JULY 11, 2019 - No. 055 In This Issue Indian airline technician dies after getting trapped in plane door Aviation Institute of Maintenance opens campus in Charlotte France's Controversial New Aviation Eco-Tax Northeast ISD starts Aviation Mechanics Program Cracks Trigger A380 Wing-spar Inspections AAR Awarded Four-Year MRO Contract with Royal Netherlands Air Force to Service CH-47 Chinook APU Offer Deadline for Former Monarch Facility Looms HAI launches aviation job page with help from JSfirm.com GE Offers Agreement To Cut CF34-10E Shop Visit Cost By 30% NASA awards SpaceX $50 million contract for new mission Indian airline technician dies after getting trapped in plane door (CNN)A technician for Indian airline SpiceJet died in a freak accident in Kolkata on Wednesday morning, after accidentally getting trapped in a plane door. Rohit Pandey was performing maintenance work on the aircraft at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, when a hydraulic door "inadvertently" closed and he got stuck between the door flaps, according to a SpiceJet spokesperson. A doctor was called immediately after the incident was reported at about 1:45 a.m., said Kaushik Bhattacharya, director of the Kolkata airport. "The body could not be pulled out and the doors had to be cut by mechanics," Bhattacharya added. Pandey was declared dead shortly after the doors were broken. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a federal regulatory body, has launched an investigation into the accident. In a statement, SpiceJet said it was "extremely saddened" by the news and that "the entire SpiceJet family stands together in grief in this unfortunate incident." SpiceJet has a good safety record. AirlineRatings.com, which evaluates airline safety worldwide, gave SpiceJet a rating of 7/7, citing its compliance with international safety parameters and fatality-free record. But Pandey's accident comes amid a difficult few weeks for the budget carrier. Last week, a SpiceJet plane overshot the runway at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, in Mumbai, according to CNN affiliate News18. No injuries were reported, but the aircraft was stuck on the runway and the surrounding grass all night. Last Tuesday, the DGCA conducted safety audits and found maintenance issues with SpiceJet, News18 reported. The DGCA issued the airline show cause notices, meaning it must submit a mandatory response on the cited problems. https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/10/asia/spicejet-kolkata-accident-intl-hnk/index.html Back to Top Aviation Institute of Maintenance opens campus in Charlotte CHARLOTTE - Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) extended its campus locations to include Charlotte as part of its continued effort to address growing workforce demand for skilled technicians. The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance reported over 15,000 manufacturing jobs have been added in the Charlotte Region since 2013. AIM is enrolling in a manufacturing, fabrication, and repair program to meet the growing demand for skilled technicians. The training provides students with the skills needed to enter the manufacturing and fabrication industry. After completion of the program, graduates can accept entry-level positions as millwrights, industrial maintenance mechanics or machinery workers. Standard job duties include machine assemblage and repair; testing, adjustment and calibration of equipment and the cleaning, lubrication and movement of machinery. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage of a millwright is over $55,200. The 51,000 square foot facility houses a Learning Resource Center, computer lab and 17 classrooms with audio visual technology installation and is located at 7421 E. Independence Blvd. Charlotte NC 28227., "As the Queen City continues its exponential growth, AIM is proud to develop the workforce for current and future needs of the manufacturing industry," Campus Executive Director, Alex Diaz said. For more information regarding AIM Charlotte's Manufacturing, Fabrication, and Repair program, please visit www.aviationMaintenance.edu or call (980) 785-0700. https://www.independenttribune.com/business/aviation-institute-of-maintenance-opens-campus- in-charlotte/article_72836d8c-a24b-11e9-abab-4354a11ff922.html Back to Top France's Controversial New Aviation Eco-Tax France to introduce airline eco-tax France's transport minister, Elisabeth Borne, has today announced that France plans to introduce a new eco-tax on airlines flying out of France. The plan is that this will be implemented in 2020, and will raise around 180 million Euros annually, which is intended to fund transport in France. In other words, the government will take money from the airline industry to fund (potentially competing) forms