2023 Solutions in Business Aviation

SOLUTIONS IN BUSINESS AVIATION

Business Aviation Sponsor Showcase 2023

Long gone are the days when Cessna Citation owners heard lines like, “Bird strikes from the rear.” Today, with over 8,000 deliveries, Cessna’s “NearJet” (as it was once called) has become the world’s bestselling business jet, and for good reason. Many of those Citations have found their way to one of Stevens’ three facilities for inspections, maintenance, or upgrades, and their owners continue to return for the expertise and valued relationships.

“Over the years, many of our customers moved up from King Airs to Citations and continued to come to us for service,” explains Gary Brown, Stevens’ Avionics Manager at the company’s Nashville/Smyrna, Tennessee location “They already trusted us to do great work, so we started increasing our array of Citation services to meet their needs. It has been a natural, and very successful, progression.”

Today, Stevens’ list of service offerings includes pretty much any type of

heavy to light inspection, repair, refurbishment, or cockpit/cabin upgrade that a 500 or 600 series Citation owner could ever need.

A THOROUGHBRED WITH STRIPES

Private and business jet owners aren’t the only operators who appreciate the reliability, efficiency, and operational value that Citations deliver. The U.S. Army and U.S. Customs and Border Protection

operate UC-35s (Citation Ultras and Bravos), and they trust Stevens to keep those aircraft in service-ready condition.

“We’ve been a U.S. government repair depot working on Citations for nearly 20 years,” says Jim Williams, senior vice president of government operations at Stevens’ Greenville, S.C location. “Our technicians provide everything from paint and interior, avionics, to major airframe modifications and repairs—and we do it on time, on budget, and on target”.

For over 30 years, Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems (Stevens) has provided Citation owners with MRO services and upgrades to ensure their jets deliver thoroughbred performance for the long run.

“Our services also extend to advanced avionics and communications systems upgrades like secure GPS and Mode 5 IFF [Identification Friend or Foe] transponders,” he adds. “As you might imagine, the technical and security requirements our government customers place on us are significant. Our Greenville location is AS9110 and GFR8210.C certified, which benefits both the military/government and civilian operations.”

Everyone at Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems is proud that the same level of quality assuredness extends to every facility, process, and team member.

“All our technicians are factory-trained at FlightSafety across all of the airframes we work,” explains Travis Fleshman, General Manager at Stevens’ Greenville location “Our three facilities, as well as our AOG teams, are also authorized service providers [TAP Authorized] for Williams International FJ44-series engines. We worked hard for that and we’re proud to have achieved that level of trust from Williams. It’s a great benefit for many of our customers.”

A GROWING STABLE OF SHOW PONIES

While all Citation owners want their aircraft to deliver the best reliability and performance, a growing number are putting greater emphasis on paint and interior design—areas where Stevens’ expertise shines.

THE SOLUTION

» The leader in King Air, Learjet, Phenom Global, and Gulfstream aircraft service, Stevens Aerospace also provides Citation services giving “Technical Expertise with a Personal Touch.”

On the avionics side, he says, the company’s technicians receive continual training on all the brands they sell, install, and service. Cockpit and cabin avionics upgrades are a growing part of Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems’ portfolio.

“I’ve noticed recently that owners are spending more money on upgrading to incredible interior finishes and have designed fancier paint schemes,” says Denise DeYoung, Paint and Interior Design Manager for Stevens. “Our design team has the experience with Citations to help make the process easier, which means the end product will be better, and the owner much happier.”

She explains that this is another area where Stevens’ long-standing relationships with its customers provide a big benefit.

“Many of these customers are doing their second or third airplane with us,” DeYoung says. “They come back because they have seen our attention to detail and the difference it makes to the quality of the final product. They know they’ll get a better experience with us.”

Stevens Aerospace — more than 30 years of Citation technical expertise, alongside many other well-respected airframes, managed in a customer-focused practical way, all with a personal touch. For more information, come see us at StevensAerospace.com/SIBA2023 or click the QR code at right.

» 30+ years of providing an extensive array of MRO offerings for 500 and 600 series Citations in maintenance, avionics, interior, and paint refurbishments covering the aircraft tip to tail.

» Williams TAP factoryauthorized service and support for FJ44-series engines on the CJ series as well as other airframes.

» Three MRO locations plus nationwide AOG coverage provide convenient access for operators throughout the U.S.

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This year’s installment of Solutions in Business Aviation marks its fifth anniversary. It has been a tumultuous five years, to say the least. We launched in the pre-Covid era, lived through the downturn, then experienced an unexpectedly rapid recovery. Though we faced incredible challenges, the Covid experience illustrated the resilience and tremendous leadership we see throughout our industry today.

While most key business indicators are positive, our industry still faces serious concerns. Chief among them is staffing. We saw signs of this even before Covid, and the pandemic exacerbated the challenges. To help you weave your way through these difficult times, we asked market leaders what strategies they have enacted to recruit, train, and retain staff throughout their organizations. Their responses are included in this edition of Solutions in Business Aviation.

