AviIT, Inc. announces it has been awarded the contract to provide eMan to centrally manage the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Air Services' technical manuals. This contract was awarded after a thorough review of all internal processes, which included adopting industry standards to provide 24/7 access to the RCMP Aviation Technical Library.
eMan will be delivered to RCMP as a managed service, hosted in the AviIT Inc. high integrity regional data center. This will give RCMP aircraft maintenance engineers anytime access to all technical manuals and associated service documents regardless of where they are based. By providing a centralized document store and library management capabilities, eMan will virtually eliminate the need for costly, multiple document subscriptions and ensure complete revision management, audit capabilities, compliance tracking and version control. eMan will also allow users to grant temporary access to 3rd party vendors with appropriate safety and security - a powerful capability that supports the realities of maintenance operations.
"We are delighted RCMP Air Services has selected eMan to support the efficient operation of centrally managed technical libraries. RCMP sets a high standard for operational effectiveness and the library management brief reflects this," states Dale Alven, Vice President Technical Solutions at AviIT Inc. "eMan has been designed to solve the difficult task of providing global access to the current version of any maintenance documentation. Our ability to deliver this as a hosted offering, wrapped in a managed service makes for a very compelling proposition. We look forward to long a fruitful relationship with RCMP."
The RCMP maintains 19 Air Sections and currently employs 150 people throughout the country, including 78 pilots and 49 aircraft maintenance engineers and avionics technicians. The Air Services Fleet includes fixed and rotary wing aircraft, all of which have been selected to meet specific needs of the organization.
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce the introduction major enhancements to the maintenance program for the best-selling AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopter, which will reduce maintenance and operating costs and enable operators to further increase aircraft availability and utilization.
Thanks to the proven capabilities and safety demonstrated over nine years of operation with an in service fleet of now more than 580 helicopters that have accumulated approximately 750,000 flight hours so far, AW139 operators can now benefit from a new progressive maintenance program as well as life extensions on major transmission components.
The new progressive maintenance program allows more efficient maintenance planning, especially for those operators who need maximum availability for daylight missions and can resort to maintenance at night, such as in the offshore oil and gas support market. The introduction of the progressive maintenance program has been achieved as a result of the strong cooperation and partnership set up between the company, through its Customer Support & Training and Engineering departments, and customers via a dedicated Maintenance Improvement Team. The new maintenance plan will reduce direct maintenance costs and further increase aircraft availability and utilization.
In a continuing effort to drive down AW139 operating costs AgustaWestland has been able to extend the Time Between Overhaul (TBO) for the AW139's Main Gearbox from the current 5000 flight hours to 6000 flight hours and the Tail and Intermediate Gearboxes from 5000 flight hours to 7500 flight hours. The 20% and 50% increase in TBO will be a significant benefit to operators in reducing their operating costs as well as making the aircraft even more competitive in the market it now dominates.
State-of-the-art technology, outstanding performance, low operating costs and the only helicopter in its class to meet the latest operational standards, have made the AW139 the helicopter of choice in the intermediate twin market and the benchmark in the global oil & gas sector and other roles. With its power reserve, the AW139 delivers Category A (Class 1) performance from a helipad (elevated or at ground level) at maximum take-off weight with an unmatched one engine inoperative capability. Over 200 customers have ordered more than 730 AW139 helicopters so far.
The AW139 is part of the AgustaWestland Family of new generation helicopters that includes the AW169 and AW189 models, which possess the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features as well as sharing a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concept. This commonality will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets across the 4 to 8.5 tonnes categories.
For the AW189 and AW169 AgustaWestland is progressing the definition of the relevant Maintenance Programmes through the MSG-3 methodology, having established dedicated Maintenance Review Boards in which experts from leading helicopter operators in the offshore, EMS and SAR markets participate as well as those from engine manufactures and aviation authorities.
Vector Aerospace and SECA, a Vector Aerospace Company, leading providers of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services are pleased to announce the signing of a Service Agreement with TAM EXECUTIVA, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil to perform engine repair, hot section inspections (HSI), testing, modification, overhaul services, and parts distribution on PT6A and JT15D Series Aircraft Gas Turbine Engines and to perform engine repair, Major Periodic Inspection (MPI), testing, modification, Core Zone Inspection (CZI) services, on TFE 731 Series Aircraft Gas Turbine Engines.
