Category: Rotor

AIM Las Vegas Campus Awarded on USA TODAY’s America’s Top Vocational Schools 2025 List

The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) Las Vegas, Nevada Campus has been awarded to USA TODAY’s inaugural list of America’s Top Vocational Schools 2025. The award list was announced on July 22nd, 2025, and can currently be viewed on the USA TODAY’s website.

The ranking of the best schools offering vocational training via undergraduate certificate or diploma is based on an analysis of five Key Performance Indicators. The analysis for the ranking included: Graduation Rate, Graduate Salary, Years to Pay Off Net Price, Social Mobility, and Diversity. Data on the schools’ performance was collected through publicly available sources like IPEDS and College Scorecard.

AIM Las Vegas works closely with industry partners to ensure their curriculum meets the current workforce demands. This alignment allows students to graduate with relevant, high-demand skills that translate directly into employment opportunities, often without the burden of long-term student debt.

All schools were benchmarked against one another using the final score. Based on the results of the study, AIM Las Vegas has been recognized as one of America’s Top Vocational Schools 2025. This award serves to reinforce your institution’s unwavering commitment to excellence in hands-on education, career readiness, and workforce development.

Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high-profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, relevant business data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys.

“We’re ecstatic to receive this recognition. It’s a powerful affirmation of the dedication our students, instructors, and staff bring every day. It reinforces AIM’s mission to deliver high-quality, hands-on career education that truly prepares the nation’s next generation of aviation maintenance technicians,” said Samuel Thomas, campus executive director, AIM Las Vegas.

Deadline Today for U. S. Agents for Service Designations

Today, July 7, 2025 is the deadline for U.S. Agents for Service on individuals with foreign addresses who hold or apply for certain certificates, ratings or authorizations.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) require individuals with foreign addresses, and no U.S. physical address of record on file with the FAA, who hold or apply for certain certificates, ratings, or authorizations to designate a U.S. agent for service of FAA documents.

The U.S. agent will receive service of FAA documents on the certificate holder or applicant’s behalf. This rule facilitates the FAA’s ability to accomplish prompt and cost-effective service of process and service of other safety-critical or time-sensitive documents to individuals abroad through service on their U.S. agents, the FAA says.

This final rule adds subpart C to part 3 of title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). Subpart C requires individuals who have a foreign address and no U.S. physical address of record on file with the FAA to designate a U.S. agent for service if they apply for a certificate, rating, or authorization issued under 14 CFR part 47, 61, 63, 65, 67, or 107, or hold a certificate, rating, or authorization issued under any of these parts.[1]

The U.S. agent will receive service of FAA documents on behalf of the certificate, rating, or authorization holder or applicant. This final rule facilitates the FAA’s ability to accomplish prompt and cost-effective service of process and service of other safety-critical or time-sensitive documents to individuals abroad through service on their U.S. agents.[2] This will conserve agency resources, ensure that lengthy delays in service of process do not compromise aviation safety, and provide individuals abroad with timely notice of FAA actions and the opportunity for more expedient due process.

Aviation Specialties Unlimited Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), a provider of night vision solutions, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. 

“For the past 30 years, we have been extremely blessed to make flying at night safer,” said ASU founder Mike Atwood. “HEMS operators, law enforcement, search and rescue, firefighters, military, and defense organizations worldwide placed their trust in us early on. We do not take that trust for granted. I want to thank everyone for their business and loyalty over the past three decades.”

ASU first introduced NVIS systems to the HEMS community in the Asheville, North Carolina region, equipping the Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA) unit in a mountainous, rural area with F4949 NVGs from ITT. MAMA became one of the first civilian operators to adopt this life-saving technology. Shortly after, law enforcement units also received approval to use NVGs.

ASU quickly expanded beyond equipment sales to meet growing customer needs. The company’s first employee, Hannah Gordon, now serves as Chief Operating Officer.

“Sales is only one part of ASU,” said Gordon. “We also added the ability to modify aircraft cockpits, train pilots and crew members, and service goggles to meet the manufacturer requirements and customer needs. Everything we strive to do at ASU is intended to help our customers. Our efforts include anticipating their needs and taking steps internally to make sure we help them before, during, and after the initial sale. This enables us to help organizations around the world. Whether they are upgrading equipment, servicing equipment or starting a brand new NVG program, we can help.”

