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OPINION: Preventive Maintenance Strategies for Aerospace Parts Manufacturing

Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) technology is the leading approach that caters to the particular demands for material integrity in aerospace parts manufacturing. CNC methods automate the movement of machine tools based on a pre-programmed design to ensure accurate machining. (Photo: Juice Images/Getty Images)

This article was contributed by Eric Whitley, Director of Smart Manufacturing at L2L.

The global aerospace parts manufacturing market, valued at USD 851 billion in 2021, is expected to continue its growth in the coming years. Extraordinary attention to reliability and safety, with continually evolving design requirements, sets high expectations for parts manufacturing. Coping with the demands of the industry while sustaining competitive advantage requires a dependable, forward-looking maintenance strategy.

Essential Equipment in Aerospace Manufacturing

Aerospace manufacturing involves the fabrication of components for commercial aircraft, military-grade jets, spacecraft, and propulsion systems. Such applications expose parts to extreme conditions and stresses that require durable—yet lightweight—materials. On top of these factors, components require precise measurements that can withstand extreme conditions.

Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) technology is the leading approach that caters to the industry’s particular demands on material integrity. CNC methods automate the movement of machine tools based on a pre-programmed design to ensure accurate machining. The range of equipment with CNC capabilities can span turning, milling, drilling, or a combination of these fabrication procedures.

Multiple-axis CNC machining, such as a 5-axis CNC machine, allows the flexibility to achieve more intricate geometries if required. Accomplishing the same level of complexity using a simpler piece of equipment requires additional steps that reduce efficiency and introduce more potential for error.

More sophisticated equipment requires a broader range of tooling and integrated subsystems. As manufacturing processes become more accurate and efficient with advanced equipment, each piece of the more extensive system needs special care and attention to ensure reliable operations.

Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Manufacturers need to maximize value from the backbone of their operations at all times. Taking a piece of equipment out of service incurs substantial losses to a company in the form of reduced production capacities. A practical approach to mitigating failure is to get ahead of potential concerns. 

It might seem impossible to monitor every component used within a production facility. Several CNC machines, for instance, are comprised of hundreds—if not thousands—of individual parts. The good news is that best practices continue to evolve and find their way to users and service providers, making sure that all stakeholders understand the habits they need to form, such as checking hydraulic fluids and grease pressure.

Preventive maintenance checklists are excellent starting points for assessing the state of a machine and any potential servicing needed. While specific assets may require specialized steps, procedures typically classify tasks according to evaluation frequencies—such as daily, quarterly, and semi-annual checkpoints.

  • Daily routines require condition inspections, such as ensuring working pressure levels for hydraulic systems, maintaining lubrication levels, and general housekeeping to clear out debris and filings.
  • Quarterly activities may focus on more substantial areas, including inspecting or replacing conveyor system parts, drive belts and cooling system filters.
  • Semi-annual checkpoints typically include oil-change procedures for lubricating systems, coolant flushing, leveling recalibration and cleaning out chucks and jaws.

Other activities, performed annually or as needed, include multi-axis alignment and calibration, motor inspections, and gearbox system examinations.  

A good maintenance program is only effective if it enables flawless operation—one that can sustain continuous production. (Photo: Aerotech)

Inventory Management

Recent market challenges and supply chain disruptions highlight the importance of sustained business operations through parts availability. These learnings are more relevant than ever, especially to manufacturers that provide equipment for the aviation industry.

A good maintenance program is only effective if it enables flawless operation, one that can sustain continuous production. Having the right spare parts, tooling instruments and consumables on the shelf is essential for equipping maintenance teams to perform the required work assignments.

In a reactive approach to random or unforeseen failure, having a spare part on hand can spell the difference between an immediate fix and an extended waiting period. In such cases, critical spare parts should be stored nearby with easy access.

A Holistic Approach to Maintenance

It is vital to tackle maintenance with a strategic and holistic approach. Manufacturers should prioritize proactive strategies to keep factories at peak performance. However, contingencies need to be in place in the event of unplanned breakdowns, anticipating potential failure modes and countermeasures. The main challenge for manufacturers is optimizing resources in order to maximize reliability.

