300 Air Data Test Set (Refurbished)
  • Vitrek / MTI Instruments PBS-4100+ Gen4 Portable Vibration & Balancing System (New)
  • Viavi / Aeroflex IFR6000 Multifunction Transponder Test Set (Refurbished)
  • Viavi / Aeroflex IFR4000 NAV COMM Test Set (Refurbished)
  • Viavi / Aeroflex PSD90-1C AC/DC Fuel Capacitance Test Set (Refurbished)
  • Viavi / Aeroflex 8800SX Digital Radio Test Set (Refurbished)
  • L3Harris 17TES0043 Portable Interface (PI) for FDR, CVR, CVDR FA2100 (Refurbished)
  • Viavi / Aeroflex IFR RD-301 Weather Radar Test Set (Refurbished)
  • BAE Systems Controls LRT Loop Resistance Tester (New / Refurbished)
  • Firstmark Aerospace 2591553-903 Standby Compass Calibrator (New)

Trade-In Program: Upgrade and Save

AvionTEq is also offering a trade-in program to help clients upgrade outdated avionics test equipment. Qualified participants can receive credit toward newer models such as the T-RX RP+, SDR-OMNI, or ARTS-7000.

To participate, submit the following details to sales@avionteq.net:

  • Photos of the unit while powered up
  • Serial number and last calibration date
  • List of included accessories
  • Desired upgrade model

AvionTEq’s team will review the submission and provide a personalized trade-in quote.

Exclusive Bundle Offer: FDS HHMPI & Readout Package

Clients purchasing FDS HHMPI kits can enjoy early access to FDS SRVIVR25 kits and receive additional value — including a complimentary gift and a $500 rebate when bundled with Readout Services.

Availability and Ordering Information

All promotional offers are valid until December 31, 2025, or while supplies last. Clients are encouraged to contact their AvionTEq representative to confirm pricing, availability, and shipping details.

Former StandardAero Regional Sales Manager Steve Lunde Receives Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award

Steve Lunde, former regional sales manager for the Western U.S. on the business aviation team at StandardAero was awarded the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award earlier this year. The award was presented on June 17, 2025, during a ceremony held at StandardAero’s Van Nuys, California facility, surrounded by friends, family and colleagues from across the country.

The prestigious recognition commemorates Lunde’s remarkable achievement of maintaining an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License for more than 50 years — reflecting his lifelong passion, technical expertise and exceptional service within the aviation industry. After decades of meaningful contributions to StandardAero and the business aviation community, Lunde has since retired from his role but remains actively involved.

“I have now been an A&P Technician for over 50 years. What a great ride. I’ve worked on everything from a C-150 to a Boeing BBJ. I can’t tell you how rewarding it has been. What a great industry we work in,” Lunde said.

Lunde’s passion for aviation began at just four years old, inspired by childhood summer trips to Hawaii. This early fascination developed into a dynamic career after he earned his A&P License in 1975, working on 737s and C130s.

He later advanced to the role of director of sales at Gulfstream Aerospace, where he was directly involved in former Gulfstream owner Allen Paulson’s world record-setting G400 project. His career ultimately led him to Dallas Airmotive, which later became StandardAero, where he carved out a legacy as a trusted leader and friend. In his most recent role, Lunde served as regional sales manager within StandardAero’s Rolls-Royce Engine Program, embodying true dedication to both customer success and industry excellence, StandardAero said.

“It’s everything. It’s what my whole life has been,” he said when asked about the meaning of receiving the Charles Taylor Award.

Reflecting on Steve’s decades-long impact, Michael McCauley, senior director of the Rolls-Royce program at StandardAero, shared: “The Charles Taylor Award is a great example of Steve’s dedication to the industry… for over five decades. You don’t have the knowledge that Steve has and share the knowledge that Steve has without the character and respect of others to do so.”

“Congratulations once again to Steve on earning this esteemed recognition and for an incredible career in aviation—one that we are grateful to continue supporting through his new role as a customer,” the company said in a press release.

Veryon Showcases Groundbreaking AI-Powered Technology at Predictive Aircraft Maintenance Dublin 2025 Conference

Veryon will showcase its AI-powered predictive maintenance technology, Veryon AIRE, at the Predictive Aircraft Maintenance Conference, taking place November 11–12 in Dublin, Ireland.

Airlines and MROs continue to face pressure to reduce downtime, optimize labor, and improve safety. By harnessing the industry’s largest de-identified dataset and delivering insights relevant to each operator’s context, Veryon provides earlier visibility into emerging issues. The result is fewer surprises, faster action, and stronger control over fleet health and maintenance planning.

Veryon AIRE is the analytics engine behind Veryon Diagnostics, an integrated AI platform that mines logbook data and references aircraft manuals to streamline troubleshooting and improve fix outcomes. With Veryon AIRE, operators can expect:

• Smarter, Faster Fixes: It recommends most likely fixes to boost first-time fix rates and enables technicians to ask publication-specific questions and jump directly to troubleshooting steps.

• Intelligent Fleet Management: It automates routine work, reduces maintenance expenses, and optimizes critical maintenance tasks and inventory management

• Enhanced Reliability: It surfaces chronic patterns, rogue components and short-life parts, and trend degradation early, before they escalate into unexpected AOGs.

