October 15, 2018 - No. 081 In This Issue Honeywell Authorizes ACI Jet as Dealership Air Canada's close call in San Francisco could've been 'worst aviation accident in history' F-16 Completely Destroyed By Another F-16 After Mechanic Accidentally Fires Cannon On The Ground Honeywell Engines To Power Embraer's Latest Executive Aircraft Models INSIGHT: Re-invention of Mineralnye Vody's MRO status Gogo DASH Gives Visibility Into Onboard Connectivity Systems for an Improved Customer Experience P&WC Provides Fly-Away LRU Kits for PW307/308 Platinum Helpdesk Customers Zunum Aero Makes Hybrid to Electric Aircraft Engine Selection Lord Earns FAA PMA For Bell Driveshaft Boot SpaceX board member says Starlink prototype satellites "are working wonderfully" Honeywell Authorizes ACI Jet as Dealership ACI Jet (Booth 2219) is now an authorized Honeywell dealership and service center at the company's San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) location. The addition of personnel and a supporting facility are expected in the wake of the authorization as ACI Jet has set a target of $2 million in annual sales of Honeywell equipment by 2020. The company is also anticipating resulting gains from equipment sales and employment distribution taxes along with fuel sales and taxes from supplemental charter flights as aircraft undergo maintenance services. With the need to remain competitive in the avionics market amid a looming ADS-B mandate deadline, ACI Jet recognized the value of the Honeywell authorization and its relationship to the continued growth of the maintenance arm of the business. "We wanted to make sure we established ourselves as one of the leading avionics facilities in the Western U.S.," said Dave Jensen, vice president of aircraft maintenance at ACI Jet. "The Honeywell dealership helps solidify us as a legitimate avionics repair and install facility. From a capabilities standpoint, and specifically regarding the cost savings and efficiencies afforded through our new Honeywell dealership and service authorization, our once small and growing aircraft maintenance company has catapulted into a position of offering more services from our prime location than anywhere else in the state of California." ACI Jet will supplement the new authorization with a planned $19 million expansion project including an avionics maintenance and repair facility at SBP. "The growth we've experienced on the aircraft maintenance side of our business over the last year and a half, as well as with our aircraft management and executive terminal and FBO business units, has been staggering," said Jensen. Growth across all facets of ACI Jet has resulted in a dedicated effort to hire and retain personnel. "Presently, we stand in need of 21 talented aviation professionals to fulfill our staffing requirements across the organization," said William Borgsmiller, president and CEO of ACI Jet. "We're on the road day in and day out meeting with candidates, attending trade events, and participating in employment and youth events to get the word out. With the growth of ACI Jet and our expanding business with Honeywell, there will be significant opportunities for both seasoned and young professionals." https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-10-14/honeywell-authorizes-aci-jet-dealership Back to Top Air Canada's close call in San Francisco could've been 'worst aviation accident in history' Safety officials say a near collision of airliners in San Francisco last year was a few feet from becoming the worst crash in aviation history. The National Transportation Safety Board issued a final report Thursday on the incident in which an Air Canada jet nearly crashed into planes lined up on the ground at San Francisco International Airport shortly before midnight on July 7, 2017. "Only a few feet of separation prevented this from possibly becoming the worst aviation accident in history," NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg said in a statement accompanying the report. The Air Canada jet swooped to just 60 feet above the ground while passing over other planes packed with passengers waiting to take off. Another board member, Earl Weener, said the Air Canada plane came within feet of hitting another plane and colliding with several others. "Over 1,000 people were at imminent risk of serious injury or death," he said. The deadliest aviation accident occurred in 1977, when two Boeing 747 jets collided on a runway in Tenerife on the Canary Islands, leaving 583 people dead. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2018/10/14/air-canada-close-call-couldve-been-worst-aviation-accident/1641651002/ Back to Top F-16 Completely Destroyed By Another F-16 After Mechanic Accidentally Fires Cannon On The Ground In Belgium Bizarre F-16's "ground-to-ground" kill injures two. It's the second accidental aerial weapon discharge in Europe this year. A Belgian Air Force F-16 has been destroyed and another aircraft damaged when the M61A1 Vulcan 20mm cannon on board a third F-16 was accidentally fired on the ground by maintenance personnel at Florennes Air Base in the Walloon area of Southern Belgium on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018. Multiple reports indicate that a mechanic servicing the parked aircraft accidentally fired the six-barreled 20mm Vulcan cannon at close range to two other parked F-16s. Photos show one F-16AM completely destroyed on the ground at Florennes. Two maintenance personnel were reported injured and