January 11, 2018 - No. 003 In This Issue StandardAero To Close LAX Bizav Maintenance Facility Leading Edge Aviation acquires Bend Airport operator Beijing's New Daxing International Airport Set To Be World's Largest, But Business Aviation An Afterthought China Introduces New Transport Helicopter Courting The Next Generation Of MRO Workers Chino Aviation Group Wins Contract to Help Chinese Develop General Aviation Industry. Comments Due Soon on Aussie Part 145 Review Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Considers Mandatory Notification C&L Aviation Group Now Stocking ATR Parts...BANGOR, Maine 3D Printing Gaining Traction For Aerospace, MRO Applications SIT to offer Singapore's first aircraft systems engineering degree from September Top secret Zuma satellite DID fall into the Pacific after SpaceX launch, government officials confirm StandardAero To Close LAX Bizav Maintenance Facility StandardAero will close its Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) business aviation repair station by the end of March, it announced January 9. Company officials have met with its approximately 70 LAX-based employees to provide assistance in redeployment, outplacement, and relocation to other StandardAero positions. Despite this closure, StandardAero will continue to provide mobile aircraft service capabilities in Southern California. The decision to close the LAX facility came after a consultation with the company's owners, investors, and board of directors. StandardAero attributed the base shutdown to "unexpected reduction in the number of worldwide [Honeywell] TFE731 engine events and the associated revenue and volume declines that have accompanied this trend, along with multiple unsuccessful attempts to secure a long-term lease for the LAX facility." Other factors included the decrease in demand for scheduled airframe inspection work at the airport and operators reaching out to more convenient business aviation airports in the region. StandardAero stressed that the closure did not reflect employee performance at the facility. The company will work with local MRO and aerospace companies to aid those LAX employees who are not able to relocate. StandardAero will operate the facility until the end of March and continue to complete agreements for current projects and commitments for existing customers. Equipment, tooling, and inventories will then be transferred to the company's other business aviation locations. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-01-09/standardaero-close-lax-bizav-maintenance-facility Back to Top Leading Edge Aviation acquires Bend Airport operator BEND, Ore. - Leading Edge Aviation announced Wednesday that it has acquired Professional Air, parent company of Pro Air Services, Inc. and The Flight Shop, Inc., operating out of Bend Municipal Airport. The purchase includes the fixed-base operator (FBO), maintenance, avionics and flight school divisions of Professional Air. Leading Edge Aviation said it is now the sole fuel provider for both Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN) and Roberts Field Airport (RDM), following their recent acquisition of Butler Aircraft Services in September of last year. The newly expanded FBO services at Bend Municipal Airport is offered under the name Leading Edge Jet Center Bend. In a news release, the company said both consolidations allow Leading Edge Aviation Inc. to offer enhanced and expanded FBO services for arriving and departing aviation customers, such as de-icing with commercial de-icing trucks and auxiliary power cart units. "The company's foremost endeavor is to cater to each customer's aviation needs while providing exceptional customer service," the announcement said. Brad Fraley, president of Leading Edge Aviation, said, "We are thrilled to announce this acquisition which will continue to drive growth in Central Oregon's aviation industry. First and foremost, we have a tremendous opportunity to continue to serve our customers well with our expanded facilities and our growing team. This has always been our primary concern and we are excited to place the bar even higher." The acquisition substantially grows grown Leading Edge Aviation's operations, incorporating 26 staff members and inheriting about 32 students from Professional Air's fixed-wing flight school, a partner of Central Oregon Community College. "It's extremely fulfilling and exciting for us to watch our graduates enter the industry and become so successful," Fraley said of Leading Edge Aviation's flight training program. "We're welcoming these students into our community with high hopes for their futures as pilots as we've continually seen, first-hand, how excellent training makes way for great possibilities." Recently named one of the 5,000 fastest growing companies in the United States by Inc. Magazine, Leading Edge Aviation encompasses seven major business segments including helicopter flight training, fixed wing flight training, avionics, maintenance, helicopter charter, Robinson Helicopter overhaul, and FBO/fuel services. http://www.ktvz.com/news/leading-edge-aviation-acquires-bend-airport-operator/684128934 Back to Top Beijing's New Daxing International Airport Set To Be World's Largest, But Business Aviation An Afterthought Set to open in late 2019, with eight runways serving 100 million passengers annually, Beijing's Daxing International will becoming the world's largest airport. For a project of this scale, there's a planned "air transport-related economic zone," but that's not going to provide any relief for Chinese business aviation. Operators are expected to struggle daily for capacity at airports in China. An important element of running a sustainable business and general aviation (BGA) industry is supporting infrastructure. The three most significant components impacting BGA are: airport capacity, fixed-base operations (FBOs) and maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities (MROs). In the U.S., airports dedicated to BGA activity are abundant: 