August 10, 2017 - No. 063 In This Issue Q1 Aviation eyes innovation with drone technology Could pilotless planes be the future of aviation? Seabury Solutions To Deploy MRO IT Solution With Air Zimbabwe Aviation college has free tuition, books for local high school students Launching a Blockchain Solution to Make Aviation Safer - Aeron.aero Flying Colours First to Install Combined Rockwell Collins FANS 1/A and ADS-B Out Solution on Canadian Registered Aircraft FAA Proposes Revision to RVSM Approval Process Russian Helicopters to Test Ka-226T in Iran SpaceX preparing for a return to flight on Monday, August 14 Q1 Aviation eyes innovation with drone technology Q1 Aviation has announced the launch of a drone reseller program to be offered to enterprise level companies and flight schools. "We are filling the void that our customers have demanded. The future is today," said Carlos Santos, Q1 Aviation's president. Sales and marketing manager Vev Jackson explained: "We are taking a step in gearing our company towards innovation, and technology. With our various partnerships we will be able to offer flight schools and enterprise companies a UAV that will suit their operational needs." This service will bring a whole new revolution and improvement to the education sector. The company's goal is to be customer oriented: to provide customers with high quality products, while meeting their unique and time-critical demands. As one of Canada's top 5 Approved Maintenance Organizations (AMO 47-11, EASA 145.7296), Q1 AVIATION is bridging the gap between technology and innovation. Q1 AVIATION is based steps away from Pearson International airport. The innovativeness of this company is tied to their highly professional team of experienced aircraft maintenance professionals. https://www.verticalmag.com/press-releases/q1-aviation-eyes-innovation-drone- technology/ Back to Top Could pilotless planes be the future of aviation? A report recently released by UBS claims that by removing pilots from the cockpit and replacing them with technology would save aviation companies $35 billion a year, WABC reported. But will passengers fly with no pilot on board, and the plane being remotely controlled from the ground? The report said not many would, with only 17 percent saying they would step on a plane with no one on board to fly it. Experts said that cargo planes would be the first to try the tech, with commercial plains being the last. The tech could be developed for remote-controlled planes and could be debuted by 2025, CNN reported. Pilots, CNN pointed out, fly planes on manual controls for a few minutes out of each flight, using on-board computers to land and navigate, but they're constantly monitoring the systems and speaking with air traffic control. http://www.statesman.com/news/national/could-pilotless-planes-the-future- aviation/qk1aybGMMGnd9qVxG0d0fO/ Back to Top Seabury Solutions To Deploy MRO IT Solution With Air Zimbabwe SHANNON, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seabury Solutions, a subsidiary of Seabury Capital LLC and the market leader in providing Information Technology solutions for the aviation industry, announced today that Africa-based Air Zimbabwe had signed contracts for AlkymŽ Management and Control System for Aircraft Maintenance, becoming the fourth Africa-based flag carrier to implement the company's industry-leading Alkym solution. With a complete solution to cater for CAMO and MRO service integrated with Logistics, Alkym was able to meet the high demands required from the selection process. "This first half of 2017 has demonstrated that Alkym continues to lead the industry in providing the top-of-the-market functionality across the aviation world," said Seabury Solutions Senior Vice President John Barry. "While we are currently deploying Alkym in Europe, South America and the Caribbean, once again Africa will see our teams on site, proving time and again that cost effective solutions are required but must never compromise on functionality." Air Zimbabwe has opted for 13 of 18 of the modules provided within Alkym. The configuration of the system and training of the personnel are currently under way, with system implementation set to begin with a two-week workshop to map out the process for the most effective deployment of the solution to meet Air Zimbabwe's needs. Captain Ripton Muzenda, Air Zimbabwe CEO, under whose leadership the airline is expected to embark on an ambitious journey to reclaim its place in the skies, commented: "The control of our technical operations is the foundation of the building blocks we are putting in place. We want to bring Air Zimbabwe back to its glory days. Working with an industry leader in Seabury Solutions that transformation can begin. The software solution is proven and the people behind it understand the complexity of our operation." ABOUT AIR ZIMBABWE Air Zimbabwe founded in 1946 draws on a proud legacy of safety, our exceptional pilots and solid customer service. They have comprehensive technical and engineering base which holds approvals from civil aviation authorities of several countries in the region and beyond. Along with its core airline operations and technical department Air Zimbabwe also runs Technical and Commercial Training schools at its headquarters, offering courses in ticketing, cargo processes and procedures, aircraft engineering and pilot training. www.airzimbabwe.aero ABOUT SEABURY SOLUTIONS Seabury Solutions is a subsidiary of Seabury Capital LLC and the market leader in providing Information Technology solutions for the aviation industry. With more than 10 years of experience and specialization in the development and implementation of world- class software solutions for aviation, Seabury Solutions has an unmatched reputation as a provider of cost-effective solutions in the industry. www.seaburysolutions.com ABOUT SEABURY CAPITAL Seabury Capital LLC ("Seabury Capital") operates a number of specialty finance, investment