August 24, 2017 - No. 067 In This Issue Army looks to partner with private industry on unmanned aviation technology Massasoit will help careers take off with aviation tech partnership Autonomous helicopter makes appearance at aviation event OneSky To Establish Innovation Center at ERAU Pratt & Whitney signs MoU with YMCA University of Science and Technology Embraer to Hold the 2017 China Regional Aviation Forum Report: 30% of Norway's aviation fuel could be sustainable by 2030 REGISTRATION OPENS FOR AVIATION DESIGN CHALLENGE Truth Data and Baldwin Aviation Announce Strategic Partnership Texas Chapter, Antique Airplane Assn. Continues to Deliver Safety Programs Army looks to partner with private industry on unmanned aviation technology MANASSAS, Va. -- At a small airfield near the nation's capital, an innovative group of engineers is designing and building futuristic aircraft that are catching the attention of Army researchers. The engineering firm, Aurora Flight Sciences, hosted a visit from U.S. Army Research Laboratory aerospace engineers Aug. 15. Earlier this summer, officials from the company visited the Army's research facilities at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Aurora is focused on the development and manufacturing of advanced unmanned systems and aerospace vehicles. "The things that Aurora knows how to do in aircraft, aerodynamics, aviation propulsion are a really good fit to the Army's needs in terms of performance, range, payload, those kinds of performance characteristics that the Army needs," said Dr. John Wissler, director of advanced projects at Aurora. The Army hopes to achieve high-speed, high-endurance and high-payload capabilities for vertical lift platforms. To achieve those goals, the researchers said they are interested in building a collaborative relationship with Aurora. The DOD has already invested funding in Aurora's unique technologies. In 2016, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, awarded Aurora a contract to build a prototype of its LightningStrike aircraft, an unmanned, hybrid propulsion aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing. The "unorthodox unmanned aircraft would push the limits of technology to combine plane-like speed and helicopter-like agility into one breakthrough vehicle," according to the DARPA website. "It's going to fundamentally change how we look at rotorcraft," said Dr. Rajneesh Singh, an acting division chief in the laboratory's Vehicle Technology Directorate. "In addition to its very innovative, unique design, it has several subsystem technologies that in themselves would lead to huge performance gains even for traditional rotorcraft." Singh said Aurora has developed an "out-of-the-box solution to overcome the challenges of vertical flight platforms." The Army engineers also saw another Aurora project for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps designed to create an autonomous flight system that can be retrofitted to existing aircraft. The system would give a Marine on the ground "the ability to request a supply delivery via helicopter, which flies to their location with minimal human assistance and autonomously land in an austere, possibly hostile landing zone," according to Aurora officials. "I think we're best known for unmanned aviation, in particular we're integrating advanced aircraft designs with autonomy to create new kinds of capabilities for the nation," Wissler said. "This was sort of a follow-up visit for us to find out a little more about their programs as well as to see some of the projects they have been carrying out." Singh said the next step is to explore a CRADA, or cooperative research and development agreement, which is an agreement between a government agency and a private company to work together on R&D. The two organizations hope to move forward on the partnership. After initial discussions, Aurora provided white papers for the Army to review. "We'll identify individual areas for each party to contribute and then develop a CRADA mechanism to identify individual responsibilities," Singh said. "We'll work together to create a plan to continue advancing the work that has been done with the significant DOD investment." The laboratory's "Open Campus" business model enables researchers to build bridges to industry and academia. It builds the "framework for a global science and technology ecosystem to foster an agile, efficient, and effective research environment supporting the continuous flow of people and ideas to ensure transformative scientific discovery, innovation, and technology transition beneficial to national security," according to the lab's Open Campus website. "Collaboration is really key to make big impacts these days as the challenges are huge [and] resources are limited, and I'm quite positive that a really fruitful partnership will be established and will jointly make advancements in these different technology areas," Singh said. --- The U.S. Army Research Laboratory, currently celebrating 25 years of excellence in Army science and