treated at the scene in the bizarre accident. In a nearby hangar, positioned at the extension of the flight line, a technician was working on an F-16. It is said that by accident the six-barrel 20mm Vulcan M61A-1 cannon of that F-16 was activated. Apparently, the cannon was loaded and some ammunition hit the FA128. This aircraft had just been refuelled and prepared together with another F-16 for an upcoming afternoon sortie. After impact of the 20mm bullets, FA128 exploded instantly and damaged two other F-16s. The airbase at Florennes is home to the Belgian 2nd Tactical Wing which comprises the 1st 'Stingers' Squadron and the 350th Squadron. A report on F-16.net said that, "An F-16 (#FA-128) was completely destroyed while a second F-16 received collateral damage from the explosions. Two personnel were wounded and treated at the scene. Injuries sustained were mainly hearing related from the explosion." The news report published late Friday went on to say, "The F-16 was parked near a hangar when it was accidentally fired upon from another F-16 undergoing routine ground maintenance. Several detonations were heard and thick black smoke was seen for miles around. Civilian firefighters have even been called in to help firefighters at the airbase to contain the incident. About thirty men were deployed on site and several ambulances were dispatched. The Aviation Safety Directorate (ASD) is currently investigating the exact cause." The accident is quite weird: it's not clear why the technician was working on an armed aircraft that close to the flight line. Not even the type of inspection or work has been unveiled. For sure it must have been a check that activated the gun even though the aircraft was on the ground: the use of the onboard weapons (including the gun) is usually blocked by a fail-safe switch when the aircraft has the gear down with the purpose of preventing similar accidents. It is the second time this year an accidental discharge of live aircraft weapons has happened in Europe. On Aug. 7, 2018, a Spanish Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon accidentally launched an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile (AMRAAM) while on an air policing mission near Otepää in Valga County, southern Estonia. The incident occurred only 50km from the Russian border. A report ten days after the incident said the search for the missing weapon was called off. The missile was never located. "All the theoretical impact points of the missile have now been carefully searched," said Commander of the Estonian Air Force Col. Riivo Valge in an EDF press release. "Over the past two weeks, we employed three helicopters, five ground patrols and fifty-strong units of personnel to undertake the search on the ground. We also got help from the Rescue Board (Päästeamet) Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre and used Air Force drones in the search," Col. Valge added. "Despite our systematic approach and actions the location of the impacted missile has not been identified and all probable locations have been ruled out as of now," Col. Valge concluded in the August 17, 2018 media release ten days after the missile was accidentally fired. Because strict weapons safety protocols, especially with live ammunition, are in place during ground handling it is extremely rare for maintenance personnel to accidentally discharge an aircraft's weapon. https://theaviationist.com/2018/10/14/f-16-completely-destroyed-by-another-f-16-after-mechanic-accidentally-fires-cannon-on-the-ground-in-belgium/ Back to Top Honeywell Engines To Power Embraer's Latest Executive Aircraft Models ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) engines will power two Embraer aircraft models revealed today at the National Business Aviation Association 2018 event. The engines bring a combination of best-in-class reliability, enhanced dispatchability, reduced noise and increased fuel efficiency. Embraer is also equipping these models with Honeywell's auxiliary power units, cabin-related management systems, pressure and control systems, and environmental controls, along with optional inertial reference units. The HTF7500E engine was designed from the beginning with "built-in" thrust potential to accommodate growth. By taking advantage of the HTF7500E's full power capability and excellent fuel efficiency, and through the addition of advanced winglets and fuel capacity, Embraer achieved a 3,900-nautical-mile range for its super midsize aircraft, the Praetor 600. Its midsize sibling, the Praetor 500, achieved a range of 3,250 nautical miles. "Honeywell continues to push the boundaries of propulsion engine performance, developing new technologies and design features to meet the growing needs of our business aviation customers," said Brian Sill, president, Engines and Power Systems, Honeywell Aerospace. "The HTF7500E will continue to provide Embraer customers with exceptional reliability while enabling Embraer to deliver on customer demands for additional range." The HTF7500E is part of Honeywell's growing HTF7000 family of engines. With a proven track record of class-leading reliability and low cost of ownership, the HTF7000 family has achieved more than 4 million flight hours. Designed for on-condition maintenance, the HTF7500E's periodic inspections and standard maintenance are easily performed on-wing, reducing costly downtime. Line replaceable components can be removed and replaced using common hand tools. The engine is designed to be