Universal Avionics Offering Remote Support Solution
Universal Avionics (UA) has completed the first successful on-wing update of an InSight Display System’s core software via remote connection. The update was made to an aircraft located 6,000 miles away via remote connection to a Redimec laptop, which was connected to the maintenance port of a Data Concentrator Unit II mounted on the aircraft. According to UA, the remote update saved 10 or more days of aircraft downtime and presents future opportunities for software updates and system configuration to be carried out remotely by its Field Services Engineers.

EmpowerMX Recruits MRO Industry Vet
MRO industry veteran Phil Bathurst has joined aviation maintenance software provider EmpowerMX as its new chief commercial officer. Bathurst most recently served as managing director/chief operating officer at Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services and has also held positions at major MROs such as TIMCO/HAECO, ATS and Associated Air Center.

FAA Opens Applications for Workforce Grants
The FAA is seeking applications for the Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grant program, which it says will help prepare a more inclusive talent pool of aviation maintenance technicians. Eligible organizations may apply for grants ranging from $25,000-$500,000 for any single grant per fiscal year, and applicants from academia and the aviation community can submit applications at www.grants.gov through March 22.

Pipistrel Launches First Electric Aircraft Maintenance Course
Pipistrel has obtained the right to train Part-66 licensed aircraft mechanics for maintenance of its certified electrically-powered aircraft, the Velis Electro. The first courses took place in December 2020 and Pipistrel is planning the next course for February, with plans to continue courses monthly if demand continues.

ST Engineering Signs Cargo Maintenance Contract
ST Engineering has signed a five-year airframe heavy maintenance contract with an international cargo carrier. Under the contract, it will provide heavy maintenance support for multiple fleet types, landing gear replacements and special maintenance visits at its airframe facilities in Mobile, Alabama and at other locations in its network.

SR Technics Launches Component Services Brand
SR Technics has launched its new component services brand, STRADE, which will operate as an independent unit inside the Group. STRADE will provide component sale, lease, loan and exchange services on all major aircraft platforms.

Jetaire Secures New Aircraft Fuel Tank Safety System Patents
Jetaire Group has secured two new patents that augment its foam-based Invicta ignition mitigation system, which provides a way to meet safety requirements needed for the Fuel Tank Flammability Reduction Rule and FAR 25.981.

AerSale Selects Precision Cargo Conversion Kits for B757s
AerSale has selected Precision Aircraft Solutions’ B757-200PCF modification kits for its 24 recently acquired Boeing 757-200s, which it is in the process of converting into cargo configurations. It has already begun installing the Precision kit on the first aircraft.

APOC Begins A320 Part-Out Project in Rothenburg
APOC Aviation is collaborating with Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW) and Eco-Fly in the first part-out project at Rothenburg airport (EDBR) in Germany. The Airbus A320 airframe, which APOC acquired from SmartLynx, will be parted out by EFW and Eco-Fly. APOC says the companies will be building best practices for fuselage disassembly to evaluate recycling concepts for aircraft on an industrial scale at the airport to establish a blueprint for future programs.

Meggitt Signs Chinese Aftermarket Contract
Meggitt PLC has secured a three-year SMARTSupport aftermarket contract with Sichuan Services Aero-Engine Maintenance Company to supply components for the CFM56 engine. Meggitt says the approximately $1 million contract will help it expand MRO and aftermarket activities to support a growing customer base in China.