Registration is now open for NightCon 2013, a two-day night vision systems conference and expo on September 19 and 20, 2013 in Dallas, Texas.
Join the experts of the Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) community for this interactive event. The purpose is to present a venue in which industry professionals can obtain information, education, and guidance on NVIS implementation, operations, and maintenance issues. The event will be held over a two-day period providing an open session, panel forums, vendor displays, and educational presentations.
Today's subject matter experts will engage in day-to-day NVIS issues to include FAA, CAA, and NVIS subject matter experts. Other highlights include:
- Lectured topics on NVIS operational and maintenance issues. Get the facts!
- Panel discussions with FAA and NVIS subject matter experts regarding issues that affect the NVIS community with question and answer opportunities.
- Opportunities for end users to interact with product and service vendors.
- Educational tracks designed to facilitate face-to-face discussions with NVIS regulators and subject matter experts. These include an NVIS operator program management course; an NVIS maintenance program management course; night vision goggle (NVG) initial pilot ground school; NVG instructor pilot ground school; NVG inspection and repair; and an enhanced vision systems (EVS) course.
NightCon2013 is produced by Night Flight Concepts, Aviation Specialties Unlimited, and the Rotorcraft Pro Media Network, with additional sponsorship from Vertical Magazine. For more information, please contact Lyn Burks at lyn.burks@rotorcraftpro.com.
On June 12, Aerial Recon took delivery of the first Canadian-registered R66 Turbine helicopters at Robinson's factory in Torrance, Calif., and then flew the four aircraft to Aerial Recon’s home base in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The four helicopters will be used for will be used for private and commercial operations.
After a lengthy process, Transport Canada Civil Aviation issued a type certificate for the R66 on May 31, 2013. Certification, which had reached a standstill, gained momentum when the United States Federal Aviation Administration issued an ELOS (Equivalent Level of Safety) finding in February 2013 for the R66 hydraulic control system that effectively removed an exemption in the R66’s original type certificate. (For more details, click here.)
"The five-place R66 Turbine is an efficient and reliable light helicopter with low annual operating costs and will give commercial operators a boost to their bottom line," says Eric Gould, owner of Aerial Recon.
A Robinson dealer for over 28 years, Aerial Recon Ltd. has more than 80,000 hours of experience operating Robinson helicopters.
SkyTrac Systems is happy to announce it has recently become a member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI).
ISASI's mission is to promote air safety by the exchange of ideas, experiences and information about the findings from, and outcomes of, aircraft accident investigations. This mission aligns with SkyTrac's dedication to enhancing safety in the aviation industry, making the membership an excellent fit.
SkyTrac transceivers provide detailed logs that trace aircraft position, speed, and altitude. In addition, as Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) and Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) programs become increasingly more important for fleet safety and contract compliance, SkyTrac's latest product, the ISAT- 200A is breaking new ground. The flexible ISAT-200A has expanded IO interfaces and is configurable by the operator to detect exceedances, monitor performance, and analyze critical operational trends. Operators now have the option of real-time or post-mission access to more useful data and flight information than ever before.
"SkyTrac is a proud new member of this Society," commented SkyTrac President and CEO Malachi Nordine, "and we are committed to doing our part to enhance the safety programs of our clients."
Maxcraft Avionics Ltd., an established avionics company located on Pitt Meadows Airport near Vancouver, B.C., has announced two significant amendments to its Transport Canada (TC) Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the Eurocopter helicopter market.
The first is the amendment of Maxcraft's Garmin G500H STC to include Eurocopter EC120, EC130, AS350 and AS355 helicopters. TC STC SH12-43 for installation of the Garmin G500H Flight Display System now includes the following models: AS350 B, B1, B2, B3 BA, D; AS355 E, F, F1, F2, N, NP; EC130 B4 and EC120 B rotorcraft.
Approval for the G500H includes installation of interfaced systems including Garmin's Digital AHRS and ADC, WAAS GPS Navigators, GTS800 Traffic Alerting System, FreeFlight RA-4500 Radar Altimeter, GTX Transponder and an interface to on-board NTSC or PAL video systems. This installation of the popular G500H system replaces the traditional six-pack of analog instruments with a single LRU PFD/MFD glass display.
