Market Intelligence: -General Aviation

U.S. Air Force Evaluating Proposal to Remove Co-Pilot from Tanker Crews

Officials in the Air Force’s mobility enterprise are considering amending rules to allow just two crew members onboard the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus tankers during dangerous missions, raising eyebrows among airmen.

There is a proposal to trim down the number of crews aboard Boeing KC-46 which normally consists of a pilot, co-pilot, and a boom operator.

“The command is currently reassessing minimum flight crew requirements as we explore and validate new tactics, techniques and procedures oriented towards a dynamic, future fight,” Air Mobility Command (AMC) spokesperson Maj. Hope Cronin told Air Force Times.

Accordingly, the command will assess whether or not a pair of aircrews can handle the military aircraft before they sign a waiver.

There are rumours that the Air Force is considering this due to a supposed shortage of pilots but this has been denied by officials.

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Boeing, CAE Sign MOU to Enhance Global Aerospace Training, Innovation and Fleet Support

Boeing and CAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand their collaboration and explore further teaming opportunities in defense aerospace training. The memorandum leverages the strengths, skills, and advanced technologies of Boeing and CAE with the intent to further enhance innovation and competition through potential joint-offerings.

Additionally, the MOU aims to advance mission readiness for defense customers worldwide operating Boeing military aircraft. Working together, Boeing and CAE are uniquely qualified to deliver outcome-based pilot training, aircrew ground school, in-service support, and instructor training at the point of need.

“Boeing and CAE share an unwavering commitment to deliver value through innovative training solutions that provide increased efficacy and reliability to our defense and commercial services customers,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO, Boeing Global Services. “This collaboration demonstrates the best of how governments and industry can collaborate to benefit customers worldwide.”

This collaboration amplifies a long-standing relationship spanning commercial and defense portfolios across the globe. CAE is an integral partner on the CH-47 Chinook program in Germany, has supported Boeing extensively with P-8 training solutions worldwide, and is a charter member of Team Poseidon in Boeing’s Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft offering. This MOU builds on the recent exclusive teaming agreement in Germany for Chinook, and continues joint efforts to deliver enhanced training offerings for Chinook in the United Arab Emirates that support Emiratization efforts, as well as expanding P-8 solutions in Canada, Germany, and Norway.

“Our purpose is to prepare our military customers for safe and successful mission outcomes through advanced training and mission readiness,” says Daniel Gelston, president, CAE Defense & Security. “CAE and Boeing are leveraging our global training experience and aircraft expertise to expand solutions that support modernization and adaptability for the future of these platforms.”

The MOU expands Boeing and CAE international teaming and supplier networks to provide solutions that support both customer and regional development.

About Boeing:
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

About CAE:
At CAE, we equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. CAE Defense & Security is at the leading edge of digital innovation providing training and mission support solutions across multi-domain operations – air, land, maritime, space and cyber. Our training and operational support solutions prepare customers who operate in complex, high-stakes environments where mission readiness and successful outcomes are critical. CAE is the world’s leading pure play, platform agnostic training and simulation company serving the global defense market.

Source: Boeing Announcement

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US State Oklahoma Ranks First in the Nation for High Schools Teaching Aviation Curriculum

While commercial runways were nearly vacant during the early days of the pandemic of 2020-2021, staff from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission were knocking on the doors of high school superintendents and school counselors across Oklahoma’s 77 counties, asking if they could visit about an emerging aviation curriculum available to their students.

Oklahoma Aeronautics has advocated for and implemented this curriculum to support Oklahoma’s commitment to solving workforce challenges and to ensure that the state’s second-largest industry, aviation and aerospace,  will continue to be a major economic driver for the state. The four-year “You Can Fly” High School Curriculum developed by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is being adopted by independent school districts at a record pace throughout the state.

On Tuesday evening during a four-day training conference, teachers and industry leaders met at OU’s National Weather Center to celebrate the growth of aviation and aerospace education in the state, and to discuss ways to partner in the building of programs that will ensure the growth of Oklahoma’s aviation, aerospace and defense industry workforce.

Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell announced that Oklahoma is first in the nation for the number of schools approved to teach the AOPA high school aviation curriculum starting this fall. With AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker and the State Director of Aeronautics Grayson Ardies flanking the stage, AOPA and Oklahoma Aeronautics confirmed that the 57 school districts across the state signed onto the program moved the Sooner State into first place in the United States.

“I want to make Oklahoma a Top Ten state in every category and I am so proud that Oklahoma is ranked first in the nation for high schools teaching the AOPA curriculum,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “Thanks to innovative leadership and the work of Oklahoma Aeronautics, we are helping young people find a passion for aviation and aerospace. As a pilot, I am excited to see what the future brings for the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and the aerospace industry in our state.”

Many of the school districts are geographically located in rural areas and are readying themselves to implement the curriculum next fall.  AOPA’s You Can Fly initiative is all about building the aviation community, getting more people into the skies, and keeping them there. The centerpiece of You Can Fly is the unique and free High School STEM Curriculum, ensuring that all of aviation has a bright future.