Please enjoy.

Warm regards,

Karl H. Elken Vice President of Sales and Marketing kelken@ainonline.com

A PROVEN SOLUTION TO THE A&P SHORTAGE

Duncan Aviation recently launched a Department of Labor-certified A&P Apprentice Program to help ensure that it has the skilled technicians needed to deliver its market-leading MRO services to business aviation customers worldwide.

There are two types of people in the world: those who merely complain about problems and those who do something to address them. The team at Duncan Aviation falls in the latter group.

After experiencing difficulty finding qualified A&Ps, they initiated an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technician apprentice program at their three full-service MRO locations certified by the U.S. Department of Labor.

“Having an A&P license opens many doors on the technical side of the business,” explains Jennifer Monroe, Duncan Aviation’s Human Resources and Recruiting Supervisor. “The A&P can also assist team members interested in transferring

to other departments, including airframe, engines, and our Rapid Response [AOG] teams.”

The only prerequisite to joining the 24-month apprenticeship program is that the applicant must have worked for Duncan Aviation for at least 90 days and be in good standing.

The program represents a sizable investment by the company. Duncan Aviation estimates it costs about $32,000 to train each apprentice through FAA testing. So far, the company has had 96 tech helpers enroll in the program.

While there is no cost to the enrollee, Monroe says, everyone must sign an agreement to pay back an identified portion of the training cost should they

elect to leave Duncan Aviation within two years of completing the program and earning their A&P.

“They work full-time, take classes, and are responsible for a considerable amount of studying on their own,” adds Darwin Godemann, Enterprise Team Leader for Duncan Aviation’s Technical Education Center. “Once they’ve finished all the coursework and achieved the work-experience requirements, the FAA certification testing begins.”

All classes are in person, and webcasts are available for anyone who has missed a session. The company supplies an iPad to all registered apprentices, and when they earn their A&P certificates, the tablets are theirs to keep.

A & P APPRENTICESHIP BY THE NUMBERS*

military, take advantage of the opportunity.

“Technicians who don’t pass the tests or receive their certifications are not terminated,” Dale adds. “They can reapply to take the tests at a later date.”

As an added incentive, the apprenticeship program has been structured to provide pay adjustments to participants and graduates when they reach identified intervals and benchmarks.

Just like any other A&P applicant, Duncan Aviation apprentices must pass a series of proctored written, oral, and practical tests administered by the FAA. As Godemann explains, the FAA’s vetting, testing, and practical experience requirements are rigorous for a good reason.

“The requirements are why today’s air travel is the safest mode of transportation in the world,” he says. “Regardless of your work or military experience, the FAA requires every technician to pass the exams.”

GETTING FULL CREDIT FOR PRIOR EXPERIENCE

Of course, any military or past work experience has value. Duncan Aviation offers a Legacy/AMT (Aviation Maintenance Technician) Test Prep program for employees who have experience but have not earned their FAA A&P certification. This, like the A&P apprentice program, is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“We provide books and the required testing supplies, as well as two week-long test prep classes,” says Jeff Dale, Technical Training Coordinator at Duncan Aviation’s Provo, Utah facility. “It’s been a popular program. Since its inception, we’ve had 73 technicians, most of whom came from the

The chance to earn a virtual zero-cost FAA A&P certificate represents a tremendous opportunity for Duncan Aviation’s apprentice-program participants. “The appeal of learning a trade, achieving a transferable certificate, and getting into a growing organization is driving applicants to us,” Monroe says. “It opens the door for those who think an aviation career is unattainable or where a post-secondary education is not a viable option.”

THE SOLUTION

» A&P apprentice program created to meet the growing need for qualified technicians

» Program is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor and Department of Veterans Affairs

» Enrollees work while they study for their A&P, and training is provided at no cost

402.475.2611

96 Tech Helpers are enrolled company wide in apprenticeship programs

Of the 19 Tech Helpers in Provo, 16 are Airframe and three are Engine apprentices

The 11th cohort started in Lincoln in February 2023 with 12 techs

The sixth cohort started in Provo, Utah, with four techs

The 3rd cohort started in Battle Creek, Michigan, with four techs

*Data through February 2023

“The appeal of learning a trade, achieving a transferable certificate, and getting into a growing organization is driving applicants to us... ”

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE IS THE DIFFERENTIATOR

Rolls-Royce powered business jets take off every day all over the world, and the company has built an industry-leading support network to ensure those aircraft never miss a scheduled flight.

In one sense, many of today’s business jets are pretty much the same. Sure, one type may get you there a little faster and another may have a bigger cabin, but they’ll all get you where you want to go.

So, why does an owner select one type over another? Well, one of the biggest differentiators today is the level of service that the aircraft’s engine maker provides. The engines are the most complex and expensive parts of any business jet.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise that so many private jet buyers choose aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce engines. The company has been ranked repeatedly the number-one engine support provider in the business aviation market.

