Month: November 2023

The Vertical Flight Society Selects Competitors for Annual Student eVTOL Drone Competition

Kim Stevens

The Vertical Flight Society (VFS) today announces the selection of teams from 16 universities to compete in the fourth annual Design-Build-Vertical Flight (DBVF) Student Competition. The 16 academic teams involved in the competition represent universities located in 12 US states, plus Canada, India and Malaysia. The selection marks the largest number of academic teams to participate in the DBVF Competition since VFS launched the event in 2021.

The University of Auburn team won first place in the 2023 VFS Design-Build-Vertical Flight (DBVF) Student Competition. (SURVICE Engineering photo by Tori Arcilesi)

The electric-powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) DBVF competition seeks to encourage interest in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) technology, and small air vehicle design and fabrication. The competition is designed to develop hands-on skills and familiarization with eVTOL and advanced air mobility (AAM) technology at the university student level, helping to prepare the next generation of engineers and leaders to push the limits of this exciting technology into the future.

VFS will award a total of $5,000 to the highest-scoring teams next spring, following a flyoff to be held on April 10-12, 2024. The Society is grateful for the support of Supernal, a leading developer of eVTOL aircraft, and a Gold-level sponsor of this year’s competition. Other sponsorship opportunities are available; to learn more, go to www.vtol.org/fly.

The 16 selected teams are:

•              Auburn University

•              Case Western Reserve University

•              Cooper Union for Advancement of Science & Art

•              Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

•              Georgia Institute of Technology

•              Kumaraguru College of Technology, India

•              McGill University

•              North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

•              Pennsylvania State University

•              Texas A&M University

•              University of California, Irvine

•              University of Maryland

•              University of Michigan

•              University Putra Malaysia

•              University of Wisconsin-Madison

•              Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

The final selected teams will compete head-to-head in a flyoff at Harford Airport in Churchville, Maryland, from April 10-12, 2024. SURVICE Engineering is hosting the DBVF flyoff via its Applied Technology Operation (ATO) facility for the second year in a row.

The non-profit Vertical Flight Society is the world’s premier vertical flight technical society. Since it was founded as the American Helicopter Society in 1943, the Society has been a major force in the advancement of vertical flight. VFS is the global resource for information on vertical flight technology. For more than 80 years, it has provided global leadership for scientific, technical, educational and legislative initiatives that advance the state of the art of vertical flight.

VFS hosted the world’s first electric VTOL technical meeting in 2014, launched the world’s first eVTOL eNewsletter in 2016, world’s first dedicated eVTOL website in 2017 (www.eVTOL.news), the world’s first eVTOL short course in 2018, and the world’s first hydrogen-electric aviation symposium in March 2022.

Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Begins Planned Leadership Transition

Kim Stevens
Terry Blue

As part of a carefully planned process, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) has announced that Terry Blue has transitioned into the role of President. Blue was selected to replace the retiring Scott Brockman as President and CEO by the MSCAA Board of Commissioners at their monthly meeting in April. Blue, who previously served as Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer, joined MSCAA in 2015 and has more than 25 years of aviation experience.

Scott Brockman

While Brockman’s retirement will be effective on December 31, 2023, he will now serve as CEO in a strategic planning capacity until that date. “The President / CEO succession plan has been in the works for well over a year. Chairman Keeney and I have agreed that the organization is stable and strong and that it is now time that I relinquish my authority as President and as CEO, become a resource to the executive management team,” said Brockman.  “I am extremely proud of how this process has gone and even more proud of the strength of the team that will carry on our mission.”

“The Airport Authority is one of the largest economic engines in the entire region,” said Michael Keeney, Chairman of the MSCAA Board of Commissioners. “Thus, this transition is something that has been planned for months in an effort to keep the airport’s operations as seamless as possible as we close out 2023.”

ACSF Adds Three to Board of Governors

Kim Stevens

The Air Charter Safety Foundation has announced the election of three aviation industry professionals to the ACSF’s Board of Governors: Magellan Jets’s Matthew Harris, Flexjet’s Kent Stauffer and Talon Air’s Jay Thakor.

Effective immediately, Harris, Stauffer and Thakor will join the ACSF’s current board to help guide the rapidly expanding ACSF organization in pursuit of its goals. The election was confirmed by the Foundation’s President & CEO, Bryan Burns, following the ACSF’s October 18th board meeting.

Burns praised the election of the three aviation professionals, noting that their extensive experience in the industry will serve the ACSF well as it moves ahead with its safety-focused mission.

