Muskegon, MI — AeroVision International is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place to Work® this year. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at AeroVision. This year, we scored 14% higher than the average U.S. company when it came to our employees feeling like AeroVision is a Great Place to Work.

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

“Great Place to Work Certification™ isn’t something that comes easily – it takes ongoing dedication to the employee experience,” said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place to Work. “It’s the only official recognition determined by employees’ real-time reports of their company culture. Earning this designation means that AeroVision is one of the best companies to work for in the country.”

According to Great Place to Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

We’re hiring! Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Send us an email at [email protected]

About AeroVision International

Founded in 2003, AeroVision International has become a trusted business partner for regional aircraft operators and MRO shops worldwide. AeroVision supplies regional commuter airframe and engine parts (ERJ135/140/145, E170/175/190/195, AE3007) in support of operators and MRO facilities around the world. With a strong focus on Embraer ERJ type aircraft, AeroVision offers sales & leasing of engines, auxiliary power units, avionics and landing gear as well as outright or exchange sales of all major internal and external spare parts. Additional information for can be found at https://aerovi.wpengine.com.

About Great Place to Work Certification™

Great Place to Work® Certification™ is the most definitive “employer-of-choice” recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place to Work-Certified.

About Great Place to Work®

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work For All™.

Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

With CO2 emissions from aviation projected to grow by 500% and aircraft-related labor costs expected to increase significantly by 2050, it is very important to analyze the fuel efficiency of our current aircraft engines. Fuel efficiency is the ability of an aircraft to extract energy from fuel.  Aircraft engine manufacturers are constantly working on ways to improve fuel efficiency and significant developments have been observed over the years. In the U.S., domestic flights average 0.54 miles per gallon of jet fuel, an improvement of more than 40% since 2000. Heavier jets in the country have also recorded a 17% improvement in fuel efficiency within the same period.

This guide looks at the various ways in which aircraft and engine manufacturers have worked to increase their fuel efficiency. 

Airlines and aircraft manufacturers understand that increasing fuel efficiency is the key to reduced emissions. That’s why they have been looking for new designs, materials, and technologies that would sustainably increase fuel efficiency.

Airplanes produce less carbon dioxide by enhancing engines, using lighter materials, and improving aerodynamics. Recent research has created new concepts that will continually deliver enhanced fuel-efficient aircraft in the coming years. Below are some of these technologies that aim to lower CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency in the airline industry.

Geared Turbofan Engine

Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies based in Connecticut, came up with one of the best ideas to help reduce CO2 emissions, lower fuel consumption, and reduce noise – the Geared Turbofan Engine. In this new design, the makers focused on allowing the engine’s fan section to operate slowly. In contrast, the hotter divisions of the engine – the turbine and low-pressure compressor – simultaneously operate at much higher speeds.

The results of these engine enhancements are a reduction of operating cost by 20%, a reduction of CO2 emissions by 3,600 metric tons per year and dampening of noise levels by 50%. However, the geared engine has several problems. First, the gigantic fan needed for this engine cannot be retrofitted beneath the wings of the existing planes, meaning the engine will demand new planes designed to accommodate the enormous fan. Second, is that the new engine will demand frequent inspections to check for fatigue and cracks, which isn’t a problem with the current aircraft. Manufacturers will continue to work through these problems to find a way to make this engine more sustainable. 

The Double-Bubble D8

In 2008, Pratt & Whitney, along with other engineers from MIT and Aurora Flight Science, began working on a commercial aircraft design concept. The project, named “Double-Bubble” D8, was focused on reducing noise, fuel burns, and emissions associated with commercial aircraft.
Unlike the typical aircraft, the Double-Bubble design doesn’t have an engine underneath the wings. Instead, the engineers chose to place the engines on the plane body near the tail. This change improves fuel efficiency and reduces drag. If the project turns out a success, it will lead to:

-50% decrease in community noise

-37% less fuel consumption than passenger jets

-66% reduction in emissions in 20 years

-87% decrease in nitrogen oxide emission

It’s now all eyes on the responsible engineers to have the project completed successfully.

The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB Engine

This engine features advanced materials, aerodynamics, intelligent management systems, and clearance control that enable next-generation pressure and bypass ratios. The engines show a 16% increase in fuel efficiency.

Blended Wing Body (BWB)

An aircraft that flies using a radical hybrid wing-shaped body could become a reality just a few years from today. NASA has been testing the “Blended Wing Body” plane, hoping there will be commercial designs by 2035. So far, the Boeing X-48B was made using this technology, and it looks to be taking the world of efficiency to another level.