“That ranking is important to use as it is a huge vote of confidence for us from the customers who have helped us grow to be in the fortunate position we are in,” states Andy Robinson, SVP Services – Business Aviation, Rolls-Royce. “There are over 4,000 business jets flying with our engines now, and with our new Pearl engine family being selected by Bombardier, Dassault, and Gulfstream, we look forward to growing this fleet even more.

“We are aiming for 100 percent of the business aircraft we power never to miss a scheduled trip due to maintenance,” he continues. “This means we have to provide not only extraordinary engines and technology but service that exceeds our customers’ expectations.”

ROLLS TO THE RESCUE

Just how far will Rolls-Royce Business Aviation go to support an AOG customer? How about a tiny island off the coast of Alaska? One time an aircraft’s owner had flown to Masset Island for some business. After landing, the crew received a maintenance message from one of the jet’s engines.

Onsite failure diagnosis showed that the engine had to be changed. That’s not an easy task in any situation, but it’s particularly chal-

lenging when the nearest, fully outfitted MRO site is hundreds of miles away.

So, Rolls-Royce’s Global Availability Center arranged to take the MRO to the customer. Its staff chartered a Lockheed C-130 and loaded it with the technicians, tools, spare engine, and specialized equipment, including a crane, required to make the change.

“The whole operation ran like clockwork,” Robinson says. “Our team focused on meeting the customer’s needs and giving the best service in the market. And our industry-leading CorporateCare service package covered the whole recovery operation and associated costs, so there was no charge to the customer.”

PUTTING THE “CARE” IN CORPORATECARE

Robinson explains that Rolls-Royce’s CorporateCare Enhanced program protects business aviation customers with regard to all engine-related scheduled and unscheduled events—everything from corrosion and erosion to parts and labor costs, service

bulletin incorporation, unlimited troubleshooting, and remote site rescue.

“CorporateCare Enhanced was developed as a single, comprehensive solution that transfers all risk to us,” Robinson says. “We created it with the help of our Corporate Customer Council to offer a turnkey solution, where the program covers everything we provide—engine, nacelle, and accessories.

“Customers, influencers, brokers, and appraisers all value the simplicity of a protection program that translates into no costly surprises,” he continues. “They also recognize the financial benefits of the CorporateCare programs through increased residual asset value and liquidity, as well as faster resale of the aircraft.

THE SOLUTION

» Global services organization built around the unique needs of private and business aircraft use

» Network of over 75 authorized service centers with key maintenance providers worldwide

» CorporateCare Enhanced covers all powerplant-related events, including unlimited corrosion and erosion

“CorporateCare Enhanced coverage even extends to preowned aircraft,” Robinson adds. “These new owners can enroll or upgrade the coverage on their aircraft as well so they can enjoy the same peace of mind as their engines are now completely protected by CorporateCare Enhanced.” rolls-royce.com

“Our team focused on meeting the customer’s needs and giving the best service in the market. ”

A SMARTER WAY TO GET CONNECTED, NOW

SmartSky’s patented air-to-ground network provides unmatched speed, dependability, and security to deliver a smarter connectivity solution for the entire aircraft.

Cabin connectivity is now must-have functionality, but the performance of the legacy systems haven’t match the hype. That’s the stark realization a southeastern U.S.-based business jet management company had more than 10 years ago when its clients increasingly begged for reliable, high-speed internet on their aircraft.

“The management company couldn’t find a workable solution,” explains SmartSky CEO, David Helfgott. “The satellite systems were too big and expensive, and the incumbent air-to-ground [ATG] system was inconsistent at best. So, they put a team together, brought in the holder of some applicable patents, received a few of their own (the patent count is now over 200), and se-

cured startup funding. The rest is airborne connectivity history.”

The company this team created was appropriately named SmartSky. Its goal: to deliver a smarter way to connect.

“We began testing in Florida in 2020 on a single ATG antenna site,” Helfgott says. “Today, we have a nationwide terrestrial fiber network connecting our radio towers, data centers, and operations center.”

“More importantly, we have a growing number of business aircraft connecting and using it daily for a truly better connectivity experience,” Helfgott adds. “That’s what we are most proud of. While others make promises, we are delivering the reliable connected aircraft services users and the industry want.”

THE RIGHT SOLUTION AT THE RIGHT TIME

The company’s timing could not have been better. Now more than ever before, aircraft owners and operators are looking for a consistent high-speed connectivity solution that fits their needs, aircraft, and budget. SmartSky is delivering just that.

“The demand trend has been increasing in the past couple of years,” Helfgott says. “People are expecting high-quality broadband connections everywhere because they’ve gotten used to doing everything online. It’s a permanent shift in behavior that doesn’t stop when they get on an airplane.”

“Whether connecting the cabin, cockpit, or onboard systems to operations or maintenance, our technology was designed to excel in this environment,” Helfgott continues. “And it’s not just getting data onto the airplane; our systems are equally capable of delivering reliable, high-speed, low-latency data flow off the airplane.”