2,069 airports with runways longer than 5,000ft. To put that in context, for every six business jets there is a BGA airport, for every five an MRO facility, and for every four an FBO. These are envy-inducing ratios, making the U.S. market the standard-bearer for the industry worldwide. In Asia, we can only look at the U.S. numbers and aspire to that kind of a future. At the end of 2016, the Asia-Pacific business jet fleet stood at 1,155 aircraft. Yet despite the size of the fleet and the vastness of the region -- almost five times the size of the U.S. -- there were a mere 76 MROs and 61 FBOs, a significant imbalance. At first glance the situation with overall airport capacity appears positive. The Asia-Pacific region boasts 1,017 airports with paved runways of 5,000ft or longer, but these are rarely, if ever, dedicated BGA airports, and usually aren't even designed with the idea of serving the business aviation community at all. Rather they are huge, international "ports of entry" like Daxing with the sole purpose to serve commercial carriers and the millions of passengers passing through their terminals. Therefore, the business aviation industry faces a different challenge with airports and that's one of "access." Access to airport slots and to parking bays upon arrival. Over the next 20 years, commercial passenger traffic in the Asia-Pacific region is forecast to increase by 1.8 billion, the same amount for the rest of the world combined. More passengers mean more aircraft, which mean more movements and less access for business aviation. Within the next two years alone Beijing, Manila and Singapore will reach runway capacity. Hong Kong is already over capacity. Terminals are no better, with eight of the top 14 airports in Asia already classified as "full," according to CAAC Civil Aviation Airport Movement Ranking. Unfortunately, from a capacity perspective there does not appear to be light at the end of the tunnel. While capacity constraints will only get worse before they get better, there are positive takeaways regarding Asia-Pacific's existing landscape. Asia offers some extremely competent MRO service centers, providing everything from basic line maintenance to painting and interior work, to significant heavy maintenance capabilities. These facilities include OEM factory-owned service centers, large independent multi-country and multi-product authorized service providers, and smaller single country dedicated operations. Asia-Pacific also offers business aviation users a number of first class FBO operations to choose from that often outshine their western counterparts in terms of scale and service. There are significant issues and challenges the industry faces and will have to tackle in order to continue the growth trajectory of the Asia-Pacific BGA market. To effect change one certainly needs support from the top down, which we have recently witnessed with numerous regulatory and policy initiatives put in place by the central government. This is significant because the BGA fleet in China is the biggest -- and therefore the engine of growth. Another essential pillar has to be from the bottom up and this means, at a grass roots level, interest in and development of general aviation. People will need to be drawn into general aviation in ever increasing numbers in the future and the challenge today is to give them the initiatives to do so. This means more dedicated GA airports, with more infrastructure at those airports and incentives to encourage investment from the private sector in the GA industry. It also means more manufacturing of domestic aircraft, more in-country training schools and individuals seeking their private pilot's license who ultimately see GA as a career, not just recreation. Daxing appears to be an opportunity lost for business aviation, with three big commercial service providers -- Air China, China Eastern and China Southern -- already vying for space in this airport in Beijing's southern suburbs. The hope for business aviation may be that the opening of Daxing will free up capacity at the existing Beijing Capital International Airport, which is not much of a silver lining. https://www.forbes.com/sites/outofasia/2018/01/10/beijings-new-daxing-international-airport-set-to-be-worlds-largest-but-business-aviation-an-afterthought/#2003a2868ef0 Back to Top China Introduces New Transport Helicopter The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has introduced the Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation Z-8G transport helicopter to active service. Previously known as the Z-18, it was reportedly redesignated the Z-8G (Gaoyuan, or "Plateau") because it is a heavily modified version of the Harbin Z-8, the Chinese derivative of the Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon. The Z-18 flew for the first time in 2014. Powered by three domestic WZ-6C turboshafts, it has a maximum takeoff weight of 13.8 tonnes (30,360 pounds). It can carry 30 troops, or five tonnes (11,000 pounds) of cargo, for up to 1,000 km (600 miles). The new design replaced the Super Frelon/Z-8's distinctive boat hull lower fuselage with a tail ramp, and added a small terrain-following radar in the radome. Some Z-8Gs are fitted with a satcom fairing on the tailboom, aft of the engine exhausts. "We have completed flight training, and the next step is to focus on the integration with land forces and exploit the capability of the helicopter to its fullest potential," said 83rd Army Air Assault Brigade Commander Song Zhipeng. Eventually, the helicopter should be certified to carry the Norinco AH-4 155mm lightweight howitzer as an underslung load, providing more firepower for the PLA in hard-to-reach operating regions. The PLA has been seeking helicopters that perform in the high-altitude regions of western China, especially in view of border tensions with India. It acquired the Sikorsky S-70 in the 1980s for such purposes, but only in recent years have domestic helicopter engines achieved the necessary performance and reliability in such an environment. The Z-18 performed flight tests reaching as high as 9,000 meters (29,500 feet) in 2015. The area is prone to large-scale natural disasters, and these helicopters will also be useful in humanitarian operations. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2018-01-10/china-introduces-new-transport-helicopter Back to Top Courting The Next Generation Of MRO Workers As the impending shortage of aviation maintenance technicians (AMT) looms, a staggering 82% of respondents in ARSA's 2017 member survey reported difficulty finding qualified technical workers. According to The Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA), an estimated 11,000 technical position vacancies at U.S. repair stations has translated to $2 billion in lost revenue annually. The issue will become even more critical over the next decade as an aging workforce starts retiring. Brett Levanto, ARSA's vice president for communications, says the problem is more complicated than just funneling brand-new workers in to replace retiring technicians. Levanto says the overlooked problem is the time it takes to turn new hires into productive technicians, with survey respondents reporting that 9-14 months of development is required for new technicians to become productive and profitable. "We're so worried about getting them in the door, but really, the work is juststarting, and you've got a lot of time left before they're actually productive technicians," says Levanto. Brian Yount, a line maintenance manager for FedEx, echoes these sentiments: "At this point, we're losing so many of our AMTs that it isn't necessarily an issue of getting AMTs; it's an issue of getting plug-and-play, ready to go right now AMTs," he says. While FedEx is not currently seeing a workforce shortage, the company is losing an average of 55 to 60 maintenance technicians per year, Yount says. He says FedEx is focusing heavily on developing pipelines for new workers with other industry organizations, such as the Airlines for America and the Bay Area Council. One such organization is the Aviation Community Foundation, which works with aviation education programs to develop talent pipelines in the industry. Ethan Martin, the foundation's CEO, says to address the impending demand for workers, it is critical to start reaching students in the K-12 age range. "Other industries that are competing for that talent-the Googles and the Amazons-are already reaching for it," says Martin. He points to many young people lacking information about aviation maintenance careers along with stereotypes about the industry as contributing factors. "There's a lot of negative information out there on social media, and we hear story after story of students getting excited by AMT careers and parents saying, 'No, we don't want our sons or daughters to become an aircraft technician,'" says Martin. At a recent AMT career forum at the headquarters of JetBlue Airways in Long Island City, Mike Arata, managing director for engineering at United Airlines, noted that the industry is highly dependent on family recommendations and that many students within the aviation maintenance field are pulled into another industry before getting their licenses since their skillset is highly marketable. "We have to rebrand it so that it is its own stand-alone profession, and people treat it as a profession," he says. Sharon DeVivo, president of Vaughn College near New York's LaGuardia Airport, says technology is critical in winning over younger workers. "Part of it is the challenge of trying to convey and compete with the technology," she says. "We need students to see that it's not just the wrench-turning that they would think." For Vaughn College, partnerships with Delta Air Lines and JetBlue have provided opportunities for students to train on technology such as robotics, UAVs and motion simulators. DeVivo says support from both airlines, including equipment donations and facility visits, have helped drum up interest, but a greater commitment from the industry is needed to provide assistance and investment in educational institutions that train workers for the industry. Another key factor, she says, is showing students what kind of return on investment is in it for them. "We have seen good growth in our AMT program (5% growth in the headcount year-over-year), and we expect the upward trend to continue," says DeVivo. "A major reason for this increase is that word of the demand is spreading, and salaries are catching up with the significant upfront investment students must make to acquire their licenses and pursue a career." According to DeVivo, higher salaries, normalized schedules-so students will be able to anticipate their salary-and showing students a clear career pathway are key to attracting new talent. Although the MRO industry is stable and growing, Martin says the lack of information about return on investment is an obstacle to recruiting for the industry. "The challenge we see industry-wide is if a student gets excited about this career field, what's next? How do they map that out, especially if their parents have never been through this before?" he says. One model that has seen significant success in attracting and retaining workers is JetBlue's apprenticeship program. The 12-month program provides a structured curriculum and mentoring to apprentices, with an apprentice training liaison assigned to each six-student class. If an apprentice passes a test at the end of the program, he/she graduates and becomes a full-time technician at the JetBlue maintenance station where he/she apprenticed. Robert Barone, one of JetBlue's three apprentice training liaisons at John F. Kennedy International Airport, says the process is not only rewarding for him personally but it is also highly successful. "As long as [graduates] fit the JetBlue mold and live the values, they're offered a job here," he says. According to JetBlue, the program continues to attract heavy interest. The most recent class had 2,500 applications, and