technology, is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to provide innovative research, development and engineering to produce capabilities for decisive overmatch to the Army against the complexities of the current and future operating environments in support of the Joint Warfighter and the Nation. RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. https://www.army.mil/article/192642/army_looks_to_partner_with_private_industry _on_unmanned_aviation_technology Back to Top Massasoit will help careers take off with aviation tech partnership BROCKTON -- Massasoit Community College is hoping a partnership with another college and a nearby airport will help students' careers soar to new heights. Starting this year, Massasoit students will have the opportunity to take advantage of an aviation maintenance technology program through Cape Cod Community College. The program will allow students to start their general education courses at Massasoit, before moving on to earn specific certifications and finally the associate of applied science degree in Aviation Maintenance, working with Cape Cod students at the Plymouth Municipal Airport. "There's a great need in the workforce for aviation maintenance technology workers," said Barbara McCarthy, the vice president of academic affairs at Massasoit, "and it's a career pathway we would not be able to offer our students (without the partnership)." She said aviation maintenance is a job with "a living wage," and it's an industry where the current workforce is aging, and new graduates will have more and more employment opportunities over the next few years. Massasoit President Charles Wall and Cape Cod Community College president ... Through the new partnership, which is called a ... agreement, aviation maintenance students who start in Brockton will use the Plymouth airport for hands-on training like students at Cape Cod Community College, but still earn their degree from Massasoit. McCarthy said they think this will set students up "not just to do aviation maintenance at an entry level, but be prepared to move up within the organization." Massasoit is just starting to recruit for the program, which McCarthy said is "very competitive." About ... students from Cape Cod Community College take part in the program each year, and McCarthy said the numbers from Massasoit will be similar. http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/20170821/massasoit-will-help-careers-take-off-with- aviation-tech-partnership Back to Top Autonomous helicopter makes appearance at aviation event GROTON, Conn. (AP) - Sikorsky's Autonomy Research Aircraft, a helicopter known as SARA that was a draw at last year's National Aviation Day Open House and Tour, made an appearance at the event again this year. "The pilots were really engaged with the public, and people were really interested," said Susan Bailey, chairwoman of the Groton Business Association. "It's one of those science-fiction-is-now type things, and people really loved it, and we were delighted when we found out we could get them here again." The National Aviation Day Open House and Tour, in its fourth year, took place at Groton-New London Airport from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. This is the second year the GBA has run the event, taking over from the City of Groton Summer in the City program. Sikorsky is pleased to be back and showing its autonomous helicopter up close. "Our team of engineers in Stratford is on the leading edge of developing technology that will truly revolutionize flying and we would love for the community to come and learn more about this work," Igor Cherepinsky, director of autonomy programs at Sikorsky, said in an email. The company outfitted SARA, an S-76 commercial helicopter, with fly-by-wire controls in 2013, to act as a flying lab, Cherepinsky said. When not in flight, the aircraft can test autonomy software and hardware. By May of 2016, Sikorsky had demonstrated that SARA could autonomously fly 30 miles, with the takeoff, route and landing controlled by a pilot using a tablet on the ground. This completed the first phase of an $8 million award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System program, or DARPA's ALIAS program. Sikorsky got an additional $9.8 million for the second phase, which was completed since last year's National Aviation Day. In phase two, flights of two different aircrafts containing automation technology were held along with ground demonstrations of technology responding to simulated flight emergencies. Cherepinsky said the technology is so easy to use that Sikorsky handed a 13-year-old the tablet, which recognizes gestures like swiping and tapping. "Our goal is to make flying fundamentally safer and more reliable," Cherepinsky said. "We are developing systems intelligence that will give operators the confidence to fly their large rotorcraft or fixed wing aircraft safely, reliably and affordably as autonomous or optionally piloted aircraft." Sikorsky is an aircraft manufacturer that was founded in 1925 and is based in Stratford. Previously