Modern tools in the industry aim to integrate several areas of a company into an empowered decision-making process. Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software, for instance, bridges the gap between maintenance demands and resource allocation. 

Going back to the example of a 5-axis CNC machine, performance and conditional readings from the equipment can feed into the EAM program as data inputs. The comprehensive information is then translated into actionable insights and can be further automated to trigger procurement requirements and work scheduling.

In exploring innovations that take a more holistic approach to maintenance, recent ones also enhance communication between end users and manufacturers. Seamless information transfers—through secure channels—enable customers to share flight data directly with manufacturers. These developments allow manufacturers to better prepare for demands and provide a targeted strategy for supplying products and maximizing production schedules.

A preventive maintenance strategy enables aerospace parts manufacturers to sustain an advantage in a competitive industry. Specialized equipment requires unique maintenance standards to ensure performance. While the task is challenging, a well-guided strategy paired with the appropriate tools open opportunities for continuous improvement.

Eric Whitley is a leader in the manufacturing space. In addition to the many publications and articles Eric has written on various manufacturing topics, you may know him from his efforts leading the Total Productive Maintenance effort at Autoliv ASP or from his involvement in the Management Certification programs at The Ohio State University, where he served as an adjunct faculty member.

After an extensive career as a reliability and business improvement consultant, Eric joined L2L, where he currently serves as the Director of Smart Manufacturing and helps clients implement L2L’s pragmatic approach to corporate digital transformation.

The post OPINION: Preventive Maintenance Strategies for Aerospace Parts Manufacturing appeared first on Avionics International.

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Bombardier Reports Strong Financial Results in 2022

“The 2022 results we are presenting today are a resoundingly positive culmination of a strong year,” said Bombardier CEO Éric Martel. (Photo: Bombardier)

Recently, Bombardier announced the details of its 2022 financial performance, touting success in all of its set metrics. Aided by strong demand, an increase in aftermarket services, and a strong product mix of various aircraft types, the manufacturer enjoyed a strong 2022 and looks optimistically to the coming years.

Éric Martel, Bombardier’s CEO, demonstrated his enthusiasm for the company’s financial performance when he explained, “The 2022 results we are presenting today are a resoundingly positive culmination of a strong year, and a testament to the team’s effort to execute in the fourth quarter. We exceeded commitments across the board, be it on deliveries, our growing aftermarket business and profitability,”

Bombardier is a major player in the aviation industry. Despite the end of the production of its popular commercial regional jets (Canadian Regional Jets or CRJs) after Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi purchased the program in June 2020, the corporation has an extensive list of business jets it currently offers the market. Most notably is Bombardier’s Challenger Series, which includes the 350, 650, 5500, 6500, and 7500 variants. 

In 2022, Bombardier delivered 123 of these aircraft, which contributed to its $6.9 Billion in revenue for the year. This revenue is up 14% from 2022’s levels. In addition to aircraft sales and deliveries, aftermarket services played a significant role in the generation of this revenue. Aftermarket services (which mainly aim to support customers after a completed aircraft sale) include things like assistance in the re-marketing of Bombardier aircraft, assisting startup customers, performing maintenance services, and connecting customers with a worldwide parts network designed to deliver replacement parts to where they are needed quickly.

Bombardier’s high revenue levels are coupled with an equally successful profit. It reported an EBITDA (a metric that examines profitability before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) of $930 million. This presents a stark increase of 45% from the previous year. With these profits, the company was able to repay $1.1 billion of debt with cash. This caused a drop in interest costs and a positive earnings per share (EPS) when combined with tax attributes on the company’s balance sheet.

Bombardier has reason to look toward 2023 optimistically. It expects this year’s revenue to exceed $7.6 billion. This increase in revenue will be supported by more aircraft deliveries (of which Bombardier currently anticipates 138) and the sustained growth of aftermarket services. It has already begun expanding this offering through the recruitment of technicians and the expansion of its service network.