all apprentices in the program graduated. To keep up with the high demand, the program is growing. Right now, JetBlue graduates two classes per year at each location, but by 2019 it plans to graduate four classes of six students each in both New York City and Boston. Karen Roa, general manager of tech ops standards and crewmember engagement for JetBlue, says the airline's internship and apprenticeship programs give it a leg up in engaging potential workers early on. "It gives them a taste of it, so we can get their spark ignited that way," she says. To get the word out, JetBlue works closely with schools in New York City and Boston as well as other aviation schools throughout the country. Turning its attention to even younger students, JetBlue has begun holding programs such as Ace Camp, where students of all ages tour JetBlue maintenance hangars and meet technicians, or Fly Like a Girl, where girls from area schools and Girl Scout troops meet women working in various careers across JetBlue and learn about different career paths in the industry. At the AMT career forum, Martin showcased some of the Aviation Community Foundation's initiatives to reach young people, including a recent New York Student Aviation Expedition. The foundation flew 60 students to New York City and, with the help of industry partners including JetBlue, gave them a firsthand look at what aviation careers have to offer. A science, technology, engineering and mathematics contest was held at the event, and the winning teams got to fly over the city in a Sikorsky helicopter-an experience Martin says the students shared on social media, which aligns with the foundation's goals of raising awareness about the industry. Initiatives like this are essential for creating interest with the next generation of potential AMTs, says Martin. "I think it's a sense of students seeing firsthand what the jobs actually look like. If no one in their immediate social circle is part of this, they don't really understand the opportunities," he says. "Other industries are reaching out at the K-12 level with engaging content and curriculum, and they get hooked. It's critical that we start early and plant those seeds." http://www.mro-network.com/training/courting-next-generation-mro-workers Back to Top Chino Aviation Group Wins Contract to Help Chinese Develop General Aviation Industry Jan. 10--CHINO -- Less than a year after hosting an event to encourage trade between the United States and China's relatively undeveloped general aviation industry, Threshold Aviation has announced a deal to establish and operate training centers for Chinese pilots and mechanics, establish airparks and fixed base operations. Airparks are housing developments served by a runway allowing homeowners to land their plane and taxi it directly to a hangar on their property. To gain a foothold in China, Threshold has partnered with a Chinese company, YXST Aviation Industry Development Co. LTD., which holds the exclusive right to develop six airports with the possibility of adding more, Threshold officials said Tuesday. "This is a huge, literally huge opportunity for Threshold Aviation Group to expand its business with nearly limitless potential," said Mark Dilullo, Threshold CEO and owner. "The Chinese aviation market has the potential to eventually be the largest (general) aviation market in the world, and we are in on the ground floor of that providing critical services to help get it off the ground." General aviation is everything other than commercial airlines and military. This summer, about 10 Chinese pilots and mechanics will come to Threshold for intensive training in general aviation skills, said Pete Nichols, a Threshold executive assigned to the China business development project. Later, a younger group will be coming over to gain pilot or aircraft maintenance certifications, he said. They will be taking hands-on classes at Threshold which will be supplemented by online coursework, he said. Dilullo said it was too early to say what the hiring implications are for Threshold as a result of this contract. Another Chinese group is in active discussions with the company for a similar arrangement, he said. The general aviation industry in the United States exploded after World War II when airspace was largely turned over to civilian control. The Chinese military is in the early stages of loosening its grip on airspace to allow general aviation to blossom, experts say. Threshold anticipates a spike in business for several years as the Chinese seek to develop their general aviation industry. Eventually, however, the Chinse will move to take over this training themselves, company executives say. In March 2017, Threshold held a trade show at its Chino Airport hangar as part of the "Inaugural U.S.-China General Aviation Business Conference," sponsored by Threshold and the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. http://www.aviationpros.com/news/12390369/chino-aviation-group-wins-contract-to-help-chinese-develop-general-aviation-industry Back to Top Comments Due Soon on Aussie Part 145 Review Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is nearing conclusion of the consultation phase of a planned comprehensive review of its Part 145 aircraft maintenance certification regulations and associated legislation. As a first step, CASA has asked for comments, due by February 16, from the industry on what issues should be addressed. Part 145 was introduced in June 2011 as part of the regulatory program to transition the requirements of aircraft or aeronautical product maintenance certificates of approval from the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CARs). Since then there has been little substantive upgrading, and CASA believes that some elements of the legislation could be simplified and some requirements could be less restrictive, while still maintaining full compliance with ICAO standards and harmonization with other national aviation authorities. Specific objectives of the consultation and eventual proposed rulemaking include ensuring that revised legislation effectively addresses safety risks; reducing the complexity of legislation; fixing any anomalies in the legislation and addressing unintended consequences; removing ambiguities and streamlining the legislation; resolving policy and functionality requirements for specialist maintenance; and identifying and providing interim measures to alleviate some of the complexities and burdensome requirements until final changes are implemented. No timetable was given for when interim measures might go into effect or when permanent rulemaking and legislative changes would be proposed. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-01-10/comments-due-soon-aussie-part-145-review Back to Top Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Considers Mandatory Notification The Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau recently issued an investigative report detailing its findings after a Boeing 737-500-with 113 passengers and crew on board-lost cabin pressure 23 min. into a flight on June 5, 2015. The incident occurred on the first commercial flight after an engine installation. The probable cause was reportedly the improper position of a pressure release shut-off valve; investigators found no evidence that post-installation procedures were followed to ensure the valve was locked. The bureau directed its safety recommendation at the regulator, stating that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority must ensure operators perform proper maintenance in compliance with aviation regulations. The Nigerian authority responded that it was "considering requiring operators of aircraft to mandatorily inform [the authority] of any engine changes prior to accomplishment," maintaining that notification would allow the authority to monitor the process. The investigative report was one of four issued on Nov. 29. The bureau has aggressively issued safety reports to clear the backlog of accident investigations, which numbered 27 in early 2017. http://www.mro-network.com/safety-regulatory/nigerian-civil-aviation-authority-considers-mandatory-notification Back to Top C&L Aviation Group Now Stocking ATR Parts BANGOR, Maine - C&L Aviation Group has purchased two ATR72-212 aircraft to be parted out at the company's headquarters, making parts available for sale or exchange to ATR operators around the globe. Parts from these aircraft will join more than 132,000 regular line items at C&L's onsite warehouse, where a unique cataloguing process makes purchasing transparent and seamless for customers. "We are getting into the ATR market in a big way," stated C&L CEO Chris Kilgour. "This is the first of several ATR72 purchases as we expand into this market. We also have four ATR72 aircraft for sale, and we continue to develop our ATR maintenance business. The parts removed from the two ATR72 aircraft, including the engines, landing gear, and propellers will join C&L's regular line items and over 1 million individual aircraft parts on the shelf, all with industry standard warranties, comprehensive technical support, and available for international and same-day shipping. Like all of C&L's inventory, these new parts will be thoroughly inspected and then go through a detailed cataloguing process that makes purchases faster, easier and more transparent for the customer. Each part and its documentation is photographed and barcoded into an electronic location system, which allows them to be sent as viewable links on all customer quotes. C&L Aviation Group is an industry leader in servicing, maintaining, and supporting operators in the corporate and regional aviation industry. In addition to aircraft and engine sales and leasing programs, C&L offers parts support, heavy maintenance, interior refurbishment, aircraft teardown, disassembly services, and aircraft management. C&L is headquartered in Bangor, Maine, with international offices in Australia and Europe. www.cla.aero. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12390092/cl-aviation-group-now-stocking-atr-parts Back to Top 3D Printing Gaining Traction For Aerospace, MRO Applications 1. Metal Parts in the Sky and in Orbit Company: Arconic Specifications: Arconic has been putting its metals-based additive technology capabilities to use, with more than $13 billion in aerospace contracts signed since 2015 for advanced airframe and aero engine components. In addition to contracts with Boeing, Embraer, GE Aviation and Lockheed Martin to supply components and materials, Arconic recently entered into a cooperative research agreement with Airbus to produce and qualify large-scale 3D-printed airframe components up to 1 m (3.3 ft.) in length such as pylon spars and rib structures. As part of this agreement, Arconic signed three deals with Airbus for 3D-printed titanium and nickel components such as a titanium bracket that was just installed on a series production Airbus A350 XWB-the first 3D-printed titanium part installed on a series production Airbus aircraft. In addition to components for aircraft, Arconic's metal 3D-printed parts have also orbited the Earth on NASA's Orion spacecraft. arconic.com 2. Inventing and Innovating 3D Printing Company: 3D Systems Specifications: In operation since 1983, 3D Systems was co-founded by Charles Hull, the inventor of 3D printing. In addition to printing 3D aerospace parts such as microvanes for Metro Aerospace and a radio frequency filter for Airbus Defense and Space, 3D Systems' QuickCast stereolithography (SLA) technology is used by aerospace customers to create tools. Northrop Grumman used QuickCast to create its aircraft repair kit, which allows technicians to modify aircraft in the field using minimal labor. 