owned by United Technologies Corporation, it now operates under Lockheed Martin. SARA is just one of many aeronautical highlights that will be at the airport on Saturday. Also represented will be the Experimental Aircraft Association, which has a Young Eagles program that provides free airplane rides for kids. In addition, the Newport-based Bird's Eye View Helicopter Tours will be offering 5-minute tours for $30 per person. Bailey said that, barring deployment, the Air Force will have a C-130 Hercules participating again this year. Other participating organizations include the Mystic Jet Center, Survival Systems USA, New England Air Museum, Civil Air Patrol and more. Bailey said she hopes the event will promote aviation to a younger generation of flight enthusiasts. "... as is the case in so many technical fields, there are so many more potential careers in aviation and aeronautics that people don't realize," she said. http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Autonomous-helicopter-makes-appearance-at-11948123.php Back to Top OneSky To Establish Innovation Center at ERAU OneSky, a portfolio of flying companies that includes Flexjet, Flight Options and Sentient, is working with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to develop a OneSky Innovation Center. The facility will host coding competitions and offer internships to students as it researches new technologies for private aviation. The OneSky Innovation Center will be housed at the John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex (MicaPlex) at Embry-Riddle's Research Park in Daytona Beach, Florida. OneSky signed on as a tenant partner at the research park. The Innovation Center will host a number of projects involving emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, aviation cloud computing and other "big data" initiatives. Full and part-time internships will be offered to Embry-Riddle students studying aviation information technology. Pointing to OneSky's track record in developing cutting-edge technologies to support its customers, Embry-Riddle president Barry Butler said, "This is the first step in developing a comprehensive enterprise-to-industry partnership with OneSky." The center's initiatives will be used to complement OneSky's existing technologies, including new Apple iOS mobile apps in place at Flexjet, Sentient Jet and Skyjet. "We will be adapting the latest existing technologies from other industries into our business," said OneSky chief technology officer Greg Johnson. "And we will be developing new technologies unique to private aviation built on the foundation of our decades of experience and history of innovation." The center will take on a handful of interns this fall. In addition to the internships, the center will host competitions to encourage new ideas and capture interest on campus. OneSky's IT team will work closely with the center through videoconferencing and other communications tools. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2017-08-22/onesky-establish- innovation-center-erau Back to Top Pratt & Whitney signs MoU with YMCA University of Science and Technology Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with YMCA University of Science and Technology, Faridabad, a Haryana State Government university, to provide aerospace and aviation skill development programs for the students. This partnership aims at facilitating the growth of an aviation ecosystem in India by helping in creation of an industry ready talent pool through a number of skill development programs and initiatives. Dr. Dinesh Kumar, vice chancellor, YMCA University of Science and Technology said, "The University acknowledges the support that Pratt & Whitney has offered towards augmenting the academic resources of the University in the area of aerospace & aviation and we encourage such kinds of collaboration for the benefit of our students. In alignment with the 'Skill India' initiative of the Government this partnership shall enable a more practical learning experience for our students and make them industry ready for the exciting job opportunities opening up in the aerospace and aviation sectors. ." Mr. Palash Roy Chowdhury, Managing Director - India, Pratt & Whitney said "India has emerged as the fastest growing aviation market globally today thanks to growth of low cost carriers as well as industry friendly policies of the government. In support of the Indian government's initiative on 'Skill India' we are delighted to partner with YMCA University of Science and Technology, Faridabad to drive the skill development initiatives in the aviation and aerospace sector in the country. Through this partnership, we aim to create a talent pool of highly skilled and trained technical professionals to support the significant growth projected in the aviation sector in the coming decade." This joint initiative will allow Pratt & Whitney and YMCA University of Science and Technology to explore short-term executive development programs aimed at developing skill and talent needs of the aviation ecosystem and thereby supporting 'Make in India' initiatives of the Government of India. Further, the memorandum also aims at developing customized elective courses that will be offered alongside existing university curriculum to better prepare students for the opportunities in the aerospace and aviation sectors. The partnership will also provide industry exposure to students and faculty through internships, industrial trainings; value added courses through Virtual Reality (VR) technology, guest lectures and workshops conducted by aerospace industry experts. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/education/pratt-whitney-signs-mou-with- ymca-university-of-science-and-technology/articleshow/60174446.cms Back to Top Embraer to Hold the 2017 China Regional Aviation Forum Yinchuan, China, August 22, 2017 - Embraer will hold the fourth China Regional Aviation Forum (RAF 2017) from August 29-30, in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. Co-hosted by Embraer and the West Airport Group, the theme for RAF 2017 will be "Innovation, Connectivity and The Belt & Road: Taking Regional Aviation to the Next Level." The event will be attended by over 200 airline executives, heads of trade associations and industry experts, including Embraer executives, who will discuss the challenges and opportunities in China's regional aviation in the context of China's Belt and Road Initiative. "To date, almost 2,300 Embraer commercial jets have been delivered to more than 100 airlines in 60 countries. We have accumulated a great deal of experience in the successful operation of the E- Jets in developing the regional aviation market. We are always eager to share these experiences and learnings with our Chinese customers. I'm confident this year's Aviation Forum in Yinchuan will again play a key role in allowing us to further deepen our engagement and relationships with the main players in China's regional aviation market", said John Slattery, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. The event is being jointly organized by the Civil Aviation Management Institute of China (CAMIC), the West Airport Group's Ningxia Airport Co., Ltd. and the China Civil Aviation Science Popularization Foundation. Guest speakers from across the globe will share their vision and their insight on critical topics, such as the growth of regional aviation and the outlook on both the global and the Chinese markets, successful business models and case studies in regional aviation, regional airport construction and management, innovation in engine technology for regional jets and aviation financing. China's main regional airlines will participate in discussions of issues in their operations and explore how to nurture the market to achieve greater profitability with increased passenger volumes and decreased costs. "China, as the second largest economy in the world, has enjoyed significant improvement in living standards, which has driven demand for aviation. And, as the Belt and Road Initiative progresses, we strongly believe that China's regional aviation will show greater potentials as well as a more rapid growth. Embraer remains committed to China's regional aviation market and aims to increase collaboration with Chinese authorities, customers and industry experts, in order to bring a prosperous future to this market, together," says Guan Dongyuan, Senior Vice President of Embraer and President of Embraer China. Wang Haipeng, General Manager of Ningxia Airport Co., Ltd. of West Airport Group: "Regional aviation has always been the focus of our company. Till now, apart from the trunk market, Yinchuan has been connected with 18 regional airports. We are delighted to co-host the 2017 China Regional Aviation Forum with Embraer to further develop the regional aviation market in China, together with the elites worldwide during this excellent event." Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 130 seats. In China, Embraer also leads the regional aviation market in the 70-130 seats jet segment with nearly 80% of the market share. Through July 2017, Embraer has logged 221 firm orders in China (187 commercial and 34 executive jets) and 179 delivered (145 commercial and 34 executive jets). Embraercommercial aircraft currently transports over 17 million passengers per year on more than 370 routes, connecting 130 cities in the country. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12361767/embraer-to-hold-the-2017-china-regional- aviation-forum Back to Top Report: 30% of Norway's aviation fuel could be sustainable by 2030 Research commissioned by Norwegian airports operator Avinor has concluded that 30% of Norway's aviation fuel could be sustainable by 2030, but this depends on available funding. The report, which performed by Danish consultancy firm Rambøll in partnership with research firms Vista Analyse and Sintef, looked at biofuel production technologies and the funding needed to make them a reality at Norwegian airports. Avinor, LCC Norwegian, Scandinaviancarrier SAS and the Federation of Norwegian Aviation Industries were all involved in the project, along with potential biojet producers, funding agencies and environmental organizations. Fleet renewal and new technology play the biggest role in cutting emissions, but sustainable biofuels will help the industry go further. "A new report from Rambøll now shows that 30% or 400 million liters of all aviation fuel used at Avinor's airports could be sustainable by 2030. This fuel would be created from forestry waste and pulpwood from Norwegian forests," Avinor said. However, limited production means the small amount of biofuel available is not competitively priced. "Achieving the target of a 30% blend, and the corresponding cut in emissions, would only be possible with the help of public funding," the airports operator said. Increased production would also create new businesses and jobs. "Authorities and politicians will have to facilitate large-scale investment in the commercial production of biofuel in Norway, with financial incentives that work. The environmental charges currently paid by the airlines would have to be used for activities that benefit the climate. This would allow us to create a commercial market for the production of biofuel for aviation as quickly as possible. The sustainable biofuel would also have to go to those sectors of the aviation industry, which currently have no other technological alternatives," Federation of Norwegian Aviation Industry DG Torbjørn Lothe said. The Rambøll report included two financing proposals, one where existing charges are channeled into a fund to pay for biofuel blending, or a second where the fund purchases biofuel on behalf of the airlines. "The fund could initiate a tender process and invite bids to supply a given number of liters of fuel for a specified period. The fund would achieve economies of scale and better contracts than if the airlines worked independently," Avinor said. Avinor is responsible for 45 airports and air navigation in Norway. The company handles around 50 million airline passengers annually; around half of these travel through Oslo airport. http://atwonline.com/eco-aviation/report-30-norway-s-aviation-fuel-could-be-sustainable-2030 Back to Top REGISTRATION OPENS FOR AVIATION DESIGN CHALLENGE The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the educational organization Build A Plane observed National Aviation Day Aug. 20 by announcing the opening of registration for the 2018 Aviation Design Challenge, an annual team competition promoting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills through aviation among U.S. high school students. Four students, one teacher, and one chaperone from the winning team will receive an all-expenses- paid trip during the summer of 2018 to experience general aviation manufacturing first hand, GAMA said in a news release. During the competition, teachers will use a "Fly to Learn" curriculum and software to help students learn the science of flight and airplane design. The curriculum is expected to be completed in about six weeks in the classroom, or in four weeks through an accelerated program. The teams then apply what they have learned "to modify an airplane design and complete a mission in a virtual fly-off using the software, which GAMA judges will score based on application of what the team learned, and performance parameters," according to the news release. GAMA will provide the curriculum and software, powered by X-Plane, in February to each of the first 110 schools that register. Entries will be accepted through late April. The winning school team will be announced in May. "It is critical to the general aviation manufacturing industry that we attract and cultivate the future workforce. This program has proven to be an excellent entry point for high school students and a valuable educational resource for their teachers, mentors and administrators," said GAMA President Pete Bunce. The competition began in 2013 and "has attracted growing interest each year," GAMA said. In 2017, registrants included 93 schools from 31 states and Washington, D.C., marking an 18-percent increase in participation from the 2016 competition. The winning school was Olney High School of Olney, Texas. Visit the GAMA website for more information, or to register. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2017/august/22/registration-opens-for-aviation- design-challenge Back to Top Truth Data and Baldwin Aviation Announce Strategic Partnership Truth Data and Baldwin Aviation announce strategic partnership to provide Flight Operation and Quality Assurance (FOQA), Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Safety Management Systems (SMS) services to their fixed-wing and helicopter customers. "Baldwin is the leader in the SMS and safety world, and we are pleased to support their customers by providing them FOQA / FDM services," says Peter Henrikson, President of Truth Data. "We see a real opportunity to work with Baldwin to help air medical helicopter operators prepare for the HEMS/HAA FDM Rule (Helicopter Air Ambulance Rule, FAR 135.607 Flight Data