Bombardier is also looking beyond this year and toward 2025. On March 23, 2023, the company will host Bombardier’s 2023 Investor Day. Company executives will provide insight into each of Bombardier’s focuses: defense, expanding its aftermarket services, and ESG objectives. As the aviation industry continues on the road to recovery, Bombardier’s financial success in 2022 indicates the strong increase of demand business aviation has seen as the industry returns to normalcy.

The post Bombardier Reports Strong Financial Results in 2022 appeared first on Avionics International.

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SITA to Implement Facial Biometrics at Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport is coordinating with SITA and NEC to implement SITA’s Smart Path biometric facial recognition platform. (Photo: SITA)

Air transport technology firm SITA has been contracted to implement a “check-in-to-boarding” biometric facial recognition platform at Frankfurt Airport (FRA).

Participating passengers will not even have to use touchscreens, SITA said, with kiosks and gates throughout the airport able to recognize facial biometrics. Added biometric kiosks and scanning stations will be installed at FRA during the first half of 2023 to enable the end-to-end biometric experience.

SITA’s contract is with Fraport, the company that manages Frankfurt Airport.

“From enrollment at a kiosk or counter, to pre-security automated gates and self-boarding gates, passengers can use biometric technology to seamlessly pass through each stage of the journey by simply scanning their face,” SITA said in a statement announcing the project, which it said “breaks new ground in the development of digital travel by providing a true common-use biometric platform at all [Frankfurt Airport] terminals, open to all airlines operating at the airport.”

“Passengers can use biometric technology to seamlessly pass through each stage of the journey by simply scanning their face.” (Photo: SITA)

SITA’s Smart Path platform will be implemented at the airport. In a description of Smart Path on its website, SITA noted passengers can “easily check in luggage in as little as 15 seconds” using facial biometrics and then move through the airport using their faces as a sole form of identification.

SITA has partnered with NEC Corp., which is providing its NEC I:Delight facial recognition technology for the FRA project. “Powered by industry-leading contactless biometric solutions that make touchpoints touchless, NEC I:Delight shapes personalized experiences that are safe, secure and hygienic while being seamlessly enjoyable,” NEC said in a description of the platform.

SITA said FRA is a particularly appealing airport to implement facial biometrics because Lufthansa, the hub’s leading airline, is already using NEC I:Delight technology as part of the growing Star Alliance Biometrics program. Lufthansa is a founding member of Star and FRA is one of the global airline alliance’s primary hubs.

Star Alliance said the biometrics program “leverages face recognition technology to enable passengers to experience fast, accurate and seamless recognition at self-service baggage drop, security access, airport/airline lounges and boarding gates instead of using their passports and boarding passes.”

Star said passengers enroll once in the biometrics program and “can then use the service with any participating airline at any participating airport.”

The Star Alliance is seeking to implement facial biometrics with as many of its 26 member airlines at as many airports as possible. (Photo: SITA)

SITA’s project at Frankfurt Airport will utilize “the biometric identities of Lufthansa passengers enrolled on Star Alliance’s platform, enabling seamless identification of passengers without additional process steps across multiple participating airports and airlines.”

The Star Alliance is seeking to implement facial biometrics with as many of its 26 member airlines at as many airports as possible. “Key learnings from the Fraport project will be considered for further implementations across the [Star] network,” according to the air transport technology firm.

“With this implementation, Fraport is leading the industry in responding to shifting passenger demands for greater autonomy and convenience, while helping to maximize operational efficiencies,” SITA President – Europe, Sergio Colella, said.

The post SITA to Implement Facial Biometrics at Frankfurt Airport appeared first on Avionics International.

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Joby Aviation Completes the Second Stage of the FAA Type Certification Process

Joby Aviation has completed the second stage in the type certification process, the company announced last week. (Photo: Joby Aviation)

eVTOL developer Joby Aviation has successfully completed the second stage in the type certification process, according to an announcement from the company last week. The Federal Aviation Administration requires companies to progress through five stages before receiving type certification for commercial passenger use of their aircraft. The first stage is defining the Certification Basis, while the second stage involves identifying the methods of demonstrating its Means of Compliance.

Joby claims that it is the first eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) developer to complete the second stage of the process. It was the first of the eVTOL companies to complete the first stage—its Certification Basis is published in the Federal Register. The team is working towards a launch date of 2025 for commercial passenger service.

