Market Intelligence: -General Aviation

Helicopter Association International Scholarship Program Open for Applications

Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce that the association is now accepting applications for its 2023 scholarship program.

HAI offers scholarships in the areas of aviation maintenance, commercial helicopter pilot ratings, and pilot safety. Some of the scholarships include stipends.

“Paying for schools, books, flight time, or tools is one of the toughest parts of our industry,” says Greg Brown, HAI’s director of education and training services. “HAI’s scholarship program is one option to help people in our industry, whether you’re just entering the incredible field of rotorcraft or advancing to the next stage of your career.”

The four scholarship programs available for 2023 are:

Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Scholarship

Founded in memory of Bill Sanderson, a longtime industry director and advocate for AMT programs, this scholarship provides full tuition to complete a maintenance course from a selection of courses offered by various airframe and powerplant manufacturers. The award includes a stipend of up to US$1,600 to assist with travel, lodging, and food. Up to seven Bill Sanderson AMT Scholarships may be awarded annually.

The following manufacturers are participating in the program this year:

  • Airbus
  • Bell
  • Leonardo
  • MD Helicopters
  • Pratt & Whitney
  • Rolls-Royce
  • Safran Helicopter Engines

In addition, Bill Sanderson Scholarship recipients receive:

  • A complimentary full registration for the scholarship recipient and a guest for HAI Heli-Expo in Atlanta, Georgia, March 6–9, 2023 (exhibits open Mar. 7–9). Hotel and travel expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship winner and guest.
  • Formal recognition at HAI’s Annual General Meeting at HAI Heli-Expo

Commercial Helicopter Pilot Rating Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded each year to pilots who have their private licenses and are in the process of attaining a commercial helicopter rating. Up to two Commercial Helicopter Pilot Rating Scholarships may be awarded annually.The scholarship awards US$5,000 toward the cost of obtaining a commercial helicopter rating. In addition, scholarship recipients receive:

  • A complimentary full registration for the scholarship recipient and a guest for HAI Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia (hotel and travel expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship winner and guest).
  • Formal recognition at HAI’s Annual General Meeting at HAI Heli-Expo 2023.

Maintenance Technician Certificate Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded each year to up to two students studying to become aviation maintenance technicians.The scholarship awards US$2,500 toward the cost of obtaining an aviation maintenance certificate. In addition, scholarship recipients receive:

  • A complimentary full registration for the scholarship recipient and a guest for HAI Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia (hotel and travel expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship winner and guest).
  • Formal recognition at HAI’s Annual General Meeting at HAI Heli-Expo 2023.

Michelle North Scholarship for Safety

This scholarship is awarded to a pilot who has already attained a commercial rating and who demonstrates an outstanding aptitude for safe flying and aviation best practices.The scholarship was founded in memory of Michelle North, a longtime industry advocate of safety, to encourage a stronger focus on safety education and training in helicopter operations. One scholarship may be awarded annually.The scholarship pays the registration fee for the recipient to attend a safety management system (SMS) course, which will be part of the HAI Professional Education Course Program at HAI Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.In addition, the scholarship recipient receives:

  • A complimentary full registration and hotel accommodations for the scholarship recipient for HAI Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia (travel expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship recipient).
  • Formal recognition at HAI’s Annual General Meeting at HAI Heli-Expo 2023.

Applications for all scholarships are due by Oct. 14, 2022.

HAI scholarships are open to members only.

Source: Helicopter Association International (HAI) Press Release

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Global Aviation Companies Struggle with the Looming Mechanics Shortage

Aside from pilot shortage, the aviation industry also faces mechanics, ie. maintenance technicians and engineers, shortage. Several aviation companies are now taking notice of the looming mechanics shortage that, if not solved, will cause thousands of flight delays in the years to come.

Abdol Moabery of GA Telesis, LLC, one of the world’s largest commercial aerospace firms, despite offering 10% increase in salaries told, as cited by Reuters, that they are still struggling finding mechanics.

