Month: April 2023

Sellafield Drone Team to Carry Out UK Technology First

Kim Stevens

Photo above – Sam Jay, UAV Engineer and Chief Pilot at Sellafield Engineering Centre of Excellence, looking at the screen display of the mapping images captured by the Flyability Elios 3 drone.

A UK technology first is taking place this month thanks to a pioneering drone team. UAV pilots from Sellafield Ltd’s Engineering Centre of Excellence will fly the first UAV fitted with Lidar sensors at a UK nuclear site. The team based at Cleator Moor in Cumbria will fly the Swiss-made Flyability Elios 3 as part of a decommissioning program at the site.

The UAV is capable of carrying the latest Lidar technology, creating 3D visualization which gives the pilot full situational awareness while flying the drone. The images are also stored for 3D mapping reference, data which can be output for design work and for decommissioning, providing vital information on the physical characterization of cells.

From left, Peter King, Technical Specialist and Sam Jay, UAV Engineer and Chief Pilot, at Sellafield’s Engineering Centre of Excellence, with the Flyability Elios 3 drone which will carry out a UK technology first later this month.

The quadcopter, which uses ducted propellers, can be used to fly in hazardous environments such as active cells, taking away the need to involve humans in those areas.

Sam Jay, UAV Engineer and Chief Pilot at Sellafield Engineering Centre of Excellence, said: “We are going to be able to model an area of the site that people have not been into before.”

Peter King, Technical Specialist at the Centre of Excellence, said: “The technology we are using will enable us to understand decommissioning requirements for inaccessible areas. “It will enable us to carry out a high quality inspection, changing aspects of decommissioning, enabling us to characterize areas without putting people into those environments.”

The drone is able to operate in complete darkness with specialist thermal cameras and oblique lighting, inside full concrete cells and at a distance of up to 500 meters from an operator.

The technology has already been used in the USA, but this month will be the first time it has been used at a nuclear site in the UK.

Ten prospective UAV pilots chosen to undergo specialist training at Sellafield’s Engineering Centre of Excellence. From left: Daniel Brannon, Alex Parton, Damon Newton, Jason Hill, Tom Calverley, Andrew Gibson, Malcolm Arnott, Michael Forster, Julian Kay, Jonathan Carter (Global Drone Training), Andrew Scott.

The UAV team at Sellafield Engineering Centre of Excellence are well known across the industry for setting the standard in safe use of drones at UK nuclear sites.

Meanwhile more than 250 staff members at Sellafield answered the call to gain new skills in drone technology in order to support an out of hours UAV Emergency Duty Team (EDT).

Ten prospective UAV pilots were chosen from the applicants to undergo specialist training. They recently completed their General Visual line of Sight Certificate (GVC). “The amount of interest we had for the roles has been outstanding,” said Amanda Smith, Sellafield’s UAV Equipment Program Lead.

The cohort are now undergoing further training from the UAV team’s base at the Engineering Centre of Excellence. It is hoped that they will join the rota by the end of summer. Amanda said: “Having more pilots trained means we can provide eyes in the sky quickly, delivering important information to enable informed decisions to be made. “It’s great that so many of our Sellafield colleagues want to be on the emergency rota and are so committed to keeping our community safe.”

Statewide Events Highlight South Carolina Aviation Week

Kim Stevens

The South Carolina Aviation Association, in partnership with the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission, is celebrating this week with a series of events that highlight the impact aviation has on economic development and educational initiatives.

South Carolina has six commercial service airports, 58 general aviation airports and five military airfields. Each of these facilities provide essential support to the state’s diversified business base through recreational flying, providing gateways to communities and tourism, accommodating agricultural spraying, supporting air cargo and air freight shipments, helping law enforcement, supporting military operations, providing access in times of emergency, and supporting medicine and healthcare.

“South Carolina’s airports are essential to economic development in the state,” said South Carolina Aviation Association President Kevin Howell. ” They directly contribute to the economy by providing services, moving passengers, and transporting cargo. The movement of goods and people benefit South Carolina’s government, consumers, and its industries.”

The state’s aviation industry supports more than 122,000 jobs with an estimated annual payroll of $4.8 billion. Annually, at least $16.3 billion in economic activity can be traced to aviation in South Carolina.