“We’re very fortunate to have Matthew, Kent and Jay joining us,” he said. “Their support and expertise will be critical to help the ACSF expand our membership with new offerings, such as the Member Assistance Program, and focus on issues that matter to our membership (e.g., tackling mental health and getting ready for the pending SMS regulation for Part 135 operators).

Following is a brief summary of the new board members’ background and experience:

Matthew Harris, the Executive Vice President & COO of Magellan Jets, based in Quincy, Massachusetts, has been a thought leader in the private aviation industry more than 20 years. He joined Magellan Jets earlier this year, prior to co-founding Milestone Aviation, in Dublin, Ireland. As EVP at Milestone Aviation, he oversaw Technical Operations and Leasing Operations. Additionally, he previously led owner and employee services at NetJets, as an EVP. Harris attended the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida.

Kent Stauffer is the Vice President of Safety for Flexjet, based in Cleveland, Ohio, where he’s worked for more than 20 years under the Flexjet/Onesky Aviation umbrella. Based in Cleveland, Stauffer oversees all aspects of Flight, Maintenance and Environmental Health and Safety, along with associated Regulatory Compliance. Stauffer holds several accreditations, including those in Aviation Maintenance, Operations and Aviation Security/Aircraft Accident Investigation. He is a licensed Airframe & Powerplant mechanic, pilot and UAS remote pilot. Stauffer is an active outreach trainer with the FAA Safety Team (FAAST), and participates in numerous aviation industry and higher education boards, regulatory working groups and industry committees.

Jay Thakor, GSP, is the Director of Safety at Talon Air, based in Farmingdale, New York. Prior to Talon Air, he was the Aircraft Safety Programs Manager for Clay Lacy Aviation in Los Angeles, California, as well as the Director of Safety and Security for Advanced Air LLC, also in Los Angeles. A certified Graduate Safety Practitioner, Thakor attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace & Occupational Safety, as well as a Master of Science in Occupational Safety Management.

For nearly 15 years, the ACSF has served as the only non-commercial resource to the business, charter and fractional ownership industry. Harris, Stauffer and Thakor join a board of governors comprised of industry thought leaders and influencers at the ACSF, all of whom share a mutual vision of continuously improving the levels of safety and security for everyone. One of the ACSF’s chief goals is to continue to set the bar for a common, elevated and uncompromising level of safety that every operator should aspire to attain, and every passenger and crewmember should come to expect.

To view the current list of Board of Governors, visit: acsf.aero/board-of-governors. To learn more about the benefits of membership with the Air Charter Safety Foundation, visit acsf.aero/membership.

GAMA Releases Third Quarter 2023 Shipment and Billing Report

Kim Stevens

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has published the Third Quarter 2023 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report. The general aviation aircraft manufacturing industry’s results for the first nine months of 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, show increased aircraft deliveries across all segments along with an increase in the overall value of the aircraft shipments.

“General aviation is the planet’s aerospace technology incubator that drives safety and sustainability benefits to our transportation systems and economies. We are laser focused on safety, technology and sustainability initiatives to maintain and expand our industry’s steadfast growth into the future. To achieve this, it is imperative that there is stability within our industry’s regulatory bodies and having a new permanent leader at the top of the FAA is a great start. It is also essential that Congress act now to pass an FAA reauthorization bill that provides the new Administrator and agency with the necessary direction and tools to strengthen and enhance the aviation system,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO.

Aircraft shipments through the third quarter of 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, saw piston airplanes increase 11.9% with 1,135 units, turboprops increase 14.6% with 439 units, and business jets increase 2% with 455 units. The value of airplane deliveries through the third quarter of 2023 was $14.5 billion, an increase of 2.5%.

Helicopter shipments increased when compared to the third quarter of 2022; piston helicopter deliveries increased 15.3% with 158 units, and turbine helicopter deliveries increased 6.3% with 469 units.

Nine Month Aircraft Shipment and Billing

Aircraft Type 2022 2023  % Change 
Piston Airplanes 1,014 1,135 +11.9%
Turboprops 383 439 +14.6%
Business Jets 446 455 +2.0%
Total Airplanes 1,843 2,029 +10.1%
Total Airplane Billings $14.1B $14.5B +2.5%
Piston Helicopters  137 158 +15.3%
Turbine Helicopters 441 469 +6.3%
Total Helicopters 578 627 +8.5%
Total Helicopter Billings $2.6B $2.7B +5.4%

GAMA’s complete 2023 Third Quarter report can be found at gama.aero.