In the company’s announcement, it clarifies, “It is typical for a small portion of the Means of Compliance to remain open to allow for further collaboration on minor design changes and improvements that may occur later in the certification process. With 94% of our Means of Compliance now accepted by the FAA, Joby considers the second stage essentially complete.”

Didier Papadopoulos, Head of Aircraft OEM at Joby Aviation, said, “Certification is an integral part of everything that an aerospace company does and with the achievement of this critical milestone, we’re now able to confidently focus our efforts on closing the remaining certification plans and completing the testing required to certify our aircraft,” in a statement.

Certification Plans is the third stage of the certification process, and Testing and Analysis defines stage four. The final stage of type certification is to “Show and Verify.” Joby’s team has made progress in stage three; they have submitted their first equipment-level qualification test plan to the FAA in addition to four area-specific certification plans.

Joby announced on Tuesday that it has started final assembly of its first company-conforming eVTOL aircraft. Manufacturing took place at the company’s facility in Marina, California. It is qualified as a company-conforming aircraft because it was created “in accordance with a released design and built according to a complete implementation of a quality management system,” according to the press release.

Joby has started final assembly of its first company-conforming eVTOL aircraft. (Photo: Joby Aviation)

“Joby’s Quality Management System, matured over a number of years, includes tracking and documentation of every part on the aircraft, configuration management of engineering drawings, environmental conditions during fabrication, and actions taken by manufacturing technicians,” according to a statement from the company.

Now, the team is starting installation of the wiring, actuation, electronics, and propulsion systems on its pilot production line. Joby’s objective is to start flight tests before July of this year.

The post Joby Aviation Completes the Second Stage of the FAA Type Certification Process appeared first on Avionics International.

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Blade and BETA Conduct Test Flight of Piloted eVTOL Aircraft

Blade Air Mobility and BETA Technologies completed the first test flight of a piloted eVTOL aircraft in the greater New York City area. (Photo: Brian Jenkins/BETA Technologies)

This week, Blade Air Mobility and BETA Technologies completed the first test flight of a piloted eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft in the greater New York City area. BETA’s six-passenger ALIA-250 eVTOL performed this flight at the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York.

“This demonstration is a big milestone in our transition from helicopters to electric vertical aircraft, and we are pleased that our partners at BETA have designed the right aircraft with the requisite range, capacity, and noise profile, for use in our key markets,” commented Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal. 

An all-electric propulsion system powers BETA’s aircraft. It flew alongside a conventional helicopter during part of the test flight this week to highlight its noise profile—one-tenth of the sound decibel level of a helicopter.

Kyle Clark, BETA’s Founder and CEO, also commented on the announcement, remarking that this achievement is one more step towards delivering their eVTOL aircraft to support operations in urban markets worldwide. “We continue to progress our aircraft, flying real-life missions and gaining proficiency in the national airspace,” Clark stated.

In April 2021, Blade announced plans to purchase up to 20 of BETA’s ALIA aircraft for passenger service. Blade also entered into a partnership with eVTOL developer Wisk Aero in May 2021. Wisk intends to operate 30 of its eVTOL aircraft using Blade’s network of terminals in the U.S.

BETA also achieved several milestones in 2022. In March, two U.S. Air Force pilots became the first Airmen to fly an electric aircraft with military airworthiness approval. The flight was hosted at BETA’s hangar and testing facility in Plattsburgh, New York. In July,

In December, BETA partnered with the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and the FAA to conduct a 50-foot drop test on a full-scale battery system designed for an electric aircraft. 

BETA Technologies is one of Air New Zealand’s partners for the Mission Next Gen Aircraft program. The companies are coordinating to make sustainable aviation a reality in New Zealand by developing the necessary technology and infrastructure. Other partners include Heart Aerospace, Airbus, Embraer, and Universal Hydrogen.

The post Blade and BETA Conduct Test Flight of Piloted eVTOL Aircraft appeared first on Avionics International.