South Carolina Aviation Week is a statewide celebration of the economic and education impact of airports and the aviation industry. Celebrated April 23-29, Aviation Week is planned in partnership by South Carolina Aviation Association (SCAA) and South Carolina Aeronautics Commission.

SCAA actively promotes and encourages aviation and airport development to meet air transportation needs and assist the state in achieving economic development goals. Its membership is comprised of airports, aviation industry partners and aviators across South Carolina.

Cirrus Aircraft Celebrates 9,000 SR Series Deliveries with Destination-Inspired Limited-Edition Aircraft

Kim Stevens

Cirrus Aircraft unveiled a new, destination-inspired Limited-Edition aircraft to commemorate the 9,000th SR Series aircraft delivery. The 9,000th Limited Edition SR Series reflects the thousands of Cirrus Aircraft owners who embody the Cirrus Life™ empowering them to travel to different destinations without constraint or boundaries. Whether it is to grow one’s business, spend time with family or explore the world, Cirrus aircraft owners are experiencing more from the comfort of their advanced, luxurious SR Series aircraft.

“The SR Series continues to move people, businesses and imaginations as we reach another significant delivery milestone,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “Our talented Xi Design Studio collected inspiration through the lens of our customers and the worldwide travel and freedom personal aviation offers. The 9,000th SR Series delivery means that 9,000 owners are living the Cirrus Life enabled by the best-selling high-performance piston aircraft in the industry for over two decades. The SR Series is one of the safest aircraft as it includes the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) and a suite of integrated safety features as standard equipment. Through our expanded aircraft ownership ecosystem, we are excited to continue introducing more people to Personal Aviation™.”

From the onset of the Cirrus aircraft ownership experience, customers work alongside the company’s Xi Design Studio to personalize their new aircraft. Founded in 2009, the Xi Design Studio carefully curates an exclusive experience leveraging advanced technology, world-class engineering and a leading-edge Paint and Finish Facility to build a one-of-a-kind Cirrus aircraft. 

Cirrus Aircraft’s Xi Design Studio showcases its artistic prowess through the compelling Limited Edition’s bold design and color collection. Thematically named Limited Edition designs, ‘Balos,’ ‘Lava,’ ‘Magma’ and ‘Santorini’ were inspired by different international destinations and illustrate the company’s range of premium and bespoke paint schemes. In partnership with Sherwin-Williams, Cirrus Aircraft reformulated signature hues, namely, Lava orange and Aegean blue, to create a bold and eclectic splash of color. 

To commemorate 9,000 SR Series deliveries, the number nine was thematically integrated throughout the design. The ‘9’ iconography inspired the sleek and aerodynamic lines on the fuselage, along with the many exterior graphic details. The theme continues inside the cabin with several custom touches on the seats and embroidery.

With the release of the 9,000th Limited Edition, Cirrus Aircraft introduced newly designed Cirrus All-Weather Floor Liners engineered for adventure travel to protect the aircraft floor from mud, sand, water, dirt and more. Each liner features a customized badge commemorating the delivery milestone. Standard SR Series All-Weather Floor Liners for G1-G6 aircraft are available for purchase. Additionally, every 9,000th Limited Edition SR Series aircraft owner will be outfitted with the newly announced Bose A30 Aviation Headset and Garmin® International’s D2™ Aviation watch with custom bands matching the 9,000th livery for a premium flight experience.

Meticulous craftsmanship, bespoke design and daring colors turn heads with the 9,000th Limited Edition SR Series and are a testament to Cirrus Aircraft’s customers’ unwavering passion to seek new experiences and travel the world.

Flagstaff Airport Director Set to Retire in April

Kim Stevens

Photo above – SAJ file photo of Barney Helmick at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport in 2011.

Barney Helmick, Director of the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport since 2010 and industry veteran is retiring at the end of the month. He told the SAJ that Friday would be his last day.  

Barney Helmick

The facility is a non-hub commercial service and general aviation airport owned and operated by the City of Flagstaff. “What’s unique about Flagstaff Pulliam is that the airport is located at 7,014’ elevation,” said Helmick. “Many are surprised at how much snow we get. This season we have received over 140” at the airport.”