banking, technology and software companies with a core focus anchored in aviation, aerospace & defense, maritime, and financial services/technology. Since its founding in 1996, Seabury Capital has historically been the investment holding company of its founder, John E. Luth, operating as a venture capital firm with ownership stakes in software and asset management businesses servicing the aviation and travel industries. Within the last few years, Seabury Capital has expanded its portfolio by investing in early stage startup companies within the financial technology industry and structured investment products. In addition, Seabury Capital owns and operates FINRA regulated investment banking services firms in the U.S. and U.K. serving external clients as well as assisting the companies in which Seabury Capital has invested. Seabury Capital has operations in New York, Jersey City, Summit (NJ), Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Stamford (CT), Amsterdam, Berlin, Cordoba, Dublin, Durban, Hong Kong, London, Manila, Singapore, and Tokyo. www.seaburycapital.com http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170808005956/en/Seabury-Solutions- Deploy-MRO-Solution-Air-Zimbabwe Back to Top Aviation college has free tuition, books for local high school students Opportunities for high school students to get ahead in their careers are endless in Covington County. Alabama Aviation College's Michael Barton, who is a school alum and current instructor, said Wednesday that there are also opportunities at the South Alabama Regional Airport for students who wish to become an aircraft mechanic. Barton said that this is the second year the program in Andalusia has been back after a hiatus. Students can start classes as early as the summer before their sophomore year and can earn certification in airframe technology and powerplant technology once they are completed. Barton said that students can learn the majority of airframe at the Andalusia Campus doing dual enrollment courses. He said that a student who starts in the 10th grade will have about six classes left to complete the program once he or she graduates from high school. Barton said that there are plenty of jobs in driving distance for those who receive these certifications - Fort Rucker, Dothan, Crestview, Eglin Air Force Base and Whiting Field in Milton, even locally at Vector Aerospace. There are also jobs in Mobile. Additionally, Barton said there are pages upon pages of job opportunities throughout the country. "If they don't have a job, it's because they don't want one," he said. Barton said that he has worked with people who have worked on Air Force One, the space shuttle and rocket programs. "All this stuff ties into aviation," he said. Barton said that beginning job salaries are usually around $16- $20 an hour, but can be slightly less or more. He said the top tier mechanics at UPS can make around $48 per hour or more. The mean salary is a little more than $60,000 for aircraft maintenance technicians or aircraft mechanics. "Alabama is doing a tremendous job in trying to attract jobs in aviation," Barton said. "It's a legitimate career. Will they be a millionaire? Not as long as they work for someone else, but it does make a good living." Students who are interested in the program must provide their own transportation, and meet some admissions requirements such as a 2.5 grade point average and school and parental permission, but currently do not have to pay tuition, thanks to a workforce development grant. Barton said there is another grant that covers books. The entire program is around $21,000 if paying out of pocket, he said. There is no continuing education required for aircraft mechanics. Barton said a good portion of the job is hands-on training. He said that the FAA doesn't allow mechanics to do work they haven't done before unless they are supervised or can read and understand the instructions. Barton said the school is the only aviation college in the state. Barton said that aviation is No. 2 in importance, job wise in Alabama, with nursing being the No. 1. For more information, call 334-222-0133. http://www.andalusiastarnews.com/2017/08/10/aviation-college-has-free-tuition-books- for-local-high-school-students/ Back to Top Launching a Blockchain Solution to Make Aviation Safer - Aeron.aero The maintenance, tracking and verification of aircraft and pilot log records will never be easier after the launch of Aeron Register. The current system for logging training and flight hours is easily manipulated, as flight logs are mostly done on paper, with the numbers, signatures, and confirmation stamps all being done manually. The point of a flight log is to monitor the progressive experience of a pilot. This is one of the ways that determines when a pilot can be licensed. As an example, to become a licensed private pilot, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires 40 flight hours to acquire experience and skill. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that the logs are authentic. Aeron.aero has developed a solution to make flying safer for everyone. Aeron's solution relies on Blockchain technology to track aircraft maintenance and pilot logs. Aeron is constructing a database and an online system that is decentralized, hosting global data on aircraft, flight schools and pilots. This electronic logging system would enable pilots to have logs that can be verified online, making aviation safer for everyone involved. A smart phone application will ultimately replace obsolete paper records and would gain a global acceptance, enabling a single point of reference for private pilots, aircraft owners and operators, aviation enthusiasts and general public interested in aircraft charters, leisure flights and pilot training. Aeron will work with national aviation authorities and international agencies (e.g. EASA and FAA) to promote acceptance of the electronic log records based on Blockchain, as