The second amendment is the inclusion of the Eurocopter AS355N in Maxcraft's Twinstar Electrical Panel upgrade. In 2009, Maxcraft obtained TC STC SH09-20 for the Eurocopter AS355 E, F, F1 and F2 Twinstar DC Electrical Panel Rework, which replaced much of the original electrical distribution system on the Twinstar helicopters to eliminate reliably issues and safety concerns. This includes removal of all overhead fuses, PCBs, associated non-aviation connectors, as well replacement of the overhead power distribution and protection system and overhead selector switch/annunciators. The STC was amended to include the AS355N in April 2013.
Current plans for both STCs include Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency familiarization.
Vector Aerospace Corporation, one of the world's leading independent providers of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, is pleased to announce that Vector Aerospace - Helicopter Services North America (HSNA) has named Greg Mant as Regional Sales Manager for Eastern Canada.
"We are very excited about Greg joining our team," says Chris McDowell, Vice President Sales and Marketing for HSNA. "Greg brings a wealth of aviation experience to Vector Aerospace and I am confident Greg will meet the needs of our current and future customers in Eastern Canada as he enhances our level of customer service throughout this territory."
Mant will support helicopter operators across Eastern Canada from Manitoba to P.E.I., representing HSNA's Rolls Royce M250, Turbomeca Arriel 1 and 2, Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T, GE CT7A and CT58 engine lines as well helicopter dynamic component and airframe and avionic MRO services.
Mant has over 20 years of experience within the aviation industry. Prior to joining Vector, he was the Technical Sales Representative for Patlon Aircraft where he was responsible for all the aerospace sales applications in Eastern Canada. Prior to Patlon, Mant worked at Aviall and Honeywell and holds a Commerce Degree from Champlain College and Investment Funds Institute of Canada License from the University of Montreal, Quebec.
Paul Hagen, who previously held Mant's position, will now assume the role of Sales and Service Manager for Vector Aerospace Engine Services - Atlantic (ES-A). Hagen will represent the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A, PW100 and JT15D series engines. His territory will include Ottawa, Ontario as well as the province of Quebec.
Hagen will also be responsible for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, three provinces which were previously part of Kevin Woodworth's sales territory. Woodworth's new sales territory for ES-A will now include Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.
CAE's Annual Report for the year ended March 31, 2013, along with its 2013 Annual Information Form, have been filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and are available on the company's website (www.cae.com), on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and a free copy is available to shareholders upon request to CAE. They have also been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Form 40-F and are available on its website (www.sec.gov).
CAE is a global leader in modeling, simulation and training for civil aviation and defense. The company employs approximately 8,000 people at more than 100 sites and training locations in approximately 30 countries. CAE offers civil aviation, military, and helicopter training services in more than 45 locations worldwide and trains approximately 100,000 crewmembers yearly.
CHC Helicopter is preparing to return its first Eurocopter EC225 helicopters to service in July, the company told investors this week.
In announcing its fiscal year 2013 fourth quarter results, CHC said it is "well along" in preparing to return its EC225 fleet to full commercial service. It expects the necessary regulatory approvals to come in the next few weeks, which would allow the company's first EC225s to begin flying in July.
The North Sea EC225 fleet has been grounded since October 2012, the result of two offshore ditching incidents that were traced to cracks in helicopters' bevel shafts. In May, Eurocopter said it considered the EC225's technical problems to be "fully understood," and was proposing new safety measures to the airworthiness authorities that would allow the fleet to resume operations. According to CHC, these interim measures would permit safe flight while Eurocopter pursues a "long-term fix" - a part re-design - which could take 12 to 24 months.
CHC said the industry is pursuing a "careful, safety-first approach" in returning the EC225s to service. Nevertheless, CHC appears to be taking a lead in the process: in its own fiscal year 2013 earnings report, competitor Bristow Group did not predict that its 12 EC225s would return to service before the third quarter of the company's fiscal year 2014 (the fourth quarter of calendar year 2013). At the time, Bristow CEO Bill Chiles told investors, "Some may not agree with our timeline. I really don't worry about that because Bristow's going to be safe, careful and deliberate and will not allow commercial pressure to get in the way." (For more on Chiles' statements, click here.)