environmentally friendly, with emissions well below the International Civil Aviation Organization's environmental protection standards. The HTF7500E is backed by Honeywell's global support network, and with Honeywell's maintenance service plan (MSP), Praetor 600 and Praetor 500 operators will enjoy predictable costs and improved dispatch reliability versus non-MSP operators. Honeywell's Equipment on Board the Praetor 600 and Praetor 500 In addition to the Honeywell engine, the Praetor 600 and Praetor 500 will include the following Honeywell offerings: • The36-150 auxiliary power unit (APU) provides electric power for ground operations such as air conditioning, main engine ignition, compressed air and other functions, and can provide backup power in flight. The 36-150 APU is more compact and significantly lighter than other APUs in its class. It eliminates dependence on ground power and also provides substantial fuel savings by reducing the load on main engines. It has proved to deliver excellent cabin heating and cooling throughout a range of temperature extremes. • TheOvation Select Cabin Management System allows business aviation fliers to stay productive and entertained while in the sky. Even during short flights, travelers have access to fully digital cabin management solutions that maximize in-flight comfort, entertainment and productivity. • Honeywell's cabin pressure control systems offer precise cabin pressure control that leads the industry in reliability. They allow for passenger comfort and safety while enabling lower aircraft operating costs. • Honeywell's environmental control systems provide proper pressurization and thermal and moisture control. These systems monitor and control cabin temperature and airflow in the cockpit, passenger and cargo areas, and provide cooling for avionics. • Honeywell's LASEREF VI inertial reference system is an all-digital ring laser gyro and the industry standard. It provides 35 percent weight and power reduction versus other solutions on the market. To learn more about Honeywell's HTF7500E and other products on board the Praetor 600 and Praetor 500, visit Honeywell at the National Business Aviation Association show in Orlando, Oct. 16-18, at booth #2600. Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft. The Aerospace business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components and more. Its hardware and software solutions create more fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer skies and airports. For more information, visit www.honeywell.com or follow us at @Honeywell_Aero. Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 software-industrial company that delivers industry specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/honeywell-engines-to-power-embraers-latest-executive-aircraft-models-300730676.html https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/honeywell-engines-to-power-embraer-s-latest-executive-aircraft-models-1027614523 Back to Top INSIGHT: Re-invention of Mineralnye Vody's MRO status he S7 Technics aircraft maintenance facility located some 100 kilometres from Mount Elbrus - the highest mountain peak in Russia and Europe - is in the throes of reaching its own pinnacle with the implementation of lean manufacturing tools and AMOS software, whilst steadily building its range of competences in the provision of re-delivery checks on western-built jet airliners. In its all-embracing modernisation campaign, the company hopes to reach its next milestone before the end of this year by launching a dedicated facility for maintaining the world's most popular commercial aircraft engine, the CFM56. The facility would then be only the second in Russia capable of doing this. This story of S7 Technics' Mineralnye Vody base, which generated 13 per cent of the maintenance company's total business last year, is part of a series of reports by Russian Aviation Insider's sister publication ATO.ru on Russia's leading MRO bases in Russia. THE ORIGINS The aircraft maintenance base at Mineralnye Vody is the third such specialist repair shop in the business portfolio of S7 Technics, the largest provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul [MRO] services in Russia and the CIS. The facility was launched on July 15, 2010 at the premises of the former Civil Aviation Plant No. 411, located in the north-eastern sector of Mineralnye Vody airport (IATA code: MRV). Commenting on how and why S7 Technincs came to the decision to create another modern aircraft base in the south of Russia, Ilnur Shakhmaev, director of Mineralnye Vody, explains: "Business development always requires growth, both in quality and in size, and there was an objective to find a maintenance base including a hangar for S7 Engineering and expand its maintenance capabilities. We were offered this hangar, along with an administrative building and the infrastructure of the former Civil Aviation Plant No. 411 in Mineralnye Vody. This just happened to coincide with S7 Technics' strategy for expanding its presence in Russia." S7 Technics recalls the moment the acquisition took place and when the condition of the floors in the former plant dating back to the Soviet era was far from perfect. The decrepit facility also had no heating, the roof was partly destroyed and the inner walls required substantial repairs. So the first requirement, ahead of winning certification to EASA standards, was to repair and reconfigure the damaged buildings. Over the following years, S7 