October 25, 2018 - No. 084 In This Issue Textron Aviation Expands Canada MRO CCCC Aviation Maintenance Technology Training Center to Hold First Ever Open House Asia-Pacific at Epicenter of Infrastructure Crisis WMU SCHOOL OF AVIATION TO ANNOUNCE ANOTHER MAJOR PARTNERSHIP Directional Aviation Acquires Simcom Pilot Shortage Is Real And Getting Worse US, Japan still plan to hold talks about Okinawa aircraft safety Is Aviation Industry Facing a Downturn? Canada Campaigns to Prevent Aviation Mechanic Shortages Van Nuys Airport Going Solar Jet Aviation Acquires Ideal Aviation Operations and Hangars at St. Louis Downtown Airport SpaceX May Reuse a Falcon 9 for the Third Time in Landmark Launch Textron Aviation Expands Canada MRO In a sign of further consolidation of the business aviation MRO segment, Textron Aviation has purchased assets of Calgary, Canada-based Aspect Aircraft Maintenance and formed a new subsidiary-Textron Aviation Canada-to expand the company's maintenance capabilities. The acquisition of the Aspect assets is "the first phase of the expansion," according to Textron Aviation. Textron Aviation already bases one of its mobile service units (MSU) at Aspect Aircraft, and it is establishing a new MSU in Toronto. The Calgary MSU operates under a Canada-approved maintenance organization certification, which covers MRO on Citations, King Airs, and Hawkers. Textron Aviation will add technicians to the Calgary MSU team and expand AOG support and services such as limited inspection items and engine maintenance. "Today there are more than 500 Citation, King Air, and Hawker aircraft operating throughout Canada," said Textron Aviation senior vice president customer service Kriya Shortt. "With our customers flying in nearly every corner of the globe, it's essential that we're always within their reach." The Canada subsidiary joins new Textron Aviation service capabilities established this year that include four new MSU bases in North America and a Biggin Hill Airport line maintenance station near London. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-10-24/textron-aviation-expands-canada-mro Back to Top CCCC Aviation Maintenance Technology Training Center to Hold First Ever Open House PLYMOUTH - Ever wonder about what it would be like to have a career in aviation? The Cape Cod Community College Aviation Maintenance Technology Program is hosting a public Open House on Thursday at its Plymouth Airport Education Center to celebrate STEM Week. It marks the first time the public has been invited to view the state-of-the-art facility. This free event gives students, parents, educators, and aviation enthusiasts the opportunity to tour the AMT hangars and classrooms while learning how the next generation of aviation technicians are trained. A presentation will take place every hour with a tour of the multi-hangar facility. Guests will be able to work some of the training equipment, such as the hydraulic landing gear, flap training board and the turbine engine simulator. Tours also include demonstrations on the virtual welding and painting simulators. Classes will be in session, allowing attendees the opportunity to see instructors and students in the classroom. Guests will have the opportunity to talk with an admissions representative who can answer questions about courses, future employability, housing options, costs, academic support services, financial aid and scholarships. Refreshments will also be available. Attendees can even take photos of themselves in a full-size model of a jet pack! For more information about the AMT Program and the upcoming open house, contact Roberto Flores, Admissions Counselor, at rflores@capecod.edu or 774.994.0197. Visit www.capecod.edu/aviation/openhouse. The open house is on Thursday, October 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the CCCC Plymouth Airport Education Center, located on 246 South Meadow Road in Plymouth. https://www.capecod.com/newscenter/cccc-aviation-maintenance-technology-training-center-to-hold-first-ever-open-house/ Back to Top Asia-Pacific at Epicenter of Infrastructure Crisis As the Asia-Pacific region experiences international air traffic growth of 8 percent per year, unease grows over the likely inability of infrastructure capacity to keep pace with fleet orders in the next two decades. The region, according to Airbus and Boeing, will receive 40 percent of the globally ordered fleet, or more than 16,000 airplanes, "equal to the U.S. and Europe together," stressed Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) director general Andrew Herdman at the group's recent Assembly of Presidents on Jeju Island, South Korea. "We are gathered here in search of answers on what can we can do to effectively respond to our rapidly changing environment," added Korean Air president Walter Cho. "The Asia-Pacific market is driving global aviation growth and is growing rapidly. We have our challenges in the aviation industry with economic fluctuations, shifting political interests, and spread of protectionism. Information technology is convenient but also a threat to safety and security." While politically fragmented and diverse, the Asia-Pacific region generates a third of the world's GDP, thanks largely to a rapidly growing middle-income segment in China and India driving consumption patterns. Herdman explained of the world's 20,000 flight segments, the 10 busiest domestic routes reside in the region; the route between Seoul and Jeju Island tops the list with more than 200 daily flights. The International Civil