"This Service Agreement is important for Vector Aerospace and SECA, as it is an excellent opportunity for us to present our wide range of fixed-wing and helicopter MRO services within the Latin American market," says Jeff Poirier, president of Vector Aerospace Engine Services - Atlantic. "Our knowledgeable team of Sales and Customer Service specialists look forward to closely working with TAM EXECUTIVA to provide superior service and support their specific repair, overhaul and fleet maintenance requirements."
Jean-Jacques Reboul, president of SECA (Interim) says, "We look forward to working with TAM EXECUTIVA. It is an excellent opportunity to present our extensive portfolio of services including our GEMS (Global Engine Management Service) program; a combination of support and services aimed at addressing each and every specific need of TAM EXECUTIVA."
A combined comprehensive service portfolio from Vector Aerospace and SECA includes: Rolls-Royce M250; Rolls-Royce T56/501D; Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T, PT6A, JT15D, PW100, PW305, PW307 and PW308A series engines;Turbomeca Arriel 1 and Arriel 2; General Electric T58 / CT58 and CT-7A / T700 engines; Honeywell TFE731 and Honeywell ALF 502/LF507 (all engine lines include complete test capability); dynamic components, full-service avionics capability; up to and including glass cockpit engineering, development and integration, complete aircraft rewires, as well as airframes and major inspections support for a variety of Eurocopter, Sikorsky, Boeing and AgustaWestland helicopter models.
The Night Vision Awards selection committee announced they are now taking nominations for the Mark of Excellence Award for the award ceremony to be held in Dallas, Texas at NightCon 2013 on Sept. 15, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
The Mark of Excellence Award recognizes a unit/company that has shown dedication to quality and excellence in their operation.
"The last Night Vision Award Show held in July at the Airborne Law Enforcement Association conference had such a great response that the event became standing room only, for the third year in a row," said show Emcee Scott Emerine. "This will be the first time the Mark of Excellence Award will be given out at NightCon. We look forward to seeing another overwhelming response of support for the winners at this show as well."
The Night Vision Awards are an awards series with recognition events held throughout the year hosted by ASU, Night Flight Concepts, Vertical Magazine and RotorCraft Pro Media Network. The purpose of this event series is to promote operational leadership and excellence in the use of Night Vision, in North America and around the world.
Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 6, 2013. Recipient must be attending NightCon 2013 in order to qualify for the award. Any flight operation using any night vision systems is eligible for consideration. Award nomination packets can be downloaded or filled out at http://www.nightvisionawards.com. Nominators are asked to submit photos, videos and stories about their use of night vision systems along with their nomination form. Applicants are asked to email supporting materials to scott@brandingiron.com. A full list of previous winners and award description can be found on http://www.nightvisionawards.com.
DART Aerospace is pleased to announce the launch of its Bearpaw Kit with Wearplates as well as its Heli-Utility-Basket for Eurocopter BK117 and EC145 models. The products were developed for a variety of market applications including utility, forestry, tourism and more, to transport mission-critical tooling and equipment and to provide stability when landing or taking off in soft terrain.
With the launch of these new products along with its existing skidtubes, DART is opening up the possibilities for BK117 operators, making it possible for them to bid on utility contracts. "DART listens and helps provide products that are innovative and essential to support the various A/C fleets companies have," explains Jeff Denomme, President of Great Slave Helicopters (GSH). "DART works closely with GSH in order to provide superior products that will help us complete our missions safely and efficiently."
DART Aerospace Bearpaws provide balance and stability when landing or taking off in soft terrain, such as tundra, snow or sand type environments. Made of high density polymer that resists cracking, chipping and breaking, the one-piece machined construction ensures consistent and deliberate load transfer. The Bearpaw Kit received approval from Transport Canada and EASA. FAA approval is expected shortly.
The DART Heli-Utility-Basket provides an easy and secure method to transport cargo. It is constructed of corrosion-resistant stainless steel and is coated with a high-gloss, scratch-resistant white finish. A self-locking handle keeps cargo secure during flight and the easy bolt-on installation allows you to install or remove the basket in minutes wherever you are. The Heli-Utility-Basket has received approval from Transport Canada. FAA and EASA approvals are expected shortly.