“From CareerTech certifications to a dozen collegiate programs, Oklahoma has led the way in aerospace education for decades. The implementation of AOPA Aviation Curriculum in high schools across the state marks the next milestone in growing aerospace talent in Oklahoma. The aerospace industry employs more than 120,000 Oklahomans, and our continued investment in education will lead to more high-paying jobs in our state,” said Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell.

You Can Fly plays a vital role in helping to ensure the health of aviation, as the nation faces a looming shortage of pilots and aviation professionals. The latest Boeing Commercial Outlook calls for the need for more than 600,000 pilots and aviation technicians over the next 20 years.

In the past school year, more than 12,000 students in 1,000 classrooms across the country, in all four grades, took the curriculum and learned about exciting opportunities in aviation.

“I’m most proud that 49% of the students in our High School program come from minority backgrounds, and 21% are female. We need more inclusion in aviation,” said Baker.

The program is beginning to see real dividends as among its first set of graduates, 58% are pursuing aviation-related careers (including 87% attending college, trade, or technical school).

To support the program, in late 2021 the Commission took on the monumental task to apply for a Workforce Development Grant funded by the Federal Aviation Administration to add support for the implementation of the AOPA program. Staff is working with those 57 schools to distribute FAA funds directly toward classroom supplies. One foundational aspect of receiving the FAA grant was to name five Oklahoma high schools as “Aviation High Schools of Excellence”.

The five schools recognized by the legislature during the 2022 legislative session were Ada High School, McAlester High School, Mustang High School, Okmulgee High School, and Pryor High School. They were early adopters of the AOPA program and will serve as mentors for new Oklahoma high schools implementing the AOPA curriculum.

To further advance the program, Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, and Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, filed Senate Bill 1147 which Gov. Stitt signed into law to direct the State Board of Education to help ensure aviation courses are eligible for non-elective academic credit toward meeting Oklahoma’s graduation requirements.

Ardies said, “Oklahoma has a strong commitment to implement educational programming to address aviation, aerospace and defense workforce needs. Many in the industry have called for aviation-focused, primary-level education curriculum to get students started on an early flight plan for joining the aviation or aerospace career field. Number one in the Nation is great, but we are just starting to spread our wings and take flight.”

Source: Oklahoma Aeronautics Press Release

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57 US High Schools to Begin Teaching the AOPA “You Can Fly” Curriculum

The following Oklahoma high schools are set to begin teaching the AOPA “You Can Fly” Curriculum for the upcoming school year. You Can Fly plays a vital role in helping to ensure the health of aviation, as the nation faces a looming shortage of pilots and aviation professionals.

  • Ada High School and Junior High
  • Altus High School
  • Alva High School
  • Ardmore High School
  • Atoka High School
  • Bartlesville High School
  • Battiest High School
  • Bristow High School
  • Byng High School
  • Charles Page High School
  • Chelsea High School
  • Chisholm High School
  • Davenport High School
  • Deer Creek High School
  • Drumright Public Schools
  • Duncan High School
  • Durant High School
  • Educators for Christian Homeschoolers of OK (ECHO)
  • Elmore City Pernell High School
  • Enid High School
  • Fort Cobb Broxton
  • Frederick High School
  • Grandfield High School
  • Great Plains Technology Center
  • Ketchum High School
  • Kingfisher High School
  • Lawton High School
  • Madill High School
  • Marietta High school
  • McAlester High School
  • Mustang High School
  • Norman High School
  • Norman North High School
  • Oilton High School
  • Oklahoma Fine Arts and Science Academy WHHS
  • Okmulgee High School
  • Owasso High School
  • Paoli Public School
  • Pauls Valley High School
  • Piedmont High School
  • Ponca City High School
  • Poteau High School
  • Pawhuska High School
  • Pryor High School
  • Putnam City North High School
  • Seminole High School
  • Sequoyah High School
  • Shawnee High School
  • Tri County Tech
  • Tulsa Technology Center
  • Washington High School
  • Wayne High School
  • Weatherford High School
  • Wewoka High School
  • Wyandotte School District 1
  • Wynnewood High School
  • Yukon High School

An excerpt from Oklahoma Aeronautics recent press release states:

“To support the program, in late 2021 the Commission took on the monumental task to apply for a Workforce Development Grant funded by the Federal Aviation Administration to add support for the implementation of the AOPA program. Staff is working with those 57 schools to distribute FAA funds directly toward classroom supplies.”

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UK Airline Cuts Nearly 30,000 Flights in Seven Months Due to Staff Shortage

British Airways (BA) announced it will cut more flights through to October. Another round of flight cancellations were announced by the UK airline as it cuts 10,300 short-haul flights of August to October which will affect London Heathrow, Gatwick and City airports. With the recent announcement, the airline has had already cut nearly 30,000 flights since April.

“The whole aviation industry continues to face into significant challenges and we’re completely focused on building resilience into our operation to give customers the certainty they deserve,” British Airways said in a statement.

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