The Left Seat

It’s hard to believe that we’re nearly half-way through 2011; it’s been a whirlwind thus far. Change is happening all around us and with increased volatility and market sensitivity. From government shake-ups to the rising price of oil, there is much speculation where things will wind up with everybody trying to hedge their decision-making strategies to the “winning side.”

This same speculative behavior is also going on within our industry and among the market segments StandardAero serves. There seems to be some talk from individuals and/or companies speculating that StandardAero is selling its Business Aviation business. Let me assure everyone that this is not true. StandardAero’s Business Aviation group is not up for sale.

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Recipe for a Successful Global Express 8C Inspection

After 10 years of flight operations, an 8C inspection for your Global Express is the largest and most important regular maintenance event required by Bombardier. The 8C inspection, which also includes 2C and 4C obligations, requires dismantling the VIP cabin, a major overhaul of the landing gear, an extensive review and systems inspection, as well as a detailed review of the aircraft’s CAMP or Flightdocs file. Read more...

Test Cells Tell the Whole Story

While on-wing, it is perfectly acceptable to return your Honeywell engine to service after a repair or overhaul, but only an appraisal cell can tell you the whole story. Full operational testing on a stand includes an average three hours run time and inspections of the ignition, fuel and oil systems; PMA; FADEC; SB valve; and more. Read more...

Donald Fletcher’s Fascination with Engines Helps Lead to Innovation

Few people appreciate Garrett engines, like Donald Fletcher, StandardAero’s senior propulsion engineer in Augusta, Ga. As a young A&P mechanic, Fletcher worked at AiResearch Aviation at Houston Intercontinental Airport, and quickly developed an interest in engines. Read more...

Can you use Apple’s iPad as an EFB?

Enamored with the Apple iPad’s lightweight design and easy-to-use touchscreen interface, pilots are eager to use the all-in-one tablet as a portable electronic flight bag (EFB). Even with all their capabilities, are consumer handheld devices like the iPad really allowed in the cockpit?

The bottom line is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gives no credit for any required information or function on a portable or semi-permanently installed device, according to Wes Ryan, manager of programs and procedures of the Small Aircraft Directorate for the FAA. Read more...

In each issue of Horizons, InsideOut will provide you with a glimpse inside StandardAero’s Business Aviation services. The section will offer an insiders view of the company- the activities underway, historical perspectives, operations and advancements - to provide you, our valued customers, with the information you need to ensure your business aviation service needs are met.

StandardAero Celebrates a Centennial of Service

2011 is a very special year for StandardAero. It marks the 100th anniversary of the company that started in Winnipeg, Canada in 1911. Established as Standard Machine Works – a small automotive engine repair shop founded by William S. Bickell and Charles F. Pearce – the company quickly expanded to include in its repertoire of services, repair and overhaul of engines for general aviation and military aircraft. Since then StandardAero has grown into one of the world’s largest independent providers of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services including engine and airframe repair and overhaul, engine component repair, engineering services, interior completions and paint, among a diverse array of customers in business and general aviation, airline, military, energy and VIP completions markets. Read more...