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UK Ministry of Defence Awards Contract to Thales and Schiebel for “Eye in the Sky” Uncrewed Air System

Thales and Schiebel will provide an uncrewed air system, or UAS, to the UK’s Ministry of Defence that can be used in more congested maritime environments. (Photo: Schiebel)

Thales and Schiebel recently announced that they have been granted a contract from the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence with the goal of delivering a rotary wing Uncrewed Air System (UAS). This aircraft will provide aerial surveillance for Royal Navy Warships alongside a plethora of other benefits.

Thales is a global technology company with operations across five continents. With 81,000 employees, the company strives to develop new technologies involving artificial intelligence, big data, quantum technology, connectivity and cyber security. The company develops $16.2 billion of revenue annually, leaving it with plenty of resources used to create new technological innovations. Its focus is on markets like defense, aerospace, and digital security—making its collaboration with the Ministry of Defence a promising venture.

Schiebel Group produces high-tech military and commercial products. Its team is focused on developing, designing, and producing the CAMCOPTER S-100 Unmanned Air System.

Under the contract, Thales and Schiebel will provide a UAS that can be used in more congested maritime environments. Additionally, it will have quick launch capabilities coupled with a long range and high endurance. Traits like this will allow it to protect Royal Navy ships by giving them time to prepare a response to a multitude of situations that can occur on the seas during conflict.

Specifically, Schiebel will provide the Royal Navy with its CAMCOPTER S-100. With over 100,000 operating hours, this UAS has proven itself as reliable and a good tool for achieving important objectives. It has already been successfully employed in deck-launched operations and can operate in a wide variety of weather conditions with a range of 200 km (about 125 miles). It can also navigate automatically using GPS waypoints while still offering an option to be pilot controlled. 

“The S-100 is the optimal UAS for a growing number of Navies worldwide and has proven its superiority and outstanding capabilities throughout its numerous operational deployments.” (Photo: Schiebel)

In addition to these operational features, the CAMCOPTER S-100 features a high-definition camera that sends images to its control station in real time. It also utilizes “fly-by-wire” technology, enabling it to complete many of its missions automatically, even in more complex electromagnetic settings.

The features the CAMCOPTER S-100 offers will provide the Royal Navy with modernized benefits. As Alex Cresswell, the CEO of Thales, explained in the announcement, “This is a significant milestone for the Royal Navy as it is an immediate enhancement to its operational capability, but it also supports their strategic transition to uncrewed technology in line with their Future Maritime Aviation Force strategy. I am pleased that our long tradition of supporting the Royal Navy’s ‘eyes and ears’ situational awareness capability continues with this latest contract.”

“The S-100 is the optimal UAS for a growing number of Navies worldwide and has proven its superiority and outstanding capabilities throughout its numerous operational deployments,” remarked Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group.

With this new contract, both Thales and Schiebel, along with the Ministry of Defence, will capitalize on their strengths. Thales and Schiebel’s years of experience—combined with the Ministry of Defence’s expertise in strategy—will help the Royal Navy modernize its technological infrastructure and strategy.

The post UK Ministry of Defence Awards Contract to Thales and Schiebel for “Eye in the Sky” Uncrewed Air System appeared first on Avionics International.

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Intel and Daedalean Share Insights on Implementation of Machine Learning in Embedded Systems

Intel and Daedalean just published a white paper presenting a reference design for a computational platform that can carry a machine-learned application and that is also certifiable. (Photo: Intel)

Intel wrote a white paper in collaboration with Daedalean, a startup working on machine-learned solutions in the aviation space. Published this week, the report features a reference design for an AI application that can act as a never-distracted copilot. This new design is certifiable, meaning it is expected to pass regulatory tests. By releasing this paper, the two companies hope to provide actionable steps for companies looking to integrate certifiable machine-learned electronics and applications into their aircraft.

The white paper was authored by Debra Aubrey, Technical Product Marketing Manager at Intel Corporation; Dr. Yemaya Bordain, President of Americas at Daedalean; and Dr. Niels Haandbaek, Director of Engineering at Daedalean.

Artificial intelligence is dominating 2023 news cycles and is becoming a formidable tool in many industries. Until recently, however, no small, multidirectional embedded computational equipment existed that was operational and that also met aviation safety requirements.