HNZ Group Inc. announced on Aug. 13 that its Board of Directors has declared monthly dividends of $0.091875 per Common Share and Variable Voting Shares, payable on each of November 15, 2013, December 13, 2013 and January 15, 2014 to holders of record at the close of business October 31, 2013, November 29, 2013 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
The foregoing dividends are designated as "eligible" dividends for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar provincial legislation.
HNZ's Board of Directors review the applicable dividend rates on a quarterly basis. Shareholders are entitled to receive dividends only when any such dividends are declared by HNZ's Board of Directors, and there is no entitlement to any dividend prior thereto.
Unmanned Vehicle University (UVU) and the International Test Pilots School (ITPS) in Ontario, Canada have reached an agreement to partner in a first in the world civil and military UAV flight test training program.
Commercial UAV operations are legal and regulated in Canada. Unmanned Vehicle University is licensed to grant degrees in Unmanned Systems Engineering and the International Test Pilots School trains test pilots and flight test engineers through the ITPS Graduate (12 month) and Diploma (6 month) programs. Both schools already have an international customer base and are known for excellence in their respective fields of expertise. UVU already has a successful graduate degree program track for UAV program/project management and systems engineering. "Now we are adding a track for UAV Flight Test," says UVU President Dr Jerry LeMieux.
"During the UVU/ITPS partnership, UVU will provide instruction, course schedules, training materials, course development and degree training management," says ITPS President Giorgio Clementi. "Unmanned Air Vehicles are being operated by most air forces and military services globally, it is essential that ITPS graduate flight testers also be Subject Matter Experts in Unmanned Aircraft Systems test and evaluation. The partnership with UVU ensures that ITPS graduates will receive instruction in UAS flight test from experts in the field and earn a valuable post graduate qualification, whilst qualifying as test pilots and engineers."
UVU and ITPS will provide to industry and approved air forces, a training program that combines the ITPS graduate test pilot and flight test engineer program with a Master's Degree in Unmanned Systems Engineering - Flight Test Track from UVU. UVU has two former USAF Test Pilot School (TPS) graduates including a former TPS Director and the TPS graduate that developed the first in the world Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) Flight Test Program for TPS. ITPS has a staff of test pilots and flight test engineers including the former Director of Flight Operations and Test Pilot for the BAE Systems Mantis UAV as well as the former Head of Flying, EADS (UK) UAS Operations. Together, these individuals will manage and instruct the UAS academic and flying program at the ITPS facility in Canada.
Unmanned Vehicle University is based in Phoenix, Arizona and is licensed to grant Doctorate and Master's Degrees in Unmanned Systems Engineering and for undergraduates, a Certificate in Unmanned Systems Project Management.
Eurocopter Canada has delivered a new AS350 B3e to Paul's Aircraft Services, based out of Yellowknife, N.W.T.
Paul's Aircraft Services' new AS350 B3e will join their existing Eurocopter fleet of four AS350s. This is the first delivery of the enhanced AS350 B3e to Paul's Aircraft Services. The addition of the aircraft for Paul's Aircraft Services will provide a new utility solution for their customers.
"The Ecureuil family of helicopters has proven to be extremely reliable and versatile," said Mr. Adrian Rosenberg, Chief Pilot / Director of Maintenance, Paul's Aircraft Services. "The enhancements of the B3e will surely satisfy the continually changing requirements of our customers across North America."
Paul's Aircraft Services' leases their fleet of aircraft to utility based clientele across Canada and the United States. Their newly delivered AS350 B3e will support a variety of missions thanks to its ability to excel in high altitudes and hot conditions, making it the ultimate utility aircraft.
"Paul Aircraft Services' loyalty to the Eurocopter brand is a great testimony of the success of our aircraft," said Mr. Romain Trapp, President and CEO, ECL. "We look forward to continue to supporting their fleet of aircraft and operations."
The AS350 B3e can be configured, and easily reconfigured, with a long list of certified Eurocopter optional equipment for a wide variety of utility missions. With its lifting power capacity, endurance and maneuverability, the AS350 B3e is always equipped for the most rigorous missions and sling work.
The high-performance member of the Ecureuil family, the AS350 B3e, is the reference for all other single engine helicopters for performance, versatility, safety and competitive acquisition as well as, maintenance costs.
The AS350 B3e is powered with a Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine including a new generation dual digital engine control system (FADEC), backed up with one independent control system for automatic start-up sequences and care-free engine handling. The AS350 B3e cockpit is fitted with a dual LCD-screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD), allowing the pilot to check at one glance the main vehicle and engine parameters - thus reducing his workload and enhancing safety.