Helfgott explains that the core of those capabilities is SmartSky’s “different approach to ATG connectivity.” Instead of being limited by a narrow three-megahertz band of licensed spectrum, its network architecture uses the very wide unlicensed WiFi band where anyone is allowed to operate.

“We utilize the full 60 megahertz of spectrum available, and our 230+ patent portfolio incorporates the best 5G and LTE technologies, all blended together and optimized to the unique needs of business aircraft,” Helfgott says. “Aviation is a difficult place to make anything work, and it took us years to get it exactly right. But we have.”

DEDICATED BEAMS MEAN FASTER CONNECTIONS

A 60-MHz spectrum, low latency, 5G, LTE—it all sounds good, but what does it mean to the people in the cabin?

“It’s simply creating a better user experience for everyone on the airplane,” Helfgott says. “Based on the physics of our spectrum and network platform, users can expect our connections to be up to 10 times faster than what available ATG systems offer, with streaming capabilities regardless of aircraft size and no preset limits to the number of devices they can use simultaneously.”

NATIONWIDE COVERAGE

“One way we achieve this is through beam-forming technology with a single, dedicated connection for each aircraft to the ground tower,” he adds. “The other IFC providers use shared wide-beam connections in a specific coverage area. That significantly slows the connection speeds because of contention for the bandwidth in a given area. We don’t saddle our customers with that.”

“We have over 30,000 narrow beams available across the country, so an aircraft on our network simply switches its dedicated connection from one tower to the next as it travels,” Helfgott says. “Dedicated beams mean faster connections with no sharing bandwidth, greater security and sustained high performance even in high traffic airspace such as New York City or L.A.”

He adds that along with growing an ATG network, the company and its MRO sales and installation partners are continually building the STC list for the SmartSky available models. The company expects to have two-thirds of all business aircraft certified for its products by the end of 2023.

“We’re connecting everything from Boeing BBJs to small turboprop aircraft—anything that’s flown for business is a target for our system,” Helfgott says. “There are over 25,000 aircraft in the U.S., and most didn’t have a viable connectivity solution— until now.”

THE SOLUTION

» 60 MHz of spectrum enables two-way data flow 10X faster than other ATG systems

» High-speed, low-latency connection delivers continuous productivity, streaming and video conferencing

» Dedicated beam per aircraft means no bandwidth is shared, delivering privacy and stable high performance

» Two hardware options fit any size business aircraft from wide-body to light jets and turboprops

» View the latest STC list at smartskynetworks. com/STC

Each site has up to 12 sectors and each sector includes multiple beams extending more than 180 miles for dense, overlapping coverage. SmartSky’s patented beamforming technology assigns each aircraft a separate network connection and the system offers nearly 30,000beams nationwide.

EXECUTIVE INSIGHT

What changes has your business made to attract and retain key employees as workforce issues became prominent during the past year?

AOPA FINANCE

In this post-Covid era, AOPA Finance maintains flexible schedules and work-from-home opportunities. This gives everyone the best of both worlds—the critical ability to maintain relationships and share wisdom in the office while also having ample time at home. We feel this kind of fluidity is essential to attracting and retaining employees today.

Adam Meredith, President

AVIATION CLEAN AIR

We are fortunate that this has not been an issue for us. For any organization, it is important to listen to your team members and welcome their input on the tasks they are involved with. This is something we have always done, and certainly will continue to do.

Tom Davis, Member

DUNCAN AVIATION

Duncan Aviation supports team members with ongoing training, career coaching, and advancement opportunities. We also continuously evaluate our benefits, compensation packages, and culture. This year, we increased potential profit-sharing, adjusted pay grades, and added a unique benefit that allows team members to choose areas that mean the most to them.

Jeff Lake, President

ENGINE ASSURANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

Our most important asset is our people. We know if we take care of our people, they will in turn take care of our clients. Strong technical skills and a customer service focus are essential, so we’re meticulous about whom we hire. One increasingly important benefit is the opportunity to work remotely. We can hire the best people, and there is no need for them to relocate. This means our tech reps are located where they can best assist our customers.

Sean Lynch, Managing Director

GOGO BUSINESS AVIATION

Our people are the most critical part of our business. Gogo recognizes the value each employee makes in helping Gogo deliver outstanding customer service, and disruptive new technologies such as Gogo 5G and our global broadband service, by offering equity to everyone and ensuring we maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Sergio Aguirre, President and COO

JANA, INC.

We view having people in the office as being very important to foster the overall health of our company culture. We also understand some employees’ needs for flexibility, so we have implemented hybrid work options, including flex scheduling and remote work to accommodate their needs while still having as much in-office time as possible.

Ean Niland, President

NAPLES AIRPORT AUTHORITY

To attract and retain the best employees, we’ve worked diligently to build a culture that fosters their success by ensuring competitive compensation, offering progressive training and advancement opportunities, implementing a multifaceted employee recognition program, encouraging industry engagement, and recognizing individual and team achievements with additional time off.