In fact, the industry still needs the first step towards a future with multidirectional embedded computational equipment: a reference architecture, or specific list of requirements to create the right types of computers. A reference architecture encompasses regulatory requirements, low-level and high-level softwares, and silicon solutions for machine-learned applications. Regulators also need to review a reference architecture and certify that it will create predictable, safe behavior in the sky.

Daedalean, the Swiss-based startup responsible for the AI copilot, one of the most advanced machine-learned systems in avionics, has been working on a machine learning algorithm and a reference architecture for a computer able to execute it. They tested the reference architecture in labs and on in-flight aircrafts to develop what they call situational intelligence, the ability for machine-learned applications to predict and respond to future events.

To make the time-to-market quicker for companies interested in their applications, Daedalean’s team partnered with Intel, who provides much-needed silicon to manufacture these applications. The two companies collaborated on a reference architecture that speeds up the time-to-market, allowing companies to integrate machined-learned computers into their cockpits faster.

In this white paper, Daedalean and Intel lay out the reference architecture for certifiable embedded electronics. The report discusses the challenges to applying software assurance to machine-learned devices, the visual awareness system they utilize, and the current and future role of embedded computing in the industry. They also take a look at the software and hardware requirements which ensure aviation systems are safe and effective.

According to a statement provided by Intel and Daedalean, the reference architecture “can significantly reduce time-to-market for companies interested in incorporating what they have coined situational intelligence—the ability not only to understand and make sense of the current environment and situation but also anticipate and react to a future situation—in the cockpit.”

“The publication provides actionable insights for companies developing solutions in the field of certifiable embedded electronics for A&D. This is the first document ever to present a real-world working example and provide guidance on how to approach the challenges of implementing the machine learning application in airworthy embedded systems in general: how to ensure that your ML-based system can meet the computational requirements, certification requirements, and the size, weight, and power (SWaP) limitations at the same time. The approach described in the document is driving the aviation industry’s need for high-performance embedded computing.”

From ChatGPT to AI TikTok filters, machine-learned applications are seemingly everywhere. This white paper can help bring the power of AI to avionics. It is the first document to present a working example of a machine-learned system and to provide guidance about how to overcome application challenges.

The actionable recommendations and findings in the new report can drive the industry’s desire for high-performance embedded computing. It offers a new way to approach challenges and to ensure future applications meet the industry requirements. This foundational real-world example from Daedalean and Intel has the potential to cultivate a new wave of airworthy machine-learned applications.

The post Intel and Daedalean Share Insights on Implementation of Machine Learning in Embedded Systems appeared first on Avionics International.

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Concerns Raised Over the Ability of the FAA to Efficiently Certify eVTOLs

A hearing on aviation safety took place this week, during which concerns were raised about the certification processes developed by the FAA and their ability to enable imminent operations for innovative types of aircraft. (Photo created using DALL·E 2)

The certification processes created by the FAA may not be efficient and modern enough to enable the timely approval of a slew of new technologies under development, such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Congress was warned during a hearing on aviation safety.

Testifying this week before the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO Pete Bunce said, “The current certification process was developed in the 1960s and reflects an era when aircraft were simpler.”

He added that the FAA “takes a document-centric approach that is very transactional in nature …  In the 1960s, the processes did not envision the extent of computer modeling and simulation that the industry is capable of today. Nor did it envision the highly integrated complex aircraft that achieve today’s safety standards.”

Bunce told lawmakers that the wave of new aviation technology on the horizon “has not been seen since the dawn of the jet age.”

During questioning from lawmakers, FAA Acting Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, Dave Boulter, said the agency is aware of the need to speed up certification processes. “The pace of technology has increased, but the pace of our processes have not,” he conceded, adding that his “number one goal” is to make the certification process faster without compromising safety.

As Congress debates legislation to reauthorize the FAA before the agency’s current authorization expires on Sept. 30, 2023, Boulter said lawmakers should focus on changes that could make the FAA “more agile” and streamline “all the hoops we jump through.”