Aviation Organization forecasts that over the next 20 years the world will require 620,000 pilots, 1.3 million aircraft maintenance professionals, and 125,000 air traffic controllers. The Asia-Pacific region alone accounts for 35 percent of those requirements. However, the industry must address infrastructure planning and funding to sustain the region's growth patterns, said Herdman. "Who and how this will be funded is a big discussion," he explained. "Infrastructure planning is critical. It is not a long-term problem but a 'now' problem." In the future, tough issues include increasing fuel prices, rising competition among airlines, and shrinking profit margins. "Overall, I still expect Asian airlines in aggregate to make substantial profits, but it seems pretty clear that it will be lower than the levels we've seen in previous years," said Herdman. "Even though oil prices are rising, consumers are still getting the benefit of [low] fares. The challenge is how this oil increase will be passed on." https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2018-10-23/asia-pacific-epicenter-infrastructure-crisis Back to Top WMU SCHOOL OF AVIATION TO ANNOUNCE ANOTHER MAJOR PARTNERSHIP Western Michigan University continues to cement its position as a major aviation school. This Friday at Noon, WMU will announce a partnership with AAR, a global provider of aviation services. The program will be named the AAR Eagle Career Pathway Program at WMU. This launch "will expand the University's aircraft maintenance, repair and operating supply instruction and include job shadowing and mentoring opportunities, as well as the sharing of proprietary software information with students interested in careers as aircraft maintenance technicians. Under this first-of-its-kind program for aviation maintenance, students will receive academic support, be monitored throughout their academic careers and have the opportunity to interview with AAR after graduation." - WMU release According to Dr. Raymond Thompson, the associate dean of the College of Aviation. 'the AAR Eagle program further distinguishes WMU's already competitive aviation program with yet another resource for students pursuing a career in a high-demand field. It also works to help close the gap between the supply of mechanics and demand for them projected within the next decade that threatens the expansion and modernization of the global airline fleet." http://wkfr.com/wmu-aviation-to-announce-partnership/ Back to Top Directional Aviation Acquires Simcom SIMCOM holdings Inc. will soon join Directional Aviation's family of private business aviation companies that include Flexjet, Sentient Jet and Flight Options. The deal, announced last week between Directional and SIMCOM's current owner J.W. Childs Associates, is expected to close by next month and is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. No financial terms of the transaction were disclosed. SIMCOM is believed to be the largest independent provider of flight simulator-based training services to the global general aviation, business aviation and regional airline markets. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, SIMCOM provides training services at centers in Orlando, and Scottsdale as well as the United Kingdom. Directional Aviation's global network and reach are expected to enhance SIMCOM's operational stability and provide industry best practices. From fractional jet ownership to jet cards and charter, to open and closed fleets, jet remanufacturing, maintenance, aviation parts distribution centers and more, Directional brings to SIMCOM a specialized knowledge of the financial, operational and technical needs of the private aviation industry. "Simulator-based training is a huge part of our industry, one that touches every single pilot and flight provider," said Kenn Ricci, Principal at Directional Aviation. "We are very excited about the opportunities this will bring for SIMCOM to play a leading role in helping to hone the skills of aviators across the world." Eric Hinson will continue to lead SIMCOM in its next period of growth and innovation as Chief Executive Officer. https://www.flyingmag.com/directional-aviation-acquires-simcom Back to Top Pilot Shortage Is Real And Getting Worse "The upcoming deliveries of Bombardier's Global 7500 and Gulfstream's G500 and G600 in significant numbers will be the point when our industry is going to have a very significant challenge finding qualified crewmembers." That's the opinion of Don Haloburdo, senior vice president for flight services at Jet Aviation. Highly qualified flight crews are already in short supply as airlines around the world soak up the existing supply and fewer military pilots become available. That leaves the business aviation industry wondering how to attract corporate pilots. Major forecasts recently released suggest the shortage has only just begun. Boeing's 2018 Pilot & Technician Outlook says aviation is looking at an "unprecedented" demand for 790,000 pilots during the next two decades and 754,000 new maintenance technicians. It also forecast a combined demand in the business aviation and helicopter sectors alone for 155,000 pilots and 132,000 maintenance technicians during the next 20 years. Research firm Cowen & Co. estimates "more than 42% of active U.S. airline pilots at the biggest carriers will retire over the next 10 years, roughly 22,000 of them." Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson noted recently that at the end of the last fiscal year, the Air Force was 2,000 pilots short. While the military is losing pilots to the airlines, they also are losing highly trained maintenance technicians to all segments of aviation. Business aviation in particular is recruiting from the military ranks. At StandardAero, spokesman Kyle Hultquist said the MRO is "actively recruiting veterans and finding them to be very well suited for many of our maintenance and technical roles." He further noted that 21.5% of the U.S. workforce today is either retired or active/reserve military veterans. "In addition, StandardAero is expanding operations in places like San Antonio, where there is an embedded pool of military- and government-trained people who are qualified and available." The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), however, is pointing at the commercial airlines as responsible, at least in part, for the pilot shortfall. "Business aviation is finding it increasingly difficult to attract and retain talent, in part because the airlines are offering what is perceived to be a better deal, but also in part because of an overall decline in the number of people choosing aviation careers." Clay Lacy, founder and CEO of charter, aircraft management and MRO services provider Clay Lacy Aviation in Van Nuys, California, is blunt in his assessment. "Now-and in the near future-there are simply not enough qualified pilots to meet demand, much less the significant growth expected for airlines and private jet operators over the next two decades." As a result, GrandView Aviation, for example, has announced a five-year retention package of up to $80,000 to draw highly qualified flight crews for its Phenom 300 fleet of light jets. And according to Becca Sipes, sales director for the Middle River, Maryland-based charter operator, it also is offering a signing bonus of $5,000-10,000, to be paid (commensurate with pilot experience) upon completion of training. Flexjet recently announced a substantial increase for its Red Label pilots, "making them the highest paid in the industry," according to the Cleveland-based fractional ownership provider. (Red Label by Flexjet is the carrier's premium charter offering.) Red Label pilots are considered the crème de la crème, and Flexjet claims their total compensation is greater than their competitors' by 25% or more. A fifth-year Challenger 350 pilot may earn as much as $176,000 a year, and a third-year aircraft commander in a Gulfstream G650 might earn $205,000 annually. The 2018 NBAA Compensation Survey pegged the recent annual total cash compensation for senior captains in business aviation as up 12%, to $164,000. As a loose comparison, Phoenix East Aviation airline pilot training in Daytona Beach, Florida, notes that, depending on the type of aircraft they are flying and how long they have been at an airline, the median annual salary for the pilot of a large jet is $121,408. While there are those who decry news of a pilot and maintenance technician shortage, the forecasts suggest it will continue to grow. According to the National Air Transportation Association, the current fleet backlog of orders in China alone mandates a need for 500-1,000 additional pilots, "this at a time when the output for pilot training institutions worldwide is facing a shortfall of approximately 3,000 pilots annually." http://aviationweek.com/awinbizav/pilot-shortage-real-and-getting-worse Back to Top US, Japan still plan to hold talks about Okinawa aircraft safety CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa - The United States and Japan have renewed an agreement to discuss the possibility of allowing Japanese officials onto Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to verify the safety of U.S. military aircraft. At the request of former Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, U.S. Forces Japan officials had planned to host a Feb. 1 "information exchange," after a spate of emergency landings and other incidents involving Marine helicopters. But the meeting was postponed by the U.S. over a need for more preparation time, according to a Kyodo News report that cited an unnamed senior Japanese Defense Ministry official. It was never rescheduled. The issue has become amplified in Japan over the past few months because it is being billed as Japanese inspections of U.S. military aircraft, something USFJ officials have said will not happen. Last week, new Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya - who replaced Onodera in a reshuffling of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet - met with USFJ's commander, Air Force Lt. Gen. Jerry Martinez, and the pair agreed to hold talks in the future regarding the exchange, a Defense Ministry spokesman said. "We both agreed that there should be a meeting between subject matter experts first then ... we should find the best way [to conduct the safety inspections]," Iwaya told reporters Friday. He said the matter was under review by his staff. USFJ officials said this week they are working diligently with Japan's Defense Ministry to finalize the exchange's "content, timing and location." They expect details to be finalized soon. "USFJ and the Ministry of Defense have agreed to conduct a subject matter expert exchange between U.S. and Japan Self Defense Force experts to discuss aviation maintenance procedures of both sides," USFJ spokesman Air Force Col. John Hutcheson told Stars and Stripes in an email Wednesday. "These discussions are intended to share information and enhance the safety of both nations' flight operations ... to be clear, USFJ has not agreed and will not agree to any inspections of US military aircraft." Hutcheson added the delay has not impacted the U.S.