April 16, 2018 - No. 030 In This Issue New Aircraft Maintenance Tracking Solutions on Display Saratov Airlines open Embraer E195 line station at Domodedovo Aviation Technician Education Council Names New President Bell Helicopter aims to triple China fleet despite simmering trade tension with the US New FAA Bill Covers Host of Issues, But No ATC Reform KLM UK Engineering Partners with Vision Concept Aviation Training Institute (VCATI) Cyberattacks on Connected Aircraft Are Happening Right Now Mena Aerospace strikes major deal with Haitec Etihad Airways Engineering Award Winning Innovation to Cut Fuel and Water Drain Time NASA, SpaceX to launch spacecraft to find another Earth New Aircraft Maintenance Tracking Solutions on Display With mandated periodic inspections, replacement of time-limited components, and myriad unscheduled repairs, aircraft maintenance presents a complex tracking task, and most flight departments and operators rely on dedicated tracking software and services to handle the responsibilities. At ABACE 2018 a trio of the field's leading firms-Camp Systems International and sister company Corridor Aviation Service Software (Booth H1103) along with Traxxall Technologies (Booth P517)-are showcasing the latest upgrades in their ever-evolving digital maintenance tracking solutions. Camp Systems' maintenance management tools are used by operators of more than 20,000 aircraft and 31,000 engines. The U.S. company's roots (the name is an acronym for "computerized aircraft maintenance programs") go back to the mid-1960s, when the founders introduced model-specific computerized maintenance tracking for early business jets. Today, it's the factory recommended maintenance tracking provider for Boeing BBJ, Beechcraft, Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Embraer, HondaJet, Piaggio, Pilatus, and Socata. Camp recently acquired several smaller maintenance trackers (Cescom, CMP, Avtrak, and Daniel Systems) and its latest release, Camp Connect, on display here at ABACE, integrates their systems with Camp's flagship Maintenance Management tracking tool. Camp also recently introduced a maintenance tracking solution for helicopter operators, sure to be of interest at ABACE given China's rapidly expanding rotorcraft fleet. Camp's suite of Aircraft Health Management solutions covers aircraft health, shop-floor efficiency, and market knowledge, with engine health monitoring integrated directly into Camps\'s maintenance tracker. Camp is the exclusive engine condition trend monitoring provider for all Pratt & Whitney Canada and Honeywell TFE and HTF engines, and customers can view engine data within the Camp application. Camp expects to add more engine brands to this service coverage. Canada's Traxxall Technologies is showcasing enhancements to its Traxxall Aircraft Maintenance Tracking System that "take technology up to another level," said Mark Steinbeck, Traxxall's president. The system is designed for business aviation operations, and can be used for aircraft "from an [Cirrus] SR22 to a BBJ," fixed-wing or rotor, single aircraft or fleet. The latest updates allow maintenance technicians "to go completely paperless on the hangar floor," Steinbeck said. The analyst-supported maintenance and inventory tracking solution features customizable reports and dashboards along with tablet and smartphone apps. Offered based on an annual per-aircraft service fee, the system is more affordable than many competing products, according to Steinbeck, and compatible with the widely used Rockwell Collins FOS. Corridor Technologies offers CAAC-approved software designed to streamline aviation maintenance operations, improve control and visibility, reduce turn times, and increase profitability for aviation service providers. "We have plenty to show both existing and prospective customers about how we help them address many of their day-to-day business challenges," said Mike Greig, Corridor's vice-president and general manager. Corridor automates functions such as maintenance operations, inventory tracking, and maintenance record keeping, and supports customers from training and implementation through ongoing use. Here in Shanghai, Corridor is showcasing its latest and soon-to-be-released products, including the Corridor v11.5 release, which features customer-requested tools such as formalized pricing and availability requests from the shop floor, enhanced vendor quoting and additional integration to StockMarket.aero, along with customer portal improvements. Greig noted that as a result of the company's 2015 acquisition by Camp, Corridor customers can now automatically generate job estimates and quotes via Camp Connect; all data loaded into Corridor is automatically uploaded into the Camp system. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-04-15/new-aircraft-maintenance-tracking-solutions-display Back to Top Saratov Airlines open Embraer E195 line station at Domodedovo Saratov Airlines are opening a line maintenance station at its Moscow base airport, Domodedovo. The airline announced it had received approval from the aviation authorities of Bermuda (BCAA) for line maintenance on all modifications of Embraer E195 (ERJ190-200) regional jets. The airline explained that the effort is a part of "a preparation program for fleet expansion and further network development." The new facility will be able to perform daily and bi-weekly checks on all modifications of the aircraft. The operator fitted the station with all necessary equipment and materials, and trained its engineering staff. Saratov Airlines was the first Russian operator to obtain BCAA approval for the Brazilian aircraft in February 2015. At its main base in Saratov the airline performs all types of line maintenance, including A-check. The airline currently operates two E195s and expects to take delivery of two more Embraers, one on April 20, and the other by May. It also has five An-148-100Vs and the same number of Yak-42Ds in its fleet. In March 2018 one of the airline's Embraer 195s was sent to Poland's Linetech for a C-check, and the second was to follow. This was required because there is no Russian provider approved for base maintenance on the type. Saratov Airline has its Air Operator Certificate validation period restricted to April 27 in the aftermath of a An-148 crash. The Russian aviation authorities suggested the airline to voluntarily stop operations, but it intends to lift all restrictions. http://www.rusaviainsider.com/saratov-airlines-open-embraer-line-station/ Back to Top Aviation Technician Education Council Names New President The Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) has announced the appointment of its new president - Mr. Gary Hoyle. Hoyle currently serves as the Director of Campus Operations for Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. Hoyle has been PIA's representative at ATEC for 12 years and previously served as ATEC Treasurer and Vice-President. Hoyle's incredible experience and ongoing advocacy for improving and increasing awareness of aviation maintenance education makes him a perfect fit for the office of ATEC President. After graduating PIA in 1967, Hoyle went on to work for Sikorsky Aircraft, United Airlines and served in the US Army as a helicopter crew chief in the Vietnam War. He returned to PIA in 1973 to pursue an Associate's degree, and immediately began his 44 year career (so far) at the school. Founded in 1961, ATEC is an organization who promotes and supports aviation maintenance technician education. By working with the FAA and other regulatory agencies, ATEC encourages positive changes to the regulations and rules that govern part 147 schools like PIA. ATEC also provides news, networking opportunities, resources and continuing education opportunities to the aviation community. ATEC recently published a report with the following key findings of critical importance to the aviation industry and businesses that depend on aviation: Mechanics are retiring faster than they are being replaced. New entrants make up 2% of the population annually, while 30% of the workforce is at or near retirement age. Schools have the capacity to double production of A&P candidates. While institutions are ramping up recruitment activities and expect enrollment to increase, there is significant opportunity for industry employers to help define career paths and attract more students into the pipeline. Aviation must increase its focus on retaining A&P candidates. Twenty percent of candidates pursue careers outside of the industry and only 60% elect to take the FAA mechanic certification test. While the percentage of female A&Ps is increasing, it remains low, at less than 3%. This presents an opportunity to help address a looming shortage. According to Boeing's 2016 Current Market Outlook, the aviation industry will require more than 118,000 maintenance technicians by 2035 in North America. According to PIA Career Services officials, employers are seeking A&P mechanics with strong soft skills, leadership qualities and dependability - all skills required to grow and advance within a company. The Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites a median salary for aircraft mechanics and service technicians at $60,270 (medians are not reflective of starting salaries). Since 1929, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics campus has been training certified and work-ready aviation maintenance technicians in high demand with programs in Aviation Maintenance Technology and Aviation Electronics. PIA's flagship program, the Aviation Maintenance Technology program, has been providing quality aircraft mechanics for over 85 years. This program provides students with the opportunity to test for the prestigious FAA's Airframe and Powerplant Certification, the "golden ticket" to a career in aviation maintenance. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12407961/aviation-technician-education-council-names-new-president Back to Top Bell Helicopter aims to triple China fleet despite simmering trade tension with the US Jacinto Monge, chief executive of Bell Helicopter China, told the South China Morning Post that further deregulation of China's low-altitude airspace control will usher in greater opportunities for international companies even as the country's fleet of commercial helicopters doubled over the past five years. "We hope the two governments can come down to a solution that will enable the future growth of the industry," Monge said. "I think 2018 is still going to be a vibrant year." Bell Helicopter, a unit of aviation conglomerate Textron, secured 200 orders from China last year and is well on its way to tripling its fleet in the world's fastest-growing commercial helicopter market. The current Bell helicopter fleet in China stands at 110. Monge said that Bell Helicopter China will continue to post buoyant growth in the next five years. The trade tensions between the world's two biggest economies has seen Beijing target a generation of Boeing's 737 jetliners as it threatened a levy of 25 per cent punitive tariff in early April. "Those do not affect our products," said Monge. "We got some [new orders] in the pipeline." The threatened 25 per cent levy on US-made aircraft is believed to target a generation of Boeing's 737 jetliners, but the newer 737 Max are exempt, a sign that Beijing is still avoiding a major impact on Boeing, according to analysts. China is the bright spot in the global market as the country's medical service, rescue mission operators, firefighters and public utility companies show strong demand for commercial helicopters. Established international aircraft makers, including Bell, are the key beneficiaries of the fast-growing market as mainland authorities, state-owned businesses and super-rich individuals resort to their products for rescue operations, power line inspections and leisure travel. Most Bell's helicopters are for industrial use in China, with about 20 per cent of its fleet used for corporate purposes, Monge said. US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross witnessed a signing of agreement between Bell and Reignwood International Investment Group in Beijing last November during US President Donald Trump's trade mission to China. Reignwood, the exclusive reseller for the Bell 505s in China, bought an additional 50 helicopters following an initial order of 60 units in April last year. The Asia-Pacific region that includes China, accounted for 14 per cent of Bell's total revenue, the second-largest revenue contributor after the US. But China is growing faster than any other market worldwide, said Monge. The country's home-grown makers of commercial helicopters are still not strong enough to compete against global industry leaders. Last year, Rostec, the Russian state-owned conglomerate co-developing a long-haul widebody aircraft with China, said it was working with Aviation Industry Corp of China's general aviation unit Avicopter to jointly make heavy-duty helicopters. Earlier this month, Bell Helicopter appointed China Southern Airlines General Aviation as an authorised maintenance partner for the Bell 407 in China. http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/2141684/bell-helicopter-aims-triple-china-fleet-despite-simmering-trade Back to Top New FAA Bill Covers Host of Issues, But No ATC Reform House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee leaders on April 13 re-introduced a revised FAA reauthorization bill that is absent the air traffic control organization reform measure that had been a stumbling block to the comprehensive aviation legislation. The new bill, which was jointly introduced and supported by both Republican and Democratic leaders on the committee, would reauthorize FAA programs for five years and address a range of aviation safety and technology advancement issues. The bill could reach the House floor for a vote next week. While the bill is revised to account for the shelving of the ATC provision and includes a few other new measures, House leaders have indicated a desire to limit amendments and controversial measures in particular to smooth the path for the bill to passage. The revised bill was introduced as H.R.4 and packaged with the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA), which is designed to help communities to prepare for and respond to disasters. "Our aviation system is essential to our economy and to the American way of life," said T&I chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania) in introducing the bill. "This bill provides many important reforms that will help U.S. manufacturers and job creators lead in a very competitive global marketplace. This legislation ensures long-term investment and stability in aviation infrastructure for America's large, small, and rural communities, and it addresses issues to help maintain the safety of our system." Rep. Pete DeFazio (D-Oregon), who had been a chief opponent to the ATC measure in earlier FAA reauthorization, added, "I'm glad we finally had the opportunity to come together and introduce a bipartisan, long-term FAA reauthorization bill, a bill that gives the FAA long-term funding it needs to do its job and includes mandates to improve aviation safety, to continue leading the world in aviation research and innovation, and to make needed and targeted reforms to critical aviation programs." The bill would authorize a $3.35 billion airports budget each year through Fiscal Year 2023, scale up facilities and equipment funding