For Helmick, working toward their goals while at the airport has been a good experience, plus the many friends in the industry have made the experiences in his career special. In 2014/15, Helmick was President of the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA), Executive of the Year in 2015/16 and was the recipient of the AzAA President’s Award in 2014.

He first became interested in aviation at a young age. “A friend of my dad took me up in a C182 back in the 60’s,” said Helmick. Since then, he had always thought about being a pilot. “It took many years, but I did get my pilots license.”

Though interested in aviation Helmick never thought about working in the airport industry early on. “I worked for years in residential construction,” said Helmick. “I was getting tired of the ups and downs in that industry, so when an opportunity came up in 1988 to work at the city run FBO at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, I took it.”

Along the way he worked in facilities and operations. His goal was to manage one of the General Aviation airports that Phoenix operated and in 2003 the opportunity to Manage Phoenix Goodyear Airport came his way. In 2010 he applied for the Flagstaff Airport Director position and was selected.

In regard to his retirement Helmick noted that airport officials spend a lot of time away from home. “I am looking forward to spending more time with family and friends.”

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport Auctioning Off 10,000-Gallon Jet Refueler to the Public

Kim Stevens

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois, is currently auctioning off a 10,000-gallon jet refueler. This auction is open to the public at municibid.com and ends on Monday, May 8th. Illinois residents are able to bid in this government auction online, 24/7, on Municibid. The jet refueler would be perfect for aviation enthusiasts, another airport, or a company that needs to transport large quantities of fuel on a regular basis.

Originally built in 1989 and refurbished in 2020, the jet refueler features a single cab, 2-axle steer, 6-cylinder Detroit Engine, Allison automatic transmission, Deadman control air, 2014 Facet filter vessel, Parker filter conversion with M Class filters, 50-ft single point hose reel, 2 x 10 ft single point hoses with nozzle in front basket, 2 x front recycle points, and more. The reel hose low flow is about 350 gpm, the reel hose high flow is about 405 gpm, both basket hoses low flow are about 530 gpm, and both basket hoses high flow are about 600 gpm. The jet refueler is currently in use.

MAMA Emerging Leaders Take Action

Kim Stevens

Massachusetts Airport Management Association’s (MAMA) newly organized Emerging Leaders Committee has quickly developed into an active force within the 50-year-old organization that advocates for Massachusetts’ 38 public-use airports.

With a mission to cultivate future MAMA leaders through knowledge sharing, educational opportunities, networking, and mentorship, the committee serves to support and develop leaders under the age of 35 or those with less than 10 years’ experience in the aviation industry.

Committee Leadership

Natalie Pavelock

Natalie Pavelock chairs the committee which now boasts eighteen members. She is an aviation planner for Jacobs and is based Bedford, NH. She has worked on projects throughout New England and beyond, but her background originates in airport operations while employed at PSM. Natalie obtained her private pilot license and associates degree in aviation science then attended Daniel Webster College/SNHU where she earned her bachelor’s degree in aviation management. Natalie also served as the first chair of the Young Professionals Committee of the Northeast Chapter of AAAE.

Samantha Smithies

Samantha Smithies co-chairs the committee and has been named recently as a Civil Engineer with the Safety and Standards Branch of the FAA New England Regional Office. Previously she served as a civil designer and resident inspector for Stantec, based in Burlington MA. Samantha holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Wentworth Institute and says she believes each airport is unique and deserves its own special attention and consideration during design and construction. Samantha holds a high value on the impact the aviation industry has on communities.

Off and Running

Smithies said their direction is clear, “The Emerging Leaders Committee was created with the goal to support the people who are the future of our industry, and to support the missions of MAMA as an organization. It’s important to get motivated minds involved to better understand the ways we can uplift and support the aviation industry, as airports are a critical part of all our communities. Aviation is ever-growing, and so is the Emerging Leaders Committee – we welcome anyone interested in joining to get involved with the group, as it will make our impacts and our future stronger.”