Citing similar source,  Frank Bayer of Lufthansa Technik AG said that “Recruiting mechanics has become noticeably more difficult compared to the pre-crisis period.”

Boeing’s figure from its 2021 global forecast points a 626,000 need for maintenance technicians in the next 20 years. That figure is almost similar, although slightly higher, against the forecasted need for pilots that is 612,000.

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Pipistrel Sets Out Certification Roadmap for New Aircraft – Panthera

Pipistrel announced it is targeting 2024 for EASA certification of the Panthera, its light 4-seater aircraft. The Panthera will be fully IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) certified with Garmin 1000Nxi avionics.

The Pipistrel Panthera is designed and manufactured by Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company.

Currently flying under an experimental license, Pipistrel has begun the certification program of the Panthera and is working towards completion. The aircraft will be fitted with features including Garmin’s integrated G1000Nxi avionics suite.

“The Panthera is going to be a game changer for the light aircraft segment,” says Gabriel Massey, president and managing director at Pipistrel. “With capacity for up to four people, a range of 1,100 miles and a cruising speed of 230 miles per hour, this is a high-performance aircraft that will enable traveling at longer distances in great comfort. The Panthera is the ultimate answer for those looking for speed, fuel efficiency and IFR capability.”

The Panthera has been designed by Pipistrel’s innovative team based in Slovenia. It is a low-wing aircraft with retractable landing gear, with an ergonomic cabin that has easy access for passengers through large, gull-wing style doors. In addition, there is a baggage compartment and a removable back seat for extra space.

Visit Pipistrel at booth #85 at EAA Airventure to view the Panthera and Pipistrel’s fully EASA-certified electric aircraft, the Velis Electro.

About Pipistrel

Founded in 1989, Pipistrel is an award-winning light aircraft manufacturer and leader in research and development of electric propulsion. Pipistrel produces electric and combustion models for the general aviation, defense and advanced air mobility sectors. Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2020 and earned UK CAA type certification in 2022.

Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations. The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development. Pipistrel includes the following companies: PIPISTREL d.o.o., PIPISTREL VERTICAL SOLUTIONS d.o.o and PIPISTREL ITALIA SRL.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems.

Source: Pipistrel Press Release

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Top Aerobatic Pilot Vicky Benzing Joins “WomenVenture” Lineup at EAA AirVenture

Vicky Benzing will join the special event “WomenVenture” on Wednesday, July 27th at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022. Aimed to inspire, empower, and break down barriers for girls and women in aviation, Vicky will perform in the Wednesday WomenVenture air show and join other female aerobatic pilots for a panel discussion titled “Unusual Attitudes” later in the evening at the Theater in the Woods. The 69th edition of EAA’s fly-in convention is July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Along with a dedicated WomenVenture center, this year’s AirVenture will also celebrate the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force.

Vicky’s aerobatic performance in her iconic bright red 1940 Boeing Stearman has a rich history with the U.S. military. Vicky’s beautiful biplane served during WWII at army airbases in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, training young cadets to be sent overseas into battle, and her flying routine incorporates the maneuvers that the cadets would have learned in their training. Loops and rolls, low and slow, with lots of smoke and noise, Vicky’s Stearman performance is a crowd favorite. If you miss her performance on Wednesday afternoon, you can watch her performance on Saturday the 30th or Sunday the 31st in the afternoon airshow.

Vicky Benzing, a highly educated aviator, is known not just for her incredible aerobatic skills but also for being the Fastest Woman Ever at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada. An accomplished pilot, skydiver, aerobatic performer, and air racer with 9,500 hours of flight time and over 1,300 parachute jumps, Vicky has a passion for everything airborne. She is a strong proponent of pursuing an aviation education.

