WINGS - September - October 2020

WINGS

SEP OCT 2020 CANADA’S NATIONAL AVIATION MAGAZINE

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STATE OF BUSINESS AVIATION

Challenges and opportunities in the New Normal

FBO Coast to Coast

Top Fixed Base Operators across Canada

Hopes and Dreams

Training pilots in Gander

Textron Beechcraft King Air 360

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

UPFRONT 6 Leading edge

IATA’s three-point plan to re-open borders and restart commercial

8 On the fly

Nolinor unveils OWG, Embraer boosts Phenom maintenance, and more

14 Alternate Approach Nada Hussein looks at the opportunities and challenges of LLCs

16 Air Traffic

John Gradek weighs in on consumer confidence in commercial aviation

BACK 52 Marketplace 54 On final

An international journey from flight attendant to pilot cadet

From top: Million Air CEO Roger Woolsey discusses the New Normal.

P.18. Allison Couch describes her journey to become a pilot. P.54.

With an hourly operating cost of around $400, Diamond Aircraft’s DA62 is making a global impact on the growing oneto three-seat charter segment. P. 18

FEATURES 18 LEVERAGING BUSINESS AVIATION IN THE NEW NORMAL

Sector insight from industry leaders with Million Air, Diamond Aircraft and Levaero Aviation BY JON ROBINSON

20 FBO COAST TO COAST

The results of Wings 10th annual survey to find Canada’s top Fixed Base Operators BY JON ROBINSON

28 BUSINESS AVIATION FORECAST PHOTOS, FROM TOP: DIAMOND AIRCRAFT, MILLION AIR, ALLISON COUCH

JETNET IQ provides a statistical look at the shape of the global business aviation market BY JON ROBINSON

31 SMART BATTERY TECH

How advances in lithium-ion chemistry are providing a new generation of aviation power BY PHIL LIGHTSTONE

35 HOPES AND DREAMS

Gander Flight Training becomes a Canadian beacon for female pilots BY KENDRA KINCADE

37 SPECIAL REPORT: MRO DIRECTORY

Leading Maintenance and Repair Operations for the North American aviation industry

COVER PHOTO: BEECHCRAFT KING AIR 360, TEXTRON AVIATION

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September/October 2020 | WINGS

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唀匀㨀 䄀氀戀愀渀礀Ⰰ 䄀氀攀砀愀渀搀爀椀愀Ⰰ 䄀甀猀琀椀渀Ⰰ 䈀甀爀戀愀渀欀Ⰰ 䐀愀氀氀愀猀Ⰰ 䜀甀氀昀瀀漀爀琀⼀䈀椀氀漀砀椀Ⰰ 䠀漀甀猀琀漀渀Ⰰ 䤀渀搀椀愀渀愀瀀漀氀椀猀Ⰰ 䰀愀欀攀 䌀栀愀爀氀攀猀Ⰰ 䴀攀搀昀漀爀搀Ⰰ 䴀漀猀攀猀 䰀愀欀攀Ⰰ 伀爀氀愀渀搀漀Ⰰ 刀椀挀栀洀漀渀搀Ⰰ 刀椀瘀攀爀猀椀搀攀Ⰰ 刀漀洀攀Ⰰ 匀愀渀 䄀渀琀漀渀椀漀Ⰰ 匀琀⸀ 䰀漀甀椀猀Ⰰ 匀琀攀渀渀椀猀Ⰰ 匀礀爀愀挀甀猀攀Ⰰ 吀愀氀氀愀栀愀猀猀攀攀Ⰰ 吀漀瀀攀欀愀Ⰰ 吀甀挀猀漀渀Ⰰ 嘀椀挀琀漀爀瘀椀氀氀攀Ⰰ 圀栀椀琀攀 倀氀愀椀渀猀Ⰰ 夀甀洀愀 䌀愀渀愀搀愀㨀 吀漀爀漀渀琀漀Ⰰ 嘀愀渀挀漀甀瘀攀爀Ⰰ 䌀愀氀最愀爀礀 䌀栀椀渀愀㨀 䈀攀椀樀椀渀最 䌀漀氀漀洀戀椀愀㨀 䌀愀爀琀愀最攀渀愀 倀甀攀爀琀漀 刀椀挀漀㨀 匀愀渀 䨀甀愀渀

LEADING

EDGE

By Jon Robinson |

In the northern summer season

T

ransat A.T. Inc. in late-July restarted its commercial flights after four months – 112 days – of inactivity. The resumption began with three international flights (Montreal-Toulouse, Montreal-Paris and Toronto-London) and three domestic flights (Montreal-Toronto, Toronto-Montreal and Toronto-Vancouver).

Transat’s entire reduced summer schedule of 24 routes to some 20 destinations was set to be up and running by August 2.

“July 23 is, and will remain, a very special day in the history of Transat. We are gradually resuming our flight operations after a 112-day shutdown,” said Annick Guérard, COO, Transat. “The entire Transat team, starting with our on-duty flight crews, is very pleased to return to action and to offer our passengers a restyled experience adapted to the situation. The skies are slowly clearing and that is encouraging, but it in no way means that the crisis caused by COVID-19 is over.”

Guérard perfectly sums up the difficult reality facing Canadian and international commercial airlines six months after the pandemic emerged and borders began to close. Canada’s commercial aviation sector by the start of September still had no measurable direct Federal financial support, but, beyond the concern of operators is now moving well beyond funding to focus on how governments can coordinate a meaningful restart of commercial travel.

Even as the skies opened up in July, activity in that month continued to present an unsustainable outlook for commercial carriers.

NAV CANADA at the end of August published its traffic figures for the month of July, as measured in weighted charging units for its enroute, terminal and oceanic air navigation services. The daily average

5 6

After 112 days of inactivity, Air Transat shares images of its first commercial flight, on one of its new Airbus A321neoLR aircraft, preparing for an international departure.

of overall aircraft traffic in July 2020 decreased by an average of 67.6 per cent, according to NAV CANADA’s report, when compared to the same month in 2019. This includes a 41.1 per cent decrease in the daily average of domestic charging units, which dropped from 7,428 in July 2019 to 4,378 in July of this year.

The daily average of international traffic originating out of Canada dropped by 79.3 per cent, from a daily average of 536 units in July of last year to 111 this year. The daily average of transborder traffic into the United States saw the largest drop from 1,542 to just 217 charging units. Looking at Canada’s four largest airports, again comparing July 2020 average daily movements to those in July 2019, Vancouver YVR movements decreased by 64 per cent from 1,069 in 2019 to 390 in July 2020; Calgary YYC movements decreased by 61 per cent year over year, from 695 to 268; Toronto YYZ decreased by 79 per cent, from 1,351 to 319; and Montreal YUL decreased by 72 per cent, from 723 to 200.

Alexandre de Juniac, director of International Air Transport Association (IATA), on September 1 started another month

TOP DATA BURSTS… in this issue 1. Ten U.S. charter operators are flying the Diamond DA62.

(P. 18) 2. Just over 61% of FBO survey respondents indicate they will turn more often to private aviation because of COVID-19. (P. 20) 3. JETNET iQ projects 600 business aircraft deliveries by OEMs in 2020. (P. 28) 4. Lithium-ion cells have roughly three times the energy density per kilogram. (P. 31) 5. Close to 20% of GTF’s student cohort are women. (P. 35)

WINGS | September/October 2020

with facts outlining the difficult environment for global commercial aviation. “I was hoping that today we could report a strong northern summer season and with a clear vision to a recovery for aviation,” he said, during what have become regular IATA media briefings to outline ongoing, critical industry research in relation to COVID-19. “Unfortunately… that is far from the industry’s reality today. Borders are largely closed. And government management of travel restrictions is so unpredictable and uncoordinated that people are still not flying.” de Juniac continued to describe the frustration of the aviation industry, as well as for travellers, and the tragedy of the growing numbers of unemployed whose livelihoods are being destroyed. He points to the many efforts introduced by the industry to reassure governments that flying is safe. This includes global protocols, developed with the support of the World Health Organization, that were agreed to by many federal governments back in June for safely restarting aviation.

Countries like Canada have implemented several of the guidelines, but de Juniac notes the lack of actual results in restarting commercial aviation is largely because there is no coordination to manage the re-opening of borders. He explains quarantine measures, in particular, are keeping aviation, travel and tourism effectively in lockdown.

Acknowledging the top priority for everybody in the crisis centres on health and safety, de Juniac states there are alternative measures available to keep people safe and enable global connectivity. This is why IATA on September 1 proposed a three-point plan to safely re-open borders, which, first, includes implementing the ICAO Take-off Guidelines universally.