After organizing in February, Pavelock said the group dug right in, “After receiving an overwhelming amount of support from MAMA, we held our first member-led meeting in March. Topics discussed included legislative updates, upcoming MAMA events, and a passionate guest speaker who discussed the challenges currently facing the industry and how emerging leaders can help. Up next was a one-on-one with STEM staff from the FAA New England Region. Now, we are planning our first in-person meeting which will be hosted at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport on May 12.”

Following the first two well-attended meetings, MAMA President Matt Ellia said, “The MAMA Board of Directors is thrilled with the exciting start of our Emerging Leaders group. Natalie and Sam have gone above and beyond to drive this effort which is already exceeding expectations!”

Bremerton National Airport to Host WINGS OVER WASHINGTON

Kim Stevens

The Port of Bremerton has announced that the Bremerton National Airport will be hosting the first air show in Bremerton in 30 years! Partnering with Freedom Fair, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, organizers will be showcasing aerobatic displays with a military presence, a car show, armed forces displays, a variety of vendors, food options, a beer garden, and entertainment for the entire family.

Port CEO Jim Rothlin stated that “we’ve been looking for an air show opportunity for our airport for years. It’s nice that we’ve been able to partner with a company that has already had such great success at other airports in Washington and are looking forward to providing this opportunity for our community.”

The Port is looking forward to welcoming everyone to their community airport for a fun reactional activity. Some may remember the fly-ins they’ve hosted in past years and while this event will be bigger, they are proud to say they will still have the car show component as well.

“We are proud to not only be providing a region-wide event, but one with such a strong military focus,” said Port Commissioner & President Axel Strakeljahn. “We look forward to the public sharing in this event at Bremerton National Airport.”

At the Port of Bremerton, community is always the focus – whether it be generating economic development or promoting tourism, both of which will be accomplished by the air show. Organizers hope that those in the community will join them in the excitement by staying tuned for ticket purchase information and following along on social media; both the Port of Bremerton and Freedom Fair producing Wings Over Washington will give first-hand information.

President and CEO of the Freedom Fair, Tony La Stella, states that “our entire organization is thrilled to bring WINGS OVER WASHINGTON to the Bremerton and Kitsap communities. With 50+ years of experience, the Freedom Fair became one of the largest destination events in the country. There is great potential to develop WINGS OVER WASHINGTON on a similar scale and we are honored to partner with the Bremerton National Airport and the Port of Bremerton to make this happen.”

Northern Plains UAS Test Site Leverages Vantis, Grand Sky in Response to Flood Emergency

Kim Stevens

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) is preparing to support statewide emergency response efforts following Gov. Doug Burgum’s emergency declaration for spring flooding.

The NPUASTS administers Vantis, North Dakota’s statewide unmanned aircraft system (UAS) beyond visual line of site network at the Grand Sky Business Park near Grand Forks. The NPUASTS will enhance recovery efforts through flood level monitoring, community awareness tools and a 24/7 Mission Network and Operations Center (MNOC). Specifically:

  • For pre-mitigation, drones will be used to monitor flood levels, melt rate and ice jams.
  • Images and video footage of drone flights will be made available for public viewing.
  • A comprehensive flood risk report will soon be available at www.grandforksgov.com, which will provide the community with up-to-date information about flood risk, enabling them to prepare more effectively for possible flooding.
  • Drone flights will also be coordinated with emergency response personnel for quick access to real-time information.
  • The MNOC will provide secure, 24/7 coverage and coordination with emergency response personnel.

“With Vantis, we’re supporting continuity in the state’s emergency response,” said Erin Roesler, Director of Operations and the Vantis Program Executive. “It’s important that we recognize the state has this incredible platform in Vantis that will play an enormous role in the coordination of regional and, someday, state emergency preparedness plans.”

The spring flood season isn’t the first time Vantis has been called upon as a resource for emergency responders. In April 2022, heavy snow and ice in western North Dakota damaged utility infrastructure, leaving citizens without power. Leveraging its investment in Vantis, the state mobilized drones to survey electrical infrastructure in rural areas, locate and assess the damage, and help prioritize resources for repairs and recovery. These services allowed the electric cooperative engineers to better assess damage and plan repairs, particularly in areas inaccessible due to high snowfalls or treacherous road conditions.