The 2023 year-end shipment and billing report will be published on February 21, 2024, during GAMA’s State of the Industry Press Conference in Washington D.C.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Claims Top Honors

Kim Stevens

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was once again named the top airport in the nation among large airports by the Wall Street Journal. Fewest flight cancellations, taxi out time, and rideshare fees were among PHX’s top scores in the Wall Street Journal’s annual Airports Ranking study. This is the second time that Phoenix Sky Harbor has received this prestigious ranking. The Airport was previously ranked number 1 in 2019.

“I’ve been at the airport dozens of times over the last year and a half for major announcements – the opening of the new Eighth Concourse; the opening Stage 2 of the PHX Sky Train®; the launch of mobile ID for Apple Wallet, the launch of Waymo, new air service announcements, Dementia-Friendly initiatives, and making burgers with Bobby Flay,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “All those announcements and the hard work of the Sky Harbor team have been adding up. Their dedication and devotion earned us this recognition from the Wall Street Journal, and we couldn’t do it without our amazing Aviation team and everyone who makes the airport run.”

The study examined the nation’s largest airports on a number of factors including reliability, on-time performance, security wait times, airfare prices, customer satisfaction and more. Reliability was the key indicator in this survey.

America’s Friendliest Airport® scored very high in the reliability category due to Phoenix’s weather, fewest flight cancellations, and the time it takes for passengers to take off.  The Airport, which is the busiest three runway airport in the world, focuses on running efficient airport operations on its airfield, on its curbs and roadways and in its terminals.

“Phoenix Sky Harbor is America’s best airport for one simple reason, our commitment to provide an extraordinary airport experience for our passengers,” said Phoenix City Councilwoman for District 1 Ann O’Brien. “We know that people love Sky Harbor for its access to local Arizona foods and restaurants, and the dedication of our Aviation Department employees to deliver a top-notch experience every day. I am immensely proud of our employees and our city for these honors and look forward to welcoming even more travelers to our great city in the year ahead.”

In addition, Phoenix Sky Harbor’s convenient location to downtown Phoenix has been touted by locals and visitors alike, and its low-cost fares to get downtown via rideshare were also a standout in the survey.  Among major airports, Phoenix Sky Harbor had the lowest Uber X costs. The survey calculated the prices from the airport to downtown areas.

Phoenix Sky Harbor, which focuses on providing an extraordinary airport for a thriving Phoenix, has had over the past year a number of investments to elevate the passenger experience. This has included the opening of a new eight gate concourse in Terminal 4, the extension of the PHX Sky Train® to the Rental Car Center, and innovative firsts like being the first airport in the country to offer mobile ID to travelers at the security checkpoints and the first airport in the world to offer travelers the option to take an autonomous vehicle via Waymo to and from the airport.

“This is a well-deserved honor, as the Airport is reliable, efficient, and strives to provide excellent service to passengers, said Phoenix City Councilwoman for District 3 Debra Stark. “Phoenix will continue to make investments and innovations at Sky Harbor that give us this distinguished reputation.”

America’s Friendliest Airport® also has a major focus on accessibility, and it’s now being recognized on a global scale. International Airport Review held their Airport Honour Awards and on November 14, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was awarded an Accessible Airport Award. This prestigious award recognizes airports who are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all passengers and have implemented accessible facilities, services, and programs to ensure that all passengers have equal access to air travel. America’s Friendliest Airport® was highly commended for efforts at assisting the visually impaired with the Aira app, having hearing loop technology for the hearing impaired, providing a Sensory Room for those travelers who have sensory issues, and focusing on dementia-friendly training.

In fact, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the first airport in the country to hold a Dementia-Friendly Travel Workshop for caregivers of those with dementia. The workshop was held this summer. Future sessions are being planned for 2024, and the Airport was the winner this week in Airports Council International-North America’s Excellence in Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience Awards for Best Large Airport Customer Service Program.

The Airport has many other services and amenities like award-winning local dining options, a renowned volunteer program, one of the largest airport art programs in the world, pet parks and more. Phoenix Sky Harbor is also embarking upon several projects to continue to enhance the guest experience including a new cross-field taxiway to get travelers to their gates even faster, a new north concourse at Terminal 3 and a post-security walkway between both terminals.

To learn more about airport amenities and future development, visit skyharbor.com.