well as to demonstrate integrity, reliability and transparency of record keeping. That will take experience, connections, and resources. We welcome your interest and participation. Please visit https://aeron.aero/ for additional information on services, business model and key events. http://www.the-blockchain.com/2017/08/09/launching-blockchain-solution-make- aviation-safer-aeron-aero/ Back to Top Flying Colours First to Install Combined Rockwell Collins FANS 1/A and ADS-B Out Solution on Canadian Registered Aircraft Flying Colours Corp. has redelivered the first Canadian registered aircraft to have the Rockwell Collins network's Future Airspace Navigation System (FANS) 1/A upgrade installed in combination with Flying Colours ADS-B solution. The FANS 1/A system, which is available through Rockwell Collins dealers, will improve operating costs, whilst the addition of the soon to be mandatory ADS-B Out technology will help maintain asset value. This is the first time that a Canadian registered Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft will have had this particular FANS 1/A solution, and the Flying Colours' ADS-B Out solution, installed during a single upgrade at the Flying Colours, Bombardier Authorized Service Facility in Peterborough. The private owner requested the system's modernization as part of a scheduled 48-month maintenance inspection with the full range of enhancements being completed in just under two months. The aircraft was returned to the customer on 3rd August. The ADS-B Out technology was installed under the existing Flying Colours STC which the Canadian headquartered business owns for this type of aircraft along with the STC for the Challenger 300 & 605 types. Flying Colours secured approval from the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) department to install ADS-B OUT technology on Canadian registered Bombardier Challenger 600-2B16 (604 and 605) and 300 airframes in January of this year. Whilst the new TCCA STC covering FANS 1/A complements the existing US FAA certification. To date the Flying Colours developed ADS-B Out STC for the Challenger 605/604, and Challenger 300 models, has been installed on more than 20 aircraft. "The combined installation was relatively straight forward as we are very familiar with the Challenger family," says Sean Gillespie, Executive VP of Flying Colours Corp. "It made complete sense for our customer to include these enhancements in a 48-month inspection as it reduces downtime and the overall expense," he adds. "We've quickly become the go- to completions center for mandatory avionics upgrades on Bombardier Challenger 300, 604 and 605 types having secured our STC early. With Flying Colours ASF status and extensive avionics experience working on these aircraft types, we are well positioned to support local and international customers." During this year's Canadian Business Aviation Association's meeting in Abbotsford, BC from 9 to 11 August - Booth 349 - the Flying Colours team will be advising visitors on the best options for avionics upgrades to support the installation of ADS- B Out, as well as showcasing their maintenance, refurbishment, completion and special mission capabilities. For more information visit www.flyingcolourscorp.com. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12358614/flying-colours-first-to-install- combined-rockwell-collins-fans-1-a-and-ads-b-out-solution-on-canadian-registered- aircraft Back to Top FAA Proposes Revision to RVSM Approval Process Aircraft equipped with ADS-B Out avionics that meet altitude keeping requirements can obtain reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) authorizations if a newly proposed change to that application process with the FAA becomes effective. Civil aviation authorities first began introducing new RVSM rules in 1997, reducing required vertical separation between aircraft flying above 29,000 feet from a minimum of 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet. The FAA first implemented its current RVSM policy in domestic U.S. airspace in 2005. It then updated the policy again in 2014 to consider operator experience and knowledge in determining the extent of the evaluation required to obtain authorization. In 2016, the agency further modified the application process by eliminating the need for applicants to establish an approved RVSM maintenance program. According to a new FAA notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), the latest proposal has been drafted based on the agency's response to requests to eliminate the expense of the current RVSM application process for aircraft equipped with ADS-B Out technology. The FAA proposes to make the rule effective in 2018 and expects the average equipage rate of ADS-B Out aircraft flying in RVSM airspace to reach 95% by 2019 and 100% by Jan. 1, 2020. Some of the aircraft identified by the FAA that would be affected by the rule include the Cessna Citation Mustang, Cessna Citation CJ3 and the Gulfstream IV. Along with ADS-B Out avionics, aircraft eligible for RVSM operations under the new ADS-B Out provision would also need to be equipped with two operational independent altitude measurement systems and at least one automatic altitude control system that controls the aircraft altitude. A summary of costs and benefits noted by the FAA in the NPRM states that the agency expects the proposal would result in cost savings totaling $35 million during the first five years of implementation. Cost savings would result primarily from the ability of operators to fly at more fuel-efficient RVSM altitudes. Additionally, every affected operator of an aircraft equipped with ADS-B would save a total of $1,630 since it would not be required to apply for an RVSM authorization and would not be restricted from RVSM operations while the authorization is under review. One of the surveillance monitoring capabilities noted by the FAA in the new NPRM states that ADS-B Out systems transmit