 Some of the specifications of this BWB aircraft include:

-15% weight reduction

-20% less fuel consumption

-27% less thrust needed

-20% higher lift to drag ratio

NASA says that its project with Boeing has allowed it to make a 777-size BWB plane that would be more than 50% more efficient than typical planes.

The Bottom Line

The aviation sector is making extensive efforts to increase fuel efficiency to a standard that would enhance the entire industry by reducing CO2 emissions and increasing sustainability. Airlines and aircraft manufacturers are investing billions of dollars to achieve this ideal effect. AeroVision International works with many aviation companies to obtain the most cost-effective parts and services. This allows us to offer fuel-efficient engines, engine components, APU’s and airframe components for various aircraft types and engines, including: 

– ATR 42

– ATR 72

– EMB 120

– ERJ 135

– ERJ 140

– ERJ 145

– E-Jet 170

– E-Jet 190

– Legacy Operators

For all your aircraft needs, AeroVision International is just a call away!

Disclaimer:

This Blog provides general information and discussions about aviation and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be constructed as instructional advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional aviation expertise or education. The content in this blog is provided “as is” no representations are made that the content is error-free.

Are you considering working in the aviation industry? There are plenty of fantastic jobs in the field, and it’s an exciting industry to get into. With that being said the nature of aircraft maintenance brings a high potential for possible mishaps and injuries. Whether on a hanger, a ramp, or in a workshop, all aircraft maintenance workers need to be aware of the dangers and take extra precaution.

When workers recognize the associated hazards, they can safely enjoy all the thrills and rewards of the industry’s work. To keep you safe and educate you more on the possible hazards of aircraft maintenance, AeroVision has outlined the five most common sources of accidents and mishaps when performing maintenance on an aircraft.

High Powered Tools

When working in aircraft maintenance, you get to use a lot of high-quality tools. These include grinders, drills, and welding torches. Any repairs you need to make on an aircraft will often involve using these fabrication tools. Even when you are using industry leading tools, it’s still important to practice caution and keep your eyes, fingers, or skin safe from an accident.

Here are some tips while using these tools to help you remain safe and vigilant:

● First, never rush through a repair. When you hurry, you are not only more likely to make a shoddy repair, but you are also more prone to injury.
● Secondly, to prevent fatigue, take plenty of short breaks. A half a minute to a minute break can seriously help your focus.

Aircraft Chemicals and Hazardous Material

Aircrafts contain many different bio-hazardous materials including paints, lubricants, solvents, and fuel. These all contain concentrated chemicals that cause serious damage if exposed to the skin or inhaled. Mishandling these is the most common way people injure themselves or their co-workers. Luckily, correctly handling them is easy.

All workshops or hangers should have safety sheets posted with instructions on how to handle all the different hazardous materials at each site. These will include everything from using, storing, and disposal methods for the concentrated chemicals. Additionally, you should always wear your PPP, including your safety goggles and gloves. It also goes without saying, but never smoke in the vicinity of these chemicals. Finally, find and memorize where the chemical shower is at the facility you are working in in case of exposure.

Propellers, Rotor, and Other Engine Components

Engine components are one of the most dangerous parts of any aircraft. The propellers and rotors are fast-moving and sharp. Fortunately, the likelihood of an engine kicking on while you are working near it is low.

Working around aircraft engine components requires constant vigilance. Tie back any long hair and never wear loose or baggy clothing or jewelry. When you finish your repairs, double-check you grabbed all of your tools and any debris from around the turbine.

Shape of Aircrafts

Aircraft bodies are shaped for flight, and this, unfortunately, also means their shape is not easily accessible for repair crews. Many sites will build scaffolding and raised platforms around the aircraft to allow workers to get around. However, this creates holes and gaps that are easy to fall into if you are not paying close enough attention.

Follow all safety and ladder guidelines to stay safe while working around the awkward shape of an aircraft. If harnesses are available, wear one while working on scaffolding and platforms. Additionally, it never hurts to take a walk around the aircraft taking note of all the gaps and fall hazards before beginning a repair task.

Large Aircrafts

Aircrafts, especially commercial lines, are giant. When maneuvering into a hanger, it is hard for the operator to see everyone on the ground. You can easily be crushed by a wheel or a wing. Colliding with one of these is the last thing you want to happen to you on a work site.

Maintaining constant communication with the operator is the best way to avoid any accidents related to a moving aircraft. Additionally, only entering a ramp with permission is a good safety practice.

How do you practice maintenance safety? Comment below!

Disclaimer:
This Blog provides general information and discussions about aviation and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be constructed as instructional advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional aviation expertise or education. The content in this blog is provided “as is;” no representations are made that the content is error-free.