Technics has completed a catalogue of rebuilding and modernisation works at its Mineralnye Vody base. Now S7 Technics' Mineralnye Vody base is capable of providing all types of maintenance services for Boeing 737-300/400/500/600/700/800 (CFM56-3/7 engines) and Airbus A319/320/321 (CFM56-5A/B and V2500 engines) under the company's EASA Part 145 approval; as well as line maintenance services for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ 100) under Russian FAP-285 certification. The upgraded base performed its first C-check on a Boeing 737 aircraft in April 2011, and for an Airbus A320 in May of the same year. The repair shop has been dealing with SSJ 100s since the spring of 2016. Apart from airframe repairs, the base is also approved for the maintenance of on-board galley equipment (coffee-machines and ovens) and accumulator batteries. Local specialists are able to handle repairs of a long list of units and components for Russian-made aircraft, which includes more than a thousand items for Ilyushin Il-76, Il-38, Tupolev Tu-204, Tu-154B/M, Tu-134, Yakovlev Yak-40, Antonov An-24/26, An-74, An-2, Kamov Ka-32 and Mil Mi-8 helicopters and its modifications; as well as APUs including TA-6, TA-8 and TA-12, and navigation and radio equipment, hydraulic actuators, fire extinguishers, oxygen bottles and so on. POSITIONS The Mineralnye Vody MRO hangar can simultaneously accommodate two aircraft for periodic maintenance, plus an additional narrowbody for painting. Overall, it offers enough space for up to five narrow-body aircraft. It is not surprising that the development of this facility has strengthened the market position of S7 Technics, Ilnur Shakhmaev insists. "The launch of the paint shop enabled S7 Technics to enter the international aircraft painting market. Another important asset is the remaining available space, which can be used for launching additional facilities, such as a dedicated engine maintenance shop," he explains. Today, Mineralnye Vody is the only maintenance base located in the south of Russia which is capable of conducting all checks on Boeing 737CL/NG and Airbus A320 family aircraft and the complete painting of narrow-body aircraft. PAINTING Since its launch in 2014, the facility's paint shop has completed almost 100 projects on different aircraft types, including the Airbus A320 family, Boeing 737CL/NGs, Boeing 757-200s, SSJ 100s and Bombardier CRJ200s. "Our specialists have [also] accumulated extensive experience with all kinds of state-of-the-art painting materials such as those produced by Akzo Nobel and PPG Aerospace, and painting systems (finishing, base-paint, and special effects such as MICA), comments Andrey Yurchenko, head of production. "The facility's current priorities are to reduce the shop visit time whilst at the same time maintaining the highest quality of painting, and implementing lean production principles." One significant positive factor for S7 Technics' southernmost base is its location in a Russian geographical zone that enjoys favourable climatic conditions, thereby saving energy and heating costs at the production sites. The location's weak points, though, include Mineralnye Vody's relatively underdeveloped airport with no transit flows - and the significant lack of a major base carrier. Nevertheless, in assessing the role and the position of this base on the Russian aircraft MRO market, Ilnur Shakhmaev claims that, in terms of all-inclusive maintenance and painting projects, "we're number one in the Russian market." On the wider regional scale, he observes that similar services are offered by "less than a handful of providers, such as one in Estonia" (referring to Magnetic MRO) and therefore there are no rivals for this facility in regard to its geographical location. The nearest competitors are Turkish maintenance providers and the distance between Mineralnye Vody and Istanbul is 1,200 km, which is comparable to the distance between Mineralnye Vody and Moscow. THE HOUSE SPECIAL Apart from the in-house painting facility, S7 Technics' Mineralnye Vody site has at least one other special dish on its menu. It is here, where the company completes all of its contracts for those re-delivery checks required when an aircraft changes operators. The facility's first re-delivery check was performed in October 2016 on Airbus A319 operated by S7 Airlines. The next project was completed in December of the same year on an Aeroflot Airbus A320. In just two years, the company has performed 12 such re-delivery checks, and expects that number to grow. "Considering the large number of successfully completed re-delivery checks, the Mineralnye Vody base may now be considered a centre of competence for such types of operations," Shakhmaev boasts. "Thanks to having our own on-site, in-house painting shop, we have been able to include the provision of a finished new livery on an aircraft as part of our re-delivery offering, thereby making the total re-delivery process much easier. This also saves the unnecessary combined costs of ferrying an aircraft to a remote painting facility and the increased aircraft downtime while it awaits a painting slot. Re-delivery projects can be quite complicated, and there's often a large number of factors involved which require the input of specialists from S7 Technics' engineering centre. That's why, throughout the entire re-delivery check, there is constant contact between people at our site, the operators and the lessor," he adds. LEAN MEASURES The Mineralnye Vody-based