The Eurocopter Canada Board of Directors has appointed Romain Trapp as the new Eurocopter Canada President and CEO. Trapp joins Eurocopter Canada, headquartered in Fort Erie, Ontario, from Grand Prairie, Texas, following a five-year term as the Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer for American Eurocopter.
"I am pleased to join Eurocopter Canada and to begin working diligently with and in support of the Canadian operators," said Trapp. "The helicopter industry is continually evolving and I look forward to leading Eurocopter Canada and developing all aspects of the business to meet the needs of our customers".
Trapp has had an impressive career within the EADS Group where he has gained invaluable industry knowledge across all sectors of the aviation business, most recently at American Eurocopter with commercial and governmental operators as an Executive Vice President. His recent appointment as President and CEO of Eurocopter Canada is a tribute to his success and will be in effect from July 1, 2013.
Trapp's career in aviation began at Airbus in Toulouse, France, where he held several key positions for the division one of which was as the Business Systems Controller for the successful A380 Program. His next promotion was as Corporate Controller of the Airbus division at EADS Headquarters in Munich, Germany. In 2005 Romain joined EADS International in the Corporate Marketing organization of EADS, as the Head of Administration and Controlling, in Paris, France. He started his professional career with the French Defense Procurement Agency DGA.
Trapp is a recent graduate of the Stanford Executive Program attended l'Ecole Normale Superieure de Cachan (France) and graduated with a Diploma in Economics and Business Management. He also obtained a Masters in Finance and Econometrics from l'University Paris Sorbonne.
Trapp's predecessor, Guy Joannes, has been at the helm of the Canadian subsidiary for close to four years. Joannes will be leaving to take on a new opportunity for the Eurocopter group in France.
Eurocopter Canada Limited is looking to recognize outstanding achievement in the rotary wing industry with the Annual 'Innovation in Safety Award'.
Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) will celebrate outstanding achievement at the Helicopter Association of Canada annual conference, November 8th-10th in Vancouver, BC. The winner(s) of the 'Innovation in Safety Award' will be chosen by a committee selection process and receive a cash prize of $5,000.00 as well as, recognition of industry professionals.
"It is Eurocopter Canada's intention to highlight the achievement of an individual whose ability to think outside the box has improved safety procedures," said Guy Joannes, President & CEO, ECL. "Aircraft safety is our first priority and we look forward to recognizing those individuals who contribute to our goal of safe flying practices."
This award was established as a point of reference to measure the advanced accomplishments of organizations or individuals in sustaining Canadian helicopter safe flying practices, while employing an exceptional or groundbreaking approach.
The 'Innovation in Safety Award' will be presented to the nominee whose exceptional or groundbreaking approach has demonstrated an impact on the overall goal of safe flying procedures, as recognized through the analysis of skill development, training and any additional resources, while sustaining Canadian helicopter safe flying practices.
To be eligible, nominees must:
- Be a Canadian-owned organization, group, company, agency or resident of Canada.
- Demonstrate a commitment and exceptional dedication to Canadian rotor wing operational safety over an extended period of time (three years or longer).
- Successful completion of a program or research project that has had a significant impact on safety in the Canadian rotor wing industry.
- An outstanding act, effort, contribution or service to safety in the Canadian rotor wing industry.
Deadline for submission is Friday, September 6th, 2013.
Please email applications to:
Laura Senecal
Director, Communications & Corporate Affairs
Laura.Senecal@eurocopter.ca
CHC Helicopter's ongoing transformation produced improved operating margins in its fiscal fourth-quarter 2013, resulting in strong earnings growth despite a slight revenue decline.
Revenue for Q4, which ended April 30, was $439 million, 3 percent lower than the same quarter a year ago. The company reported a net loss of $29 million, which was lower than a $48 million loss in the previous fourth quarter. Adjusted net earnings for the period was $2 million, compared with a quarterly adjusted net loss of $61 million a year ago.