-Japan alliance nor has it eroded trust or confidence between the partner nations. "We continue to have a strong relationship with our Japanese partners based on mutual trust and understanding," he said. "Discussions related to this issue haven't changed that." The idea for verifying the safety of U.S. military aircraft on Okinawa was first broached by Onodera on Jan. 30 in wake of a spate of aircraft mishaps and emergency landings. In August 2017, three Marines were killed when an Okinawa-based MV-22 Osprey crashed off Australia's coast during a training exercise. Two months later, a fire forced a 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Super Stallion to land in a farmer's field outside Okinawa's Northern Training Area. The aircraft was an almost total loss. On Dec. 7, a plastic part thought to belong to a U.S. military helicopter was found on the roof of an Okinawa day care center. On Dec. 13, a CH-53E Super Stallion's window fell from the aircraft and landed on an elementary school sports field adjacent to Futenma's fence line, narrowly missing playing children. That incident was followed by three emergency landings by Marine helicopters in January. More incidents have followed. Onodera requested that Japan Ground Self-Defense Force aircraft maintenance specialists be allowed to visit Marine Corps Air Station Futenma for a briefing on the safety of the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters involved in the emergency landings, verify that any safety issues had been addressed, and then report back to his office to analyze their findings. Onodera was careful not to call it Japanese inspections of U.S. military aircraft, but that is how his comments have been interpreted. The level of involvement of Japanese inspectors in verifying the state of inspections and maintenance of U.S. military aircraft remains unclear. "The Ministry of Defense will promptly confirm and verify the state of inspections and maintenance conducted by the U.S. side utilizing the Self-Defense Forces' professional and technical knowledge," he said in January. As late as last week, Japanese state broadcaster NHK was referring to the exchange as "joint safety inspections" of U.S. helicopters. Japan's Ministry of Defense spokesman said Tuesday that the holdup regarding the exchange was over "difficulties in scheduling," not objections from the U.S. military. The length and conditions of the exchange are also pending. NHK reported that Iwaya and Martinez also discussed the recent deployment of five Air Force CV-22 Ospreys to Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, and that Iwaya said Japan wants to "ensure the safety" of the aircraft. Iwaya's spokesman declined to verify those comments, nor would he explain what would be required to ensure the aircraft's safety. USFJ officials likewise declined to "disclose the specific content of private discussions between U.S. and Japanese senior leaders." Japan began the procurement process for 17 of its own Ospreys in fiscal year 2015 and is slated to receive the first later this year. "The U.S. has been fully transparent with the Government of Japan about the capabilities and safety of the V-22 Osprey, and indeed the Japan Ground Self Defense Force is in the process of fielding its own Ospreys to enhance Japan's defensive capabilities," Hutcheson said. "Further, in 2012, both governments confirmed the safety of Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey in a bilateral memorandum issued by the U.S.-Japan Joint Committee." https://www.stripes.com/news/us-japan-still-plan-to-hold-talks-about-okinawa-aircraft-safety-1.553252 Back to Top Is Aviation Industry Facing a Downturn? The aviation market historically has been cyclical, so now that oil prices and interest rates are climbing, people are looking for indicators of an impending industry downturn and whether it will be a steep or gradual decline if it occurs. As one person at MRO Europe said, he is looking for the canary in the coal mine. Are Primera Air's collapse and Small Planet Airlines' need to restructure two airlines "canary" warning signs? If MRO Europe in mid-October was any indication, the answer is "no." The troubles of Primera and Small Planet are not causing widespread alarm across the aftermarket. The message I heard at MRO Europe was largely that business is good, companies are expanding and flexing with the upward market need, and there is a lot of innovation going on, from digitalization to streamlining processes to forging partnerships-sometimes with competitors-to best service next-gen aircraft, engines and components. In a nutshell, people are focused on growth and the positive. And given that the overall global commercial airline fleet will increase by about 50% in the next decade, a large, healthy competitive market is needed. The more next-gen models that join the global fleet, the more often the topic of data ownership comes up. However, pundits predict the passionate debate about "who owns the data" will evaporate in a few years because data alone isn't where the value is-it's what you do with it. First, operators sign data agreements with service providers, so this notion of conscripting data for nefarious reasons should disappear. Second, as companies deliver value through digital analytics, predictive maintenance and optimized maintenance programs, the important aspect becomes who delivers the best