Piper Aircraft Announces New Fleet Agreement with AeroGuard Flight Training Center

Kim Stevens

Piper Aircraft has announced that AeroGuard Flight Training has placed an order for ninety (90) new Archer TX aircraft. The addition of these new Piper trainers will almost double AeroGuard’s fleet size, bringing it to over 200 aircraft.

AeroGuard Flight Training Center has four campus locations, three in the U.S and one in Saudi Arabia. These locations train more than 2,000 student pilots, preparing them for their careers at the world’s leading airlines such as Cathay Pacific, SkyWest and Korea Aerospace University. AeroGuard also has partnerships with many other airline and university partners across the Middle East, India and the rest of Asia.

“We are thrilled to sign this agreement with Piper Aircraft to bring 90 new Piper Archers to AeroGuard’s fleet,” said Joel Davidson, CEO of AeroGuard Flight Training Center. “This investment represents our commitment to providing our airline partners’ student pilots with every resource they need to succeed while experiencing the highest quality flight training in the world. With these additional aircraft, AeroGuard has the capacity to welcome hundreds of new airline cadets to our pilot training programs.”

“It is an honor to expand our fleet partnership with well-known Piper Flight School Alliance member, AeroGuard,” said John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft. “We pride ourselves in the relationships we build with schools such as AeroGuard and on the training aircraft we provide them, known for their reliability and ease of use, to train the next generation of pilots.”

Tabula USA Expands Team in Continued Commitment to US Growth

Kim Stevens

Tabula USA, a leader in agricultural technology, strengthens its US presence with two key additions to its team: Dennis McMonigle and Brad Ausborn, who join as Aviation Sales Managers.

Brad Ausborn brings over 30 years of farming experience and a diverse background in aviation, including work with general aviation, corporate aircraft, and EMS helicopters. Combining his agricultural roots with his aviation knowledge, Brad is poised to significantly contribute to Tabula, leveraging his extensive background to benefit the company and its customers.

Dennis McMonigle brings a professional background in software, technology, technical services, and equipment sales. While growing up in Weatherford, Texas, surrounded by farming and ranching in an agricultural community, his passion for aviation has always been present. Currently a student pilot, Dennis is eager to combine his sales expertise with his love for aviation to enhance Tabula USA’s presence in the market.

These additions to the Tabula USA team exemplify the organization’s commitment to nurturing a diverse and knowledgeable workforce that serves precision agriculture, mosquito control, and related industries in North and South America.

Air Taxis Could Help Boost Remote Communities, Research Shows

Kim Stevens

Growing support for the launch of air taxi services could help boost remote communities in Canada with more people considering moving to remote areas, if access conditions improve according to new research conducted by Pure Profile, an independent research agency.

Government data shows that roughly one in nine Canadians are classed as living in remote areas, which accounts for 74.6% of the Canadian landmass, and there is growing concern(3) about the long-term future of these remote communities.

However, a nationwide study by Horizon Aircraft, a Canadian-based innovative leader in hybrid electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aerial vehicles, shows the launch of air taxi services could play a vital role in revitalising rural communities.

The research, which included the views of people living in remote communities, found two out of three (66%) Canadians would welcome the use of air taxis to address negative issues associated with living in remote communities such as poor access to transport, isolation, and unreliable supplies of critical goods and medical supplies.

Canadians in general are very receptive to the idea of air taxis or eVTOLs – 60% said they would be happy to travel in a regulatory agency approved air taxi and nearly half (48%) would be happy to use them as soon as they are commercially operational. Around 48% would be happy to fly in eVTOLs in other countries outside Canada.

The research by Horizon shows that the introduction of air taxis or eVTOLs could increase interest in Canada to moving to more remote areas – 45% may consider moving if eVTOLs were more readily available to enable travel and ensure a strong supply chain.

Regulators and eVTOL manufacturers and operators will need to focus on safety and pilot training if air taxis are to be seen as a viable mode of transport and attract customers. Around 70% of those questioned said safety issues are very important, while 67% stressed the need for well-trained pilots. Around 56% said cost would be very important while just 28% said comfort was very important to them.

Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft, said: “Properly designed eVTOLs could have multiple uses including urban transport, air ambulances, cargo transport, military and wildfire service use but in Canada they are particularly suited to addressing the issues faced by people living in remote communities.

“It is interesting to see that so many Canadians would consider moving to more remote areas if they could rely on safe and secure air taxi services.”