3D Systems recently introduced DuraForm ProX FR1200, a new nylon material meeting requirements for flame retardancy, smoke density and toxicity. The company also recently worked with Emirates to manufacture video monitor shrouds using its Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technique, which allows more than one component to be printed at a time. 3dsystems.com 3. Incorporating 3D into Aircraft Cabins Company: Emirates Specifications: Emirates has recently ventured into 3D printing of components for aircraft cabins, including aircraft cabin air vent grills printed with France-based UUDS and new video monitor shrouds printed using 3D Systems' SLS technique. Using SLS, the shrouds can be 9-13% lighter than components manufactured traditionally or using fused deposition modeling (FDM). The shrouds have undergone structural, durability, flammability and chemical tests and are in the process of receiving European Aviation Safety Agency certification. Once certified, they will be installed on select aircraft in the Emirates fleet and tracked over the following months to observe their durability. Emirates says 3D printing has the potential to increase efficiency and productivity, since the airline will be able to print components on demand. Emirates plans to continue pursuing opportunities for 3D printing components across its operations. emirates.com 4. Largest Aerospace Additive Facility in the UK Company: FDM Digital Solutions Specifications: UK-based FDM Digital Solutions prints approximately 20,000 aerospace parts per year in addition to providing tooling solutions, consulting and training, which the company says makes it the largest aerospace additive manufacturing facility in the country. As the first facility in the UK to offer printing services on the new HP Jet Fusion 3D printer, the company focuses on printing components with Ultem 9085 thermoplastic. Notable projects include the Airbus A330neo Demo Box for Airbus, which was the largest single 3D-printed model ever commissioned by Airbus UK. FDM Digital Solution's continued growth will include relocation to larger facilities in Burnley by second-quarter 2018, which the company says will allow increased machine capacity and expansion of its training and consultancy services. fdmdigitalsolutions.co.uk 5. 3D CAD Model Designs Company: Consilio3D Technologies Specifications: Consilio3D Technologies serves companies looking to explore 3D printing by providing the necessary data for original or reverse-engineered components in 3D computer-aided design (CAD) model format. The company creates these 3D CAD models, which are necessary for ensuring that 3D-printed parts meet the specifications of the original design in a number of ways. For reverse-engineered parts, Consilio3D Technologies scans the part using various methods depending on a number of factors and converts the data into a 3D CAD model. The company can also convert 2D CAD models to 3D, create 3D CAD models from original drawings or design original 3D CAD models. Consilio3D Technologies says that in addition to helping make parts more quickly on demand, their work in facilitating 3D printing allows parts to be modified to increase longevity. consilio3d.com 6. New Concept for 3D Printing Innovations Company: Bionic Production AG Specifications: Based in Germany, Bionic Production AG is looking to innovate the additive manufacturing industry with its new Bionic Smart Factory (BSF) concept for complex 3D printing. Bionic Production AG says the BSF concept will enable new, more economical production by combining 3D printing, bionic optimization and digitalization along the process chain. The BSF, which is expanding to a new location in Luneburg, Germany, in early 2018, will be both a production site equipped with around 20 3D printers and a base for research and development projects conducted jointly with Laser Zentrum Nord GmbH. The company says the BSF campus will welcome collaborations from innovative 3D printing startups looking to establish offices at the location. Initially, the BSF will employ around 30 staff members with plans for up to 100 employees after the expansion. bionicproduction.com 7. Simplifying 3D Parts Certification Company: Stratasys Specifications: In business since 1988, Stratasys has worked within aerospace to provide 3D printing for parts and tooling solutions for customers such as Airbus, Boeing and Eviation Aircraft. Most recently, the company is focusing on its new Aircraft Interiors Certification (AIC) project, which was introduced in July 2017. Stratasys says AIC is a new way to help aircraft manufacturers have their 3D-printed interior parts certified faster and at a lower cost, making it a low-risk and cost-effective way to transition additive manufacturing into production. AIC includes all of the elements to meet a customer's certification requirements, from certified printing material to process documentation and guidance. Stratasys says a large number of aircraft interior OEMs are actively participating in AIC, and they are working with them to finalize best candidate parts and validate real-world business cases. stratasys.com 8. Supplying Printers and Materials Company: Ultimaker Specifications: Founded in 2011, Ultimaker manufactures 3D printers for aerospace and other industries. Its printers, including the newest version of its Ultimaker 3 that was rolled out in 2016, are sold in more than 100 countries. The company recently released a new feature called Cura Connect on its 3D printing software package, which provides functionality such as selecting and grouping printers, strategically scheduling maintenance operations and notifying users when a printer needs attention. Most recently, Ultimaker introduced a new support material for multi-extrusion 3D printing called Ultimaker Breakaway. The material allows users to simply print and break away support materials, eliminating the need for sanding or waiting for the materials to dissolve. ultimaker.com http://www.mro-network.com/mro-links/3d-printing-gaining-traction-aerospace-mro-applications Back to Top SIT to offer Singapore's first aircraft systems engineering degree from September SINGAPORE: In a tie-up with SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC), the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) will