MRO provider initiated lean production principles last year. The 6S concept was introduced first and soon proved its efficiency, Andrey Yurchenko says. It was followed by the introduction of production control boards and process visualisation. The production floor was reorganised to enhance efficiency measures, and special zones were set up for the storage of tools and equipment. "Implementing and promoting lean production principles is one of our main strategies," the head of production emphasises. DIGITALIZATION In terms of using IT systems, the Mineralnye Vody site is streamlining and synchronising its development in line with all sister companies in the S7 Technics portfolio. One of the latest additions - an SMS request system for expediting the delivery of parts and equipment - was designed by S7 Information Technologies, as was SRS request, which facilitates the timely release of repair cards. In early 2018, the company inaugurated AMOS, sophisticated software solution designed by Swiss-AS. S7 Technics' experts believe that AMOS is one of the best such systems for the aircraft MRO industry. "Our leading employees are now involved in the process of implementing [this software]. At present the system is being implemented across the holding structures, and our specialists are already using AMOS," Yurchenko reveals. THE STANDARD Apart from the implementation of AMOS and lean production practices and the certification of the new engine maintenance facility - moves which are expected to further strengthen S7 Technics' position in the CFM56 support market - the Mineralnye Vody site is embarking on yet another large-scale project: certification by EN 9110:2016, the international quality standard benchmark for the aviation industry. "With the EN 9110 certificate we're on track to becoming the second organisation in Russia, after Domodedovo (Moscow)-based S7 Engineering, with this endorsement. This project is in full swing now," Ilnur Shakhmaev reveals. The EN 9110:2016 accreditation is based on ISO 9001:2015, which defines the principal requirements for a quality management system [QMS} in an aircraft maintenance organisation. "A QMS built-in compliance with EN 9110:2016 standards helps to fine-tune the management of a company through re-organising processes and then measuring their efficiency against a scale of indicators, which helps to identify and eliminate weaknesses in an organisation. Those main indicators are service safety, compliance with quality standards, the timely delivery of services, and customer satisfaction," explains Oleg Golomolzin, S7 Engineering's director for quality. The main advantage of an EN 9110:2016-driven QMS is its systematic approach to running an organisation in compliance with IAQG recommended practices, including those not covered by EASA Part 145. SPOT IMPROVEMENTS Although the major infrastructure repairs of S7 Technics' Mineralnye Vody operation are largely complete, the company's management says that on-the-spot modernisation improvements will continue. The buildings will be further repaired, as well as the adjacent territory, including aircraft stands and engine run-up areas. "There will be spot improvements in line with [changing] customer requirements and our own expectations of the market potential. We will continue to develop our base to deliver the full cycle of operations necessary for the re-delivery of an aircraft to its next operator, including the complete refurbishment of cabin and flight deck and so on. We are constantly researching and analysing the market for further opportunities to offer new maintenance service options, both for western- and Russian-made airliners," Shakmaev notes. PERSONNEL QUESTION The success story of S7 Technics' development of its Mineralnye Vody operation is hard to imagine without a coherent on-site human resources policy at a base that now employs some 300 people. The latest recruitment process includes several advanced human resource practices, Shakhmaev says. "First of all, we emphasise our comfortable working conditions and the fact that those employees who relocate from other cities receive a partial compensation for their personal accommodation," he reveals. The company is also in close cooperation with several higher education institutions, including Samara's Sergey Korolev National Research University and the Don State Technical University. Another partnership, with the Taganrog-based Institute for Radio Systems, is planned for 2019. "Students of these universities regularly have their on-the-job training here at Mineralnye Vody, which gives them an opportunity to support their theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience with a supervisor. At the same time we have the opportunity to assess and attract prospective young recruits for further employment with us," Andrey Yurchenko explains. S7 Technics is going even further by working closely with schools and colleges, offering regular guided tours for schoolchildren. There's also a current group of future aircraft mechanics receiving their education at the local Regional Multiprofile College, and on-the-job training at the S7 Technics' site. THE INDICATORS The S7 Technics' Mineralnye Vody site has an estimated current production capacity of 305,000 man-hours. At the end of 2017 its load coefficient reached 75 per cent, having almost doubled in the last five years. The site is less and less involved in light maintenance activities, such as A-checks, as customers are