Monitoring System). While we support the two largest air medical operators in the U.S. and Australia with Air Methods and Toll Helicopters, we also scale our services to make these key safety-enhancing services available to operators with fleets as small as one aircraft." According to Don Baldwin, President of Baldwin Aviation, "Our strategic partnership further enhances any size operator's safety management program. Baldwin's custom designed FOQA/FDM tools combined with Truth Data's expertise in analyzing flight data make a powerful combination". "Most customers know us for our expertise in helicopter analysis," according to Matt Hilton, Truth Data's Director of Technology, "however, our team has decades of experience working with fixed- wing flight data. Our folks have put together complex FDM programs for mixed-fleet operators around the world." Don goes on to say, "Our fixed and rotor wing customers will greatly benefit as we bring both FOQA/FDM and SMS reported data together in one comprehensive program at a reasonable cost. Operators will see the value immediately working from one program to connect all safety data quickly and easily. This is another step in Baldwin's goal of providing a centralized system for safety and operations management." About Truth Data Truth Data brings a new level of safety and efficiency to aircraft operators worldwide by providing FOQA and FDM services. Drawing upon decades of aviation experience, both military and civilian, they support operators in all market segments enhancing safety and efficiency. Air medical operators seeking information on how Truth Data can help ensure compliance with upcoming air ambulance mandates can contact Peter Henrikson, President, at pete@truthdata.net or 817-268- 9151. About Baldwin Aviation Safety & Compliance Baldwin is a global company founded to support the implementation and maintenance of safety management and related systems for all transportation markets. Utilizing advanced proprietary technology, supported by a team of highly experienced and credentialed aviation safety experts, Baldwin provides related services such as FAA/ICAO compliant manuals via proprietary software, training, Gap Analysis, ASAP/ASIAS, SME, and Emergency Response services. Contact Mr. Don Baldwin, President/CEO, at dbaldwin@baldwinaviation.com or 888.222.2112 for more information. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12361456/truth-data-and-baldwin-aviation-announce- strategic-partnership Back to Top Texas Chapter, Antique Airplane Assn. Continues to Deliver Safety Programs, with Speakers Gary Reeves and Brandon Ayers Gainesville, TX- Texas Chapter, Antique Airplane Association - Today the Texas Chapter AAA announced continuing the safety program at their 55th Annual Fly-In. The safety program will offer 4-5 free safety classes for pilots. Topics will include using technology like iPads, ForeFlight, Garmin, and Avidyne. There will also be a Rusty Pilots seminar, as well as a class on "bad habits pilots develop". "Gary Reeves, is one of the most popular national speakers for GA Safety and adds a huge benefit to our program," said Joel Meanor, Fly-In Chairman at Texas Chapter AAA. Joel also stated, "and Brandon Ayers is a well-known local professional, providing expert flight instruction, and FAASafety seminars. Brandon provides real world examples for pilots getting back in the air" Safer Pilots and Bigger Crowds In 2016, the Safety Programs as the TX AAA annual fly-in triggered over fifty pilots to log on and take WINGS credit. "It was a great turnout" Meanor said. "Providing this safety education component helps the pilots who fly in as well as attracting a larger group of general aviation pilots to this event. the Texas Chapter AAA, is committed to "Keep the Antiques Flying" and that means safety is an important component." "Antique airplanes are an important part of our heritage," said Terry Wallace, President, the Texas Chapter AAA. "Having a national and local expert in pilot safety at our event will continue to make a big difference for the GA community." Gary Reeves, PilotSafety.org Gary Reeves is a 6000+hr ATP and Master CFI, CFII, MEI. He is the 2016 FAA Instructor of the year for the WP Region, a lead rep for the FAA Safety Team. He is best known for his national public speaking and volunteer efforts with PilotSafety.org. PilotSafety.org is a volunteer group that provides free and low-cost safety programs nationwide. For more information, please visit www.PilotSafety.org Brandon Ayers, Ayers Aviation Brandon Ayers is a CFI, CFII, FAASTEAM Representative with over 2,000 hours of flight instruction given, and has been flying for over ten (10) years. Brandon flies' single engine, high performance, complex aircraft, twin engine, tail wheel, biplanes, and holds over half dozen ratings. For more information, please visit www.ayersaviation.com http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12361583/texas-chapter-antique-airplane-assn- continues-to-deliver-safety-programs-with-speakers-gary-reeves-and-brandon-ayers Curt Lewis