from $2.92 billion this year to $3.26 billion in Fiscal Year 2023, and gradually increase the FAA's operations account to as much as $11.329 billion by 2023 (about $1.1 billion more than Fiscal Year 2018 levels). INDUSTRY ISSUES Aside from funding levels, the bill address myriad issues. While the legislation would not alter the ATC organization, it does seek biennial studies on the costs incurred in air traffic services by each user segment. Such studies in past have been used to justify proposed changes in the ATC organization and proposals to shift the amounts users pay into the system. On the environmental front, the bill seeks a Government Accountability Office study of the benefits, costs, and other impacts of a phaseout of Stage 3 aircraft. General aviation operators, along with commercial operators, would be included in the study. The bill further would call for a study on the potential health effects of aircraft noise, including sleep disturbance and elevated blood pressure. This study is to look at high-impact areas such as in California and New York. It further seeks community involvement in FAA NextGen projects in metroplexes. And it would facilitate use of unleaded aviation gasoline. As anticipated, the bill would address FAA certification reform, creating an advisory committee to conduct a comprehensive review to advise on policies that are affecting certification. In addition, the bill would direct the FAA to establish performance objectives and track metrics related to aircraft certification activities and provide for fuller use of organization designation authorization. The bill seeks similar reforms for the FAA's Flight Standards Service. Along with certification reform within the U.S., the bill seeks to smooth the process for U.S. product validations internationally, directing the FAA to promote U.S. aerospace standards and easing the ability to accept foreign safety directives. In addition to the broad reforms, the bill would seek a comprehensive reform and streamlining of Part 91 through the input of a government/industry task force. Noncommercial general aviation aircraft registration would be extended to 10 years and the aircraft registry would be shielded from closure during a government shutdown. The bill looks to accommodate a number of new technologies through directives for studies, including on advanced cockpit displays such as synthetic and enhanced vision systems and on supersonic flight. In addition, provisions call for a joint research program with NASA on single-pilot cargo operations and for a new rule authorizing the carriage of property by small unmanned aircraft systems for compensation or hire. Also on the emerging technology front, the bill would establish a remote tower pilot program for rural and small communities. Further, the bill has a section focused solely on unmanned operations and a roadmap for their safe integration into the National Airspace System. In the safety arena the bill seeks to support voluntary safety disclosure programs for both operations and maintenance activities, and also would create a formal aviation rulemaking committee to develop recommendations for Part 135 flight and duty time regulations. Several of the measures are aimed at workforce shortage issues, including a study on maintenance industry technician shortages, opportunities for women in aviation, and the aviation and aerospace workforce of the future. Other measures seek clearer guidance on pilots sharing flight expenses with passengers and to permanently protect the privacy of operators who want to shield their registration number from real-time public flight tracking. Congress focuses on the growing concerns surrounding cybersecurity with a mandate to review FAA's activities and plans in this arena. Among the many other provisions is a section on improving airline customer service. "This FAA authorization is the culmination of years of hearings and listening sessions to solicit input from aviation stakeholders, commercial passengers, general aviation pilots, and our colleagues," said Frank LoBiondo (R-New Jersey), chairman of the House aviation subcommittee. "In the truest sense, this legislation represents bipartisan cooperation and compromise to advance the nation's aviation interests and safety in the skies." Rick Larsen (D-Washington), the ranking Democrat on the aviation committee, also expressed support for the bill, and said, "With this continued commitment to bipartisanship, the difference between the House and the Senate bills is now merely inches apart." https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-04-15/new-faa-bill-covers-host-issues-no-atc-reform Back to Top KLM UK Engineering Partners with Vision Concept Aviation Training Institute (VCATI) Paris, Amstelveen, Norwich, 13 April 2018 - Under the agreement KLM UK Engineering will support VCATI's successful Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Engineering Technology programmes by providing experienced examiners and VLE to allow the students to gain their EASA Part 66 B1.1 & B2 licence. VCATI has arrangements in place to supplement the online training with tutorials from industry veterans so