increasingly reliant on it for more complicated services such as C-, D-, 6YR/12YR and re-delivery checks. "In 2018 we expect to enjoy a more evenly-spread production workload, to further increase our re-delivery check competences, the certification of the new engine maintenance facility and further implementation of the lean production methods," Shakhmaev concludes. THE PAST Civil Aviation Plant No. 411, created in 1944, was a large aircraft maintenance enterprise. Throughout its history it serviced such types as the Li-2 (in the 1944-1976 period some 4,000 aircraft were repaired), the Mi-1 (1957-1973, 1,560 helicopters), the An-2 (1959-1960 and 1999, 175 aircraft), the Mi-2 (1970-1987, 3,664 helicopters), the Yak-40 (1972-1984, 1,393 aircraft) and the Tu-154 (from 1979). In 1991 the plant added the servicing of a record number of 59 Tu-154s to its history. At that time, staff numbers exceeded 2,000 people but, by the end of the 1990s, the number of Tu-154s maintained by the plant had dwindled to a mere dozen. Nevertheless, the resultant number of Tu-154s repaired by the plant stands at 600 aircraft of the -B modification and more than 40 of the -M variant. In its most recent history, the Civil Aviation Plant No. 411 was a joint-stock company and was apparently incapable of re-inventing itself into the role of a maintainer of western-built aircraft, finally going out of business in the spring of 2009. http://www.rusaviainsider.com/insight-re-invention-mineralnye-vodys-mro-status/ Back to Top Gogo DASH Gives Visibility Into Onboard Connectivity Systems for an Improved Customer Experience BROOMFIELD, Colo., Oct. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Connectivity is often the biggest influencer on passenger satisfaction today. Passengers on business aircraft expect reliable, seamless connectivity, but they also want visibility into the performance of the connectivity systems on board their aircraft. To help provide greater insight and better diagnostic tools, Gogo Business Aviation (NASDAQ: GOGO) is introducing Gogo DASH, a powerful new toolkit that gives operators and pilots visibility into the Gogo network and the connectivity systems they have installed on their aircraft. Gogo DASH is comprised of the DASH mobile app and DASH portal and provides information for a single aircraft or an entire fleet. "Before Gogo DASH, a director of maintenance, who is the person responsible for the smooth running of the aircraft systems, would be the last person to know if there was an issue with the system onboard one of their aircraft," said Dave Glenn, vice president of customer support for Gogo Business Aviation. "Now, with DASH, he or she is the first person to know, which enables them to be a lot more proactive, and that's critical. It also enables us to get support to them much faster to get their systems back on track when needed." Gogo DASH is available to customers with Gogo AVANCE or any other Gogo ATG (air-to-ground) system, and the mobile app and portal feature an easy-to-use, intuitive interface. The Gogo DASH mobile app gives airborne personnel instant visibility into their Gogo systems during flight, and gives them key information to help diagnose and resolve an issue when working with their ground operations teams or Gogo customer support. Via a touch of a button on their mobile device, users can check network availability, system health status, and see which Gogo services (like Gogo Vision or Gogo Text & Talk) they have onboard. The Gogo DASH portal arms flight departments and technical teams on the ground, anywhere in the world, with operational insight and visibility into the Gogo networks, devices, and systems they have installed on their aircraft. It will be available to customers beginning Oct. 16, 2018. Gogo DASH insights help these teams ensure the best possible passenger experience while providing the critical information needed to speed diagnostics and issue resolution - either during a flight or post-flight. The DASH portal is web-based, device agnostic and provides a rich toolkit, giving ground personnel information about system and network status, and even lets them see how much data is being used in aggregate and by device type on the aircraft. As users leverage DASH over time, aggregated information will be gathered providing valuable insight into trends that will allow Gogo to improve performance across its network. While DASH is optimized for the Gogo AVANCE software-centric platform, it is built to support all other ATG systems as well. The AVANCE software-centric design makes continuous innovation possible, so anyone flying with an AVANCE system today can expect Gogo DASH, and other Gogo services, to grow more powerful over time. https://www.aviationpros.com/news/12433242/gogo-dash-gives-visibility-into-onboard-connectivity-systems-for-an-improved-customer-experience Back to Top P&WC Provides Fly-Away LRU Kits for PW307/308 Platinum Helpdesk Customers This summer, Pratt & Whitney Canada began providing fly-away kits of components for 15 to 17 line replaceable units (LRUs) to PW307- and PW308-powered Dassault Falcon operators who are customers for the OEM's Eagle Service Plan (ESP) Platinum Helpdesk on-condition maintenance service. Sateeshkumar Kumarasingam, P&WC's v-p customer service, told AIN the kits enable operators of Dassault Falcon 7Xs, 8Xs, and 2000EXs/DXs/LXs to change LRU components without having to order them from P&WC, as long as their PW300-family engines are fitted with P&WC's