big data analytics outcomes as digitalization matures. In the meantime, mergers and acquisitions are thriving, and the teardown market is very tight because assets aren't coming out of the fleet as predicted, so finding prime used serviceable material is a challenge. Material and components was a dominant theme at MRO Europe. Boeing closed the KLX acquisition in early October, and in another step toward integrating under Global Services, it streamlined its parts solutions. Safran Nacelles and Lufthansa Technik signed an agreement to cooperatively support nacelles for the CFM Leap 1A. PDQ signed an agreement with Zodiac to sell the OEM's excess inventory. GKN Fokker Services and UTC Aerospace Systems signed a lifetime repair license agreement to support the latter's hydraulic components on certain Bombardier CRJs. Unison and StandardAero extended their material services agreement. These are just a few examples from the event, but hopefully you get the idea. Partnerships are flourishing. Expect new ones to form as operators seek further efficiencies and cost savings. No matter what happens to the economy, those factors will not change. https://www.mro-network.com/maintenance-repair-overhaul/aviation-industry-facing-downturn Back to Top Canada Campaigns to Prevent Aviation Mechanic Shortages Predicting a Shortage of Qualified Aviation Mechanics Canada's Minister of Transportation, Marc Garneau, has launched an effort to alert the public to a looming projected global shortage of skilled aviation personnel (particularly aircraft mechanics). Today he published an editorial in The Hill Times stressing the need to train and recruit candidates to fill aviation industry positions vacated by the rapidy graying Baby Boom generation. He argued society cannot afford to allow critical shortages to develop in this significant transportation sector.(1) His words echo an alarm sounded previously by the aviation, aerospace, and defense firm Oliver Wyman. The company's website forecasts the development of a worldwide need for more skilled aviation mechanics. It surmises a combination of expanding airline travel and demographic shifts in the work force will create a critical shortfall in the labor market. The international crisis will impact the USA in 2022, peaking here in 2027 as a record number of experienced airplane mechanics retire.(2) Promoting Gender Equality The shortage issue has perhaps contributed to interest in hiring more female and minority aviation job applicants. For instance, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, a prestigious industry body representing 15 companies, recently passed a resolution about the shortage. It asked governments to ramp up their investment in training and recruiting aviation personnel. The members urged impacted governments to increase the available opportunities for women within the industry. A steep disparity between the numbers of men and women employed in aviation fields exists today.(3) In Australia, Swinburne University recently launched an aviation scholarship specifically for women. Motivating Students Educators in the United States have already noticed both gender employment and pay inequalities in technical fields and a perceived need for society to encourage more students to pursue "STEM" subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Massachusetts and several other states began celebrating "STEM week" on Monday.(4) Aviation firms may eventually become one of the first beneficiaries of this intensive public relations effort. For example, concerned about predictions the United States will require an additional 180,000 aircraft maintenance technicians within the next 19 years, Cape Cod Community College will open the doors of its Aviation Maintenance Technology Program to the public on Thursday. The open house will showcase its facilities. Sponsors hope to stimulate student interest in the training program for aviation mechanics.(5) Sources 1. https://www.hilltimes.com/2018/10/22/172663/172663 2. https://www.oliverwyman.com/our-expertise/insights/2017/sep/oliver-wyman-transport-and-logistics-2017/operations/aviation-growth-is-outpacing-labor-capacity.html 3. https://australianaviation.com.au/2018/10/gender-equality-in-aviation-needs-more-than-talk-aapa/ 4. https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2018/10/21/massachusetts-to-kick-off-week-highlighting_ap.html 5. https://www.capecodtoday.com/article/2018/10/22/242913-CCCC-Aviation-Technician-Training-Program-Hosts-First-Open-House https://www.wingsjournal.com/canada-campaigns-prevent-aviation-mechanic-shortages Back to Top Van Nuys Airport Going Solar Representatives from seven businesses at Van Nuys Airport on Wednesday unveiled commitments to solar energy at the San Fernando Valley airfield. "These projects will make Van Nuys the largest solar system airport in the country that we know of," said Curt Castagna, chief executive of Aeroplex/Aerolease Group, the first of the group to complete its solar installation. Aeroplex/Aerolease worked with PCS Energy on installing 4,000 solar panels covering about 150,000 square feet of roof space that will generate about 1.5 megawatts of power. PCS Principal Paul Jennings said that the best part of what he does, aside from doing good for the environment, is that it makes economic sense. "The (solar energy) industry has matured to the point that in all cases it has better economic value than the alternative, which is fossil fuel," he added. PCS is paying for the solar equipment and installation, Jennings