Second, the IATA calls for building on the work of ICAO Council’s Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART) by developing an agreed common framework for states to use in coordinating the safe re-opening of their borders to aviation. Third, IATA’s plan calls for developing COVID-19 testing measures that will enable the re-opening of borders by reducing the risk of COVID-19 importation to what is acceptable to public health authorities. | W WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTO: AIR TRANSAT/TWITTER

IATA introduces a three-point plan to safely re-open borders

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THE LEAD COMMERCIAL BUSINESS AVIATION AEROSPACE

THE LEAD

OTTO AVIATION UNVEILS CELERA 500L Otto Aviation of California, founded by William Otto in 2008, introduced its propeller-driven Celera 500L prototype.

The aircraft took on the nickname, Bullet Plane, after it was first spotted more than two years ago, as reported by aviation news outlet, The War Zone. The company states the Celera 500L – with 7 U.S. patents – has now completed 31 test flights. Otto Aviation has also reached a range of parts production and manufacturing milestones as it works toward certifications.

“Innovation at its core is solving a problem without conventional bias. Our goal was to create a private aircraft that would allow for direct flights between any city pair in the U.S. at speeds and cost comparable to commercial air travel,” said Otto, who remains chairman and chief scientist of the company. “In many cases, individuals and families will be able to charter the Celera 500L at prices comparable to commercial airfares, but with the added convenience

of private aviation. We believe when the price of private air travel is competitive with commercial air travel, an enormous market opportunity will result.”

The Celera 500L could potentially provide direct access to more than 5,000 regional airports in the U.S. alone. The aircraft holds the potential for a reduction in carbon emissions by more than 80 per cent when compared to a similar-sized aircraft.

Otto Aviation explains the aircraft’s bullet shape is based on laminar flow, which provides a 59 per cent reduction in drag when compared to a similar-sized conventional aircraft. This results in a five to seven times reduction in operating costs, as well as eight times lower fuel consumption. Otto Aviation is targeting speeds of up to 460 mph and a transcontinental 4,500 nautical mile range. With a planned payload for 6 passengers, the Celera 500L is powered by the RED A03 V12 four-stroke diesel engine designed and built by RED Aircraft of Germany.

COMMERCIAL

VIRGIN GALACTIC INTRODUCES MACH 3 DESIGN Virgin Galactic Holdings unveiled the first stage design for its planned build of a high-speed aircraft aimed at commercial travel. The company also announced it had reached a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with

Virgin Galactic plans to develop a targeted Mach 3 certified delta-wing aircraft with capacity for carrying nine to 19 people at an altitude above 60,000 feet.

Rolls-Royce to collaborate in designing and developing engine propulsion technology for the high-speed commercial aircraft. The unveiling of this new aircraft design follows authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Center for Emerging Concepts and Innovation to work with Virgin Galactic to outline a certification framework.

The Mission Concept Review (MCR), which included representatives from NASA, is described as an important program milestone in which the Virgin Galactic high-speed team confirmed that, based on the research and analysis work completed, its design concept can meet the requirements and objectives of the mission. Previously, NASA signed a Space Act Agreement with Virgin Galactic to collaborate on high-speed technologies.

Virgin Galactic states the basic parameters of its initial high-speed aircraft design include a targeted Mach 3 certified delta-wing aircraft that would have capacity for nine to 19 people at an altitude above 60,000 feet. The design would also be able to incorporate custom cabin layouts to address customer needs, including Business or First Class seating arrangements. The aircraft design, explains Virgin, also aims to help lead the way toward the use of new sustainable aviation fuel.

NOLINOR LAUNCHING OWG AIRLINE

Otto Aviation expects the Celera 500L to be rated for a cruise speed of 460 mph and a transcontinental 4,500 nautical mile range, carrying up to six passengers.

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WINGS | September/October 2020

Nolinor Aviation of Mirabel, Quebec, on July 7 introduced a new airline called OWG to provide flights to southern destinations, including the Caribbean. For the past 27 years, Nolinor has provided charter transportation services primarily to northern Canada with its fleet of Boeing 737-200s. The company holds the largest such fleet in the word. Nolinor states it has been working on OWG since 2018 to WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTO: (BOTTOM) OTTO AVIATION, (TOP) VIRGIN GALACTIC

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position itself in the tourist flight market.

This includes investing more than $1 million in what Nolinor describes as a think tank to reinvent the way things are done in the commercial aviation sector.

In May 2020, Nolinor announced it had acquired three Boeing 737-400s, which were being updated to seat 158 in economy-class configuration. The company explains it spent several million dollars to refurbish the interior of each plane with new, lighter and sturdier seats.

Nolinor states OWG will begin operations in the coming months and its destinations will be announced shortly. OWG received the authorization from the Minister of Transport to provide regular international flight service on July 6, 2020.

SECOND SKYCOURIER TAKES FLIGHT

PHOTO: (TOP) NOLINOR AVIATION, (BOTTOM) TEXTRON AVIATION

The second Cessna SkyCourier test aircraft, denoted by Textron Aviation as P1, completed its first flight in early August, two and a half months after its prototype aircraft first flew on May 17 of this year.

Textron notes its P1 aircraft is the first conforming production flight test aircraft and also the first airframe configured as a freighter. Featuring Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC engines, the high-wing, large utility SkyCourier will be offered in various configurations including a 6,000-pound payload capable freighter, a 19-seat passenger version, or a mixed passenger/freight combination – all based on the common platform.

Featuring the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, the aircraft is expected to be rated for a maximum cruise speed of

A new airline called OWG, developed by Nolinor Aviation, will offer flights to Southern destinations on its fleet of Boeing 737-400 aircraft.

up to 200 ktas and a maximum range of 900 nautical miles. Both freighter and passenger variants of the SkyCourier will include single-point pressure refueling as standard to enable faster turnarounds.

The flight test certification program will ultimately include three variations of flying aircraft. Since the Cessna SkyCourier prototype completed its first flight in May, the aircraft has successfully completed 38 flights and logged more than 76 flight hours. Through the flights, Textron states its team has been able to expand speed and centre-of-gravity envelopes, complete preliminary engine and propeller tests, as well as initial stability and maneuverability tests.

BUSINESS AVIATION

EMBRAER BOOSTS PHENOM MAINTENANCE TO 800 FLIGHT HOURS Embraer in August announced a revision to the Scheduled Maintenance Requirements for the Phenom family of jets. The revision extends the intervals between

The second SkyCourier in freighter configuration flies in formation with its prototype in Wichita.

WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

stops from 600 flight hours and/or 12 months and multiples to 800 flight hours or 12 months and multiples, while most of the tasks with double intervals were also optimized to the longest period.

Embraer notes this is a 33 per cent maintenance interval improvement, which the company states to be almost double the industry average, pointing to improvements in the performance of the Phenom fleet over the last decade. The Phenom fleet has accumulated more than 1.7 million flight hours and 1.4 million cycles since the first delivery of the Phenom 100 in December 2008. Embraer’s business jet operators are supported by a network of more than 70 owned and authorized service centres, complemented by a 24/7 Contact Center at its headquarters in Brazil.

The Scheduled Maintenance Requirements for the Phenom jets are based on the Maintenance Steering Group (MSG-3) methodology, explains Embraer, which aims to preserve and restore the inherent safety and reliability levels of the aircraft and to build a knowledge base for design and maintenance improvement. Embraer notes the main benefits of this methodology include higher aircraft availability and

The Embraer Phenom fleet, including the Phenom 300 E, has accumulated more than 1.7 million flight hours.

September/October 2020 | WINGS

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ON THE

FLY

overall cost reduction to keep the aircraft in ideal operating conditions.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. revealed Powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, the G700 and can fly at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90 for more details of the progress surrounding 6,400 nautical miles (11,853 kilometers) or at its long-range cruise of Mach 0.85 for 7,500 nm (13,890 km). the test flight-test program of its all-new G700 aircraft. Introduced in October long-range cruise of Mach 0.85 for 7,500 largest galley in the industry, with more 2019, the G700 has now flown more nm (13,890 km). The G700 also includes than 10 ft/3 m of counterspace, as well as than 100 test flights, recently completing how the airplane’s air is never recirculated, the Gulfstream Predictive Landing Percompany flutter testing and expanding formance System and Symmetry Flight its low cabin altitude, “whisper-quiet” the flight envelope at both high and low Deck, which includes what the company noise levels, and the option for what the speeds. describes as the industry’s only electronicompany describes as the industry’s only As part of Gulfstream’s testing efforts, cally linked active control sidesticks. the aircraft also flew beyond its maximum true circadian lighting system. The cabin operating speed and cruise altitude, reach- also features 20 panoramic oval windows ing Mach 0.99 and an altitude of 54,000 in up to five living areas, as well as a masfeet (16,459 metres). In typical operations, ter suite option with stand-up shower.