Flight Data Acquisition, Storage, and Transmission (FAST) condition-monitoring boxes. Customers use the kits' components-the contents of which vary by engine model-to replace installed LRU components when the FAST health-monitoring data indicates certain maintenance issues. Bjorn Stickling, P&WC's director of digital engine services, said the fly-away kits contain the ignition cable; ignition exciter; igniter; igniter gasket; oil filter; fuel filter; oil check valve piston; oil check valve sleeve, oil chip detector, oil pressure adjustment valve sleeve; and oil pressure adjustment valve. Stickling said 90 percent of the Falcon 7X, 8X, and 2000EX fleet is currently FAST-equipped. This allows P&WC to analyze the performance and engine-health trends of their PW307s and PW308s throughout every phase of flight. "It has made a big difference in how we approach the operators," he said. However, after P&WC (Booth 3238) started making the FAST service available for Falcons under ESP Platinum plans, it found that 80 percent of all the maintenance their operators were performing remained unscheduled-despite the much greater amounts of engine-condition information operators were receiving from the OEM. P&WC found that "the operators needed interpretation" of condition-trend data to perform maintenance in a timely fashion, said Stickling. "This challenged us to get assistance to operators to do the right maintenance at the right time." So P&WC decided to become more proactive with operators by launching its Platinum Helpdesk. "We take those trend alerts, we look at the logistics, the reliability of the engine and the mode [of failure] and we call the customer proactively, so the customer takes the right action at the right time," said Stickling. "We flipped [the situation] on its head," so that now "only 20 percent" of all PW307/PW308 on-condition maintenance requires "unscheduled interventions." P&WC has extended its FAST service to the PW306D1 powering the Cessna Citation Latitude. The service is also available for the PW800 series "out of the box," as well as the PT6A turboprop and turboshaft engines that power the Pilatus PC-12, Leonardo AW139, the Beechcraft King Air family "and the new TBMs out of the box," said Stickling. More than 2,500 FAST systems are now in service, and P&WC has accumulated more than 1 million hours of full-flight engine data. In addition to making FAST available "for the original bill of material for OEMs," P&WC has also designed FAST to be easy to retrofit to aircraft such as King Airs, according to Stickling. Each installation requires less than 50 man-hours. "We are looking across all of our aircraft platforms powered by P&WC engines to determine which ones represent the strongest value proposition in benefits to the operators, so we can prioritize," he said. "Currently, we are focused on PT6A-powered aircraft and also advancing FAST technologies such as propeller-vibration trend monitoring-currently available for regional airlines-and automated power-assurance check, available for helicopters." https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-10-12/pwc-provides-fly-away-lru-kits-pw307-308-platinum-helpdesk-customers Back to Top Zunum Aero Makes Hybrid to Electric Aircraft Engine Selection Zunum Aero has selected Safran Helicopter Engines to power its hybrid-to-electric commercial aircraft to be available in the 2020s. Safran will provide a new-generation engine turbine to power Zunum's ZA10 electrical generator. The fixed-wing aircraft can carry 12 passengers and fly 700 miles. The ZA10 is the company's first hybrid-to-electric aircraft and will be powered by dual power sources including propulsion batteries and a Safran turboshaft from the Ardiden range, to be called the Ardiden 3Z. The companies say this power method will provide cost savings and increase efficiency. Operating costs, according to a company press release, will be 8 cents per seat mile, or $250 per hour. "The Ardiden 3Z represents a very powerful complement to the ZA10 because of its exceptional performance, along with low operating and maintenance costs," said Florent Chauvancy, Safran Helicopter Engines EVP of original equipment manufacturer sales. "This announcement marks a new step forward in demonstrating Safran ability to offer hybrid propulsive solutions for tomorrow's mobility solutions." Ground and flight testing of the aircraft is scheduled for 2019, with delivery for early 2020s. The engine will undergo ground tests in France and the U.S. in 2019. https://www.aviationtoday.com/2018/10/12/zunum-aero-makes-hybrid-electric-aircraft-engine-selection/ Back to Top Lord Earns FAA PMA For Bell Driveshaft Boot Lord Corporation has received FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) for its enhanced main driveshaft transmission boot for the Bell 412 HP and 412EP, and according to the North Carolina-based company (Booth 545), customers using the PMA parts can save more than a third of the cost compared with a new purchase from the OEM. The transmission boot, which is now available through the company's website, uses an elastomeric material that provides coupling lubricant resistance. This results in extended part lifespan, which translates to reduced ground time. The elastomer is integrated into the part and protects the driveshaft couplings from dirt, water, oil, and other contaminants. The chemical composition of the elastomer allows it to maintain its mechanical properties with little or no degradation at elevated temperatures, while the part's metal surface coatings provide increased corrosion protection. "We are thrilled to offer this PMA to the marketplace because it allows operators to reduce costs without compromising on safety," said Rodolphe Leroy, the company's manager of global sales, business development, and marketing. "With parts in stock and the availability to ship globally, there is minimal downtime for the customer." The PMA program meets or exceeds Bell's component repair and overhaul maintenance program's suggested removal period of 1,200 hours and also includes a recycling option, allowing users to choose an environmentally preferred option for disposal. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-10-12/lord-earns-faa-pma-bell-driveshaft-boot Back to Top SpaceX board member says Starlink prototype satellites "are working wonderfully" Speaking in a Satellite Innovation 2018 keynote, long-time SpaceX investor and board member Steve Jurvetson made a quiet but significant comment about the company's Starlink satellite constellation efforts, stating that the first two prototype spacecraft - currently in orbit - "are working wonderfully." Standing in contrast to recent speculation that SpaceX's Starlink project had experienced major failures with on-orbit hardware, Jurvetson may be a biased source but still has a major vested interest in SpaceX's long-term success - supporting billions dumped into a satellite constellation with no real returns in sight would serve to seriously harm his significant investments in the company. Perhaps the most trustworthy source of SpaceX information outside of the company itself, Jurvetson expressed considerable confidence in SpaceX's Starlink achievements thus far. "I personally think SpaceX is in the lead [with Ku- and Ka-band phased arrays that could make (global LEO satellite broadband) possible] ... Tintin 1 and 2 [are working wonderfully]." - Steve Jurvetson, Satellite Innovation 2018 Previously discussed on Teslarati, SpaceX's growing experience with phased array antennas is undoubtedly a boon for the company's proposed Starlink internet constellation, just one of several companies actively pursuing the increasingly competitive low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband market. Fundamentally, phased array antennas will eventually take over nearly all multipurpose orbital communications thanks to the sheer simplicity and potential technical superiority of the technology. Phased array antennas get their name from the fact that they have no moving parts - rather than moving a physical dish or angling dedicated 'beams', phased arrays actively use signal interference to very precisely shape, direct, and regulate line-of-sight communications beams. Currently quite immature, the draw of the technology is the sheer simplicity and reliability of antennas that require no moving parts, eliminating a major mode of failure and the inherent physical limitations of current antenna tech. Without something like phased arrays, LEO communications satellites would struggle to accurately and reliably track ground stations and gateways while traveling multiple kilometers per second. Large communications satellites in geostationary orbit do not face this problem. Thanks to their inherently fixed positions over ground targets (hence "geostationary"), designers and manufacturers have learned to quite literally mold each satellite's on-orbit antennas to explicitly prioritize certain areas on the ground. This process tends to involve a prior determination of markets where demand for satellite communications is or will be highest, while also avoiding wasted coverage over areas with no need for it. However, once the antenna is launched, its beams are almost completely permanent. If markets change, the satellite simply cannot adapt. Phased arrays, on the other hand, can almost entirely change where their many beams are directed, how much bandwidth is dedicated to certain locations, and all while accurately tracking moving targets with very few limitations. As a result, satellites with phased array antennas are sort of the communications jacks of all trades, capable of offering high-bandwidth connectivity to stationary user terminals, large ground stations, and moving vehicles simultaneously from with the same antenna array. If SpaceX can perfect this, they will be the only company in the world to have done so on-orbit, while other satellite operators like Iridium have managed to build and launch low-bandwidth phased arrays but have yet to attempt to do so with the bands optimal for broadband internet or at a scale that might work for constellations of hundreds or even thousands of satellites. If Jurvetson is to be believed, SpaceX's first foray into dedicated communications satellites and specialized hardware design and manufacturing has been a major success. Even if the orbits of Tintin A and B do suggest that some difficulties were had with at least one satellite's electric propulsion thrusters, it's obvious that the experience and data derived from testing the vast majority of each satellite's non-propulsion-related systems were invaluable and well worth the effort. Another group of prototypes will likely be launched according to Elon Musk, but that's simply how SpaceX develops complex systems - build, launch, learn, and repeat. https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-board-member-says-starlink-prototype-satellites-are-working-wonderfully/ Curt Lewis