The pandemic affected everyone and all areas of our lives. Not only personal lives were affected, but businesses and employee’s lives were affected drastically during the pandemic that turned our world upside down. If the last time that you stepped foot on a plane was before the pandemic, then you’re not alone. Since 2019, statistics show that air travel is down by 85%. With the fear of close quarters and the virus spreading it’s no wonder that people feared being in a plane with one another for hours at a time.

2020 not only did air travel drop in statistics, but it also saw a variety of new travel for aviation that we haven’t seen before. Since 1920 when planes first become available for passengers, we’ve seen aviation change the world in ways we never thought possible before. But when COVID-19 came and changed lives, aviation changed just as much as the rest of the world. We saw masks being implemented for flights, seats being blocked off for social distancing, and border closures complicating flights.

Although these changes may seem drastic, it’s nothing compared to all the fluctuations that aviation has gone through since passengers first stepped foot on flights. In fact, these fluctuations are just the most recent developments in a very long history of changes in aviation that have altered how passengers reach destinations through air travel. Although many people are aware of air travel and recent developments with it, few know the history of how aviation came around and just how far it’s come.

If you’re one of these people, we’ll walk you through the last 100 years of aviation and how it’s changed the world.

1920s: Planes First Became Available For Passenger

The 1920s marked the start of a decade when aircraft was designed with passengers in mind for them to fly. Planes looked far different back than they do now, with flying not being nearly as luxurious as it is today. The first plane rides were bumpy, uncomfortable, and far from smooth for passengers.

1930s: All Were Served Luxury Treatment

1936 marked the first time that United Airlines created the first airline kitchen. Until the 1950s, there was no economic class. All passengers received the same luxury treatment; meals, magazines, and quality seats were provided with all flights, a luxury now that would require you to pay for a first-class seat.

1940s: In-Flight Entertainment Was Introduced

In 1941 live in-flight entertainment was introduced as a new feature on flights. On some flights, passengers would even get to experience live actors and singers performing on the flight. Nowadays it’s more common to see passengers using their electronics to stay entertained during their flight, but back in the 40s, it was a different case on flights.

During this time Pan American Airways also began offering frozen dinners to passengers. Advancements in flashing freezing technology allowed for the stewardess to warm up the frozen dinners with conventional ovens before they would bring them out and serve them to passengers.

Towards the end of the decade, in 1948, Capital Airlines created the first coach fares for passengers. Before this, all flights were priced the same, but this allowed an entirely new set of passengers to experience air travel. This allowed for a wider group of people to purchase flights.

1970s: In-Flight Gaming

1971 marked a significant time when Buffer Airlines added technology to their flights for the first time. Passengers were offered the option of playing Pong while onboard their flight, marking the first use of video games on a flight. This was a critical movement for airlines and began a new start to entertainment for passengers on board.

1990s: First e-ticket

Yet another crucial moment in the history of aviation was when Southwest Airlines offered their first e-tickets or electronic tickets to passengers in 1994. The goal with e-tickets, besides keeping up with the world of ever-changing and advancing technology was to eliminate the complications of paper tickets getting lost or stolen.

2000s: Security For Airlines Changed

Passengers faced new security mandates after a plot to place liquid explosives was uncovered in 2006. New security mandates strictly enforced rules on liquids that passengers could carry on flights and the quantity that passengers could bring on flights with them on their carry-on.

In 2012, Delta announced a lower-cost fare cost for passengers that was known as the basic economy. These flights included less than any other, including little to no baggage, no advance seat assignments, and had many other restrictions to them. This was an important part of aviation changing from what it had always been and to the advancements that were being made.

What’s Really Changed?

Although we know how aviation has changed through the decades, do we really know the big changes that have happened over time? There are many rules and methods put in place with flights today that didn’t exist back when aviation first began. Aviation has changed and all these changes aren’t obvious at first. Now that we’ve learned exactly when it changed and what’s happened throughout the decades, let’s take a look at the huge changes in comparison to what aviation looks like today.

Everyone Flies

More than eight million people use air travel every day. That’s a lot of people that are choosing planes as their first choice of travel each day. Although aviation used to be a popular travel choice, there was a point where travel was viewed as a luxury only reserved for the wealthy. Today, everyone flies and chooses it as a form of travel.

There Are Budget Airlines Now

A large part of why flying was viewed as a luxury for the wealthy was due to the pricing of flying. Tickets weren’t nearly as affordable as they are today and those that weren’t part of the upper class couldn’t afford to fly. Now airlines are much more affordable for everyone, making it so that all can fly.