The G700 is powered by Rolls-Royce the G700 has a maximum operating speed Pearl 700 engines and can fly at its highof Mach 0.925 and a maximum cruise Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. achieved Transspeed cruise of Mach 0.90 for 6,400 altitude of 51,000 feet (15,545 metres).

Gulfstream points to the G700 holding the nautical miles (11,853 kilometers) or at its port Canada Type Certification for its

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WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM 2020-08-25 8:14 AM

PHOTO: GULFSTREAM

GULFSTREAM UPDATES G700 PROGRAM PROGRESS

AEROSPACE

NASA LAUNCHES HELICOPTER TO MARS

PHOTO: PILATUS, NASA/CORY HUSTON

Unveiled by Pilatus in October 2019, the PC-12 NGX is the first aircraft to leverage Pratt & Whitney’s new PT6E-67XP engine.

single-engine PC-12 NGX turboprop aircraft. Levaero Aviation, Canada’s Authorized Pilatus Sales & Service Centre, plans to begin a country-wide demonstration tour of the aircraft this September.

Pilatus explains the PC-12 NGX – a third-generation of the PC-12 – features an improved Pratt & Whitney PT6E engine, smarter avionics and a redesigned cabin with larger windows, among a range of advances. The PC-12 NGX holds a maintenance interval extension to 600 hours, an increase of 1,500 hours to the engine TBO (now 5,000 hours), and hourly direct operating costs reduced by at least nine per cent.

NASA at the end of July launched the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Tucked away in the belly of Perseverance rests Ingenuity, a technology experiment originally known as the Mars Helicopter (before it was renamed by an Alabama high school student), which aims to become the first aircraft to achieve controlled flight on another planet.

Perseverance and Ingenuity are scheduled to arrive at the Red Plant’s Jezero Crater on February 18, 2021. After a weeks-long period of its own scientific study and reconnaissance, Perseverance will deploy Ingenuity onto the surface of Mars. Ingenuity is expected to attempt its first flight test in spring 2021. Jezero Crater is a 45-kilometer-wide crater on

Ingenuity is inspected at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the final time before it is attached to the Perseverance rover in preparation for launch.

the western edge of Isidis Planitia, a large impact basin just north of the Martian equator.

The 1.8-kilogram Ingenuity aircraft is described by NASA as a high-risk, high-reward technology demonstration.

It carries no scientific instruments, but, if Ingenuity does take flight, future Mars missions could enlist second-generation aircraft to add an aerial dimension to exploration. Ingenuity employs twin, counter-rotating blades running at almost 3,000 rpm, a rate that is about 10 times faster than a helicopter on Earth in order to bite into the Martian atmosphere, about 100 times thinner than Earth’s. | W

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September/October 2020 | WINGS

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2020-08-12 1:08 PM

PRAETOR 600: CERTIFIED OUTPERFORMANCE. The Praetor 600 — the world’s most disruptive and technologically advanced super-midsize aircraft that leads the way in performance, comfort and technology Unveiled at NBAA in October 2018 and now certified by ANAC, FAA and EASA, the Praetor 600 did not just meet initial expectations, it exceeded them. Named for the Latin root that means “lead the way,” the Praetor 600 is a jet of firsts. It is the first super-midsize jet certified since 2014. The first to fly beyond 3,700 nm at M0.80. The first with over 4,000 nm range at LRC. The first with full fly-by-wire. The first with turbulence reduction capability. The first with a cabin altitude as low as 5,800 feet. The first with high-capacity, ultra-high-speed connectivity from Viasat’s Ka-band. And all of this, backed by a top-ranked Customer Support network.

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L E ADING THE WAY

ALTERNATE

APPROACH

By Nada Hussein

Threat and opportunity for LCCs

How the COVID-19 pandemic is influencing low-cost airlines in Canada

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14 WINGS | September/October 2020

Flair Airlines in July announced plans to begin service in the cities of Prince George, Fort McMurray, Regina, and Saskatoon, with a much-anticipated return to Victoria.

and Atlantic Canada as soon as everyone is ready for our arrival.”

With the economy shrinking and moving toward a global recession, choosing to fly with an LCC is the sensible option for a large segment of passengers; considering their lower fares. The demand for cheap flights creates an opportunity for LCCs to grow business; However, this potential is dependent on the ability of LCCs to survive and sustain operations until demand for air travel emerges again.

People are still hesitant to get into an airplane and be in close proximity to others, in addition to airline decisions to discontinue blocking middle seats. Air travel is still considered risky among many. The threat of a second wave of COVID-19 and the impact it is going to have on LCCs and airlines in general is expected to be catastrophic, particularly if countries go into another lockdown. The aviation segment is currently volatile and its sustainability depends on various factors, among them is the length of the pandemic and finding a vaccine.

Another challenge facing LCCs is minimizing the aircraft turnaround time.

Because of the pandemic, airplanes have to go through extra disinfectant procedures.

According to a June 2020 IATA report, which lists a set of guidelines for aircraft sanitization during and post pandemic, “Several other methods such as electrostatic spraying, UV treatment, ionization, fumigation, gaseous ozone, etc. have been proposed for aircraft disinfection.” The measures proposed are not mandatory yet;

nevertheless, American carriers such as Delta and United are currently using electrostatic sprayers to disinfect each aircraft prior to departure. Air Canada is also using electrostatic spraying for the interior of aircraft as part of its CleanCare+ initiative.

Provided those measures prove their effectiveness and popularity among the public, they could become an industry standard. Implementing pandemicrelated sanitation procedures adds to the aircraft turnaround time and LCCs will be seeing longer ground delays; raising capital to cover the added high costs of implementing those hygiene-related technologies is a burden on LCCs budgets especially at a time where they are struggling financially.

The demand for a low-cost business model is essential in this unprecedented time and there’s a silver-lining opportunity for Canadian LCCs to be recording profit before legacy carriers on the long term. A low-cost business model is seen as “The preferable model as we go forward in the 21st century,” said by George Novak, president and CEO at National Air Carrier Association during a late-June Webinar about rebuilding travelers’ trust and navigating the competitive landscape. The aviation industry has a long route to recovery from this pandemic and it is just beginning to witness signs of slow progress. | W Nada Hussein is an international aviation professional with an MBA in Aviation Management.

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PHOTO: FLAIR AIRLINES

irlines in Canada have the advantage of a large domestic market to operate in, unlike mega carriers around the world – like Singapore airlines and Qatar airways – that are being challenged as their network is comprised of international and long-haul routes. While interprovincial restrictions are being lifted, leisure travelers are choosing to spend their vacations within Canada to avoid international travel restrictions, escape quarantine laws and not to be distant from home in case they get infected with COVID-19. According to Brian Pearce, chief economist at International Air Transport Association, during a presentation about the outlook for the airline industry in 2020-2021, “Only domestic air travel rose with most borders closed, no improvement in international as quarantine [is] equivalent to travel ban.”

This surge in domestic tourism in addition to the closure of US-Canada border for non-essential travel has shifted airlines’ focus to domestic markets, particularly among low-cost carriers (LCCs). Swoop, an ultra LCC owned by WestJet, has suspended its international and transborder flights until mid-September and is focused on domestic coverage. The airline released a statement explaining it is “Confident in increasing frequencies to ensure Canadians have continued access to affordable air travel options that bolster domestic tourism and local economies.” Swoop will be utilizing its fleet and resources in hope of maximizing profit out of the local market.

Flair airlines, a privately owned Canadian ultra LCC that runs domestic operations only, has planned to expand its current route schedule with the exception of flights to Ottawa and Atlantic Canada.

Routes that are currently covered by Flair and Swoop are mainly to Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Atlantic Canada is under strict provincial entry requirements if you are arriving from a province that’s not in the Atlantic bubble; Flair was keen on showing its commitment to expanding further into the domestic market through its own statement: “Flair is proud to bring Canadians affordable and friendly air travel and we look forward to providing more choice to our customers for their travel needs. We will be there for Ottawa

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September/October 2020 | WINGS 15 2020-03-03 12:52 PM

AIR

TRAFFIC

By John Gradek

Commercial travel confidence

How the COVID-19 pandemic could impact travel for years to come

I

PERMANENT CHANGES Let’s review the lessons being learned by the travel industry during the COVID-19 pandemic and how travel might be different as the world deals with the aftermath.