Christopher Rozansky, Executive Director

SMARTSKY NETWORKS

A new entrant faces many challenges, yet SmartSky’s game-changing technology helps us attract talented people who value our innovative spirit. A key retention tactic for our distributed workforce is sharing a weekly “Good News” update with ongoing developments and giving credit to individual and team efforts that made an impact.

Jana Rucker, Vice President Marketing & Communications

RED TAIL FLIGHT ACADEMY

Our goal is to train and mentor capable talent and have that talent train the next group and move into areas of industry that will benefit both the talent and the industry. It’s not our goal to retain talent as much as it’s our goal to place the talent in key areas of aviation and help us find the next talent. We seek to continue the legacy of Tuskegee Airmen while we help alleviate various industry shortages.

Tanya Austin, Operations Manager

VAUGHN COLLEGE

Post-pandemic, we have been able to provide flexibility in allowing more faculty and staff to teach and provide services remotely. We have also introduced a “Virtual Front Desk,” eliminating the need for an on-site receptionist. In addition, several key positions have become completely remote, allowing the institution to recruit individuals nationwide.

Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo, President and CEO

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Buying an airplane is one of the most exciting and rewarding decisions any business owner can make. But you need a lot of information to ensure that the aircraft you choose is the right one for your mission.

“Mission should always be the number-one determining factor when choosing which airplane to buy,” says AOPA Aviation Finance President Adam Meredith. “And mission involves more than range and payload—it also entails all the details that go into aircraft ownership, like taxes, training, insurance, and maintenance.

“You also have to look at the actual ownership structure,” he adds. “For instance, will the airplane be under the business’s name or be owned by a separate company with a leaseback arrangement? Financing can be complicated if you’re working with a partner. Many banks will want the other ‘owner’ to be a guarantor or acknowledge the bank’s interest as the first titleholder of the aircraft.”

IT’S NOT LIKE BUYING A CAR

If it sounds complicated, that’s because it is.

“The biggest mistake we see repeatedly is people underestimate the time it takes to arrange the right financing,” Meredith says. “It’s not like buying a car; it’s more akin to purchasing or refinancing a home. There are taxes, titles, insurance, and other things to consider.”

That’s why Meredith strongly suggests that you start the business side of the process a month or more before you shop for the airplane. But you don’t have to go it alone.

“AOPA Aviation Finance is here to help any prospective buyer every step of the way,” he explains. “We have a lot of great educational information on our website to help you walk through the purchase details and financing and ensure the airplane you buy is right for your mission.”

THE SOLUTION

» Aviation experts who can help ensure you buy the right airplane for your mission

» Arranging affordable loans for all types of new and preowned piston, turbine, and jet aircraft

» 30+ years of simplifying the all-too-often-complicated road to aircraft ownership aopafinance.com

AOPA Aviation Finance has been using its unsurpassed experience and aviation knowledge to help buyers find not only the lowest loan rates but the right aircraft to meet their specific business flying needs.

Delivering High-Net-Worth Buyers and Qualified Influencers of Private Lift

56%

Are High Net Worth Readers

— 25% have at least $100 million in net worth

— 53% have at least $25 million in net worth

— 82% are final decision makers

44%

Are Industry Influencers

— 85% are involved in decision making process

— 21% have final decision making authority

— Includes brokers, attorneys, flight departments, and other aviation service providers

LOW-LATENCY 5G DELIVERS A BETTER CONNECTIVITY EXPERIENCE.

Completing its revolutionary new 5G end-to-end ATG network is just part of Gogo Business Aviation’s commitment to delivering a better connectivity experience to more business aircraft worldwide.

To many passengers today, the cabin connectivity experience is a key part of a business aircraft’s value. And with more than 9,000 connected aircraft worldwide, nobody knows that better than Gogo Business Aviation.

“The need for a better connectivity experience is why we developed our new 5G network,” says Sergio Aguirre, President and COO of Gogo Business Aviation. “It will average 25 Mbps to the cabin, and that’s plenty for the bandwidth-intensive applications like Zoom and Teams that today’s passengers need to use.

“And it’s not just fast for one user,” he adds. “Our low-latency, air-to-ground connection will provide a great online experience to multiple people in the cabin. With Gogo 5G, your connected experience in the airplane will be similar to what it is on the ground.”

NOT ALL 5G NETWORKS ARE CREATED EQUAL.

Aguirre emphasizes that the same couldn’t be said for other 5G networks.

“The telecom industry standard that defines 5G is 3GPP, and we are the only inflight Wi-Fi provider in business aviation that meets all those specifications throughout every part of our system,” he explains. “From our LRUs to our terrestrial antennas, we are the only totally compliant 5G network provider. Others are just partially compliant.”

