For non-destructive visual inspections that use UV light or UV light and dye penetrant to look for defects in metal or expoxy structures, Karl Storz Industrial-America introduced a new 8 mm UV videoscope tool. Company representative Greg Burdick says the new UV videoscope is similar to a normal videoscope, but it incorporates special light fibers and a light source that allow it to work in the UVA 320 to 400 nm wave range. “With the flip of a switch, the unit can go from UV to white light mode,” Burdick says.
FlightSafety International says 40 of its full flight simulators have been qualified under the EASA flight simulator training device catch-up process, which allows European licensed flight crews under EASA to train with simulators located outside EASA member states’ jurisdiction. The 40 simulators are located at 15 FlightSafety learning centers in North America. Three new simulators at its London/Farnborough training center also received JAA Level D qualification from the U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority.
During the Internet boom, retailers and consumer packaged goods manufacturers began talking about a new kind of demand-driven supply chain. Rather than build product based on historical forecasts, load up a warehouse and then push it out to the marketplace, savvy supply chain managers would capture real-time demand from point of sale systems and cash registers and use the emerging supply chain planning and management tools to make things according to demand. Sell one, make one.
Over the past few decades, we have seen a shift within the aviation industry to be more environmentally responsible. Although well-intentioned, some argue that environmentally friendly business can be at odds with profitable business. In my view, this logic is flawed. Environmentally friendly business practices and improving the bottom line don’t have to be mutually exclusive. I believe the crude oil sticker shock of 2008 taught our industry some important lessons and also emphasized the need to find creative solutions to change.
Aviation Development Corp., amended STC to install Aviation Development oil filters on numerous general aviation aircraft and helicopter models, STC SA4172NM
Ahlers Aerospace, to install a night vision goggle compatible interior lighting system on Bell Helicopter Textron (Canada) 430 helicopters, STC SR09546RC
Hawker Beechcraft Corp. added two new MROs to its global network of authorized facilities, in addition to restructuring its customer support organization in Europe. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia-based Arabian Aircraft Service Co. (ARABASCO) joins the Hawker Beechcraft network to support the Hawker 800 series, and the MRO plans to add other models, such as the 900XP. Located at King Abdul Aziz International Airport, ARABASCO is the first Saudi Arabian maintenance facility with which Hawker Beechcraft has formed an alliance.
Over 10 years ago, I asked the quality director for a large MRO, “Do you know your big challenges?” He leaned back to a filing cabinet and pulled a file labeled “MEDA DATA.” On top of the fat files were a few colored bar charts. He pointed to the largest columns and talked about topics like failure to follow procedures, poor verbal and written communication, a reluctance of the workforce to speak up when they recognize conditions that are likely to cause problems and not enough qualified employees.
GKN Aerospace and German laser technology specialist SLCR Lasertechnik (SLCR) intend to develop automated laser technology that will provide improved repairs to composite structures, faster and at a lower cost. The companies are working on an automated laser process to replace the time consuming, manual grinding of composite surfaces currently used to prepare them for bonded repairs. The new process removes damaged material, leaving the remaining material fibers and resin intact.
Armstrong Aerospace, reissued STC to install a Honeywell RESCU 406AF emergency locator transmitter system on McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30 aircraft, STC ST01997CH
Kelly Aerospace Energy Systems, reissued STC to install the JanAero Devices Division Cycle air conditioning system on various Cessna 310 model aircraft, STC SA775CE
The U.S. Air Force modified a firm fixed price contract with Lockheed Martin Corp. for $14.2 million, to provide additional depot spares and a readiness spares package for the AN/AAQ-39 to support a six ship deployment for the AC-130 gunship aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio was responsible for the contracting activity.
Gradient Lens Corp. now offers its Hawkeye Pro Flexible Borescopes in two new diameters, 3.3 mm and 4 mm, in addition to its 5 mm product. GLC’s Hawkeye borescopes are designed to provide affordable tooling for quick, reliable visual inspection of combustion chambers, turbine blades, airframe assemblies and other mission-critical parts and systems.
The machines come in a variety of sweeping widths to tackle various jobs. They can be pushed or pulled, with the dual action brushes designed to continuously pick up debris ranging from water bottles and soda cans to wet or dry leaves, rocks or sand, Haaga says. The sweepers feature a quiet design to reduce noise pollution, and unlike a leaf blower, they ingest debris rather than scattering it.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s decade-long effort to update repair station classifications and expand quality systems appears to have stalled once again. The agency indicated that it plans to withdraw a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would overhaul the ratings system for repair stations. The NPRM also would require repair stations to establish a quality program, maintain a capability list, designate a chief inspector and have permanent housing for facilities, equipment, materials and personnel.
Northwest Aerospace Technologies, amended STC to install an Astronics EmPower in-seat power supply system on Boeing 737-700, -800 and -900 series aircraft, STC ST01749SE
Safran plans to start building two plants in Mexico this spring to produce landing gear components and engine parts for its Messier-Dowty and Snecma businesses. The facilities are to be built close to its landing gear repair shop and CFM56 engine overhaul facility in Queretaro, according to Marcelo Lopez, Queretaro’s undersecretary for economic development. The new plants are expected to be ready for production from 2010.
Finnair Technical Services and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines inked a new contract for Boeing MD-11 aircraft maintenance to be carried out this year. It covers eight C check inspections for the KLM aircraft at Finnair Technical Services at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, plus two options for 2010.
Rosemount Aerospace, to build and install dual control collective and cyclic sticks on Boeing 777-200, -200LR, -300 and -300LR series aircraft, STC ST02689CH
GE acquired the remaining shares in its Singapore-based joint venture with Teleflex in late March. Expanding the repair operation’s business and protecting proprietary repair processes spurred the acquisition, GE representative Rick Kennedy said when the deal was made public on March 2. ATI-Singapore initially repaired and serviced CF6 and CFM56 engine family compressor airfoils when it opened it 1998, but it since has expanded to service all GE commercial aviation, marine and industrial engines as well as Pratt & Whitney and Honeywell components.