Travel has evolved significantly in the past six months since the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. There will likely be a number of current initiatives in passenger and facility hygiene and sanitation that will stay in place post-pandemic.

The woes of cruise ship operators, in the meantime, will continue as travellers continue to remain wary of travel in confined spaces.

Public health officials have identified three societal practices that are key to controlling the spread of COVID-19, each of which have an impact on the allure of travel – social distancing of two metres, frequent and intense handwashing to reduce the risk of hand-borne transmission of the virus to the face, and face coverings in confined spaces.

While it’s generally accepted that the minimum social distancing cannot be maintained while travelling in today’s commercial aircraft, some carriers – though not all, including Air Canada 16 WINGS | September/October 2020

One of the Autonomous Cleaners at Toronto Pearson as part of the airport’s new Healthy Airport program launched in June 2019 to reassure travellers.

reinforced by public health officials who are advocating for a return to lockdowns and advisories to refrain from travel, including from the top infectious disease expert in the United States, Anthony Fauci, who has raised concerns about the risks of getting on an aircraft. The debate between public health officials and airline executives will undoubtedly remain tense as the world continues to grapple with the first wave, and in some places a second wave, of COVID-19 outbreaks.

How long until there is a vaccine; and can the travel industry survive until then?

– initially adopted a policy of leaving an open seat beside a passenger. This policy approach is quickly changing.

EMPTY MIDDLE SEATS This initiative has attracted the attention of both public health officials as well air transport executives and associations, resulting in an attempts by an American legislator to regulate empty middle seats on flights. Airline executives have predicted a dire financial impact from this attempt to ease crowding on airliners.

Quarantines are also being used by authorities to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 from travellers arriving from jurisdictions that have a higher level of virus cases.

These quarantines range from incountry travel bans among states or provinces to national quarantines for travellers arriving from high-risk regions. Typical quarantine provisions can range from seven days to 14 days of self-isolation, with some authorities imposing strict adherence through personal monitoring systems.

Travellers’ health concerns are being

TRAVEL BUBBLES A growing number of countries have allowed the travel industry to promote “travel bubbles” and “corona corridors” as first steps to jumpstart air travel and tourism. These measures involve agreements with neighbouring regions that allow for travel across borders for non-essential trips without quarantining upon arrival.

But there’s still the risk that such efforts will be short-lived given the resurgence of COVID-19 and the subsequent reimposition of quarantine practices in various parts of the world, including Spain.

The need to develop an effective contact tracing platform that would have global connectivity has been broached, but it remains in the discussion stage only. Issues such as personal information rights WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTOS: GREATER TORONTO AIRPORTS AUTHORITY, AIR CANADA

n late 2019, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) published its Economic Performance of the Airline Industry report. It contained a 2020 forecast of 4.1 per cent growth in global air traffic demand and net post-tax profits for North American airlines of US$16.5 billion.

Travel industry consulting firms predicted the continuing pattern of travel growth across all of the major components of travel including hotels, cruises and surface travel as well as air. The forecast for travel was sunny, with few clouds on the horizon.

Fast forward to the summer of 2020, and IATA is forecasting the worst financial performance in the history of commercial aviation, predicting a global loss of US$84 billion. And the aerospace industry supporting airlines with equipment parts and services pronounced that 2020 is the gravest crisis the industry has ever known.

and general distribution of location data have raised privacy concerns in a number of countries.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recommended several data-sharing practices, but the UN body also acknowledges that a global, harmonized deployment ought to be a guiding principle to successfully contain the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

IATA has also produced a set of guidelines for a gradual return of air services The consensus among public health officials and travel industry executives is that travel will continue to stagnate until a COVID-19 vaccine is effectively administered globally.

But questions remain.

WILL THE INDUSTRY SURVIVE UNTIL A VACCINE IS READY How long until there’s a vaccine; and can the travel industry survive until then? What role should governments play in ensuring the survival of the travel industry as it waits for the vaccine?

Will public health pressure be sufficient to overcome the reticence to share personal contact movement and information?

In June 2020, Air Canada introduced a new touchless check-in experience at select airports in Canada, with the ability to scan a mobile boarding pass at a TouchFree Bag Check kiosk.

As the world progresses towards a COVID-19 vaccine and the eventual control of the virus, the travel industry will most certainly face demands from the travelling public to maintain several of the current safety and hygiene initiatives.

Cleanliness and sanitization will become the norm. Touchless interactions will proliferate, and technology will reduce human interaction.

Will the joy and exhilaration of

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travel return? Yes, but with a new value proposition built around safe and secure travel. Much like air travel changed after 9/11 with security screening, so will COVID-19 change our demands for a safe, clean travel experience. | W John Gradek is a Faculty Lecturer and the Program Co-ordinator, Global Aviation Leadership Program, McGill University.

This article was originally published by The Conversation.

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LEVERAGING BUSIN AVIATION IN THE NE LEADERS FROM MILLION AIR, DIAMOND AIRCRAFT AND LEVAERO AVIATION DESCRIBE BUSINESS AVIATION POTENTIAL

BY JON ROBINSON

T

THE FBO PERSPECTIVE With more than 30 locations in five countries, Million Air was beating budgets in January and February 2020. A year earlier, the company had celebrated the opening of a new $100 million FBO in White Plains, New York, modeled after a mountain lodge with wood-vaulted ceilings, six stone-framed fireplaces, 22,000-squarefoot terminal, 50,400-square-foot hangar with heated floors, 6,865-square-foot indoor valet space and its own Starbucks.

Million Air was in the process of adding another $60 million capital investment to the facility. In October 2019, the company completed construction on its $54 million Austin FBO – a fourth in Texas, building from its 1984 founding in Dallas. Just two weeks before COVID-19 was declared as a 18 WINGS | September/October 2020

Roger Woolsey, Chief Executive Officer, Million Air, and Annemarie Mercedes Heikenwälder, Aircraft Sales Manager, Diamond Aircraft.

pandemic, the company completed a transaction to turn its Million Air Vancouver FBO in Richmond, BC, into a corporateowned facility.

“We try to project our brand out there to be a large brand, but we’re very family oriented. I’m second generation and my children are third-generation aviators in the business,” says Woolsey, a former charter pilot with more than 10,000 flight hours, who took over leadership of the company in 2002. “When COVID hit us and I saw the numbers drop… It was a real devastating moment. I thought, my God, how much cash do I have in the bank.”

Woolsey has led Million Air through two major economic crises impacting aviation, including the 2008-2009 financial fallout and the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The COVID-19 pandemic represented the first time, however, that Million Air was forced to reduce its staff – by

approximately one third – to cope with the economic downturn. The company also implemented rigorous modeling of operational data to better prepare for future fluctuations in the pandemic economy.

“As soon as the pandemic came, and they went into stay-at-home lockdown policies, you can see how our fuel gallons just absolutely fell to the bottom,” says Woolsey.

“In April, we were operating at 10 per cent of our normal numbers. That is absolutely devastating and unsustainable.”

Woolsey, however, explains how the company’s daily fuel gallon metrics experienced meaningful increases as economies began reopening. “What encourages me so much is that you see these instant movements every time they do a phase opening in a community,” he says. Woolsey explains, that without the ability to hold large gatherings like concerts and sporting events, these movements are directly to Million WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTOS: MILLION AIR, DIAMOND AICRAFT, LEVAERO AVIATION

hree business and private aviation leaders on July 21 participated in a one-hour Webinar, presented by WINGS, to provide three distinct views on the current operating environment of their sector, including: Roger Woolsey, chief executive officer of Million Air; Annemarie Mercedes Heikenwälder, aircraft sales manager of Diamond Aircraft; and Stan Kuliavas, vice president of sales and business development, Levaero Aviation.

Beyond the many COVID-19-era challenges acknowledged by all three Webinar presenters, representing insight from Fixed Base Operator, Original Equipment Manufacturer and aircraft dealer perspectives, they illustrated common opportunities in business and private aviation. Two primary examples include the trend toward flight quality over quantity and, second, the emergence of a new wave of concept buyers – companies, people who are investigating the economic benefits of the sector for the first time.

NESS EW NORMAL

Stan Kuliavas, Vice President of Sales and Business Development, Levaero Aviation.

Air’s primary focus on corporate and private aviation. “It's a nice indicator of what’s to come.”

