June 26, 2017 - No. 051 In This Issue SpaceX nails two rocket launches in one weekend German-based company to bring $12M aviation plant to US FAA Committee to Create Regulations for Identifying Unmanned Drones TEN POPULAR AVIATION APPS USED BY PILOTS AND AVGEEKS Aireon is One Step Closer to Providing 100 Percent Global Aircraft Surveillance Jet East Aviation Receives Dassault Approval For Non-Destructive Testing On Falcon Aircraft Saft Develops Unique Battery for Aero Vodochody's L-39NG Training Jet Boeing Mulls EEC Investment SpaceX nails two rocket launches in one weekend SpaceX just capped off two successful missions to space this weekend -- the company's quickest launch turnaround yet. After it launched a communications satellite into orbit from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk's private space outfit finished its run with a clean launch from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base on Sunday. The launch Sunday marked SpaceX's ninth so far this year. The company has now surpassed the record for the most launches in a single year, which it set in 2016. The latest mission: to deliver a group of satellites into orbit for a company called Iridium. Those satellites will join a growing network dubbed the Iridium Next system. Iridium Next has many goals. One of its most notable is to eliminate "black zones" where commercial airplanes can't be tracked by providing global real-time surveillance of all flights. That means missing airplanes -- like the Malaysia Airlines flight that vanished three years ago over the Indian Ocean -- could become a thing of the past. It will take several more launches to get the full network into orbit. The launch Sunday was SpaceX's second delivery -- it sent up the first 10 satellites in January. There will be six more Iridium Next missions over the next year. Friday's mission was also noteworthy. It marked the second time SpaceX has reused a first-stage rocket booster, which flings the payload toward orbit. The booster was previously used in a January mission. SpaceX wants to reuse its rockets so it can drastically slash the amount a single launch costs. The sticker price for a customer is about $62 million. SpaceX is the only company that has recovered, refurbished and then re-flown an orbital class rocket. By completing its second mission with a used rocket, SpaceX has again signaled to its customers that it can safely pull off the maneuver. Sunday's mission did not use a pre-flown booster. But SpaceX did manage to safely recover the first stage after that launch, setting it up to fly again one day. So far, SpaceX has safely landed first-stage rockets on land or a droneship 13 times. http://money.cnn.com/2017/06/25/technology/future/spacex-launches-two-rockets/index.html Back to Top German-based company to bring $12M aviation plant to US AUBURN, Ala. - A German-based company is bringing a $12 million aviation-related plant to Auburn. The Winkelmann Group will begin production at its first United States production facility in the Auburn Industrial Park, the Opelika-Auburn Newsreported. The company expects to create approximately 50 jobs over the next five years. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and Winkelmann Group CEO Heinrich Winkelmann announced the new location, called Winkelmann Flowform Technology LP, in France at the Paris Air Show this week. "As we declare to the world that Alabama is open for business, we welcome Winkelmann to our family of aerospace and defense-related companies in Alabama," Ivey said in the release. Production is expected to begin in about two or three months, according to Arndt Siepmann, industrial development director for Auburn's Economic Development Department. Winkelmann Group is a fourth-generation German company that has three divisions including automotive, building and industry, and flowforming, which is a metal-forming technique. The Auburn site will use the company's flowform technology that primarily builds high-precision, high-strength, thin wall roto-symmetrical parts from various metals. "With the North America operation, my team will be able to better serve the aerospace and defense industry, as well as the commercial automotive and oil and gas industry in the U.S.," CEO Heinrich Winkelmann said in the release. "Our flow-forming engineering and manufacturing knowhow combined with the one-of-a-kind machinery equipment installed at our Auburn facility creates solutions for our customers who demand and deserve only the highest quality." Auburn University's engineering school should provide a "talent pipeline" for companies like Winkelmann along with advantages for students, said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield. The Auburn plant will add to Winkelmann Group's more than 4,000 employees and 26 independent business units worldwide. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/06/25/german-based-company-to-bring-12m-aviation-plant-to- us.html Back to Top FAA Committee to Create Regulations for Identifying Unmanned Drones Recreational drone pilots may soon lose their anonymity after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it would soon be creating an Aviation Rulemaking Committee that would oversee the creation of standards that would allow it to track and identify unmanned drones. The new FAA committee held its first meetings from June 21 to 23 and is tasked with coming up with recommendations to ensure that unmanned drones could easily be identified. Currently, the FAA has no laws or rules that dictate the broadcasting of identification information by unmanned drones. However, this is something that the new committee aims to change, with the goals of creating a set of guidelines that will ensure that the FAA can immediately identify any drones in the air. In announcing the new committee, the FAA noted that its ultimate goal was coming up with a way to ensure that the public and the National Airspace System are fully protected from 'rogue' drones. In addition to the FAA itself, the new Aviation Rulemaking Committee includes 73 additional organizations. These range from private corporations like Ford Motor Company, BNSF Railway and AT&T to government agencies such as the New York City Police Department. As part of its mandate, the new committee has three major tasks. The first task is to identify and evaluate any emerging technologies focused on the tracking and remote identification of drones. The committee is also tasked with evaluating the feasibility of these technical solutions and how well they are able to meet the needs of air traffic control and law enforcement. Finally, the group will also attempt to identify the various requirements involved with meeting the security and safety needs of the public and law enforcement through remote drone tracking. The fact that so many various groups have signed on as members of the community seems to show that the airline and unmanned aircraft industries as well as law enforcement and government agencies are serious about finally tackling the growing problem of unmanned drones. In this sense, the time of being able to anonymously fly unmanned drones seems to be coming to an end as it looks to be only a matter of time before the committee develops concrete regulations requiring all drones to broadcast identification information. With any luck, these steps should help to mitigate the security and safety threats that these drones currently pose both to the public and to other aircraft. http://www.wingsjournal.com/faa-committee-create-regulations-identifying-unmanned-drones Back to Top TEN POPULAR AVIATION APPS USED BY PILOTS AND AVGEEKS The mobile expansion of real time information continues to increase as today's pilot boards their aircraft with an electronic tablet loaded with the most useful navigation and weather apps - and may include a flight simulation game. Flight schools and airport terminals world wide rely on the glass screens of their smart technology, including syncing with their digital watch, as the app updates software available through specialized servers. In our research, over 400 apps exist on both the iTunes and Android stores offering pilots, airport personnel, or an aviation journalist the ability to file flight plans, view cloud tops and winds aloft information, and to view airport closures in an instant. Here are 10 great apps that we love: Ten: Instagram Yes, the social media site has taken off and is the top place to receive updates and media from aviation's top military and civilian pilots or airshow teams. 2017 has seen a strong increase in the way military, commercial, and private pilots have put their in-flight short videos, images, and while including updated information. Sites such as the Navy's Blue Angels, Air Force Thunderbirds, commercial airlines, and the aerobatic pilots, such as GEICO Skytypers, allow avgeeks the ability to stay connected in real time. Aviation news feeds such as Military_Flight, AVGeekery, or AirshowNewsbriefs are a few of the Instagram accounts which distribute real time news updates, and allow the public to communicate on current topics. Nine: My Radar Weather Radar is likely the most used live radar we've seen by pilots and airport personnel across the United States, Europe, and Japan. My Radar displays animated weather, and its pinch and swipe display allows app owners the ability to zoom in on a two mile stretch of weather. The app uses your phone's gyros and GPS to accurately pinpoint your location first with a blue dot. My Radar is free, however My Radar Pro is a small fee, and are available on both iTunes and Android devices. Eight: Periscope Want to watch Live video from the flight line of your favorite airshow or airport? This free app offers the user the ability to tune in to live events in the air or on the ground based on your search preference. Both civilian and military sides of aviation are "scoping" the airfields providing live video feeds. "Periscope gives us the ability to share activities that people may not otherwise see," explained Skytypers and airshow spokesperson Brenda Little. "We have shared what an air show looks like from the announcer's stand and quick interviews with the maintenance team or pilots prior to takeoff." Periscope can sync with your Twitter account to promote your broadcast at the same time you go Live. Seven: Flight Pilot Simulator 3D has been rated the top flight