Join us for “The Predictive Edge: How AI Is Powering the Next Generation of Aircraft Reliability” on Monday, November 11, at 11:20. Dave Purfurst, Global Director of Solutions Consulting at Veryon, will explore how operators can turn overwhelming volumes of aircraft data into smarter decisions, faster troubleshooting, and measurable improvements in uptime. As fleets generate more data than ever before, Dave will share how AI is shifting maintenance from reactive to predictive and how Veryon AIRE, the analytics engine behind Veryon Diagnostics, is helping operators boost first-time fixrates, reduce chronic defects, simplify compliance, and scale expertise across shrinking teams to maximize aircraft availability and reliability.

Solving Aviation’s Data Problem with AI

Many operators struggle with fragmented data that weakens predictive accuracy.

“Our platform unifies historical reliability patterns, rapid defect analysis, and AI-guided troubleshooting into a single view,” said Kris Volrath, senior vice president of product at Veryon. “This not only allows maintenance teams to act early and plan proactively, but a validated-by-experts approach also ensures AI-driven recommendations are understood, trusted, and applied with safety at the forefront.”

Veryon will highlight how its unified tools work together to create a closed information loop that helps operators see issues sooner, take action faster, and proceed with confidence:

• Veryon Defect Analysis: An AI-powered tool that identifies and clusters recurring defects and prevents issues before they ground an aircraft. Reduces repeat defects by 33%, unscheduled removals by 20%, and delays/cancellations by 10%.

• Veryon Reliability: An AI-enabled module that forecasts component failures, maximizes aircraft availability, and supports proactive maintenance strategies.

• Veryon Guided Troubleshooting: An intelligence-powered guide that delivers predictive fix recommendations based on real-world outcomes from thousands of aircraft events. Cuts troubleshooting time by up to 50% and increases first-time fix rates by more than 5% with step-by-step guidance.

• Veryon Tracking+: A cloud-based platform for fleet, maintenance, inventory, and flight operations, trusted by over 150 operators managing more than 2,000 aircraft.

Veryon Announces Acquisition of EBIS

Veryon, a provider of information services and software solutions for the aviation industry, announced the acquisition of EBIS from Tronair. With this acquisition, Veryon is expanding its aviation maintenance solutions by adding comprehensive ground support equipment (GSE) asset management capabilities, along with a next-generation maintenance management solution used by Part 145 repair stations, FBOs, charter operators, airlines, and other maintenance providers in North America and around the world.

Many aviation maintenance providers still operate with outdated, disconnected systems that make it difficult to manage assets both on the ground and in the air. The addition of EBIS to the Veryon family creates a single, intelligent platform that unites every aspect of maintenance and asset management to improve efficiency, uptime, and visibility across the operation.

“Veryon recognizes that aircraft maintenance complexity has increased and that ground handling assets have been overlooked. MROs have limited software choices today and are asking for greater ease-of-use, intelligence, and automation to modernize their operations,” said Kris Volrath, Veryon’s senior vice president of product. “By adding EBIS to our industry-leading product portfolio, Veryon addresses these market gaps and creates an even more compelling value proposition by reducing complexity and costs for MROs and operators.”

With the addition of EBIS products to its portfolio, Veryon is redefining the maintenance technology landscape with a next-generation experience for commercial, general, and business aviation operators and MROs. With EBIS for MRO, maintenance providers, service centers, and FBOs can operate more efficiently and stay better connected to the operators they serve by seamlessly integrating with Veryon Tracking for real-time aircraft maintenance workflows and insights. The addition of EBIS Ground Support Equipment (GSE) extends these capabilities to ground assets, enabling organizations to manage and maintain their entire fleet—from aircraft to equipment—within a single, connected ecosystem.

“EBIS’ mission, from its inception, has been to empower aviation maintenance teams with approachable digital solutions that transform their organizations,” said Santosh Nachu, EBIS’ general manager. “We are excited to accelerate this mission by joining Veryon and leveraging its vast aviation maintenance data, AI-driven capabilities, and scaled organizational strength.”

BriskHeat Launches the ACR 4 Hot Bonder, Redefining Composite Curing and Repair

Industrial heating and temperature control solutions provider, BriskHeat, announced the launch of its most advanced hot bonder to date, the ACR 4 Hot Bonder. Engineered for precision, durability, and ease of use, the ACR 4 sets a new standard in out-of-autoclave composite curing and debulking, as well as adhesive bonding.

Building on the legacy of the ACR 3, the ACR 4 introduces intuitive operation, enhanced control, and greater versatility for processing resins, prepregs, adhesives, and other composite materials. Designed for field, hangar, and lab environments, it meets the evolving needs of modern composite repair.

Key Innovations:

·       Removable thermocouple boxes with 10 sensors per zone for streamlined setup

·       Built-in blanket resistance testing

·       10.1” HD touchscreen interface for better visibility and graphics

·       Advanced software platform with unlimited recipe customization and synchronized multi-zone curing

·       Power larger heaters with up to 30 amps per zone

·       Integrated high-speed printer

·       Dual-zone operation with built-in electric vacuum pumps and venturis

“The mobility of the TC blocks on the ACR 4 is a game-changer,” said Michael Landon, technical sales at AeroWindTech. “This is one of the most impactful improvements we’ve seen, and we’re excited to see how our customers leverage its capabilities.”

“The ACR 4 builds on the proven reliability of the ACR 3 with enhanced durability, intuitive controls, and advanced vacuum technology,” said Nick McNamara, senior vice president of engineering and semiconductor OEM at BriskHeat. “It’s designed to perform in the most demanding environments and deliver faster, more secure, and more efficient bonding.”