of transportation. The tax is to be introduced gradually, and will amount to about 1.50EUR for an economy ticket and 9EUR for a business class ticket within the EU, and up to 18EUR for a business class ticket for flights out of the EU. So that's not insignificant, though also pales in comparison to the UK's Air Passenger Duty, for example. The tax will only apply for trips that originate in France, so this wouldn't apply to transit passengers who are simply connecting at a French airport. Airlines are opposed to this tax As usual, airlines are mostly opposed to this new tax. That's understandable, since airlines display "all-in" pricing, and the demand for travel is pretty elastic. Any tax increase will likely lead to airlines being able to charge less otherwise. It's not like they can just add the tax to the fares they charge now without seeing demand shift. Air France would most negatively be impacted by this policy, and they strongly disapprove of this new tax. They say it would hurt their competitiveness at a time when they want to invest in their products to be able to improve their environmental footprint as part of a fleet renewal. France is one of the most heavily taxed air transport industries in Europe, and Air France's activity contributes 1.1% of French national GDP, and generates more than 350,000 jobs. This new tax would represent an additional cost of over 60 million Euros per year for the Air France Group. The airline also points out that they already lost over 180 million Euros last year on domestic flights, and this would make their position even weaker. My take I'm really conflicted on these types of government policies. There's no doubt that higher aviation taxes reduces demand for air travel, though nowadays that sort of seems to be the goal for many government, even if it reduces employment in the industry. I guess part of the issue is that I don't think the logic of how these taxes are implemented is sound. It seems like the government's goal is to just get people to stop traveling by air, though that seems unrealistic. It would make sense to take other approaches as well: Shouldn't governments be creating tax incentives for airlines to operate fuel efficient aircraft (or maybe tax penalties for operating fuel inefficient aircraft)? For example, the per passenger fuel burn on a CRJ200 is nearly twice as high as on an A220. I understand the concept of wanting to tax those originating in France rather than those connecting, though from the government's perspective shouldn't it be the other way around? They presumably want people to visit France and the tourist dollars that come along with it, while they should discourage people from just flying through there, which has a negative impact on the environment and little benefit to the country otherwise. Personally I think the focus should be on encouraging airlines to reduce per passenger emissions as much as possible, rather than just encouraging people not to fly altogether, at least on long haul flights where other forms of transport aren't practical. Airlines are investing in new planes not just because they're good for the environment, but also because what's good for the environment is usually good for their bottom line. The worse Air France's financial situation, the less they'll be able to invest like that. So I think it's perfectly fair for the government to encourage emissions to be reduced, but this kind of tax largely seems counterproductive, especially given that Air France historically hasn't been the most financially healthy airline out there. https://onemileatatime.com/france-new-aviation-tax/ Back to Top Northeast ISD starts Aviation Mechanics Program At Northeast ISD, students now have a unique opportunity to prepare for the future: NEISD has partnered with Hallmark University to offer college-level courses in the Aviation Mechanics Program - designed to help students pursue career paths in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance. According to information from NEISD, the program, open to all NEISD juniors and seniors, allows students to earn college credits - at no cost - toward a double associate's degree in Power Plant (Aircraft Engines) and Air Frame (Aircraft Structures), and complete their freshman year in an Aviation Technician Degree Program. Students interested in participating in the program can select the Hallmark course on their course card, and Hallmark University will contact students to complete registration, All interested students will complete a safety test and skills test. Recently, several NEISD students participating in the burgeoning program earned a Level 1 certificate of completion in the Aviation Mechanics Program. Angel Gonzalez of MacArthur High School and Jirina Bredberg of Reagan High School earned special