In 2019, ASU once again advanced the industry with the introduction of Aeronox—a lightweight goggle mount and battery pack. Later that year, the company unveiled a prototype of its own NVG: the E3. By 2023, the E3 Goggle entered full production and received FAA approval. Today, nearly 1,000 E3 goggles are in use worldwide.

Over the past 30 years, ASU has sold more than 10,000 night vision goggles—including those from ITT, L3, and its own E3 line. The company has trained over 8,000 pilots, crew members, and FAA inspectors, and modified more than 2,000 aircraft. ASU also holds more NVG Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) than any other organization in the world.

“ASU started with a mission to make night flying safer, and we remain committed to that purpose today,” said ASU President Dr. Joseph Estrera. “We’ve evolved from a distributor to a full-fledged NVG manufacturer, and we continue to innovate to support our customers. Thank you to every customer and industry partner who made this milestone possible.”

Dallas Avionics Completes Minnesota State Police Training

Dallas Avionics announced today that Dallas Avionics Government Agency Sales Executive Cody Klaehn completed training for the Minnesota State Police on their TDFM 9100 and AEM audio and PA system. The class consisted of rescue specialists and Aircraft personnel and took place several days in St.Paul at their office and Hangar.

The equipment installed in their Bell 429 in conjunction with other mission critical devices will be used primarily for search and rescue (SAR) missions. 

“SAR missions can be some of the most daunting tasks with numerous challenges,” said Klaehn. Good communications should not be one of those challenges. The equipment the Minnesota State Police were trained on is proven to help air units communicate quickly with other air and ground assets. Every second counts when trying to locate someone that is lost or injured. Knowing how to effectively use the communications equipment helps increase the odds of someone being found.  It is an honor to help the Minnesota State Police with their mission critical training.”

Klaehn will be teaching at the Airbirborne Public Safety Association APSCON annual conference next month in Phoenix.  Slots are still available for that training.  APSCON attendees can still register for the class  at https://apsa.users.membersuite.com/events/00b78c1f-0078-c9cb-765f-0b47a5a83038/details.

ARSA Survey Reviews FAA’s “Methods, Techniques, and Practices” AC

On June 14, the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) opened a short survey collecting industry feedback on FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1B Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices—Aircraft Inspection and Repair.

The FAA has engaged industry to help review the AC, which primarily supports independent mechanics, technicians, and repair stations maintaining general aviation aircraft. ARSA is collaborating with the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) to gather input ahead of an in-person meeting on July 15-16.

The agency’s review focuses on:

(1) Clarifying and revising the content.

(2) Eliminating redundancy.

(3) Updating for new technologies.

To complete the survey, maintenance professionals should visit arsa.org/ac-43_13_1 or click here to go directly to the questionnaire.

SAE International and Vertical Flight Society Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Vertical Flight and Mobility Innovation

SAE International and the Vertical Flight Society (VFS) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in advancing vertical flight and its role in the broader mobility ecosystem. Signed at the 2025 Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France, the partnership supports both organizations’ shared commitment to promoting global safety, innovation, and sustainability in aerospace through joint initiatives, technical programs, and professional development.

Under the MoU, SAE and VFS will engage in a broad range of strategic activities to benefit their global communities including co-developing and cross-promoting technical content, reciprocal participation at flagship events such as the VFS Annual Forum and SAE’s AeroTech and offering joint professional development opportunities. The MoU also establishes pathways for sharing resources, collaborating on community-building efforts and supporting global standards development through increased VFS participation in SAE technical committees.

“This partnership with VFS aligns with SAE’s mission to advance mobility knowledge and solutions for the benefit of humanity,” said Dr. Jacqueline El-Sayed, CEO of SAE International. “Through this partnership, our organizations can effectively address the challenges and opportunities of next-generation vertical flight technologies while advancing knowledge and strengthening the community to drive meaningful progress in this rapidly evolving field.”

“It’s an honor to formalize this partnership with SAE International,” said Angelo Collins, executive director of the Vertical Flight Society. “By working together, we’ll more effectively advance critical vertical flight research and development, leveraging SAE’s expansive network and infrastructure to accelerate progress toward our shared goals.”