be the first autonomous university in Singapore to offer a degree in aircraft systems engineering, it said on Thursday (Jan 11). The new three-year programme, the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Aircraft Systems Engineering, will start classes in September with a first intake of 48 students, the university said in a news release. The programme aims to develop graduates for careers as licensed aircraft engineers, project engineers and technical service or repair development engineers, SIT said. "This is in line with the university's mission to groom industry-ready students while providing well-equipped talent for the aerospace and maintenance, repair and overhaul industries," it added. Students enrolled in the programme will be trained by both SIT faculty and licensed aircraft engineers from SIAEC's training academy. They will also undergo an eight-month work-study programme at SIAEC in their third year. This will see students apply theoretical knowledge to solve problems and gain first-hand industry experience in aircraft maintenance, according to SIT. Upon graduation, students will be awarded an SIT-conferred degree as well as certificate by SIAEC, which is recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore as a maintenance training organisation. The certificate recognises that the student has completed a SAR-147 Approved Basic Course, a requirement for the award of an aircraft maintenance licence in Singapore. SIT deputy president (academic) and provost Loh Han Tong said that there is a demand for skilled engineers and technicians to support the fast-growing air transport industry in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific. "As a university of applied learning, we want to produce the 'best-in-class specialists' who will be catalysts for transformation," he added. SIAEC senior vice president of human resources Zarina Piperdi also said such collaboration between the industry and universities benefits students, employers and the industry as relevant practical skills are imparted, shortening the total time taken to build up skills for various jobs. Established in 2009, SIT is one of Singapore's six autonomous universities. For academic year 2018/2019, the university will offer 43 degree programmes - including 12 of its own programmes, 12 joint degree programmes and another 19 overseas university programmes. Its admissions period for the coming academic year is from Thursday to Mar 19. Interested students can apply via SIT's website. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/sit-to-offer-singapore-s-first-aircraft-systems-engineering-9850928 Back to Top Top secret Zuma satellite DID fall into the Pacific after SpaceX launch, government officials confirm A top secret billion-dollar spy satellite plummeted into the Indian Ocean after a SpaceX mission over the weekend, but Elon Musk's company has insisted they are not to blame. The satellite, codenamed Zuma, launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida Sunday night, but it reportedly failed to remain in orbit, officials said Wednesday. The classified intelligence satellite, built by Northrop Grumman Corp, failed to separate from the second stage of the Falcon 9 rocket and is assumed to have broken up or plunged into the sea, said two officials, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. The satellite is assumed to be 'a write-off,' one of the officials said. The presumed loss of the satellite was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Northrop Grumman built the multibillion-dollar satellite, code-named Zuma, and was responsible for choosing the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle, both officials said. An investigation is under way, but there is no initial indication of sabotage or other interference, they said. Lawmakers and congressional staffers from the Senate and the House have been briefed about the botched mission, some of the officials told the Wall Street Journal. It claims the payload was 'an expensive, highly classified U.S. spy satellite.' SpaceX's president Gwynne Shotwell defended the company's rocket performance launch of Zuma, saying that the Falcon 9 rocket 'did everything correctly' and suggestions otherwise are 'categorically false'. Northrop Grumman - which provided the satellite for an undisclosed US government entity - said it cannot comment on classified missions. The company chose SpaceX as the launch provider, noting late last year that it took 'great care to ensure the most affordable and lowest risk scenario for Zuma'. The name refers to a Malibu beach in Southern California. This was SpaceX' s third classified mission for the US government, a lucrative customer. It was so shrouded in secrecy that the sponsoring government agency was not even identified, as is usually the case. The Falcon's first stage completed its job, lifting the rocket off the pad and toward space, then separated and landed back at Cape Canaveral. But second-stage information was kept to a minimum because of all the secrecy surrounding the flight. The rocket's second stage propels the satellite into orbit; however, an official confirmed to ABC News that the satellite was unable to stay in orbit. The Wall Street Journal quoted unidentified congressional officials who were briefed on the mission as saying the satellite apparently did not separate from the second stage, and plunged through the atmosphere and burned up. Originally scheduled for a November launch, Zuma was delayed by potential concern about another mission's payload fairing, the shell on top that protects a satellite during launch. The company later said it had cleared the issue. Shotwell said in a statement that since no rocket changes are warranted for upcoming flights, the company's launch schedule remains on track. If additional reviews uncover any problems, she said, 'we will report it immediately'. Experts claimed the satellite was 'dead in orbit' - but say the information blackout around the launch means we may never know its fate. Peter B. de Selding, a spaceflight reporter for'Space Intel Report' claimed a source told him the satellite 'may be dead in orbit after separation'. 