While the recent certification and completion of the company’s 5G ATG network is a true differentiator, Aguirre stresses that it is only part of the company’s “Now and Next” commitment to continual growth.

“For the past five years, we’ve been concentrating on creating AVANCE—our complete communications platform for private aviation,” he says. “The overall goal is to provide a solution that will enable any aircraft, regardless of size, mission, or registration, to have access to an ATG or satellite broadband connection that is affordable and delivers the best overall airborne connectivity experience.”

THE SOLUTION

» Only 5G ATG network that meets 3GPP standards for all system hardware and software

» High-throughput 5G network meets the needs of highbandwidth-intensive applications

» Easily upgrade to 5G from current AVANCE L5 installations

gogoair.com

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For over 7 years, Engine Assurance Program (EAP) has combined its vast knowledge of jet engine maintenance with unparalleled service to deliver exceptional customer support, confidence, and value.

The recent post-COVID jet sales boom has resulted in scores of first-time buyers experiencing the value of business aviation. And it’s not just new aircraft that are in demand. Well-cared-for older jets have also been finding new homes with first-time owners.

While buyers use many factors to determine a preowned jet’s market price, one significant value-add is an airplane’s enrollment in an engine maintenance program.

“Having their aircraft on an engine maintenance program shows that the owner takes maintenance seriously,” says Sean Lynch, founder and Managing Director for Engine Assurance Program (EAP). “That directly translates into that aircraft selling for a higher price when it goes to market.”

But not all engine maintenance program providers are created equal. Some treat you like a number. EAP treats its customers with the respect they deserve.

“EAP provides the same coverage options as the OEM programs, but we differentiate ourselves by providing highly personalized and immediate customer service,” Lynch says. “When our customers call, we know it’s important, so we answer the phone and get back to them with the answers they need.”

Engine coverage is like trip insurance.

Lynch stressed that EAP’s entire organization has been assembled with one goal: to ensure that its customers don’t miss a scheduled flight.

“We have never had a customer go without a rental engine or APU when they need one,” he says. “In a time when there are over 100 aircraft grounded because of a lack of engines, that’s something to be proud of.”

Lynch says that EAP has gone to great lengths to keep that record intact. It has invested over $18 million to build a significant rental-engine and spare-parts inventory and established an exclusive partnership with a field-support team to aid customers in remote AOG situations when no local options are available.

“Customers are often surprised at the lengths we go to fix their problems,” he comments. “But from day one, we’ve committed ourselves to do whatever it takes to make sure our customers don’t miss a flight.”

See the list of engines we cover. Visit eap.aero or call +1 (214) 350-0877 for a quote.

THE SOLUTION

» Extensive engine/APU coverage for most mature Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney, G.E. and Rolls-Royce engines

» Only engine coverage provider to offer rental engines for MPIs on TFE engines; never had a customer miss a trip because a rental engine was unavailable when required

» Strategic partnerships enable rapid response to clients, especially in AOG situations

TAKING THE PAIN OUT OF TECH PUBS.

When JANA, Inc. started in 1973, it specialized in providing technical publication services to the U.S. DoD. Today the company brings its extensive array of documentation services and capabilities to OEMs and MROs across the entire spectrum of aviation.

An old aviation saying goes, “It’s not lift that makes an airplane fly; it’s paperwork.” And that’s more true today than ever. Between the increasing maintenance needs of an aging fleet and the dwindling availability of skilled maintainers, the need to keep up with technical publications and documentation is stressing many OEMs and MROs to their limits.

To mitigate the problem, many are turning to JANA, Inc., with their 50 years of experience in creating technical documents and instructions. Its “Full Circle Services” array has delivered turnkey solutions to all types and sizes of aircraft operators worldwide.

“Our deep focus has been the creation, management and delivery of technical, maintenance and

configuration data,” explains JANA’s President Ean Niland. “There are very detailed regulations and instructions that govern the lifecycle of this kind of information. It’s a lot to keep up with.”

“It doesn’t matter if it’s DoD, business or general aviation—the one basic skillset of technical writing translates across all aviation,” he continues. “One day, our writers are working on documents for a commercial airline; the next, they’re doing instructions for an aircraft OEM.”

WOULD YOU LIKE AN STC FOR THAT?

While tech pubs are the company’s primary business, Niland said that with the FAA’s current backlog, its in-house FAA ODA is providing

significant benefits to anyone seeking an STC or PMA.

“Many MROs and smaller operators don’t have an ODA on staff; we are their value-added provider,” Niland says. “We save them time, money and provide certainty of schedule: We can engineer, develop and bring a product to market quickly and cost-effectively.

“With our experience on the technical data side, you are going to get a clear set of documents that your mechanics are going to like,” Niland adds. “And, we’ll be there throughout the life cycle of the aircraft to keep up with any changes that come along.”

janacorp.com

210-616-0083

THE SOLUTION

» 50 years of providing technical publication solutions for aircraft operators, OEMs and MROs.

» Aviation’s turnkey provider for technical, maintenance and configuration documentation.