The MoU also provides opportunities for joint promotional activities, shared accessibility to educational content, and collaboration between local SAE sections and VFS chapters. This strategic alliance reinforces SAE’s and VFS’s commitment to advancing the future of aerospace through consensus-building, knowledge sharing, and cross-sector engagement.

A New Pathway to FAA A&P Certification

The Prescott Foundation’s Workforce Development Program, an innovative initiative offering a hands-on, alternative pathway for individuals seeking FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification. This program is designed to open doors for those who may not be able to pursue traditional schooling, providing a paid internship and real-world experience in aircraft restoration and maintenance.

The Prescott Foundation’s Workforce Development Program introduces participants to the aviation industry through immersive, practical training. By working directly with historic warbirds and modern aircraft, interns gain vital skills that are essential not only for preserving aviation history but also for ensuring the safety of millions of air travelers every day. The program is uniquely structured to welcome individuals with little or no prior work experience, equipping them with the tools and confidence to pursue rewarding careers in aviation maintenance.

A defining feature of the program is its supportive, team-based environment, enriched by a strong veteran presence. Veterans serve as mentors and role models, helping participants develop both technical expertise and a passion for aviation. This collaborative atmosphere fosters personal growth, new career paths, and a deep appreciation for the legacy of military aviation.

Key Program Features:
• Alternative, hands-on pathway to FAA A&P certification
• Paid internship with direct experience in aircraft restoration and maintenance
• Supportive environment with strong veteran mentorship
• Opportunities for individuals without prior work experience
• Contribution to the preservation of aviation history and safety

Dassault Systèmes and Airbus Extend Strategic Partnership to Use Virtual Twins for Next-Generation Programs

Dassault Systèmes and Airbus have extended their long-term strategic partnership, putting the 3DEXPERIENCE platform at the heart of lifecycle management of all new Airbus programs for civil and military aircraft and helicopters.

This deployment will support the entire development chain for all Airbus civil and military aircraft and helicopters. More than 20,000 users from every business area, as well as Airbus suppliers, will be able to collaborate more effectively and use virtual twins — on premise or on a sovereign cloud — to shorten development cycles, anticipate and improve production efficiency, and enhance aftersales support — all while reducing costs.

“Digitalization is a key enabler that we are leveraging to support our core priorities, whether it is ramping up the production of our commercial aircraft, preparing the next generation of platforms that will further contribute to the decarbonization of our sector, or pioneering the defense and security solutions of tomorrow,” said Guillaume Faury, CEO, Airbus. “This renewed partnership with Dassault Systèmes will play an important role in accelerating our progress towards these goals, while ensuring the highest levels of quality, safety and security throughout the lifecycle of our products and solutions, from design to in-service operations.”

“Our long history of collaboration with Airbus embarks on its next chapter, enabling the entire enterprise and its value chain to innovate globally, efficiently and virtually for decades to come. Airbus can take full advantage of AI-powered generative experiences, and scientific advances in material science, modeling, simulation, production and operation systems efficiency with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This will open new possibilities to imagine, create and produce the experiences that will define the future of the aerospace industry,” said Bernard Charlès, executive chairman, Dassault Systèmes.

Dassault Systèmes will provide Airbus with seven industry solution experiences based on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform:  “Program Excellence,” “Winning Concept,” “Co-Design to Target,” “Cleared to Operate,” “Ready for Rate,” “Build to Operate,” and “Keep Them Operating.”  

Sherwin-Williams Skyscapes Basecoat/Clearcoat Adds Easy-to-UseE 850 Series Effect Systems

The latest 850 Series SKYscapes Effect Finishes from Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings is now available as a durable, high-performance line of mica, metallic and hybrid finishes.

This high-performance polyurethane basecoat is specially designed for productivity and appearance with a full complement of metallics and micas for use in everything from striping and accents to overall paint completion of larger or commercial aircraft.

In addition to its extensive color and effects palette, the new SKYscapes 850 Series also offers what aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and paint shops desire most – an incredibly simple and easy-to-use product.

“After a lengthy period in the MRO operation, by the time the aircraft is ready to be painted, it has often been in for weeks or more for major rework,” says Richard Giles, Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings global technical service manager. “Because of this, the paint shop often has to ‘pick up the pace’ and get the plane painted and out the door ASAP. Because of the 850 Series’ simplicity, as well as its incredible ease-of-use and repairability, the shop can get their paint and detailing work usually done on time and get the aircraft back into service.”