Advanced air mobility (AAM) companies such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation are seeking to have their passenger air taxi eVTOLs certified by the FAA by the end of 2024, allowing entry into service in 2025.

Bunce noted that the FAA has promised to promulgate its “powered-lift” special federal aviation regulation by December 2024 to establish operational and pilot requirements for commercial eVTOL operations—needed to allow the aircraft to operate even after gaining FAA type certification.

“This is the FAA’s announced completion date, which is necessary to enable the expected entry into service of initial AAM aircraft,” Bunce said. “[Congress] should hold the FAA to that commitment.”

He proposed that Congress put “in place an interim solution that would allow for this new category of ‘powered-lift’ aircraft … to operate commercially under specified existing regulations if the FAA fails to publish these rules by the deadline.”

US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chair Jennifer Homendy, also speaking at the House hearing, said smooth airspace integration needs to be a high priority. “The integration of high-volume drone operations, advanced air mobility aircraft, commercial airliners, general aviation aircraft, and commercial space vehicles all together in the National Airspace System is increasing the complexity of airspace operations and management,” she explained. “This diverse platform of operations will also require enhanced—and in some cases, all new—skill sets and capabilities as the complexity and breadth of operations grows.”

House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Garret Graves (R-Louisiana) cautioned that the next decade will present a challenge to the FAA. “In the next 10 years, the aerospace industry will involve an ever-increasing number of drones, the introduction of [eVTOLs], the reintroduction of civil supersonic aircraft, and the expanded use of commercial space transportation vehicles,” he said, adding: “Our regulatory organizational structure must adapt if we’re going to safely integrate new entrants into the market.”

The post Concerns Raised Over the Ability of the FAA to Efficiently Certify eVTOLs appeared first on Avionics International.

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Heart Aerospace Joins Air New Zealand’s Mission Next Gen Aircraft

Heart Aerospace, a Swedish electric airplane developer, announced that it is a long-term partner of Air New Zealand’s Mission Next Gen Aircraft initiative. (Photo: Heart Aerospace)

Air New Zealand has recently selected Swedish electric aircraft developer Heart Aerospace as another one of its partners for developing a brand-new electric regional airliner. This long-term partnership will allow Heart Aerospace to work closely with Air New Zealand as it develops new, efficient regional aircraft to be utilized on short domestic flights.

Air New Zealand is its country’s largest carrier, with just over 100 aircraft in operation. While it flies many wide-body and mainline narrow-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or A320 Family, the carrier also operates many short-haul, domestic flights using regional aircraft like the ATR 72-600 and the Bombardier Q300. However, as these fleets age (especially the Q300 fleet, which has an average age of 15.8 years), the airline is using innovation to identify and help create modern, environmentally-friendly replacements for existing aircraft.

From this cause sprouts Air New Zealand’s Mission Next Gen Aircraft, a program that collaborates with several aviation technology and manufacturing companies with the goal of creating a zero-emission regional aircraft. The group hopes to have a demonstrator flight—for either cargo or passenger operations—as early as 2026. While Air New Zealand has curated the program, it has gained partners across the world, namely Airbus, ATR, Embraer, and Universal Hydrogen. This consortium will use electric and hybrid-electric technology to make sustainable flight a reality in New Zealand.

In addition to Embraer’s joining the Mission Next Gen Aircraft initiative, Air New Zealand signed an agreement to join Embraer’s Energia Advisory Group this week. “Having Embraer as one of our long-term partners will grow our collective understanding of zero emissions aircraft technology as it develops and will give them the confidence they are developing a product that’s viable for us,” commented Air New Zealand’s Chief Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin.

“Having Embraer as one of our long-term partners will grow our collective understanding of zero emissions aircraft technology as it develops.” (Photo: Embraer)

Heart Aerospace’s biggest contribution to the Mission Next Gen Aircraft program may be the ES-30. This electric aircraft is designed to operate regional flights while carrying approximately 30 passengers. Driven by electric motors, the aircraft will have a range of 200 kilometers (about 124 miles) when flying solely on electric power. However, the ES-30 has the potential to fly up to 400 kilometers (about 259 miles) with 30 passengers or even up to 800 kilometers (about 500 miles) with 25 passengers.