CHC's EBITDAR - earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and aircraft rental costs, its primary gauge of operational profitability - was $137 million, 23 percent higher, reflecting improved pricing discipline and efficiency. EBITDA was $85 million, an increase of 34 percent.
For the full fiscal year, EBITDAR and EBITDA also grew faster than revenue. EBITDAR rose 15 percent and EBITDA 16 percent, while revenue was up 3 percent, to $1.74 billion. A fiscal-2013 adjusted net loss of $59 million was better than adjusted net loss of $88 million for fiscal 2012.
According to CHC President and Chief Executive Officer William Amelio, the company is benefiting from a range of initiatives to enhance tools, systems and processes, and improve execution.
"We are enhancing our capability, efficiency and culture," said Amelio, "Together those improvements are creating great service and value for customers, operating and competitive advantages for CHC, and enhanced safety for all of us."
Highlights from the company's Helicopter Services (flying) activities:
- Higher flying-services revenue included double-digit growth in Norway and the United Kingdom, where most bases are located for the rich North Sea oil-and-gas reserves, and Brazil, a large and rapidly expanding source for the global O&G industry.
- Helicopter Services EBITDAR was up 28 percent.
- During the quarter, CHC won 10 new contracts and bid on two dozen additional tenders that have yet to be awarded - the latter worth a combined $1.1 billion in multiyear revenue.
- The company is well along in preparing for the return of its Eurocopter 225 helicopters to full commercial service, following an industry wide suspension last October of most flights using the aircraft. Resumption of full service requires certain regulatory approvals.
- 4 external revenue for CHC's helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business was down 30 percent. EBITDAR was also down year-over-year, but at a rate nearly one-half of the revenue decline, as Heli-One further streamlined its operations through Lean and other initiatives.
- Over the course of fiscal 2013, the company increased its MRO sales backlog - revenue that is expected to be recognized as contracted services are delivered over time - to a record $300 million.
Latitude Technologies' IONode ION100 flight data recording and reporting device was honored as the 2013 VIATeC Product of the Year Award at this year's VIATeC Technology Awards Gala held at the Victoria (British Columbia) Conference Centre on the evening of June 20, 2013. VIATeC Product of the Year is one of 12 highly sought after awards handed out by the Victoria Advanced Technology Council each year. For 2013, each award was recognized with the presentation of a 24-inch tall, hand-crafted sculpture in the form of a robot, nicknamed Freddy, which was made entirely of recycled tech parts.
In accepting the VIATeC Product of the Year Award, Latitude President, Mark Insley, first expressed his thanks to the Latitude team. "This award belongs to the entire Latitude team, whose hard work, inspiration, and dedication built our IONode FDM hardware." Insley then noted the importance of capturing, processing, and providing fleet customers with high-quality flight data on both a real-time and post-flight basis. "At Latitude, we are absolutely committed to safer flight for our customers, their crews, and their passengers and payloads. The IONode FDM system delivers on this commitment with every installation and every flight."
Eurocopter Canada has delivered a second AS350 B3e aircraft for utility work and passenger transport to Lakeshore Helicopters of Fort McMurray, Alta.
Lakeshore Helicopters' AS350 B3e will join their existing Eurocopter fleet of 2 AS350 B3s and an AS350 B3e that was delivered in April 2012. The addition of a second AS350 B3e to Lakeshore's fleet will provide utility and transport solutions for their customers, who, through experience, have come to rely on the multi-mission platform of the enhanced Ecureuil family of helicopters.
"The AS350B3e has proven to be a steadfast and reliable aircraft for our customers," said Michael Cardinal, President, Lakeshore Helicopters. "To keep up with growing demand, selection of a second AS350 B3e was the logical choice. The aircraft is well suited for our operations and its capabilities are unmatched."
Lakeshore Helicopters is an Aboriginal owned and operated company that offers commercial helicopter services in northern Alberta. Their newly delivered AS350 B3e will support a variety of missions, including Oil & Gas, Research and Development, Power Line Work, Mining, Construction, Aerial Photography and Videography as well as Cargo and Charter Flights.