the "necessary aircraft position information to allow the FAA to perform height-keeping performance monitoring on a continual basis." The agency is also planning to share its ADS-B performance concepts and monitoring techniques with the International Civil Aviation Org. Australia, China and Thailand currently use ADS-B Out for RVSM height keeping performance monitoring, and Eurocontrol is also considering its use, according to the FAA. The FAA is inviting aviation industry comments on the new proposal, but has not yet specified a closing date for comments to be submitted. http://www.aviationtoday.com/2017/08/08/faa-proposes-revision-rvsm-approval- process/ Back to Top Russian Helicopters to Test Ka-226T in Iran The Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) together with Iran Helicopters Support and Renewal Company (IHSRC) will test the light utility helicopter Ka-226T for its usability at extremely high temperatures. The tests will be conducted on the Iranian company site within the framework of a memorandum signed by the parties in May 2017 at the international exhibition HeliRussia- 2017. The Ka-226T has already arrived at Iran and started its first test flights. The objective of these tests that will continue until the end of August is to prove the usability of the Ka-226T at ambient temperatures of up to +50°C. Moreover, in early September, Russian Helicopters together with IHSRC are going to hold a conference in Iran to acquaint the potential customers with the test results, specifics of the Ka-226T operation and its competitive advantages. "Testing of the Ka-226T in the extreme climatic conditions of Iran will make the helicopter even more attractive for the potential operators not only in this country but also throughout the Middle East. We can notice the great interest towards this helicopter in the region even now, and we hope that our cooperation with our partners from IHSRC will allow us to turn this interest into several contracts and agreements," said Andrey Boginsky, CEO of Russian Helicopters. The light utility helicopter Ka-226T has a coaxial twin-rotor system, its maximum takeoff weight is 3.6 t, and it is able to transport up to 1 t of payload. The main distinctive feature of the helicopter is its modular design - a transport cabin that can carry up to 6 people or modules with special equipment can be easily installed on the Ka-226T. Improved performance characteristics of the Ka-226T, its eco-friendly features, cost effectiveness, advanced avionics and additional flight safety solutions make this helicopter one of the best models in its class. JSC Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation), is one of the world leaders in helicopter industry, the only developer and manufacturer of helicopters in Russia. The holding company was established in 2007. The head office is located in Moscow. The holding company is comprised of five helicopter plants, two design bureaus, enterprises for production and maintenance of components, aircraft repair plants and a service company providing after-sales support in Russia and abroad. Among the buyers of the holding company's products are Defense Ministry of Russia, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, EMERCOM of Russia, and other state customers, Gazprom Avia and UTair airlines, as well as major Russian and foreign companies. In 2016, the revenue of Russian Helicopters under IFRS amounted to RUB 214.3 billion, its shipments totaled to 189 helicopters. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12358382/russian-helicopters-to-test-ka- 226t-in-iran Back to Top SpaceX preparing for a return to flight on Monday, August 14 After almost exactly one month without the roar of rockets, SpaceX is preparing to return Kennedy Space Center to active launch status with its twelfth Commercial Resupply Services mission. The static fire of Dragon's first stage, 1039, is scheduled for no earlier than tomorrow, August 10th, with the launch planned for 9:56 a.m. PST/12:56 p.m. EST on Monday, August 14th. In what has become routine for CRS missions, 1039 will return to SpaceX's Florida-based LZ-1 landing facility after it separates from the second stage. The Dragon it is to launch to the International Space Station marks its own milestone as the last "new" vehicle that SpaceX will launch during its remaining eight CRS-1 missions. Following CRS-12, every subsequent CRS launch will utilize reused hardware. Discussed at the ISS R&D Conference just a few weeks ago, Musk revealed that while the reused flight of CRS-11's Dragon likely cost at least as much or more than flying new hardware, future reuses of Dragon would likely drop the cost by as much as half, resulting in significant cost savings for the company. As of June 2016, CRS-12 is expected to bring with it 7,300 lbs of cargo. Over the course of the last three weeks, CRS-12's launch date has pinballed around due to issues with a ULA payload originally intended to launch before SpaceX. After suffering damage during integration, the satellite had to be repaired and the launch date delayed. As the delay lengthened, SpaceX jumped ahead of ULA and was scheduled to launch on Sunday, August 13th. Launch was initially scheduled for August 10th, pushed to August 14th, moved up to August 13th, and then moved back to August 14th as of yesterday. Access to space is never without drama, although this level of launch date bouncing is rather unusual. The weather at Cape Canaveral looks to be quite bad during CRS-12's launch week, with a high probability of both rain and lightning. As we get closer to the launch date, we'll see if SpaceX chooses to continue with the planned Monday attempt. After a month without East Coast launches* as a result of required range maintenance, it will be exciting to see the U.S. return to flight regardless of the launch date. https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-preparing-return-flight-monday-august-14/ Curt Lewis