that students can qualify while they are employed in good time with top results. Captain Mohamed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Founder of VCATI says: "we are committed to the needs of the aviation industry. We launched our student courses last year with intake for the A1 & A2 aircraft maintenance engineering program due to high industry demand and employment potential in the field. Our partnership with KLM UK Engineering to offer B1.1 & B2 qualifications online will open opportunities to hundreds of technicians and workers in the aviation industry to enhance their careers by qualifying for high potential jobs. Our own students acquiring A1 & A2 licenses next year can take up employment and pursue a higher qualification without having to take a gap year." Whilst, Ian Bartholomew, Director Business Development & Sales of KLM UK Engineering added: "the partnership with VCATI is another step forward in our aim to connect KLM UK Engineering's VLE products to many young engineers in the UK and abroad. The industry needs many good engineers for the future to accommodate the growing worldwide fleet and to replace inevitable retirements. KLM UK Engineering wants to leverage its knowledge and experience by connecting many more academies to its growing educational centre at its head office in Norwich. " http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12407968/klm-uk-engineering-partners-with-vision-concept-aviation-training-institute-vcati Back to Top Cyberattacks on Connected Aircraft Are Happening Right Now As commercial aircraft increasingly become connected to the larger Internet of Things, the potential for safety risks also rise, the head of Thales' business operations in the U.S. said Wednesday. There have already been hacks of aircraft and aviation-related systems, including in-flight entertainment systems, data communications between pilots and ground-based controllers, and airline operations systems that in one case in Europe caused flight cancellations, Alan Pellegrini, president and CEO of Thales USA, said. Thales USA is part of France's Thales Group. "I'm not trying to scare anybody but these things are happening," Pellegrini said at the Aero Club of Washington, D.C., monthly luncheon. "As the aircraft become connected, there are real hacks." Historically, the changes to commercial aircraft have been incremental, but the aviation industry is beginning to see "exponential" changes in the way aircraft and their systems are connected to ground-based systems and eventually to satellites for navigation with the next-generation air traffic control system, Pellegrini said. Pellegrini said that "as we reach this exponential part of the curve and as aircraft do become connected and their systems become connected and now millions of devices effectively now added to the internet that are all points of vulnerability in one form or another I think the safety risks do increase." Thales designs, develops and manufactures electronic systems used in satellites, aircraft cockpits and cabins, transportation systems and weapons systems. The company also provides cybersecurity capabilities to its customers. The aviation industry has a strong foundation and culture of safety, Pellegrini said. A culture of cybersecurity can be built on this foundation, he said. Pellegrini also pointed out that there are firewalls among the systems that are used to control the flight of aircraft and other communications and in-flight entertainment systems. The safety features around the flight control systems are "robust," he said. But there are shortcomings, Pellegrini said. "I will submit to you there are many specifications that we get for systems to put on aircraft that don't have well-established security requirements and now we as a company (I know others do to) want to try and head that off and address them, but I think as an industry we could collectively do more," he said. There is a growing awareness within the industry of cyber hacking and potential vulnerabilities and more information is being shared but it's still not enough, Pellegrini said. Efforts to combat cyber threats and hacking remain "stovepiped," he said, pointing to the need for industry and government to work together to mitigate potential threats. The aviation industry could learn from the lessons learned and best practices applied by other private sector groups such as financial services and retail to combat cyber threats, Pellegrini said. "Awareness is great, action is better," he said. "And we have good models to work on." Last year, a team led by the Science and Technology Directorate at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demonstrated that it could remotely hack a parked commercial aircraft. DHS acquired a used Boeing 757 that it parked at the airport in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and conducted a "non-cooperative penetration" of systems aboard the aircraft. The work DHS is doing is classified and the information of the hack was provided by Robert Hickey, who at the time was the aviation program manager for S&T's Cybersecurity Division. The disclosure of the hacking ultimately cost Hickey his