» In-house ODA streamlines the entire STC/PMA development and certification process.

KEEPING THAT NEW-AIRPLANE SMELL

Sooner or later, every private aircraft operator is going to have to deal with cabin odor. Whether it comes from food, spills, fuel, or exhaust fumes, it doesn’t take much to make the whole cabin unpleasant.

“You just never know what’s going to come in through the open door or what types of odors your passengers will bring on board with them,” says Howard Hackney, Managing Partner and co-founder of Aviation Clean Air. “Once they’re inside, odors can easily overpower a small space like a jet’s cabin.

“The great thing about ACA’s ionization system is it automatically neutralizes not only odors but also 99.996 percent of the harmful germs, viruses, and pathogens in the cabin,” he continues. “It makes a big difference in air quality whenever the aircraft’s environmental control system [ECS] is running.”

100 PERCENT EFFECTIVE WITH 0 PERCENT EFFORT

Using a totally natural process, Aviation Clean Air’s patented needlepoint bipolar ionization (NBPI) technology automatically and proactively eliminates all odor-causing contaminants from the cabin.

THE SOLUTION

» Automatically deodorizes and disinfects the air and surfaces throughout the cockpit and cabin

» Patented NBPI™ technology eliminates 99.996 percent of viruses and bacteria, including Covid-19

» 100 percent natural ionization process produces no harmful ozone or other emissions

As an added benefit, the ACA system has no moving parts, so there’s no requirement for inspections or maintenance.

And because it uses the air itself to do the cleaning, the system can kill molds and other odor-producing bacteria in areas that chemicals and ultraviolet systems can’t easily reach.

“It eliminates most of the work related to cleaning and disinfecting the cabin, so it saves cleaning crews a lot of time,” Hackney explains. “The system works in the air and on any interior surface that is in contact with the ECS conditioned air, and it is a continuous cleaning and disinfection process which neutralizes harmful bacteria, mold spores and viruses.”

Aviation Clean Air’s patented needlepoint bipolar ionization system (NPBITM) is the safest, most effective, and totally natural way to keep your aircraft’s cabin free of harmful pathogens and smelling like new. aviationcleanair.com

“Our system is approved for a wide variety of aircraft types— everything from King Airs to Boeing 747-8s, and we’re continually adding new approvals to the STC/AML list,” Hackney says. “ACA is the easiest and most effective way to keep your aircraft’s cabin comfortable and hygienically safe.”

THIS IS WHAT SUCCESS SOUNDS LIKE

For more than 50 years, the Naples Airport Authority has worked to provide an exceptional experience for its visitors and a quieter environment for its neighbors.

Most pilots never consider the challenges airport operators face on a daily basis. And, while some airports take a defensive posture, Christopher Rozansky, Executive Director of the Naples Airport Authority, says that he and his team take a hands-on, cooperative approach.

“We work hard to engage our community and innovate with solutions to today’s issues,” he explains. “We handled over 122,000 operations last year with nearly half of those being jets, making Naples a very busy general aviation airport. Most activity is condensed during the five-month winter tourist season, the same time residents want to be outdoors enjoying this beautiful place. While our priority is to operate a safe airport, we do want to create a great experience for our neighbors and recognize the negative impact of noise.”

Rozansky explains that his team recently invested three-and-a-half years updating the airport’s Part 150 noise study. While much of what they found was predictable, one of their proposed solutions was anything but.

“We engaged a lot with the public on the issue,” Rozansky says. “Our current 60 DNL [day/night average noise level] didn’t change much from when it was last

updated despite the increased popularity of private air travel, but we recognize noise concerns go beyond that. We’re working with an independent flight procedures design firm to develop a series of innovative solutions.”

In short, the cornerstone solution would enable jets departing Naples to climb higher faster by clearing departures well above the current 2,000-foot hold. It’s only a proposal now, but if the FAA approves it, it will help reduce the airport’s noise signature and improve flight operations.

FLY LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

While the new flight procedure is a while off, Rozansky says he’s encouraged by the willingness of many of the airport’s users to limit their operations during especially noise-sensitive times.

“We have a voluntary nighttime curfew from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and many of our frequent operators, including NetJets, Planesense, and Fly Exclusive, have been proactive in asking their customers to abide by the plan,” he continues. “Thanks to their efforts, our curfew violations and complaints have decreased by half in one year. We really appreciate their voluntary partnership for the benefit of our community.”

THE SOLUTION

» Establish a cooperative relationship with airport tenants and customers

» Encourage passengers to observe Quiet Hours between 10PM and 7AM

» Promote the NBAA Noise Abatement Arrival and Departure Procedures

flynaples.com

(239) 643-0733

160 Aviation Drive North Naples, FL 34104

CONNECTIVITY PURPOSE-BUILT FOR BUSINESS AVIATION

Developed exclusively for business aviation needs, Intelsat’s FlexExec is a fully managed satellite connectivity solution powering reliable high-speed connections everywhere business jets fly, even on high-traffic routes.