Woolsey projects the corporate aviation sector will experience a much more pronounced V-shaped recovery, relative to the U-shaped expectations in commercial aviation. He acknowledges that both the virus and public perceptions must be brought under control before any true conclusions can be made, but he points to the fact that Million Air in May 2020 experienced its most profitable month in charter sales over the past three years.

THE OEM PERSPECTIVE The growth in charter flights can clearly be linked to early-pandemic safety concerns of flying commercial, in addition to government-imposed travel restrictions.

Heikenwälder of Diamond Aircraft shares statistics about the number of passenger WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

touchpoints to emphasis a key difference between charter and commercial flights, at approximately 20 touchpoints versus 700, respectively. Health safety is one of the primary reasons why the private aviation sector is being investigated by companies and people who have never properly evaluated the true effectiveness of charter operations.

“We’re seeing this trend of people moving from the low-budget, high-volume of less-quality flights into the charter world,” says Heikenwälder, again recounting statistics she has absorbed over the past several weeks. “Somebody who would travel six to seven times in that first-class or business-class segment, they’ll be travelling about three to four times, but will be choosing charter instead.”

Heikenwälder points to a range of executives from high-volume private aviation companies who have been quoted in the mainstream media about a new wave of private/corporate aviation concept buyers.

This includes Leona Qi, U.S. president of VistaJet, who noted in a LA Times article that two thirds of their incoming calls are from people who have never before flown private. In the same article, Sentient Jet president Andrew Collins states the company welcomed the most new customers it has ever seen.

Heikenwälder points to Diamond Aircraft’s DA62 as being part of an emerging trend in one- to three-seat charter growth.

Introduced to the market in 2015, the all-composite, 1,565-pound DA62, which can seat up to seven, is a twin engine, jetfuel burning aircraft that is starting to fill a void in low-cost, luxury travel. “You’re burning about 16 gallons an hour between both engines. You have a super low cost of ownership [at] about US$300 an hour and then excellent passenger comfort, with the ability to socially distance or travel with people that you know, and a high safety rating,” explains Heikenwälder.

“And, at about 190 knots, you can cover around 1,200 nautical miles.”

The typical charter price per operating hour is around $750 to $800 in the U.S., notes Heikenwälder, which includes pilots, handling fees and most of the extras necessary to operate an aircraft. “There’s nothing quite [like the DA62] in this price category, with this payload,” she says.

“We’re seeing some fractional owners already using the DA62 quite successfully in this environment.” There are about 10 charter operators leveraging the DA62 in the U.S., with more in Germany, France, African and Asia, as well as a planned Canadian operator investment by the end of year.

THE DEALER PERSPECTIVE Levaero Aviation at the start of September was set to begin a nation-wide demo tour of the recently Transport Canada-certified PC-12 NGX aircraft, a schedule that fits into a projected V-shaped recovery for business aviation. “March was likely one of the busiest that charter companies have ever had, at least in Canada, largely due to repatriations, bringing citizens home…

But it’s a safe generalization that the aircraft sales business, globally, came to a halt in April,” says Kuliavas. “In the last month and a half [June and July], we’ve seen customers come back to the table, reengaging, and they’re gearing up to begin travel in the near term.”

Kuliavas notes aircraft transactions are taking longer than usual, largely because of the approval and regulatory complications arising out of COVID-19, but he reinforces the sector potential with concept buyers. “We’re having extensive discussions with people who have previously largely traveled via airline that have now made the decision to begin moving their people around by corporate aircraft,” he says. “Many of those new entrants sought out a charter solution for their flying.

Fractional companies across the world are seeing spikes in their sales activity – with some having the best sales results they’ve ever had.”

Kuliavas continues to point out, that while some buyers looked for distressed aircraft price opportunities, the sector by and large is not being driven by such deals.

“We’re not seeing a dramatic rise in inventory, so that is a positive sign.” He notes approximately just over 10 per cent of the global corporate fleet is for sale, which is a relatively small increase over pre-COVID numbers; much healthier than the increase seen during the 2008 financial crisis when inventory jumped from around 10 to 12 per cent toward 18 per cent.

“The business aviation sector is poised to see growth perhaps like never before.

Business people need to travel. They need to meet – of course, doing so safely and responsibly,” says Kuliavas, describing the economic benefits of leveraging business aircraft as a tool. “Convenience remains a big draw, but health-risk mitigation is a major driver today… The airplane is no longer just a time machine for a company.

It’s now a way to also protect the health of your employees and your family.” | W September/October 2020 | WINGS 19

TOP FBO IN CANADA PAL Aviation Services, Halifax, Nova Scotia (YHZ) TOP FBO IN WESTERN CANADA

(BC, ALTA, YT, NWT) Signature Select Edmonton (YEG) Sunwest Aviation (YYC) Million Air Calgary (YYC)

TOP FBO IN ATLANTIC CANADA (NB, NL, NS, PEI) PAL Aviation Services Halifax (YHZ) PAL Aviation Services St. John’s (YYT) Irving Aviation Services Gander (YQX)

TOP FBO IN QUEBEC LUX Ground Services St. Hubert (YHU) Skyservice Business Aviation Montreal (YUL) Innotech Aviation Services Montreal (YUL)

TOP FBO IN CENTRAL CANADA

(SASK, MAN, NUNAVUT) Fast Air Jet Centre (YWG) Kreos Aviation Regina (YQR) Kreos Aviation Saskatoon (YXE)

RISING STAR AWARD FBO making the largest jump in votes from the prior year LUX Ground Services (YHU)

TOP FBO IN ONTARIO

Skyservice Toronto (YYZ) Signature Flight Support (YYZ) Chartright Air Group (YKF) TIE Skyservice Ottawa (YOW) TIE

FBO COAST TO COAST T

542

Number of total votes in 2020

2020 SURVEY RESULTS TO FIND CANADA’S TOP FIXED BASE OPERATORS

BY JON ROBINSON

he 2020 Fixed Based Operator survey conducted by WINGS received 542 responses in an open voting system through the months of April, May and June. Down significantly from last year’s record 1,845 participants, the number of respondents in 2020 still provides material results to help determine the Top FBO in Canada in 2020, best operations by region and the country’s Rising Star.

The timing of this year’s FBO Survey, taking place during what is likely to be recorded as the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, also provides unique insight into the private and corporate aviation sector from the mindset of its customers. In addition to listing what they consider to be the best FBO in Canada, respondents were asked to rank eight factors in terms of what is most important to them in determining their favourite FBO, from service and pricing to the various aspects of the venue.

20 WINGS | September/October 2020

The 2020 survey asked respondents to share their primary reason for flying – business, personal or government/professional services – and where they are flying to – domestic, transborder or international. Respondents were also asked if the COVID-19 pandemic would encourage them to fly more often via private or corporate aviation through FBOs. PAL Aviation Services’ FBO in Halifax, Nova Scotia (YHZ), this year received the most votes across all five Canadian regions to be named as Canada’s Top FBO in 2020, which marks the company’s second consecutive such honour with PAL Aviation St. John’s winning in 2019. LUX Ground Services of St. Hubert, Quebec, was the runaway winner of the Canada-wide survey’s annual Rising Star Award, which last year went to Sunwest Aviation of Calgary, Alberta.

The survey recognizes the excellence of the Top Three FBOs WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

across five regions. Moving from West to East, Signature Select Edmonton (YEG) was named the Top FBO in the Western Region, followed by the Calgary-based operations of Sunwest and Million Air. In Central Canada, Fast Air Jet Centre of Winnipeg came in first, followed by Kreos Aviation in Regina and Saskatoon. Skyservice Toronto (its original FBO location at Pearson International) was named as the Top FBO in Ontario, followed

by Signature Flight Support Toronto in second place and a tie for third between Chartright Air Group at Waterloo International and Skyservice Ottawa. In addition to its Rising Start Award, LUX was recognized as the Top FBO in Quebec, followed by Montreal’s Skyservice and Innotech Aviation Services. PAL Aviation Halifax’ top finish was followed by PAL Aviation St. John’s in second and Irving Aviation Gander in third.

Basing conclusions on when survey responses were submitted, April and the first couple of weeks in May were easily the slowest period of the three-month survey, which, of course, can be attributed to cycles of COVID-19 infections and containment; followed by the opening of economies in varying phases in June. Even as travel restrictions were still in place for non-domestic flights, the higher numbers in June can also be attributed to FBOs firming up greater safety measures in both their terminals and aircraft.