“As experienced flood fighters, North Dakotans are always looking for new and better solutions to the flooding challenges faced by our citizens and communities, and the state’s significant investment in UAS gives us an innovative tool to help protect people and property,” Burgum said. “Providing real-time perspective and data collection from the skies will help our flood-related efforts on the ground, and we’re grateful to the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, Vantis, Grand Sky and the MNOC for coordinating and deploying state-of-the-art resources.”

Vantis provides first-of-its-kind, turnkey support to commercial and public UAS operators through physical and digital infrastructure and regulatory approvals, making it easier and safer to fly drones for high-value use cases across a variety of industries. Grand Sky facilitates an ecosystem of both public and private UAS operators who are well-prepared for emergency response. Learn more at VantisUAS.com.

Aviation Associations Salute Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen for Service to Aviation Community

Kim Stevens

NBAA and NATA were among the aviation associations that recognized the service of Billy Nolen as Acting Administrator for the FAA, following an announcement that Nolen will be departing the agency later this year.

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen extended his appreciation to Nolen for his outstanding service to the aviation industry.

Billy Nolen

“Billy Nolen has stepped in and provided essential leadership at a critical time for our industry,” Bolen said. “As acting administrator, he has been an effective collaborator, always accessible to everyone and intensely focused on safety. We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to working with him through his transition, and as he embarks on the next chapter in his remarkable story.”

Nolen was named FAA safety chief in January 2022, and appointed acting administrator later that year. A former commercial airline captain, he has held several industry safety roles, including as senior vice president for safety, security and operations at Airlines for America and executive manager for group safety and health at Qantas Airways.

NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna stated, “NATA thanks Billy Nolen for his service as Acting FAA Administrator and wishes him the best. Nolen’s unwavering commitment to continuous safety improvement, meaningful industry collaboration, and workforce recruitment fit for the future has served us all well and sets a solid foundation for those who will follow. We look forward to continued work with the FAA to further his efforts to foster a culture of safety through SMS advancement, unlock the potential of data-sharing in creating a more predictive safety system, and empower the advent of new technologies.”

Prior to coming to the FAA, Nolen served as vice president for safety, security and quality for Canada’s WestJet Airlines. He also led the Aviation Safety Action Program at American Airlines.

Nolen is a U.S. Army veteran fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter pilot. He holds a Bachelor of Science in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and specialized aviation safety management certificates from the University of Southern California, U.S. Army Safety Center and the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School.

Nolen was a featured speaker at the 2022 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), joining European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) executive director Patrick Ky for the show’s opening day keynote session, in which the two discussed the shared, trans-Atlantic priorities for business aviation.

Urban Engineers Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Certification

Kim Stevens

Urban Engineers has announced that it has successfully achieved ISO 9001:2015 Certification. This certification highlights the firm’s commitment to developing and implementing a quality management system and business processes that are focused on client satisfaction and continual improvement, which are essential to delivering top-notch services to its clients.

“We are delighted to share the news that our firm has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification,” said Kenneth R. Fulmer, PE, the president and CEO of Urban. “The certification underscores our pursuit of high-quality systems, processes, and outstanding client satisfaction through continual process improvement.”

“The revitalization of our quality management system illustrates our commitment to operational excellence,” said Mark Kinnee, PE, Urban’s chief operations officer. “It puts our firm in a position to grow by instilling a corporate culture that continuously evaluates and improves our business practices in order to deliver quality services to our clients.”

ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognized quality management standard that is designed to improve client satisfaction through the execution of quality management principles, including strong client focus, process-based approaches, and continual improvement.

Urban’s ISO 9001:2015 certificate (#C2023-01683) was issued by Perry Johnson Registrars, a world-class management systems certification body. The scope of Urban’s certification covers engineering, consulting, project management, project management oversight, construction management, and construction inspection services. The certification encompasses activities at ten of Urban’s offices, making it a significant achievement for the firm.

The certification marks a significant milestone in Urban’s ongoing effort toward operational excellence and confirms its commitment to delivering top-quality services to its clients. With this achievement, Urban Engineers is better positioned to meet the needs of its clients and achieve sustainable growth in today’s competitive business environment.