You Could Smoke

If you’ve ever been on a flight, then you already know that airlines are very strict about a no smoking policy when passengers are on board. But, once upon a time, airlines had no restrictions when it came to smoking. You could easily light a cigarette if you wanted to on your flight.

Imagine being able to fly off to faraway destinations whenever you wanted. Think about how satisfying it would be to see the world on your term. The memories you could make and the incredible experiences you can have are limitless. The way to do that is by leasing an airplane.

What Does It Mean To Lease An Airplane?

Just like you would lease an apartment or a house, leasing an airplane essentially allows you to enjoy the feeling of having your own plane but on more manageable terms. Imagine you want to lease the apartment of your dreams. First, you get in touch with the apartment complex management company or owners and decide on the price. Then, you go to the bank and get a loan. With that are established terms in how long you will be paying back your loan and at what interest rate. Once the money is secure, you can get your new apartment. This is a similar process to lease an airplane.

When someone is looking to purchase an airplane, whether it’s an airline or a private pilot, they may not have the cash upfront to buy the plane in one transaction. They would then get a hold of an aircraft leasing company and state their desire to lease an airplane. From there, there are several differences that you should be aware of.

Wet, Dry, Or Damp – What Lease Should You Get?

Knowing what kind of lease you should get is one of the biggest hang-ups people can have in leasing an aircraft. There are three types of aircraft lease: wet, dry, or damp. Each of these can also be short-term or long-term. So, which is right for you?

Wet Lease

With a wet lease, the leasing company would provide absolutely everything, including the aircraft, the pilots, and the cabin crew. They would also take care of maintenance and insurance. This can be a great option for smaller airlines or a private buyer with the money to do so who doesn’t want to hire a pilot every time they fly. This may also be a good option if you are buying a company jet that will get used regularly.

Dry Lease

If you already have the crew and pilots to man your aircraft, you might consider a dry lease. With this, just the aircraft would be leased. It’s an excellent way for fledgling companies who already have the people to expand their fleet.

Damp Lease

As the name would suggest, this is a mixture of a wet and dry lease. With this, the leasing company would provide the aircraft, pilot, insurance, and maintenance. The person leasing the aircraft would have to have the people in place to round out their flight crew. This provides a good middle ground financially between a wet and dry lease, assuming you already have the cabin crew available to you.

What You Need To Lease An Aircraft

Much of what you need in order to lease an aircraft depends on the type of plane you’re getting, the type of lease you’re getting, and your budget. First off, you need the money for a down payment and the means to continue paying your lease. Whether you’re a private pilot or an airline, you have to be able to follow the terms of your lease, just like you would a house. Having those in order before you buy will make a huge difference as you start the process of leasing an airplane.

Next, you have to have the space to keep your plane. There are small and large hangers in every city where you can rent space to store your plane. Along with that, you need to keep in mind that you will be spending money to fuel your plane, so the financial means to do that is something you should have in place ahead of time.

You may also need a flight crew, maintenance crew, and pilot, depending on your lease type. For example, as a private pilot leasing a small airplane getting a damp lease, you may not need anything more than your own training. However, if you’re leasing a larger plane, say to expand your airline fleet, and you have a dry lease, you’ll need to have the pilot and flight crew lined up to man your new craft.

Benefits Of Leasing an Airplane

There are several reasons to lease a plane, the first being the freedom to travel. If you already have your pilot’s license, the space to store an airplane, and wanderlust coursing through your veins, leasing a plane can open up the world to you, giving you the chance to see it as much as you’d like. Along with that, it can be a much speedier form of travel, so seeing family and friends can be much easier.

As an airline, leasing a plane is an excellent way to expand your fleet and do so quickly. Rather than budgeting for years and years before growing your airline, you can simply budget for the lease terms and make the leap now. It’s a fast and easy way to open up new routes and better serve your passengers.

If you’ve always aspired to owning your own airline, this is also the answer to every concern you might have. By leasing an airplane with a wet lease, you don’t even have to worry about the hassle of hiring your crew and pilots or figuring out the complicated world of aircraft insurance and maintenance. It’s all provided for you. This would allow you to jump start your airline dreams overnight, rather than spending possibly decades saving and researching. Simply pick your plane and your leasing company and you’re good to go.

Takeaways

Why not make 2021 the year you see the world and jump into the world of aircraft ownership? With an airplane lease, you can do it in a way that will feel familiar and won’t drain your life savings. Or maybe you’re an airline looking to use 2021 as the year you take your company to the next level. Lease your next plane and the sky’s the limit.