Latitude Technologies is very pleased to announce that Coast to Coast Helicopters, one of Canada's largest air fleet operators, has selected Latitude's IONode FDM system for installation on a Bell 212 going into service for Coast to Coast subsidiary Mustang Helicopters based in Blackfalds, Alberta. The installation includes a Latitude SkyNode S200 Satcom voice, messaging, and tracking unit, enabling real-time event notifications as part of the IONode FDM system.
Latitude's IONode ION3 and ION4 lightweight flight data recorders and the IONode FDM system including Latitude Flight Analytics are quickly gaining worldwide recognition as the preferred FDM system for fleet operators wanting a high-quality and comprehensive flight and engine data monitoring, recording, and reporting solution at a cost-affordable price.
Coast to Coast Helicopters group is the largest family-owned business in Canada with over 130 aircraft. The fleet is composed of 19 varieties including medium, intermediate and light lift helicopters and fixed wing, operating from a global network of bases. In the last 15 years, six reputable operators from across Canada have joined Coast to Coast including Mustang Helicopters, Heli-Excel, Heli-Inter, Exact Air, Heli-Nation, and Helicraft. Coast to Coast offers its clients full coverage across Canada with capable, solid and focused service in the aircraft industry.
Conklin & de Decker has released the latest version of LIFE CYCLE COST 2013 Volume II. The most powerful aircraft budgeting and financial analysis tool available, LIFE CYCLE COST from Conklin & de Decker, provides aircraft owners, operators, flight department managers, and aircraft consultants with independently researched ownership and operating cost data for more than 400 jets, turboprops, helicopters and piston aircraft.
LIFE CYCLE COST budgeting software is part of a family of aircraft operating and acquisition products developed by Conklin & de Decker that places all cost aspects of owning and operating an aircraft into one easy-to-use program. Aircraft acquisition costs, operating costs, taxes, final residual values and revenues (if the user's aircraft is used in commercial operations) are all pre-loaded into this business aviation budgeting tool.
Other unique features of LIFE CYCLE COST include the ability to edit the maintenance costs, or add your own data; choose a guaranteed maintenance program, or "pay as you go" indicate managed aircraft with or without supplemental charter; compare New versus Used aircraft or quickly prepare cash flows with only a few clicks. Making changes to the pre-loaded data is simple, and fast.
Latest updates for this valuable tool includes new features that will enhance the budgeting process. The new features include:
- The ability to select between "Time Since" and "Time Remaining" for inspections, overhauls, and Life Limited Parts.
- Updated fuel, maintenance and acquisition costs
- Jets: Cessna's New Citation Sovereign
- Turboprops: Cessna Grand Caravan EX, and Grand Caravan EX with Cargo Door
- Pistons: Cirrus SR22T G5
- Helicopters: Eurocopter EC 145 T2
Output from the program can help the user in a variety of ways by providing the operations department with a 12-month budget analysis or up-to a 20-year cost projection for variable and fixed costs. The program calculates the Net Present Value (NPV) and after-tax cash flow for a corporate or commercial program. This enables the finance department to quickly compare the net present value of different acquisition or disposition methods for multiple aircraft while also learning more about the factors (betterment/detriment) that affect an aircraft's value.
"No one else in the industry goes into the depth and detail of aircraft cost data like we do," stated David Wyndham, Vice President and co-owner of Conklin & de Decker. "The pre-loaded data for over 400 jets, turboprops, helicopters and piston aircraft, make it easy to create a comprehensive budget for any aviation operation."
Running LIFE CYCLE COST requires a Windows PC with Microsoft Excel 97 or later. Mac users with Excel 2011 or Excel 2004 can also run the Life Cycle Cost.
Database options include Jets, Turboprops, Helicopters, Pistons and the major US-based Fractional Ownership programs. Current prices for the software (delivered in the US/Canada) are $795 for the jets database, $625 for the turboprop or helicopter database and $475 for the piston database. The Fractional database is free with the purchase of any other LIFE CYCLE COST database. A single aircraft version is also available. Users can specify from one to five aircraft and pay for only those aircraft that they need. Pricing is $225 for the first aircraft, with a 20% discount when ordering more than one aircraft.
