Universal Avionics' received TSO C129a, Class B1/C1 and FAA approval for its GLS-1250 GPS landing sensor system. The GLS-1250 when interfaced with Universal Avionics' flight management systems receives GPS differential corrections from SCAT 1 ground stations and provides Special Category 1 precision approach capabilities.
MyBoeingFleet.com is best known for its encyclopedic content related to all things Boeing, and the five-year-old portal is doing nothing but enhancing its reputation. "We're always adding new manuals," said Elizabeth Underhill, Boeing's senior analyst for maintenance documents. In addition to all manuals for Boeing jet aircraft and components, it includes any component maintenance manuals from third-party vendors that Boeing can get its hands on.
TriskAero developed an infrared curing system that is designed to reduce the processing time for curing paint, composites and structural sealant; decrease the time for bonding adhesives; and shorten the time to remove moisture and decals. TriskAero said the system reduced the time to complete a standard paint scheme cure from about eight days to less than four hours, as well as make the paint resistant to chemicals. The system uses short-wave infrared to quickly heat the substrate beneath the coatings and sealants.
Four years ago Italy's Aeronavali took a deep breath and decided to place the biggest bet in the company's history: a $120 million investment that would link it inextricably with Boeing as the world's sole cargo conversion shop for 767 airliners and as a partner in the aircraft's future as a tanker.
The Nordam Group and the 3M Aerospace and Aircraft Maintenance Division announced a partnership to serve the needs of the aerospace industry worldwide. Nordam said the partnership brings together its industry expertise with 3M's research and development capabilities.
GE Commercial Aviation Services expanded its passenger-to-freighter conversion program to include four Boeing 747-400 freighters. Israel Aircraft Industries will convert the aircraft. Delivery of the first converted aircraft is scheduled for spring 2007.
Michelin Aircraft Tire Corp. received $92.9 million to exercise an option under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price performance based logistics contract to support 23 separate naval aviation tires on F-14, V-22, H-60, AV-8B, P-3, S-3, F-18, EA-6B, H-46, T-2, H-53, E-2, C-2 and H3 aircraft. This contract combines requirements for the U.S.
United Services appointed Garth Petersen managing director effective July 1. He succeeds R. Gene House who retired after a 38-year career with United. House (see O&M, April, p. 50) began at United in 1965 as an intern and started permanent employment in 1967 as an aircraft engineer. Petersen, who has a 24-year aviation background, most recently was director of worldwide sales for United Services.
MESSIER-BUGATTI SYSTEM COMPANIES SELECTED AVEXUS to help manage their business operations and improve key indicators such as service rates for their customers. Messier-Bugatti Systems, part of the Safran group, will utilize Avexus solutions to manage MRO operations and improve finance, human resources and training departments.
Gibraltar-based Chorus Motors Plc is working on a system for Boeing Phantom Works that eventually could eliminate the use of airport tow tugs and jet engines to move (most) commercial aircraft on the ground.
AAI Services opened Oklahoma Technology Center, the company's fifth U.S. support facility. The operation is designed to provide nearby Tinker Air Force Base and the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center with rapid turn-around of defense technology products and services.
Goodrich received a contract from Lear Siegler to produce laser threat warning systems for use on U.S. Army Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters. Goodrich expects the contract to generate about $21 million over three years.
General Electric Aircraft Engines received a $18.7 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract from the U.S. Army to overhaul and repair T700 engines. GEAE will perform the work in Corpus Christi, Texas, and complete it by Dec. 31.
MIRO TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCED AURA VERSION 2005 is being installed at customer sites. This new version of AuRA incorporates 171 modifications and represents more than 5,000 man-hours of new development. This latest AuRA version has 65 enhancements, including a reworked maintenance programs desktop designed to allow users to define tasks in a work order.
AirAsia and GE Transportation signed an OnPoint Solution engine service agreement for the maintenance, overhaul and repair of 120 CFM56-5B6 engines, which will power AirAsia's new fleet of Airbus A320-200 aircraft. The 20-year agreement is worth approximately $1.5 billion.
Aviation Suppliers Association presented Bill Cote, senior vice president corporate quality at Volvo Aero Services, this year's Edward J. Glueckler Award recipient. The award is named for ASA's first president and is presented annually in recognition of outstanding commitment, dedication and contribution to the Aviation Suppliers Association and to the aviation industry.
Bombardier expected to receive Transport Canada and FAA approval for its Bombardier Enhanced Vision System in July. BEVS is designed to provide improved situational awareness in all phases of flight including taxi, takeoff, approach and landing over wide terrains and in adverse weather conditions. Bombardier expects to receive EASA approval in the third quarter.
Aeronavali is exploring strategies for the next 10 years in addition to work on Boeing 767s, according to CEO Agostino Melani. He hopes to capitalize on Aeronavali's close relationship with Boeing to enter the Boeing 737 passenger to cargo conversion market, where Bedek and Pemco already have a head start. "There are more than 300 aircraft likely to be converted, and there is room enough for three players," he said.
Duncan Aviation promoted Steve Craig to Designated Alteration Station administrator. Duncan Aviation also announced Alan Huggett accepted the position of airframe service sales representative.
Rolls-Royce announced that the number of its civil engines in service will increase by 40% over the next five years, with half the fleet being managed through the company's long-term service agreements.
Goodrich will provide additional C-5 landing gear spares to the U.S. Air Force. The $22.8 million contract is in addition to ones awarded in 2003 and 2004.
International Airlines Technical Pool's Management Committee announced the positions of four recently elected delegates: Yoshirhiro Yawata of ANA, facilities/finance coordinator; Carson Benner of Evergreen International Airlines, custodian and EDP doordinator; Giorgio Pietra of Alitalia, project coordinator; and Edyta Michalak of LOT Polish Airlines, legal adviser and standby member. The appointments will be effective Nov. 1.
THE ARINC LOGISTICS ASSESSMENT AND RISK MANAGEMENT (ALARM) SYSTEM is designed to predict when electronic parts and components may become obsolete. ALARM should identify high-risk components, suggest alternatives and help engineers determine a cost-effective design solution. ALARM can assign obsolescence risk ratings to all types of parts, including avionics and hydro-mechanical ones.