Horizon Aircraft is building an electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft that designed with a hybrid electric power system. The Company is designing the aircraft such that it could, after its vertical takeoff, re-charge its batteries enroute when it is flying in a configuration like a traditional aircraft. Their “Cavorite X7” is an eVTOL designed for longer-range regional passenger or cargo, as well as special missions. The Cavorite X7 aircraft would have a gross weight of an estimated 5,500 lbs with a projected useful load of 1,500 lbs. With an estimated maximum speed of 250 miles per hour and an average range of over 500 miles with fuel reserves, the Company believes that this experimental aircraft, if eventually licensed for commercial use, would be well-positioned to excel in medical evacuation, critical supply delivery, disaster relief, and special military missions.  The Company believes that the proposed aircraft would also be attractive for Regional Air Mobility – moving people and cargo 50 to 500 miles.

The Company is continuing the testing of its 50%-scale aircraft that it believes will reduce technical risk moving forward as it continues to develop its full-scale aircraft. Horizon and its flagship Cavorite X7 design has been attracting significant interest from within the industry and has enabled Horizon to win several grants and a U.S. Department of Defense advanced research and development contract award.

Volocopter Dazzles with First Flight in New York City

Kim Stevens

Volocopter, the pioneer of urban air mobility (UAM), completed its first flight test at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport (DMH) in New York City (NYC) with its crewed Volocopter 2X. Hosted by the Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), the Volocopter 2X participated in the world’s largest and first public event showcasing multiple electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in a city. Volocopter has now successfully and safely conducted flights in the heart of two of the busiest metropolitan hubs of the world, NYC and Singapore. The success of this flight is an affirmation of the company’s skillfulness to bring safe, quiet, and sustainable UAM to megacities worldwide.

With the iconic Lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge in the background, the Volocopter 2X electric air taxi flew in a smooth and quiet manner. Volocopter’s multicopter design is particularly suited for urban missions, producing zero emissions in flight and little noise pollution in a busy metropolis like NYC.

As part of the public showcase, the City of New York outlined a new vision for the future of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, seeking to reduce emissions, noise pollution, and improve the residents’ quality of life. It aims to reshape heliports such as DMH to accommodate eVTOL aircraft to diversify the city’s mobility options to reduce congestion, while still meeting the transport needs of one of the busiest cities in the world.

“The Adams Administration has been a leader in driving technology innovation and economic growth while simultaneously improving quality of life,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “EDC’s new strategy for the Downtown Manhattan Heliport reflects these priorities while making it an industry leader in the embrace of eVTOLS – a quieter and greener helicopter alternative – while at the same time facilitating maritime freight with last mile e-bike deliveries that takes trucks off the roads.”

“A New York City flight has always been on Volocopter’s mind when designing an eVTOL that could be safe and quiet enough to fly its busy skies,” said Christian Bauer, Managing Director of Volocopter. “Our flight in NYC proves that we have everything required to make this emerging technology flourish in this city. This event was an amazing opportunity to showcase how electric air taxis can elevate the quality of life in a city that never sleeps. We are confident this will open doors to air taxi commercial operations in more cities in the U.S., and we look forward to flying again soon in the Big Apple”.

In 2018, Volocopter conducted its maiden U.S. flight in Las Vegas. Since then, it has flown in Oshkosh, the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Tampa, and now in NYC. Volocopter expects to receive a final certification of its commercial eVTOL aircraft, the VoloCity, from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2024. The company is also in the concurrent validation process with the FAA, which was submitted in 2020, and has been working with both authorities to bring urban air mobility to life.

Dog Is My CoPilot Celebrates 30,000 Pets Rescued with $30,000 Match

Kim Stevens

Giving Tuesday

On this day of global giving, you are invited to join Dog Is My CoPilot in raising funds for the animals who need it the most— the pets in shelters waiting to find homes! Learn more about their story by watching ‘transporting 30,000 pets to safety’ and follow along their journey over the past thirteen years as they embarked on a lifesaving mission! 

Watch Video

At a time when animal shelters are struggling with increasing euthanasia, Dog Is My Co-Pilot’s rescue flights are vital to getting pets out of the shelter and into loving homes. To help celebrate the 30,000 animals saved, a special donor and his sweet dog, Abba have generously stepped forward to match every gift dollar-for-dollar, through December 31st, up to an incredible total of $30,000.

Dog Is My Copilot is flying nearly 1,000 animals to new forever homes every month. They rescued over 6,000 animals in 2023, bringing their grand total to over 30,000 animals flown to safety.