sim app for Android and iTunes. Colorful HD graphics highlight the feel of this game as you use easy to learn controls to maneuver your aircraft from take-off to landing. The app takes one to flight school as you learn the ease of the on screen controls, such as the throttle and brakes - including what angle to hold the device. Past players call it addictive. We call it a fun way to pass an hour at the terminal. Free to install, there are in game fees based on your performance level. Six: Flight Aware is likely the best application to keep an eye on your upcoming commercial flight. Simply input your airline name and flight number at the top of the screen, and FA will update with any changes to the flight time and gate number. Click on the brief flight details to open up a full page for in flight data and route map synced via GPS. "Whether I'm flying my Beech Debonair at home or my A300 at work, I think my favorite app of the 8 or so that I use regularly is FlightAware," said John Bowen, A300 Captain and active General Aviation instructor. "It allows me to preview my route with my expected ATC clearance, my friends and family can track my flights, and I can view my flight performance after I land." Five: Cloud Ahoy is the pilot in training's debrief logbook. This app excels as it tracks your flight profile from takeoff through landing. For many pilots, the question of how nominal their approach and landing was is answered as the app offers an updated 3D model of the glide slope. Speed calculations and altitude is given with time stamps in GMT and local. Today's top aerobatic pilots love this app as they use Cloud Ahoy to review their airshow performance track, and learn just how they did that afternoon. This app is only available in iTunes. Four: LiveATC is the only online application offering the most air traffic control feeds across America and the globe. Live audio (delayed forty seconds due to Internet routing) from the headset of pilots and controllers, LiveATC can help future pilots learn the right and wrong ways to deliver quick departure information to the tower. The average aviation geek interested in tuning in need not know the airport code, just the country; state; city. LiveATC will draw you in with the ability to listen-in to most air shows and the conversation between the air boss and the aerobatic aircraft pilot. This app even comes with a sleep timer to allow LiveATC to close after 60 minutes. One note, from time to time, a popular tower feed may be off line. Available on both iTunes and Android. Three: Flight Radar 24 is one of the most popular air traffic radars on the planet. This app provides aircraft flight information with pinpoint accuracy across the globe. Tap on any aircraft to learn its flight details, or tap on an airport icon for arrival and departure boards, delays, and flight status plus weather conditions. Flight Radar 24 is available free on both Android and iTunes. There are a few in app purchases, however the majority of the app is free. Two: ForeFlight 9. It's pricey for the individual but again, you get what you pay for, and this app is tops. ForeFlight takes flight planning to a new level. And, this app is not just targeted to civilian and commercial pilots. ForeFlight's Military Flight Bag offers military pilots secured access to DoD flight publications. "We use ForeFlight daily for just about everything," noted pilot Steve Kapur of the GEICO Skytypers Airshow Team. "We get information about the local area, routing, and weather - both current and forecast. I use it daily to prepare information for our morning briefing and others use it to develop our cross country plans." ForeFlight is only available in the iTunes app store. One: Garmin Pilot is the top GPS app for the open skies. File your flight plan, navigate around storms, and keep an accurate log book with this app. Pilots can view real time VFR/IFR charts and read new METARs, TAFs, Winds Aloft, PIREPs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, Area Forecasts, and NOTAM's. According to Garmin Pilot officials, "Turn your iPad or iPhone into the ideal cockpit companion. Garmin Pilot puts full-featured navigation - including our decades of experience with rich, interactive mapping, 3D Vision, aviation weather, global flight plan filing, electronic flight bag capabilities, optional traffic/weather, pilot logbook and more - right at your fingertips." A drop down icon at top left will allow pilots many options to navigate in flight. GPS-based course direction and altitude readings along with the real time map motion as the flight progresses is a top highlight of the Garmin app. Select Airport Info for local traffic patterns and elevation as you prepare for landing. A standard annual subscription cost is $75.00, while a premium subscription is $150. http://www.avgeekery.com/ten-popular-aviation-apps-used-by-pilots-and-avgeeks/ Back to Top Aireon is One Step Closer to Providing 100 Percent Global Aircraft Surveillance MCLEAN, Va., June 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aireon announced today the successful launch and deployment of the second batch of 10 Iridium NEXT satellites, carrying its space-based automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) payloads. This launch has increased the total number of Aireon payloads in orbit to 20 with another 55 destined for space in a series of six additional launches planned for the next twelve months. Aireon's technology will provide real-time, 100 percent global air traffic surveillance and tracking, which will for the first time bring aircraft visibility to all regions of the planet. "With two successful launches under our belt, we are making great progress towards bringing our service to a reality," said Vinny Capezzuto, chief technology officer and vice president of engineering, Aireon. "Just like with the first batch of our payloads, we will go through a rigorous process of testing and validating each individual payload, pushing their limits to maximize operational effectiveness." Since the first successful launch in January, Aireon has activated 8 payloads and has received over one billion aircraft position reports. In addition, the company has conducted successful flights tests with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NAV CANADA, which validated the technology's capabilities and allowed for further fine tuning. The Aireon payloads, which were manufactured by Harris Corporation, will be hosted on all 81 Iridium NEXT satellites, 75 of which are scheduled for launch. The operational Iridium NEXT constellation will consist of 66 satellites, with the remaining nine serving as on-orbit spares and six additional ground spares. For additional information about Aireon, please go to www.aireon.com. For additional information about Iridium NEXT, please visit www.IridiumNext.com. About Aireon LLC Aireon is deploying a global, space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system capable of surveilling and tracking ADS-B equipped aircraft around the globe in real-time. The system will be used to provide ADS-B coverage that will span oceanic, polar and remote regions, where current surveillance systems are limited to line-of-site and densely populated areas. Aireon will harness the best of aviation surveillance advancements already underway and extend them globally in order to significantly improve efficiency, expand safety, reduce emissions and provide cost savings to aviation stakeholders. In partnership with leading ANSPs from around the world, NAV CANADA, ENAV, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and Naviair, as well as Iridium Communications, Aireon is developing an operational, global, space-based air traffic surveillance system expected to be available by 2018. For more information about Aireon, visit: www.aireon.com. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aireon-is-one-step-closer-to-providing-100-percent- global-aircraft-surveillance-300479371.html Back to Top Jet East Aviation Receives Dassault Approval For Non-Destructive Testing On Falcon Aircraft Trenton, NJ, June 22, 2017 - Jet East Aviation has secured approval from Dassault for Non- Destructive Testing at its on-site facility and mobile unit based in Trenton, NJ on all Falcon aircraft. Jet East Aviation developed extensive Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) capabilities in 2016 as part of their maintenance portfolio. Jet East offers in-house NDT services as well a mobile NDT unit that conducts on-site testing. With the approval from Dassault Falcon, Jet East is authorized to provide full-service NDT testing including Dye Penetrate, Magnetic Particle, Eddy Current and Ultrasound and Radiographic testing. "We are proud to have met the requirements set by Dassault to receive this approval and expand our NDT capabilities to offer support for Falcon aircraft, " said Sean Embler, NDT Manager, Jet East Aviation. "Our unique on-site NDT capability will allow us to continue providing seamless service to Falcon customers and help reduce maintenance downtime on your aircraft," Embler continued. In addition to receiving approval on Dassault Falcon, Jet East Aviation had previously obtained Non- Destructive Testing approval for Cessna Citation and Gulfstream aircraft. Jet East Aviation is located in Trenton, NJ and is known as the leader in mobile AOG maintenance in the Northeast United States, offering 24-hour AOG services. Jet East has a full-scale maintenance footprint providing services in mobile AOG maintenance, avionics sales, troubleshooting, repair and installation, major and minor inspections, maintenance services and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). Additionally, Jet East specializes in Hawker and Cessna Citation parts and accessories and maintains a large inventory of parts at their 2,000 sq. ft. parts facility in Trenton. For more information on Jet East aviation, please visit our website at www.jeteastaviation.com or call us at (215) 937-9020. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12346900/jet-east-aviation-receives-dassault- approval-for-non-destructive-testing-on-falcon-aircraft Back to Top Saft Develops Unique Battery for Aero Vodochody's L-39NG Training Jet Paris, June 22nd 2017 - Saft has been selected by Aero Vodochody Aerospace, the leading designer and manufacturer of military and civilian aircraft, for engine starting and emergency backup batteries for the L-39NG jet trainer program. Saft has worked in partnership with Aero Vodochody to develop a new 44 Ah version of its ULM (Ultra Low Maintenance) battery with aerobatic capabilities. The announcement builds on Saft's long relationship with Aero Vodochody as Saft already supplies batteries for the L-159 and the existing L-39 platforms. In the L-39NG concept, Aero Vodochody is integrating the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment with the proven aerodynamic features of the original L-39 Albatros, the leading jet training aircraft. The firm's objective is to deliver a multi-role jet training aircraft with excellent handling qualities, easy maintenance, robust design and low operational costs. Pavel Pokorný, Procurement Director at Aero Vodochody Aerospace said: "Aero Vodochody values long-term relationships and collaboration with supply chain partners like Saft, as these demonstrate the robustness and maturity of our programs. Saft's specially developed ULM battery is one of the technologies that will contribute to the success of the L-39NG as a unified, comprehensive training system for modern air forces." Saft will supply one battery system for engine starting and emergency backup power on board each aircraft. Saft developed a 44 Ah version of its ULM cell that avoid electrolyte spilling when the aircraft is inverted during aerobatic maneuvers. ULM batteries have the advantage of low weight and high reliability over a long service life, with extended maintenance intervals to reduce operating costs. More than 400 different types of battery are currently in production for a wide range of aircraft, including jetliners, military jets, regional jets, turboprops, business jets, helicopters and drones. Saft delivered this year the first battery for pre-serial production of L-39NG aircraft to Aero Vodochody's facility in the Czech Republic. Aero Vodochody's ULM batteries are manufactured in Saft's Bordeaux factory in the South West of France. For more information visit www.saftbatteries.com http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12346901/saft-develops-unique-battery-for-aero- vodochodys-l-39ng-training-jet Back to Top Boeing Mulls EEC Investment June 24--US aerospace giant Boeing is keen on investing in making aircraft parts and setting up a training centre in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) area. According to Ralph Boyce, president of Boeing Southeast Asia, who met Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak yesterday, the company is preparing an EEC investment plan, with a final decision to be reached soon. Mr Boyce served as the US ambassador to Thailand from 2005-07. The EEC is a project that has been heavily promoted by the government as a new special economic zone to attract foreign investment. The corridor spanning more than 30,000 rai in the three eastern provinces of Rayong, Chon Buri and Chachoengsao is projected to help generate new investment of up to 1.5 trillion baht within five years from both the government and the private sector. The area is meant to be Thailand's new growth engine through 10 targeted industries: next- generation cars; smart electronics; affluent, medical and wellness tourism; agriculture and biotechnology; food; robotics for industry; logistics and aviation; biofuels and biochemicals; digital; and medical services. "It's now an appropriate time for Boeing to invest in the EEC," Mr Boyce said. "If we don't make a decision now, this opportunity will fly." According to Mr Boyce, the EEC is offering a good opportunity for investment, with the aviation industry looking promising over the next 20 years as new airlines emerge. "High demand for captains, aircraft, a maintenance centre and parts are thus anticipated over this period," he said. "Currently, Boeing supplies parts for many airlines, including Thai Airways International (THAI), and has its regional headquarters in Singapore, where operations range from commercial aircraft and defence procurement, services support and training, to advanced research collaboration with the public and private sectors." Mr Somkid said investment by Boeing would be significant for Thailand, as this would signal warmer ties with the US. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is scheduled to visit Washington in July. The US ranks as Thailand's fourth-biggest investing nation after Japan, Singapore and Indonesia, with a total investment of US$921 million (31.3 billion baht) in 2016, according to Board of Investment data. The US is Thailand's third-largest trading partner after China and Japan. Two-way trade between Thailand and the US amounted to US$36.5 billion in 2016. Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-general of the EEC Office, said flag carrier THAI is expected to be able to sign a joint venture deal with Airbus to establish an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre in the EEC in the first quarter of next year. The government in March this year approved an aviation reform plan that aims to enhance Thailand's status as the region's aviation hub. http://www.aviationpros.com/news/12346876/boeing-mulls-eec-investment Curt Lewis