recognition for making the Dean's List, and Bredberg received a trophy for earning the highest GPA. Hallmark University states in its literature that the program - called the Aerospace College Headstart Institute, or Aero CHI - currently partners with both NEISD and San Antonio ISD, with 22 seats available for the 2019-20 school year for NEISD students and 25 seats available for SAISD students. According to Hallmark University, students in the program can earn 31 semester credit hours - half of an AAS degree - saving students over $11,000 in tuition. Hallmark University states it produces more FAA licensed graduates than any other program in Texas, and as of 2016, over 90 percent of its graduates were working in the field. According to information from the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, 13,000 San Antonio employees work in the aerospace industry making an average amount of $60,000. This rapidly growing field is an exciting career choice for any up-and-coming NEISD junior or senior. https://www.mysanantonio.com/real-estate/sellingsa/article/Aviation-Mechanics-Program- 14082438.php Back to Top Cracks Trigger A380 Wing-spar Inspections Airbus and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are developing an inspection program for Airbus A380 wing outer rear spars (ORS) after reports of cracks on in-service aircraft. The program, revealed in a proposed EASA airworthiness directive (AD) published July 5, targets "the 25 oldest wing sets" in the A380 in-service fleet. Affected operators are to conduct initial "special detailed inspections" on a schedule based on the aircraft's age. Follow-up checks will be done every 36 months. Airbus and EASA will evaluate the initial inspection results and, "based on inspection findings," may expand the program to other A380s, the AD explained. The 25 aircraft listed for initial inspections are between manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs) 0006 and 0038. An Aviation Week Fleet Data Services analysis shows that Emirates Airline has the most, with nine, followed by Qantas, with six. One of the Qantas aircraft is MSN 014, the airframe that suffered substantial damage following a November 2010 engine failure and was out of service for nearly 18 months. Singapore Airlines has four, while two aircraft once operated by Singapore are in storage with Afa Press UK Ltd. as the listed owner. The remaining airframes are with Air France (two), Lufthansa, and Hi Fly. The initial program is in response to "occurrences" of ORS cracks on in-service aircraft, EASA explained. The AD does not say how many aircraft have turned up with cracks. Airbus is developing a service bulletin that details the inspection procedures. The manufacturer could not immediately answer requests for more information. The EASA directive does not link the new problem to an issue uncovered in 2012 that led to a fleet- wide fix. Airbus introduced-and EASA mandated-wing-rib retrofits when the original components began cracking, threatening the model's design life. The fixes, rolled out over several years starting in mid-2012, covered more than 120 in-service A380s. A production-line design change covered unbuilt aircraft. https://www.mro-network.com/maintenance-repair-overhaul/cracks-trigger-a380-wing-spar- inspections Back to Top AAR Awarded Four-Year MRO Contract with Royal Netherlands Air Force to Service CH-47 Chinook APU WOOD DALE, Ill., July 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- AAR (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial airlines and governments worldwide, has been awarded a four-year contract by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) to perform maintenance, repair and overhaul of the Chinook APU for Logistics Centre Woensdrecht (LCW). AAR will service the Chinook fleet in its Component Repair facility in Amsterdam, where AAR has been supporting European Participating Air Forces (EPAF) for over 30 years as a prime provider or subcontractor for repair management, component maintenance, supply chain and depot services. "The RNLAF is pleased to have an MRO contract in place for their CH-47 APU's," said Lieutenant Colonel Remco Bastiaan, EMSD Program Manager Chinook. "The Chinook community is excited to have a trusted partner like AAR support the RNLAF to maintain and improve the availability of the Chinook fleet and looks forward to sustaining and expanding their valued relationship." "AAR has been a proud and trusted partner of the Royal Netherlands Air Force on the F-16 platform for more than 25 years," said Eric Bron, AAR General Manager of Component Repair. "This step expanding our MRO services to the CH-47 Chinook platform reflects our strong relationship, dedication to exceeding customer expectations and shared core values with the RNLAF. We deliver