'Info blackout renders any conclusion - launcher issue? Satellite-only issue? - impossible to draw.' he added. SpaceX told Selding: 'We do not comment on missions of this nature; but as of right now reviews of the data indicate Falcon 9 performed nominally.' Photos and video show the launch of Zuma lighting up the Florida sky but the exact position of its orbit was kept a secret. The ship launched in an orbit less than 1,200 miles from Earth and within two minutes disengaged its rocket booster, which then traveled back to and landed right at the Air Force Station. Much of the trip was kept secret and it was not revealed where the ship traveled to in the atmosphere. Selding said the lack of information was an issue. 'Distasteful to announce this stuff without beyond-reasonable-doubt certitude,' he tweeted. 'But if those in the know refuse to speak publicly, we all abhor the vacuum; the facts will emerge one way or another.' The launch was broadcast on SpaceX's website but the entire mission was not live-streamed. What the ship is made out of, among other questions, has not been revealed to the public. Previous reasons given for the delay in its launch were further testing being necessary and weather-related conditions. Musk, meanwhile announced on January 4 that SpaceX will launch 'the world's most powerful rocket' later this month with his own electric car on board. The Falcon Heavy 'megarocket' will fire beyond orbit from the former Apollo 11 moon rocket launchpad at the Kennedy Space Centre near Cape Canaveral, Florida. Musk said the launch vehicle will blast off at the 'end of the month' on an unmanned mission with a unique payload - the billionaire's cherry red 2008 Tesla Roadster, which will be fired toward Mars. The rocket will use 27 engines and three separate re-usable cores that will return to Earth after liftoff during the test flight, which is set to be one of the firm's most technically complex challenges to date. Before the maiden launch, a full test firing of the rocket's engines is expected, Musk said. 'Falcon Heavy now vertical on the former Apollo 11 moon rocket launchpad,' he wrote on Instagram on Thursday. 'At 2,500 tons of thrust, equal to 18 Boeing 747 aircraft at full throttle, it will be the most powerful rocket in the world by a factor of two. Excitement on launch day guaranteed, one way or another. 'Hold-down test fire next week. Launch end of the month.' When it lifts off for the first time in late January, the Falcon Heavy will become the most powerful rocket in the world thanks to its 5.1 million pounds of thrust generated through 27 Merlin engines. The vast rocket, which is ultimately three Falcon 9 rockets linked together, will have the combined thrust to eventually launch 140,000 pounds (63,500kg) of cargo into orbit. The mission marks SpaceX's most ambitious project to date. Musk founded SpaceX in 2002, with the aim of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonisation of Mars. The 46-year-old South African is also the CEO of Tesla, and predicts Falcon Heavy's payload will stay in deep space for a while. A photo of the unusual cargo - Musk's cherry red 2008 Tesla Roadster - was released last month. Images released by SpaceX show an original Roadster perched on a large cone inside the Falcon Heavy on what appears to be a secure mount to keep it stationary as the rocket makes its maiden flight. 'Test flights of new rockets usually contain mass simulators in the form of concrete or steel blocks. That seemed extremely boring,' Musk said in December. 'Of course, anything boring is terrible, especially companies, so we decided to send something unusual, something that made us feel. 'The payload will be an original Tesla Roadster, playing Space Oddity, on a billion year elliptic Mars orbit.' If all goes according to plan, the Falcon Heavy will lift off and enter Earth's orbit, before two of its booster rockets separate off and return to Earth at Cape Canaveral in controlled landings. The rocket's central core will then separate from the main module, containing Musk's car, and begin its own controlled descent back to Earth, landing on the firm's 'Of Course I Still Love You' drone ship in the Pacific Ocean. The main module will continue its trajectory into 'deep space', the billionaire said, with a destination set for the orbit of Mars 140 million miles (225 million kilometres) away. Musk has said the payload 'will be in deep space for a billion years or so if it doesn't blow up on ascent.' In a Washington, D.C., speech last July the Tesla founder which said Falcon Heavy is one of the most difficult and technically complex projects SpaceX has ever undertaken. 'There's a lot of risk associated with Falcon Heavy,' he said during the 2017 International Space Station Research and Development Conference. 'Real good chance that the vehicle doesn't make it to orbit. I want to make sure to set expectations accordingly.' Musk has spent the proceeding months building up hype for the historic launch with a series of social media posts. Last month he posted an image to Twitter of people stoof next to a landed Falcon Heavy rocket to give an idea of the vehicle's scale. He tweeted: 'Falcon Heavy launching from same @NASA pad as the Saturn V Apollo 11 moon rocket. 'It was 50% higher thrust with five F-1 engines at 7.5M lb-F. 'I love that rocket so much.' He also confirmed the rocket will have a 'max thrust at lift-off is 5.1 million pounds or 2300 metric tons,' adding the first mission will run at 92 per cent capacity. 'Falcon Heavy to launch next month from Apollo 11 pad at the Cape. 'Will have double thrust of next largest rocket. Guaranteed to be exciting, one way or another,' Musk originally posted. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5255187/Billion-dollar-satellite-plummets-Indian-Ocean.html Curt Lewis