job. In a later statement, DHS said that "While certain details of the assessment remain classified," Hickey's comments "lack important context, including an artificial testing environment and risk reduction measures already in place. Along with our federal and industry partners, DHS takes aviation cybersecurity seriously and works with both researchers and vendors to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in the aviation sector. The aviation industry, including manufacturers and airlines, has invested heavily in cybersecurity and built robust testing and maintenance procedures to manage risks." http://www.aviationtoday.com/2018/04/13/cyber-attacks-connected-aircraft-happening-right-now/ Back to Top Mena Aerospace strikes major deal with Haitec Bahrain-based Mena Aerospace has entered into a partnership with Germany's Haitec, a leading European MRO company, to operate an expanded technical facility from its Bahrain hangar, servicing the Middle East and Africa regions, and focusing on the widely-used narrow-bodied airframes. The partnership was officially established at an event attended by Dr Mohammed Juman, managing director and founder, and Omar Mattar, CEO Mena Aerospace, accompanying a senior delegation of Haitec's officials from Germany, Gereon Arens, CEO, and Martin O'Boyle, commercial director. Officials from the partner companies met with Bahrain's minister of transportation and telecommunications, Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, followed by Mohammed Yousif Al Bin Falah, CEO, Bahrain Airport Company, to discuss the cooperation between all parties, and its positive impact on the national economy. Speaking at the event, Dr Juman commented: "We see our role at Mena Aerospace to be an integral part of Bahrain's aviation ecosystem, and with the expansion of the new airport we all have to innovate to meet the increased demand the industry will see. This deal with Haitec will bring an unmatched level of service and quality of German engineering to the country, which all our partner airlines can benefit from. With the addition of an Easa-approved turnkey MRO service to our suite of solutions, we are now a 360-degree aviation provider, with aircraft operation and management, charter sales, ground services, aircraft parking, line maintenance and logistical support." "As an organisation, we are constantly focused on re-defining quality in all our service offerings, with the safety and security of our clients and their passengers as top-of-mind. I would like to thank Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed for supporting and facilitating this partnership, and for his active role in the progress of Bahrain's aviation sector. My gratitude also goes to Mohamed Al Binfalah, who leads operations at our close partner Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), as well as our Advise Avia and Mena Aerospace board of staff who made this expansion possible." Mena Aerospace operates the only private hangar at BIA, large enough to accommodate up to B757 aircraft, with a capacity of 295 passengers. The new enterprise will not only create jobs for Bahraini and expatriate aviation professionals, it is expected to generate foreign investment into the country through its operations. Hiatec Easa is a world-class independent MRO company with over 400 staff servicing over 50 customers from their hangar facilities at Hahn Airport (HHN) and Erfurt Airport (ERF) in Germany. As an Easa Part-145/Part-147 organization, Haitec holds the FAA approval, as well as approvals from Civil Aviation Organizations of Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Russia and the UAE, allowing the company to service a broad range of Boeing and Airbus, as well as Gulfstream aircraft. - TradeArabia News Service http://www.ttnworldwide.com/Article/276848/Mena-Aerospace-strikes-major-deal-with-Haitec- Back to Top Etihad Airways Engineering Award Winning Innovation to Cut Fuel and Water Drain Time Abu Dhabi, UAE - Etihad Airways Engineering has seen off competition from a field of 400 to take a top innovation award. Themaintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services provider received the prestigious UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Aeronnovation award in the 'Improving Aviation Safety' category. The award was presented by GCAA Chairman H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori and Director General H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi during the UAE's Innovation Month. Etihad Airways Engineering's winning entry - Fuel Drain-DoctorTM - efficiently and safely drains condensate water and fuel and reduces depuddling times from hours to minutes. The innovative drain cart saves up to 80 per cent of the time required for fuel and water draining during aircraft maintenance. Fuel Drain-Doctor was designed and developed in the Etihad Airways Engineering facility, and was a result of close collaboration between the Design, Engineering & Innovation and Light Maintenance teams. Abdul Khaliq Saeed, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways Engineering, said, "As an MRO organisation, we aim to minimise ground time for our customer's aircraft by employing more efficient processes and innovative technologies. Fuel Drain-Doctor, designed and built in the Etihad Airways Engineering facility, can help any airline or MRO reduce aircraft fuel and water draining time, which leads to cost and time savings. Faster turnaround time translates to more revenue in our industry where every minute counts." Etihad Airways Engineering continues to invest in infrastructure to support the growing business. Aircraft hangars at the facility cover approximately 42,000 sq metres, including 10,000 sq metres of aircraft painting facilities and a custom-designed hangar that can accommodate up to three Airbus A380 aircraft simultaneously. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12407969/etihad-airways-engineering-award-winning-innovation-to-cut-fuel-and-water-drain-time Back to Top NASA, SpaceX to launch spacecraft to find another Earth TESS, a new NASA planet-hunting spacecraft, is set to write the next revolutionary chapter in astronomy by revealing more details about the nearest exoplanets and, perhaps, uncovering the first signs of life seen beyond our spinning rock. For centuries we knew of no planets beyond this solar system, until the first trickle of exoplanet discoveries in the 1990s. Over the past several years NASA's Kepler Space Telescope has accelerated the pace of discovery, making it clear the galaxy is awash with planets. But Kepler is crippled and running out of fuel. Fortunately, its successor, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, is waiting in the wings. More accurately, it's sitting in the nose cone of a rocket in Florida. TESS is scheduled to launch Monday aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, one of many missions Elon Musk's rocket company has partnered on with NASA. SpaceX also uses its Dragon cargo ships to resupply the International Space Station. NASA's TESS will monitor 200,000 of the nearest stars using the same discovery method that enabled Kepler to spot 2,600 confirmed exoplanets. Its four wide-field cameras will watch for tell-tale dips in brightness that can be caused by an orbiting planet passing in front of a star. "TESS is going to essentially provide the catalog, like the phone book, if you will, of all the best planets for following up, for looking at their atmospheres and studying more about them," MIT astrophysics professor Sara Seager told me. Seager is part of the science leadership team for TESS and a driving force in the search for signs of life around other stars. After TESS finds those worlds, a more sophisticated telescope, such as the James Webb Space Telescope that is set to launch in 2020, will be used to look for those signatures of potential life. "To me, TESS represents the very first opportunity to really, truly make progress in this area of trying to find signs of life on other worlds," Seager says. "It really has a chance to find a rocky planet ... that's the right distance from its star, the right temperature to have life on its surface. Tess will find a pool of planets like that." Seager notes that many of the worlds TESS is likely to find may be similar to Earth in size and rocky composition, but will be different and weird in other ways. Like the nearest exoplanet, Proxima b, many will be in very close orbits of dwarf stars that prevent them from turning on their axes, leaving one side stuck in permanent nighttime darkness. These planets may also be showered by radiation from the frequent solar flares of red dwarf stars. "We learned from Kepler that there are more planets than stars in our sky, and now TESS will open our eyes to the variety of planets around some of the closest stars," Paul Hertz, director of the astrophysics division at NASA headquarters, said in a statement. "TESS will cast a wider net than ever before for enigmatic worlds." TESS is set to launch from SpaceX's Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 6:32 ET. It will eventually settle into a 13.7-day orbit around Earth. It's been a busy time for SpaceX. In recent weeks it's launched the first Falcon Heavy rocket and received approval for a massive satellite broadband project, and it will soon launch a rocket that it hopes can be re-used up to 100 times. Musk, meanwhile, has his eyes set on Mars, a planet much closer to home. It's even planning to raise more money to help it achieve those goals. Musk plans for sending humans to Mars are still years away, but Seager estimates we might see TESS' first images of the night sky about 10 days after launch. The science mission, however, won't officially begin until about two months of testing the spacecraft's different systems are complete. "I can't wait to see TESS launch and participate as the next step in human exploration of new worlds takes shape," Lisa Kaltenegger, a Cornell University professor and TESS science team member, said via email. "When looking up at night, we will be able to point at bright stars in the night sky and say, 'Right there, there is a star that hosts another Venus, Mars, or maybe even another Earth.'" https://www.cnet.com/news/nasa-tess-telescope-launches-on-spacex-rocket-monday/ Curt Lewis