tailored services and capabilities based on commercial best practices and our customers' unique needs to produce the highest quality work and cost savings." For more information about AAR Component Repair services, please click here. About AAR AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 6,000 people in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Expeditionary Services. AAR's Aviation Services include parts supply; OEM solutions; integrated solutions; maintenance, repair, overhaul; and engineering. AAR's Expeditionary Services include mobility systems and composite manufacturing operations. Additional information can be found at www.aarcorp.com. About the Royal Netherlands Air Force The Royal Netherlands Air Force is a modern, high-tech armed forces Service that is active on a global basis. The Air Force lends support in combating international unrest and provides disaster relief. At home in the Netherlands, the Air Force ensures security from the air. For these purposes, it has highly-qualified personnel, aircraft, helicopters and other weapon systems at its disposal. CONTACT: Mae Fitzpatrick or Daniela Pietsch, +1.630.227.5100, Corporate Marketing & Communications, Editor@aarcorp.com https://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/aar-awarded-four-year-mro-contract-with-royal- netherlands-air-force-to-service-ch-47-chinook-apu-40026921 Back to Top Offer Deadline for Former Monarch Facility Looms The deadline for prospective buyers to submit best offers for Monarch Aircraft Engineering's former Luton headquarters has been set for midday on Wednesday (July 10), administrator KPMG has confirmed. British commercial real estate company Avison Young, which is overseeing the sale of the defunct MRO's base hangars at Luton and Birmingham, has already received numerous inquiries from interested parties, according to KPMG. Unlike its former Luton base, which served as the MRO's headquarters for more than 50 years before the business ceased operating in early 2019, Avison Young has yet to set a best offer deadline for the 100,000 m2 hangar at Birmingham Airport but intends to invite offers for the property shortly. Both hangars went up for sale-along with other Monarch Aircraft Engineering assets such as parts inventory, tooling and specialist equipment-shortly after the collapse of the business. Inventory is being sold by Monarch Aircraft Engineering's sales desk with support from third party agents, some of which have now completed and some of which remain ongoing. Some parts of the former Monarch Aircraft Engineering business have survived including its CAMO division, which was acquired by digital records specialist Trustflight in February for £750,000 ($988,000). The CAMO sale followed the divestment of Monarch Aircraft Engineering's line maintenance business in multiple transactions at the end of 2018 in a move which saved 182 jobs. The line maintenance operations at Gatwick, Birmingham, East Midlands, Newcastle and Glasgow Airports were largely transferred to engineering recruitment company Morson Group. Certain parts of the Gatwick operation were sold to Boeing while UK maintenance provider Storm Aviation took on the line services at Luton Airport. https://www.mro-network.com/maintenance-repair-overhaul/offer-deadline-former-monarch- facility-looms Back to Top HAI launches aviation job page with help from JSfirm.com Helicopter Association International (HAI) has announced the launch of its newest Partner Service membership benefit with JSfirm.com: a searchable, interactive database of thousands of aviation job postings from companies around the world. This partnership stems from both organizations' shared goal of solving the shortage of qualified aviation professionals and offers HAI members a new, dynamic tool to promote their employment opportunities. "We've talked about the helicopter pilot and maintenance technician shortage quite a lot," said HAI president and CEO Matt Zuccaro. "This partnership is a valuable workforce development tool that will assist our members in matching qualified candidates for their open positions. An HAI Member icon identifies jobs posted by our members, giving job-seekers the knowledge that the position is with a company that is committed to the highest standards of our industry. In addition, a helicopter icon marks those positions that are helicopter-specific." "Our new partnership with HAI will provide HAI members with added value. Through HAI's network, we will enhance our ability to make jobs readily accessible to current and future helicopter professionals," said JSfirm.com manager of marketing and partnerships Abbey Hutter. This partnership allows companies that advertise open positions on JSfirm.com to have their jobs seen by potentially thousands more qualified candidates