Both parties have expressed enthusiasm and optimism for this partnership. Anders Forslund, co-founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace, explained, “Air New Zealand is truly leading the way with its efforts to reduce emissions from air travel, and we are impressed by the diligence with which they approach this challenge. We could not be prouder to have been selected as a long-term strategic partner on their journey towards net zero. At Heart Aerospace we say the real innovation is getting it done, and together we will.”

Beyond this program, Heart Aerospace has made additional milestones toward sustainable flight that make it a perfect fit for Mission Next Gen. With the assistance of investments from major players in the industry like Air Canada, Mesa Air Group, Saab, and United Airlines Ventures, the company has already performed the first flight of a scale model of its ES-19, a regional aircraft that will be able to fly 19 passengers without emitting any carbon. 

The post Heart Aerospace Joins Air New Zealand’s Mission Next Gen Aircraft appeared first on Avionics International.

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Business Aviation Shows Recovery and Growth in 2022

“We began 2022 in arguably the strongest position business aviation had ever been in, activity wise, but we ended 2022 with some of the first activity losses since the pandemic began to loosen its grip on air travel.” (Photo: Argus)

Argus International recently released its 2022 North American Business Aviation Review. Argus is a leader in creating technology to provide aviation services and insights that enable better business and operational decisions. In its new report, the company presents data and statistics that provide insight into current trends in business aviation.

Overall, despite several years of disruptions, it seems that business aviation is growing again. Total flight activity in 2022 increased by 15.5% from 2019 levels and 5.1% from 2021 levels. Furthermore, total flight hours also increased by 22.1% from 2019 and 10.6% from 2021 levels. More flights and flight hours demonstrate not just the industry’s comeback from the pandemic, but further growth beyond pre-pandemic levels.

Argus also analyzed specific flight categories to determine which types of travel were responsible for the industry segment’s growth. Compared to 2021 volumes, Part 91 operations (which are essentially non-commercial operations with fewer regulations) saw both an increase in flights and total hours, with 7.9% and 10% growth respectively. Meanwhile, Part 135 flights (mainly commercial operations, like charter flights) have also seen increases in both the number of flights and total flight hours, seeing 1.3% and 4.9% respectively relative to 2021 levels. In total, 2022 saw 2,116,021 hours of Part 135 operations, a significant increase of 99,757 hours from 2021’s and 786,292 hours from 2020’s levels.

Several of the largest operators are responsible for a significant portion of the total flights. NetJets, a private business jet company, accounted for the largest amount of the flights. With the largest fleet of private jets in the world, the company had 511,224 flight hours in 2022. The next largest operator, FlexJet, was a distant second place in terms of flight hours. It clocked in at 183,548 hours in flying—64% less than NetJets. Wheels Up, Executive Jet Management, and Solairus Aviation are the third, fourth, and fifth largest companies respectively, each flying only a fraction of NetJet’s hours. 

The busiest airport for business travel in 2022 was Teterboro Airport (TEB), which saw 73,564 departures last year. This figure was up 17.6% from 2021 levels. Teterboro Airport is located just west of New York City in northern New Jersey, making it a convenient gateway to one of the country’s largest economic hubs. Following Teterboro are West Palm Beach (PBI), Dallas-Love Field (DAL), White Plains (HPN), Van Nuys (VNY), Las Vegas (LAS), and Centennial Airport (APA) near Denver. 

In 2022, despite significant recovery, the business aviation industry still faces several trends that present obstacles to its growth. The industry is still struggling to acquire and retain personnel. Furthermore, some international requirements continue to change, which could adversely impact operations. Beyond personnel and legal challenges, business aviation companies must also focus on retaining customers won over from airlines.

Looking ahead to 2023, Argus believes there are four main areas that will impact the industry: challenges with personnel, supply chain issues, changes with Part 91 flying, and the possibility of a global recession. While Argus admits that measuring personnel and supply chain issues is difficult, things like more relaxed international regulations could bolster Part 91 flying even as it faces a potential global recession.

The post Business Aviation Shows Recovery and Growth in 2022 appeared first on Avionics International.

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