said. His company will sell the electricity to the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power under a long-term contract. The airport tenants do not get the electricity, but they will get lease payments for use of their rooftops or other parts of their property where the solar panels are located. Jennings added that it is all part of a DWP program to generate electricity locally. PCS is installing the solar panels at the other six airport area businesses - The Park VNY, which serves propeller aircraft; fixed base operators Castle & Cooke Aviation and Clay Lacy Aviation; maintenance and repair shop Western Jet Aviation; Woodley LLC; and Valley Sod Farm. Combined, the seven projects will generate 44.6 million kilowatt-hours annually, or enough to power about 8,000 homes a year. Los Angeles World Airports Chief Executive Deborah Flint said it was a testament to how the airport agency worked with other city departments and the Van Nuys businesses to bring about meaningful, measurable and direct impacts. "These seven tenants are leading the way and showing that they care and are willing to put their time, their energy and their resources into doing things of the past differently for today and for tomorrow," Flint said. Tony Marlow, president of aviation operations and business development for Castle & Cooke, said that it would install solar panels on its four largest buildings at the airfield. It is important to be part of the solar project not just because of the green sustainability and cost savings reasons, Marlow said. "We feel it is the right thing to do," Marlow added. "Along with our cohorts here at the airport we are very excited about being a part of this. It is going to have minimal impact to the operation itself. We reap some benefit without any downside." http://www.sfvbj.com/news/2018/oct/24/van-nuys-airport-going-solar/ Back to Top Jet Aviation Acquires Ideal Aviation Operations and Hangars at St. Louis Downtown Airport Oct. 22--Jet Aviation announced Monday that it wrapped up its acquisition of Ideal Aviation at St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia. The deal will merge Ideal's on-site operations and hangars into Jet Aviation's footprint at the airport. "Ideal Aviation will continue to operate its MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) and flight-training services independently," according to a press release announcing the deal. Jet Aviation provides wide-ranging aircraft services, ranging from maintenance and engineering to personnel and charter services. Monetary details surrounding the acquisition were not disclosed. "Acquiring Ideal enables Jet Aviation to expand our capabilities, operations and customer service as the closest aviation services provider to downtown St. Louis," said David Paddock, Jet Aviation's senior vice president and general manager of U.S. regional operations. "This is a strategic acquisition in line with our goal of growth and expansion to provide the best service possible wherever our customers are. Our St. Louis location is in the center of North America in an active business aviation corridor." https://www.aviationpros.com/news/12434132/brief-jet-aviation-acquires-ideal-aviation-operations-and-hangars-at-st-louis-downtown-airport Back to Top SpaceX May Reuse a Falcon 9 for the Third Time in Landmark Launch SpaceX may be about to reuse a Falcon 9 first stage booster for its third launch, the first time a booster has been used more than twice for missions. A Tuesday report claims the feat may be achieved with a launch scheduled for no earlier than November 19. The move, as reported by Teslarati, would be a major move in the race to make spaceflight affordable, paving the way for a future mission to Mars. The SSO-A launch will send up 74 or fewer small satellites, collected together by third party Spaceflight Industries and weighing around 4,000 kg in total. The stack has moved 1,075 miles from Seattle as part of a convoy, where it will travel another 357 miles to reach the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the site of SpaceX's new west coast landing pad. The booster could become the second launch to use the new land-based pad. The report notes that SpaceX is likely to use either the B1048 or B1046 booster, both of which employ the highly-reusable "Block 5" design. The former previously flew on the July 25 Iridium NEXT-7 mission and the October 8 SAOCOM 1A mission. The latter was the first-ever "Block 5" to fly in a public mission, on May 11 with the Bangabandhu-1 launch, subsequently flying again on August 7 with the Merah Putih launch. The SSO-A launch could prove the resilience of the "Block 5" and pave the way for more ambitious launches. CEO Elon Musk has previously stated his goal is to use one booster for a flight, land it, refuel it and send it up again within 24 hours, reaching a state where it offers "true operational reusability, like an aircraft." The Block 5 is expected to serve 10 launches per booster with minor checks, and 100 launches with refurbishments. It would save some of the estimated $62 million costs associated with building a Falcon 9. Before the big launch, SpaceX is expected to fly the Es'hail 2 mission no earlier than November 14. The mission will provide internet and television services for Qatar and surrounding countries. It's expected to lift off from the Cape Canaveral pad in Florida, on the opposite side of the country. https://www.inverse.com/article/50121-spacex-may-reuse-a-falcon-9-for-the-third-time-in-landmark-launch Curt Lewis