than if the job were only posted on a traditional job board. JSfirm.com partnerships are giving aviation companies and aviation professionals more ways to connect, at a time when such connections are vital to the sustainment of the industry. As part of the partnership, HAI members who are new to JSfirm.com will receive a 90-day job ad to try the system (offer expires Aug. 9, 2019). Existing clients will receive a 20 percent discount on new JSfirm.com advertising/resume packages. In addition, the HAI job page (www.rotor.org/resources/aviation-jobs) will highlight all jobs posted by HAI members. https://www.verticalmag.com/press-releases/hai-launches-aviation-job-page-with-help-from- jsfirm-com/ Back to Top GE Offers Agreement To Cut CF34-10E Shop Visit Cost By 30% Engine lessor Azorra Aviation and GE Aviation have concluded a Set Maintenance Offer agreement for Azorra's CF34-10Es to reduce the engines' cost of ownership. SMOs are available to all CF34- 10E customers, regardless of their MRO Due to recent durability improvements in the CF34-10E, David Kircher, GE's general manager for regional engine services, says the SMO will reduce the cost of a Life Limited Part shop visit by 30%. Azorra CEO John Evans says the SMO will also bring cost predictability to CF34-10E operators and help Azorra increase its fleet of CF34-10E-powered E190s. Embraer Chief Commercial Officer Arjan Miejer appreciates GE's focus on making E1s more efficient. Customers can agree to SMOs for parts only or incorporate them into overhaul agreements with GE. SMOs cover high pressure compressor blades, combustor dome, inner and outer combustor liners, high pressure turbine blades and nozzles, Stage 1 low pressure turbine nozzles and new stacks of rotating LLPs. The 1,650 CF34-10Es will start requiring their LLP shop visits beginning later in 2019. The new SMO is unique to the CF34-10E, but built on previous innovations. In the mid-2000s, GE introduced a high-pressure turbine hot section kit for CF34-3s, also called SMO. And GE has also introduced a CF34-8 shop visit optimization agreement, or SVO, that combines LLP and hot-section hardware. Kircher calls Azorra "a strategic leasing company" with which GE Aviation wanted to partner in launching and validating SMO. "Azorra has been instrumental with us on creating an overall CF34- 10E maintenance cost solution. . . Discussions are underway with all CF34-10E operators." SMOs certainly look attractive. An SMO fixes only the cost of the parts kit, not the overhaul. But GE's estimate of a 30% reduction in total shop visit cost means the cut in part costs is even sharper. And all LLPs included in an SMO kit will be new parts, along with the high-pressure turbine Stage 1 blade. Other parts will be new or used depending on availability. Kircher says GE can make this very favorable offer because improvements during last several years have made CF34-10Es the most reliable engines in GE's fleet. https://www.mro-network.com/maintenance-repair-overhaul/ge-offers-agreement-cut-cf34-10e- shop-visit-cost-30 Back to Top NASA awards SpaceX $50 million contract for new mission SpaceX and NASA are like two peas in a pod as of late, with the space program leaning heavily on SpaceX for everything from satellite launches to the eventual launch of crewed missions using the SpaceX Crew Dragon. Now, NASA and the leading commercial space company have shaken hands on another deal. In an announcement on the agency's website, NASA reveals that it has awarded SpaceX a $50.3 million launch contract for its X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) mission. The launch won't take place for another couple of years, but when it finally gets underway it'll be a SpaceX Falcon 9 that makes the magic happen. At the moment, the mission is scheduled for launch in April 2021, at which point the IXPE spacecraft will be inserted into Earth orbit where it will offer astronomers some powerful new options in studying some of the most interesting objects in the universe. "IXPE measures polarized X-rays from objects, such as black holes and neutron stars to better understand these types of cosmic phenomena and extreme environments," NASA explains in a new blog post. "IXPE will fly three space telescopes with sensitive detectors capable of measuring the polarization of cosmic X-rays, allowing scientists to answer fundamental questions about these turbulent environments where gravitational, electric and magnetic fields are at their limits." The orbiting observatory has a planned mission duration of two years, but as with many NASA projects, it's entirely possible that the spacecraft will get a new lease on life once its initial mission objectives have been wrapped up. https://nypost.com/2019/07/09/nasa-awards-spacex-50-million-contract-for-new-mission/ Curt Lewis