"The growing popularity of the AS350 B3e in the demanding Canadian Market and Lakeshore Helicopter's decision to add an additional AS350 B3e is a testament to the adaptability of the platform," said Guy Joannes, President and CEO, ECL. "We are pleased with Lakeshore's decision to grow their fleet with Eurocopter."
The AS350B3e is equipped with a variety of utility, transport and safety oriented Eurocopter Optional Equipment, including; AFT Cargo Door Vertical Hinging (including door open warning), Squirrel Cheeks, Longline Release and Carousel Option with Pilot Cyclic Control, Longlining Enlarged Floor Window, Cargo Mirror, Litter Kit, Cowling Maintenance Steps, Airframe Fuel Filter, Settling Protectors, Full Length Skid Shoes and the Canadian Audio Package. The aircraft's Dual Hydraulics option increases MGW, and is quickly becoming a benchmark in the utility sector.
Additional optional equipment on the aircraft includes a Hydraulic Cargo Swing with Fuel Drain Guard, Baggage Extender, Oil Filter and Aerofilter.
Utility operator Wood Buffalo Helicopters has taken delivery of an AS350 B3e from Eurocopter Canada Limited. The new aircraft is part of a fleet renewal and will join their existing fleet of Eurocopter aircraft, which includes five AS350 B2s and two EC120s.
"Acquisition of the AS350 B3e is an investment in the continued security and efficiency of our utility operations," said Michael Morin, President, Wood Buffalo Helicopters. "The AS350 B3e will deliver true multi-mission functionality and reliability for our customer base."
With over 25 years of experience in Northeastern Alberta, Wood Buffalo Helicopters has extensive knowledge of the area and provides a wide variety of utility and transport operations. The AS350 B3e will support numerous missions including Onshore Oil and Gas field operations, Surveying and Patrol, Environmental and Wildlife Surveys as well as, Forest Protection and Fire-fighting.
"The delivery of the AS350 B3e, Wood Buffalo's sixth AS350 aircraft, is a testament to the Ecureuil family and its exceptional reputation for safely supporting utility operations across Canada," said Guy Joannes, President and CEO, Eurocopter Canada Limited. "The AS350 B3e's exceptional lifting capability, high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed make it a perfect fit for Wood Buffalo."
The AS350 B3e has been customized with a variety of Eurocopter designed optional equipment for safe and capable utility operations, including Right-hand Squirrel Cheek, Aft Cargo Forward Opening Kit, Longline Release/Driptorch Plug 50 A with Pilot Cyclic Control, Cargo Mirror, Longlining Enlarged Floor Window, Fuel Filter and Dual Hydraulics. For added comfort, the aircraft has been equipped with an IFS Air Conditioning System.
Additional options on the aircraft include Cargo Swing with Fuel Drain Guard, Dual Controls as well as Oil and Sand Filters.
SkyTrac Systems is pleased to announce that Jon Henderson has joined the SkyTrac team as Vice President of Finance and Administration. Henderson will be working closely with President and CEO Malachi Nordine and SkyTrac's Board of Directors to help drive the company's success.
Henderson is a Chartered Accountant, originally from South Africa, who has invaluable experience in a range of business roles and responsibilities, including finance, ERP systems, logistics, distribution and general management. Henderson's talents and drive have enabled him to hold key leadership positions such as CEO, CFO, Financial Director, Financial Manager and Controller. His work has spanned a variety of industries across three different continents including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, building supplies, insurance, and engineering supplies. Henderson's abilities in leadership, finance, management, system controls, and business development will complement the skills of the existing SkyTrac team. His international business knowledge will further enhance the experience of SkyTrac's global customers. Henderson's impressive resume and talents will prove to be a valuable asset to the company as well as their clientele.
President and CEO, Malachi Nordine, commented, "We are excited and privileged to have Henderson on board as he will play an integral role in the company"s growth, development and expansion. The international experience and knowledge that Henderson brings complements the vision our new executive team has for the company. Talent of this caliber is exactly what we have been scouting as SkyTrac transitions into a new and exciting phase."