Respondents were asked was best describes their primary use of an FBO with business aviation representing vast majority of responses at 64 per cent, followed by personal at 23 per cent, and government/professional services at 10 per cent. The category of “other” at three per cent most often related to fuel stops or someone using an FBO for more than one primary purpose as noted above. Interestingly, the category of government/professional services saw the biggest jump in June to just under 15 per cent.

WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM WG_KREOS_HP_AUG20_JLR.indd 1

FROM APRIL TO JUNE, DOMESTIC TRAVEL DOMINATED THE PRIVATE AND CORPORATE AVIATION SECTOR ACCOUNTING FOR 67 PER CENT OF ALL TRAVEL. When asked if the COVID-19 pandemic would result in more travel via private or corporate aviation, 61 per cent of the respondents indicated “yes”. Respondents were also asked where they most often travelled to, either domestic, transborder (United States) or international. Over the three-month period from April to June 2020, domestic travel dominated the private/corporate aviation sector at 67 per cent. Transborder travel into the United States came in second at 24 per cent and international destinations only accounted for eight per cent. These percentages remained relatively consistent for each month, although transborder travel seemed to pick up in the month of June at the expense of international travel, which may be explained by the previously mentioned increase in government/professional services travel over that same month.

Survey participants were asked to rate what FBO services are most important to them on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being extremely important. Understanding the results will be skewed based on whether the FBO client is a pilot or passenger, the survey focused on eight customer-satisfaction indicators, ranked here from most to least important, along with their average score: Customer service (9.1), line service/fuel (8.7), terminal facility (8.5), price (7.9), pilot amenities (7.9), hangar (7.6), part of FBO network (6.9), and proximity to office/home (6.5). | W

September/October 2020 | WINGS 21 2020-08-18 8:33 PM

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Nadia Doucet, Flight Service Coordinator, and Lee Myers, FBO Manager, PAL Aviation Services YHZ.

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or the second consecutive year PAL Aviation Services has been voted the top Fixed Base Operator in both the Atlantic Region and across Canada. This year, the honour goes to its Halifax, Nova Scotia, location. Last year, their St. John’s, Newfoundland and

Labrador, location took home top honours in Canada.

“The PAL Aviation Services team is very honoured to receive the Top FBO in Canada Award again this year,” says Lynette Carroll, Director of PAL Aviation Services. “We are especially proud this year as it demonstrates the consistency

of our high-level customer focus across our locations that our clients have come to know, and appreciate, regardless of which one they visit.”

Step down from your aircraft in front of PAL Aviation Services Halifax, located at Nova Scotia’s Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), and in seconds

you will enter the warmth of their FBO and be welcomed by their exceptional team of customer service experts.

Going above and beyond to get their clients in the air, on time and with the greatest of ease, is priority one at PAL Aviation Services. The team’s hospitality and commitment to

service excellence ensures their customers always leave happy.

“The leadership we have in Halifax is exceptional and each employee shares our vision for ensuring we go above and beyond for our customers at every touch point. The service they provide is what sets our team apart from our competition,” added Carroll.

“We have an extremely dedicated and passionate team here in Halifax and I am overjoyed they were recognized this year for their extraordinary customer service,” said Lee

Myers, FBO Manager, PAL Aviation Services YHZ. PAL Aviation Services, established in 1988, is one of the largest Fixed Base Operators in Atlantic Canada.

It proudly offers extensive services and amenities to commercial, corporate, military, and private aircraft clients. With locations in Newfoundland (YYT), Labrador (YWK) and Nova Scotia (YHZ), PAL Aviation Services is perfectly positioned throughout the region to accommodate clients’ every travel need.

PAL Aviation Services YHZ caters to clients flying general aviation aircraft, corporate jets and a variety of large military aircraft. The location’s spacious ramp offers two access points that allows for smooth taxi in/ taxi out operations.

The FBO’s highly customized services also include deicing, hangarage, ramp and maintenance support, on-site customs clearance, refueling, and travel logistics coordination. Additionally, 24/7 guest services are also offered including access to courtesy

Established in 1988, PAL Aviation Services offers extensive services and amenities to commercial, corporate, military, and private aircraft clients.

PAL Aviation has implemented a range safety measures that meet or exceed public health protocols.

vehicles, hotel and ground transportation bookings, and catering, which can include fresh seafood, for which Atlantic Canada is famous.

Beyond the FBO’s main lobby area is a business centre, pilot’s lounge, crew sleeping quarters, showers, TV, internet, computer and more. In these challenging times of the global COVID-19 pandemic, PAL Aviation Services YHZ has taken some extraordinary health and safety measures. In addition to the now ubiquitous plexiglass partitions, face masks, and hand disinfectant dispensers, the FBO has invested in a heightened cleaning process.

The main touch points in the FBO are cleaned between flights and it is regularly fogged to disinfect the entire premises.

“We recognize the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on air travel and we have implemented safety measures that meet or exceed public health protocols so that our clients can take comfort we are doing our best to keep them protected. This is consistent across all our facilities and our staff have done a tremendous job on this during these unprecedented times,” says Carroll.

The PAL Aviation Services team takes great pride in the feedback they receive from clients who feel compelled to reach out to offer their thanks and appreciation. The testimonials have a consistent theme, built around the PAL Aviation Services people and their commitment to serving their clients every need.

Are you planning a trip that will take you through Atlantic Canada in the near future? If so, consider reaching out to teams at PAL Aviation Services. You will receive a warm welcome with a special blend of east coast hospitality that is unmatched in Canada. They look forward to serving you soon.^

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PROPELLED BY PASSION, SAFETY AND SERVICE Skyservice Business Aviation adds to its FBO excellence in Toronto

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kyservice Business Aviation has won WINGS’s prestigious 2020 award as Top FBO in Ontario with Skyservice Toronto (YYZ) in first place. Honourable mentions were earned by Skyservice Ottawa (YOW), which tied for third best in Ontario, and Skyservice Montreal (YUL), which placed second best in Quebec. These awards are a testament to Skyservice’s focus on service excellence and quality assurance.

For Skyservice, the company’s greatest asset is its employees, who are passionate about what they do and the quality services they provide. Highly experienced, with immense skill and knowledge, their attention to detail and customer focus delivers a compelling value proposition, winning them these well-deserved accolades. Skyservice ranks in the Top 10 for North American FBOs and managed aircraft providers.

Too late to be included in this year’s Best FBO Survey, Skyservice’s newest facility at Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport (CYYZ) boasts more than 90,000 square feet of modern, energy-efficient hanger space; and an amenity-packed 20,000-square-foot terminal facility. Their new facility will further expand Skyservice’s dominant position in Toronto, Canada’s busiest aviation market.

Plans for the new facility began more than five years ago, with president and CEO Emlyn David’s quest to create a unique Canadian aviation experience, focusing on the needs of business and private aviation.

“Building upon the success of the company’s four existing FBOs, people and process, we designed the new Toronto facility around the distinctive needs of our international business and private travelers,” stated David.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic created some delays in the construction timelines, the new hanger is fully operational and is roughly 50 per cent occupied.

A showpiece for Skyservice, the new business aviation complex evolves the company’s value proposition in Canada and the world.

Emlyn David, President and CEO of Skyservice, and Vanessa Engel, VP of Marketing & Customer Engagement, inside the company’s second and newest FBO at Toronto Pearson.

The new facility meets increased demand and provides additional hangar space and the same unmatched level of service quality, safety and discretion customers expect from Skyservice. Conveniently located south of runway 24L at Whiskey taxiway, pilots can minimize the taxi time and operating costs associated with navigating Pearson’s massive asphalt footprint.

The new hanger, purpose-built for energy efficiency, features a special single-span design and is equipped with 30-foot doors that can accommodate the tallest of business aircraft tails. The single-span design provides a larger footprint of useable space while allowing for in-hangar aircraft movement.

For climate control, the hangar uses an energy efficient design of in-floor heating combined with Big Ass Fans® to create a very

comfortable work environment for line staff and maintenance teams during the winter months. The in-floor hangar heating also extends 10 feet beyond the hangar doors which in conjunction with heating located at the front of the hangar, provides a more efficient deicing/anti-icing operation. Overall, the building’s design affords Skyservice energy savings of up to 30 per cent.

Safety and service are ingrained in Skyservice’s DNA. Skyservice’s new terminal facility is equipped with layered security measures to ensure that people and aircraft are protected 24/7 including the latest in video surveillance along with secured access points, internet security technology, motion sensors and electronically controlled visitor access lists, to name just a few. The hanger also boasts a world class foam fire suppression system

designed to extinguish a fire within 60 seconds from sensing smoke in the hanger.