The 850 Series SKYscapes is easy to apply and implement in the shop. It has the same 4:1:3 friendly mixing formula as other SKYscapes topcoats and undercoats, as well as consistent alignment. The same hardeners and reducers are all encompassed in the same mixing system, and it can be applied over all Sherwin-Williams aerospace epoxy or urethane exterior primers, making it easy to order, mix, spray and inventory.”

“The real benefit is its repairability,” says Giles. “This new 850 line is smart repairable, with no special guns and tools needed. It features a long pot life and is outstanding for immediate spot repairs while still on the paint line. Any de-wetting, last-minute line corrections or minor basecoat issues – like orientation, tiger striping or shadows – can be repaired wet-on-wet before the clearcoat application; this saves rework, labor and delivery time, and of course, money.”

The 850 Series SKYscapes is ideal for all sized aircraft, but really hits the sweet spot for business aircraft and helicopters with its excellent color accuracy and consistency, as it now matches the Sherwin-Williams extensive aerospace color palette. It’s also quick drying at ambient temperatures, allows for multiple color applications per day without mechanically sanding up to 48 hours and doesn’t require baking.

Its effects application also has many features:
• Excellent flow and leveling
• Easily wets a properly prepared surface
• Wet edge blends itself easily
• Outstanding effect orientation
• All three effects can be overcoated with each other for elaborate livery designs

The 850 Series SKYscapes Effect System provides a robust application and efficient finish process while being compatible with all Sherwin-Williams Aerospace clearcoats, including flat and semi-gloss.

Conflux Partners with AMSL Aero to Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cooling for Long Range Zero Emissions Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) Aircraft

Conflux Technology, a global leader in design, engineering and production of additive manufactured heat exchangers, today unveiled a collaboration with AMSL Aero, an Australian aircraft manufacturer and designer building the world’s most efficient long-range zero emissions electrical Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft.

Under the first phase of the project to develop hydrogen fuel cell cooling for AMSL Aero’s Vertiia VTOL aircraft, Conflux developed three innovative heat exchanger concepts to minimize weight and volume while managing continuous heat loads and reducing drag, to enable flight distances of up to 1,000 km.

The project is now advancing into its second phase. This stage will optimize the design and manufacture of a full proof-of-concept assembly to evaluate its performance within Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain.

“Hydrogen fuel cells represent a transformative technology in Australia’s pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. We are proud to incorporate our heat exchange technology to enhance the efficiency and performance of Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cells. Together, we’re advancing innovation in creating world-leading sustainable air transport,” says Michael Fuller, CEO & founder of Conflux Technology.

The Conflux cooling solution will be optimized to provide cooling for high transient heat loads experienced during vertical take-off, landing and hover operations of the Vertiia. Weight, performance and packaging size are key constraints for aeronautical hydrogen powertrains and geometrical freedoms granted by additive manufacturing means heat exchangers for these systems can be lightweight and conform to the space available. Conflux’s unique thin-walled, patented designs deliver thermal performance and low drag.

AMSL Aero chairman Chris Smallhorn said: “In Vertiia we are building a hydrogen-electric aircraft that flies record-breaking distances at Formula 1 speeds, making Conflux Technology, with its storied history of innovation in motorsport and aviation, the perfect partner for us.

“AMSL Aero is committed to Victoria for future development of Vertiia and Conflux is one of Victoria’s industrial champions, making the Avalon Air Show the ideal place for us to unveil this partnership.”

“We’re excited to work with Conflux, whose reputation for delivering at Formula 1 speed combined with AS9100D manufacturing and quality certification will be critical in enabling Vertiia to become the world’s first long-range passenger-capable hydrogen VTOL. Working together, we are pioneering a future where clean energy and cutting-edge engineering drive the aviation industry towards a greener and more sustainable future,” says Simon Coburn, Hydrogen Systems Engineer at AMSL Aero.

This engagement further expands Conflux’s presence in aerospace applications, leveraging additive manufacturing to develop high-performance heat exchangers for next-generation aviation. Applications now extend across propulsion system cooling, transmission and gearbox cooling, environmental and avionics cooling, and power electronics cooling. As the demand for sustainable solutions accelerates, additive manufacturing is setting new performance benchmarks, delivering advanced thermal management solutions that conventional methods cannot achieve.