As private jets become an increasingly important means of transportation, not just for business travelers but also for families, teams, and various other groups, reliable, high-speed connectivity during the flight is no longer a luxury—it’s a musthave to ensure the overall satisfaction of passengers. For this reason, having a high-throughput satellite connectivity solution accessible everywhere, all the time, is vital to the success of business jet owners and operators.

Leveraging its 60-year history of innovative satellite connectivity solutions for business, government, and commercial customers worldwide (land, sea, and air), Intelsat created FlexExec, a global, high-throughput, multilayered network solution designed exclusively to meet the flexible connectivity needs of business aviation.

“We’ve seen how our customers have evolved, and we’ve changed with their needs,” explains Intelsat’s Director of

Government and Business Aviation, Delphine Marsan. “Today, we offer a flexible, high-performing connectivity service purpose-built to support a variety of business aviation needs. That’s a different approach than other satellite providers take.”

“For example, the FlexExec network consists of multiple layers of widebeam and high-throughput satellites and hundreds of beams. This means business jets maintain high-throughput connectivity everywhere they fly, even in high-traffic routes.”

“Working exclusively with our partner Satcom Direct, we pay close attention to the needs of business aviation owners and operators,” Marsan says. “That’s why we continue to develop a roadmap that meets their growing demands as the industry evolves. With advances in satellites underway and on the horizon, including multi-orbit networks and software-defined satellites, Intelsat continues to provide future-proof solutions for business aviation.”

» High-throughput connectivity that powers premium passenger experiences

THE SKY IS NOT THE LIMIT.

for skilled and motivated professionals.

“During World War II, we were the leading provider of training for aircraft mechanics,” states Dr. Sharon DeVivo, Vaughn College’s President and CEO. “Today, 40 percent of our students are in aviation maintenance, and the rest are spread throughout our management-, engineering-, and technology-related programs.”

“We average around 300 graduates a year, and 92 percent are employed or continuing their education within one year of graduation,” she continues. “Boeing, Lockheed, SpaceX, Atlas Air, and others are all in the area, and from pilots to maintainers to engineers, managers, and what-

says. “That’s a testament to our faculty and students and our industry partners and supporters. Our graduates get amazing jobs not only as pilots and technicians but in every segment of aviation.

“We get a lot of support from major companies, and we appreciate it daily,” Dr. DeVivo notes. “But it needs to keep growing to continue to attract students from every background.

credited engineering technology program—since 1947

» #1 ranking among 2,100 schools in the U.S. for upward mobility

» One of only four ABET-accredited mechatronic (robotics) engineering degrees in the U.S.

“With many new technologies evolving, aviation and aerospace are not slowing down,” she adds. “If anything, the need will become greater, and we have to start doing what we can now to keep that pipeline flowing with skilled professionals.” vaughn.edu

1.866.6VAUGHN

TODAY’S MISSION IS AVIATION DIVERSIFICATION

Today, nearly 80 years after WWII, the Tuskegee Airmen’s single-minded determination to break down barriers to achieve their goals still inspires young aviators around the world.

“Our mission is to use aviation as an aspirational platform to expose, recruit, develop, and place underrepresented talent with an emphasis on candidates of color in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen,” states Carlos Rodriguez, Executive Director of the RedTail Flight Academy. “The Academy was created to provide scholarship flight training for deserving youth who would not normally have that opportunity. Our simple goal is to diversify the sky.

“The Academy is one of four parts of the organization,” Rodriguez continues. “We are a nonprofit flight school providing private, multi-engine, instrument, and commercial training to our scholarship students. We also leverage donations to help develop the next generation of aviation leaders. Not only pilots but maintainers, dispatchers, and any of the many other aviation-related careers available today.”

PILOTS ARE JUST PART OF THE SOLUTION

Rodriguez says that one of RedTail’s biggest challenges is that not many underserved students, or high school guidance counselors for that matter, ever think of aviation as a career option.

“We are directly connected to the Tuskegee Airmen’s 53 national chapters, and we use that as a strong pipeline to identify and educate our candidates about what it takes to get into aviation,” he explains. “Anyone who wants to apply to the Academy must have passed the FAA Private Pilot written exam. But the scholarship is just the beginning. They have to perform at every level. Nobody is going to just let them through. It’s all about safety and being qualified no matter who you are.

“Success is not guaranteed, but we provide a great opportunity for anyone to get into the aviation industry,” Rodriguez adds. “No matter where you come from, the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen is something that can help change lives, and an industry, for the better.”

THE SOLUTION

» Inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen and designed to introduce aviation careers to underserved youth

» Scholarship-based flight school provides private up to commercial, multi-engine ratings

» All-volunteer program has helped students throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean redtailflightacademy.org

914-260-8288

The RedTail Flight Academy is a Tuskegee Airmen-inspired pipeline created to provide opportunities for underserved students throughout the aviation industry