Skyservice’s attention to safety and security are unmatched, which has earned the company another consecutive year as a Platinum award winner from Aviation Research Group/US (ARG/US), North America’s most stringent rating for operational safety.

“Skyservice is proud to once again receive

the ARGUS Platinum Rating,” says David.

“Receiving this exceptional recognition is a testament to our dedicated team at Skyservice and best practices approach to safety and service excellence.”

Skyservice’s Business Aviation centre, adjacent to the hangar is nearing completion.

The architecture of the new FBO terminal and business center provides an efficient mixeduse environment, catering to the diverse needs of business executives, aircrews, staff and aviation ecosystem partners. With attention to even the smallest of details, the facility is focused on functionality, housing interior design elements that are clean, crisp, and fresh. The fully accessible building welcomes visitors with a canopied entrance built from stone quarried from Northern Ontario. Upon entering, guests are invited into a modern atrium featuring 40-foot ceilings with spectacular views of the apron and Pearson Airport, creating an inviting, bright and airy environment. The lounge, when complete, will offer a complimentary beverage bar with light snacks.

For those needing to catch up on emails

business centre offers 24/7 customer reception, lounge, private offices, and conference room space, all equipped with high-speed internet access, printing, copying and the latest in conference room technology. The centre boasts over 10,000 square feet of office space for lease, ranging from individual offices to larger office environments.

Skyservice’s 500-plus employees deliver a consistent customer exSkyservice’s new hangar perience. Earlier in the features a unique single-span year, they were awarded design and 30-foot doors to the NBAA Safety 1st accommodate the tallest of Clean Standard Award, business-aircraft tails. the highest level of certification on general guidance on facility cleaning, disinfecting and facility operations in response to a pandemic. Their decisive, action-orientated approach to safety allowed Skyservice to move quickly to protect customers, aircrew and employees through enacting a multi-front/ multi-tier approach at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

They initiated on-board safety kits for all travelers that included face masks, gloves, hand sanicomforts that private aviation can provide. tizer, and a disposable bag for safe disposal.

Luxury car rental, limo, shuttle, travel, They quickly assessed the potential health hotel and restaurant bookings are quickly impact of the virus and implemented protoarranged by Skyservice’s friendly concierges. cols pivoting operations to protect the people Their eco and energy-efficient design is even within their environment. extended further past their buildings and Skyservice also has one of the best inflight into their parking facility. Skyservice offers air purification and decontamination solunumerous electric-car charging stations for tions in market today – proven to eliminate its guests and a parking facility with secured, harmful pathogens like COVID-19. Partnered gated overnight parking complete with video with Aviation Clean Air (ACA), Skyservice surveillance coverage. received STC approval from Transport CanaPilots can plan their next flight and feel da for the installation of ACA’s ion distrirejuvenated inside the pilots-only private bution system into Bombardier Challenger lounge, fully equipped with complimentary beverages, secure Wi-Fi and a flight planning 300/350 and Global 5000/5500/6000/6500 aircraft. Skyservice has seen an increase in centre. During downtimes, pilots can rest demand for air purification and sanitization in one of the many pilot relaxation rooms. solutions as business jets owners return to A spa-like shower environment and snooze rooms rival similar amenities in most hotels. normal travel routines.

Focused on the client and pilot experience, Dedicated office space enables crews to Skyservice truly provides a five-star level of catch up on paperwork and use modern service for flight crews, owners, passengers technology to communicate with family, and guests. Skyservice has set the bar high friends and the office. for Canadian FBOs with the delivery and Designed for both drop-in or permanent operation of its newest YYZ facility. work solutions for use when travelling, the or download a movie prior to departure, Skyservice provides free, secure Wi-Fi service throughout its facility. For the most discreet traveler, the FBO facility houses VIP waiting rooms that provide a quieter area complete with cafe amenities – the ideal setting for individuals wishing to have more privacy.

Focusing on the corporate business aviation market, the new facility delivers all the

SPONSORED CONTENT

François-Luc Jutras, LUX FBO director, has focused on bringing unique and new services for business aviation clientele at Saint-Hubert Airport.

BUILDING THE BRAND •

LUX Ground Services provides a new FBO value

BY DAVID CARR proposition in Montréal

Y

ou do not break into the competitive Montréal FBO market without bringing something new to the table. Such was the challenge facing LUX Ground Services, the region’s newest FBO, occupying a former Royal Canadian Air Force hangar refitted to purpose at Montréal’s conveniently positioned Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU).

As experienced air operators, LUX ownership set out to develop an FBO with exceptional services that met the high standards of their colleagues. LUX is Montréal’s largest full-service FBO, with clientele rang-

ing from single-engine Cessna’s to Boeing and Airbus commercial jets.

Their ramp is large enough to support up to seven Boeing 737-400s, and has hangar space for two more.

The FBO provides on-site aircraft maintenance, private de-icing and passenger terminal amenities including a spacious VIP lounge, mini-business centre and in-house catering.

The mission is to build the brand to become Canada’s best FBO. They are off to a flying start. Since launching in April 2019, LUX has soared to one of the top three FBOs in Quebec, top five in Canada and was recently voted best FBO in Quebec in Wing

magazine’s annual survey.

“We’re all fighting for the same customers,” says François-Luc Jutras, LUX FBO director. “We need to always be one step ahead.” That means not only competing with neighbouring FBO’s at YHU, but against the behemoth up the road. Trudeau International Airport (YUL), which houses established FBO brands with North American networks, still attracts the

In addition to a range of modern services and amenities, LUX leverages YHU’s superior ground links, with faster access than YUL to downtown Montréal.

The LUX Ground Services ramp at YHU is large enough to support up to seven Boeing 737-400s, in addition to hangar space for two more.

lion’s share of corporate traffic despite increased congestion at Canada’s third busiest airport, and YHU’s faster access to downtown Montréal and local attractions such as Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, home to the popular Canadian Grand Prix, which is an early Christmas for FBO operators.

“Some crews and customers have their habits and have been going to the same FBO for years. We need to

break them of that,” says Jutras. “We need the business jets to first choose YHU over YUL, and bring them to LUX.” To do so, the FBO has ripped a page from the retail sector’s handbook and offered “free samples”.

Recently LUX began temporarily providing free basic ramp services. A method to help drum up dwindling business during the Covid-19 slump, but also to establish longer-term brand recognition and value. The promotion builds on an industry-leading value proposition that includes, waiving ramp fees for newcomers, the lowest fuel prices in the region and luxury hotel amenities such as passengers greeted by multiple staff as they step off the airplane.

“We need to be aggressive with our offer,” Jutras points out. “We need clients to try our facility and unique services. When a customer tries us for the first time, they always come back.”

Supporting LUX’s ambition to stand out among the crowd is a cast of energetic staff members with backgrounds in both aviation and the hospitality industry, who are trained to spot and respond to emerging market trends. Practices are carefully

monitored, services can be adjusted quickly and fresh ideas, and new ways of doing things are always encouraged. “We’ve only been around for 16 months,” Jutras says. “There is still very much a start-up mindset.

That works to our advantage.”

YHU is also upping its game. The primary runway has been extended and can support the largest 737 and Airbus A220/A320 aircraft, and the airport is leveraging its superior ground links. YHU has accepted specialized flights such as professional sports charters, and LUX has the facilities to comfortably handle these types of operations.

As Canada gradually emerges from the Covid-19 slump, the market is looking up for corporate aviation. Business jets are returning and the sector could experience a bump as commercial high flyers who have considered making the transition to private airplanes take the plunge.

This is good news for LUX Ground Services. In less than two years, LUX has built a loyal customer base and has the infrastructure, first class amenities and service culture to meet growing demand.

•

BUSINESS AVIATION FORECAST

JETNET IQ LEVERAGES YEARS OF SURVEY DATA TO PROJECT THE SHAPE OF BUSINESS AVIATION DURING A PANDEMIC

T

BY JON ROBINSON

he Canadian Business Aviation Association, in lieu of holding its physical 2020 conference and tradeshow because of COVID-19 restrictions and safety concerns, presented a virtual conference on June 17 attended by approximately 100 members.

After working through a range of association business, including confirmation of James Elian, president and COO of AirSprint, as the association’s 2021 chair, Rolland Vincent of JETNET iQ provided a Business Aviation Forecast for the sector.

In what has become an annual highlight of the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA) conference, Vincent, president of Rolland Vincent Associates LLC and director of JETNET iQ, distilled a mass 28 WINGS | September/October 2020

of data from nine-plus years of surveying global aircraft owners and operators involved in business and private aviation.