Vicky Benzing and CAU Team Up

Vicky Benzing and California Aeronautical University have teamed up to help expose more young people to the aviation world and to the possibility of starting an aviation career. According to a recent pilot outlook study by Boeing, we’re experiencing a global pilot shortage in which over 600,000 new pilots will be needed to fly and maintain the global commercial fleet over the next 20 years.

“Learning to fly absolutely changed my life,” says Benzing. “It’s such a confidence builder for young people. There are so many different facets that make up the aviation world that the career opportunities are almost unlimited, especially today. It’s a very exciting time in the aviation industry.”

Benzing and CAU’s Outreach Team Will Appear Together With Benzing at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022

California Aeronautical University’s outreach team will provide information about the different paths to becoming a pilot to aspiring aviators and will have one of their training aircraft on display. The CAU booth will be located in the University Commons, booth 69. CAU’s tribute aircraft, which features the names of all our fallen military heroes since 9/11/2001, will also be on display on AirVenture. The aircraft – a Beechcraft Baron B55 – will be at the American Airlines booth 502.

Quick Facts About Vicky

  • Vicky loves to share her passion for flying with young people, which makes her partnership with California Aeronautical University a perfect fit.
  • Not only is Vicky a record-breaking pilot – she also holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC Berkeley and was an executive in the high technology industry.
  • Vicky competes every year at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, where she was named Rookie of the Year during her first year of racing and in 2015, became the Fastest Woman at Reno with a qualification speed of 469.831 MPH.
  • Vicky can be seen flying her Boeing Stearman in the film “Mercury 13,” a Netflix documentary that tells the remarkable true story of the women who fought for their place alongside male astronaut

About California Aeronautical University

California Aeronautical University (CAU) is preparing the next generation of aviation professionals. Serving students from all over the country, the University offers career-focused programs in aviation, aviation business, and aircraft maintenance. With on-airport locations throughout California and in Arizona that provide an ideal learning environment, CAU courses are delivered in a year-round, fast-paced schedule that enables students to enter the pipeline for aviation careers in a shorter amount of time.

Through the University’s strong partnerships with airlines, influential aviation organizations, and leaders in the aviation community, CAU graduates become a part of a larger aviation network and reap the benefits of these relationships, including direct access to several airline cadet programs. The University offers access to federal student financial aid, scholarships, and veteran educational benefits to those who qualify.

Source: California Aeronautical University Announcement

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L3Harris Signs MoU with Australian Aviation Training Group for its Virtual Reality Maintenance Trainer

Aviation Australia and L3Harris Technologies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate L3Harris’ new Web and Virtual Reality Maintenance Trainer (VRMT) into aircraft technician training programs.

As the first VRMT customer, Aviation Australia will be able to deliver more flexible training to students in any location with a computer and Internet access.

The VRMT extends the training power of L3Harris’ Virtual Maintenance Trainer (VMT) directly to students’ personal computers. The VRMT simulates the experience of maintaining fully-functional flight decks during program certification, allowing the students to virtually navigate equipment bays, view and remove components in real-time and practice troubleshooting procedures.

“Aviation Australia will be able to deliver the newest-generation training expertise to their students anywhere in the world,” said Alan Crawford, President, L3Harris Commercial Aviation. “The flexibility offered by the web-based VRMT enhances the quality and attractiveness of their already prestigious training program.”

The VRMT headsets enable students to practice anytime and anywhere at their own pace. In the event of any pandemic-related lockdowns, training will not be disrupted.

“We are delighted to work with L3Harris. This new technology will offer our students best-in-class training in a more flexible and accessible environment,” said William Horrocks, CEO of Aviation Australia.

L3Harris VMTs are used by airlines, maintenance and repair operators, universities and training centers across the world to teach aircraft malfunctions on demand. These training solutions allow flexibility and reduce costs while providing state-of-the art simulation of the real environment to aircraft technician trainees. This MoU agreement will evaluate using the VRMT in the Aviation Australia training program.

Source: L3Harris Press Release

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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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