This now includes more than 19,000 survey responses from 133 countries over the past nine years. This data is then applied to statistical modelling designed for some of the industry’s mostinfluential aviation companies, with the addition of current data from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

Given the timing of his presentation, Vincent related the survey data, which included 2020 second quarter results collected just days earlier, to current challenges and nearterm opportunities for business aviation in a COVID-19-infused economy. After Vincent’s presentation, the CBAA conducted its own national survey of

members, finding that the majority of respondents had experienced a more than 30 per cent decline in flying between March and May. Respondents expected a four- to six-month window before getting back to precoronavirus levels of service, but yet the majority retained a level of optimism that clearly cannot be shared by the world’s major commercial airlines – expecting normailty in anywhere from two to four years.

Along these lines, CBAA notes that more than half of its survey respondents believe the impact of COVID-19 on air travel could lead to an increased role of their mission scope, as well as an introduction of more passenger groups to business aviation. Vincent’s presentation illustrated a relatively positive outlook for the sector and the

signs of a recovery, after an April void of business. He was particularly positive for companies involved with fractional ownership, charters, MROs and FBOs. One year ago, during the CBAA’s mid-July 2019 convention in Calgary, Alberta, Vincent reported, that after more than a decade of modest activity, the global business aviation sector appeared to be on the upswing.

He noted the environment for new jet sales could become healthier over 2019 and 2020, in large part because of record growth in preowned aircraft transactions over the past two years, which had depleted available inventory. JETNET iQ data indicated, that in early-2019, there were approximately 4 1/2 preowned airplanes sold for every new airplane.

That 2019/2020 forecast, of course, did not hold a globalpandemic caveat. “This was supposed to be a good year and it started out that way,” says Vincent. “January, February actually looked pretty good from all of the metrics we were tracking… Now, suddenly, minus 5.1 per cent GDP growth in Canada.” Leveraging data from The Economist, Vincent also notes the United States economy, as WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTO: TEXTRON AVIATION

Textron’s Cessna King Air 350 received the highest purchase interest from Canadian operators in JETNET iQ surveys to June 2020. In August, Textron Aviation introduced its next-generation King Air 360, featuring ThrustSense Autothrottle, with deliveries expected to begin this fall.

The Surve JETNET iQ projects just over 6,300 jets going into the market in the next 10 years, with some acceleration of retirements as well.

10-Year New Business Jet Delivery Forecast: 2020-2029 Business jet deliveries - historical and forecast by size category: 2010 - 2029 900

Deliveries 2020-2029: 6,333 units

800

SOURCE: JETNET Q1 2020 REPORT

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2029F

2028F

2027F

2026F

2025F

2024F

2023F

2022F

2021F

2020F

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Deliveries (units)

of mid-June, was expected to 700 track at negative 3.8 per cent GDP growth for the year.

600 Vincent looks to the U.S. business aviation fleet, which 500 dominates the global fleet, as a key indicator for the current 400 health of the overall market.

He describes a steady, slow 300 growth in the U.S. fleet with 200 very low retirements. “These airplanes live and live and live 100 and fly for many, many years,” he says. “The thing to point out, 0 however, is that we’ve seen an increase in the fleet while cycles Very Light Jet Light Jet Super Light Jet have been flat.” Vincent states Super Mid-Size Jet Large Jet Large Long-Range Jet this is an environment needAirline Business Jet Supersonic Business Jet ing the industry’s immediate Source: JETNET iQ Q1 2020 Report; delivery value based on 2019 B&CA-equipped list prices and estimates for new models; excludes single-engine Personal Jets attention to get these airplanes asked approximately 100 Ca- PC-12 tied at 7.7 per cent, Honflying more. “[There is] a real nadian operators what one new daJet at 6.4 per cent, and Pilaopportunity with commercial aircraft model they are most tus PC-24 at 5.1 per cent.

“The King Air 350 is a very, airline activity schedules really interested in purchasing. Texdiminished. People are discov- tron’s King Air 350 received the very solid airplane without reering business aviation perhaps most interest at 9.0 per cent, ally a direct competitor worldlike never before.” followed by the Bombardier wide and continues to be in The JETNET iQ survey also Challenger 350 and Pilatus demand,” says Vincent. The

Mid-Size Jet Large Ultra Long-Range Jet

result is based on Canadian respondents to JETNET’s quarterly Global Business Aviation Surveys from the third quarter of 2019 to the second quarter of 2020, including new and preowned intended purchases.

Vincent describes the

September/October 2020 | WINGS 29 2020-08-27 11:16 AM

noticeable difference between Canadian and American business aircraft fleets, with around three quarters of the fleet in Canada being on the light end of the spectrum – either a turboprop or a light jet, with around 530 base business jets. “One of the things we like about [the] Canadian situation is the turboprop activity. And, certainly, light jet activity is the strongest in the market right now,” says Vincent. “We did not see a very low level of flight activity happening in those segments. It dropped, sure, but it’s actually more robust than others.”

Vincent explains it is no surprise that

the large-cabin aircraft sector – leveraged for longer-haul flying – is getting hit harder than other aircraft classes. In the United States, JETNET iQ’s Top Five list of desirable aircraft purchases includes the Bombardier Challenger 350 in first place, followed by the Gulfstream G550, Dassault Falcon 2000, Pilatus PC-12 and Textron Cessna Citation CJ3/CJ3+.

Leveraging data from company reports, regulatory filings and GAMA, Vincent notes there were approximately 720 business jets delivered by Original Equipment Manufacturers in 2019, which jumps to

approximately 800 if single-engine Cirrus aircraft are included (with Dassault deliveries estimated for inclusion in the 720 figure).

“Last year, we saw a nice bump up in delivery units,” says Vincent, noting most OEMs, outside of Bombardier, had a relatively slow start to the first quarter of this year, which, of course, was then exacerbated by COVID-19 in the second quarter of 2020. “We’re expecting this year's deliveries to be down around 30 per cent, year over year… So, you end up somewhere around 600 or so. That’s where our forecast is and we’ve been very accurate with our outlooks.”

Looking at what JETNET iQ labels as the Big 5 Business Aircraft OEM Book-toBill Ratios, which is basically order activity divided by delivery activity, Vincent expects this number overall to be well below one by the end of 2020. Last year, the Big 5 – Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream and Textron – collectively enjoyed a book-to-bill of around 1.0, meaning their factories were balanced – with Embraer enjoying the greatest factory balance last year.

Vincent notes, that after finally reaching positive OEM backlog numbers in 2019 with the Big 5, the numbers – impacted by COVID-19 – are slowing once again. “We’re sitting at around a US$32 billion backlog in the Big 5 OEMs. Bombardier and Gulfstream are enjoying most of that.”

The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) in late August reported the pace of used aircraft sales picked up sharply in June and July, after much weaker results in the months of April and May brought on by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. IADA members reported 103 closed aircraft transactions in July, more than three per day for the month. In June, IADA members also had a good month, making 74 deals, up significantly – more than 57 per cent – from 47 closed transactions in April, followed by 53 in May. Comparing these two dual-month periods, the 177 deals in June and July represent a 77 per cent increase over the 100 total transactions in April and May. In addition, IADA reports fewer member deal fell apart in June and July – 27 deal versus 38 in April and May. As well, IADA dealers noted 82 of the transactions in April and May included a lowered price to some extent, but again this trend began to reverse in June and July.

The JETNET iQ report, leveraging the opinions of owners and operators, projects a relatively stable buisness aviation sector, particularly with its ability to attract new clientele in the near term and even after a COVID-19 vaccine is approved, produced, distributed and accepted.

“We like charter [and] fractional going forward,” says Vincent. “We like MRO and we sure like FBOs as well. Private air terminals are part of the future.” | W

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WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM 2020-08-14 8:29 AM

True Blue Power batteries have received STC approvals for use on the Beechcraft Bonanza (pictured), Cessna Caravan, Pilatus PC-12, Robinson R44 and Beechcraft King Air, among other aircraft.

SMART BATTERY TECH

HOW LITHIUM-ION CHEMISTRY IS IMPACTING THE BUSINESS AND GENERAL AVIATION SECTORS

BY PHIL LIGHTSTONE

PHOTO: TRUE BLUE POWER

E

very aircraft engine start requires a tremendous amount of power to swing the propeller or the turbine fans and power the magnetos/igniters all combining to fire the engine. Once the engine has started, the alternator takes over to produce electricity, powering the panel and charging the ship’s battery. Hot starts on certain engine models can be a problem, quickly zapping the energy stored in the battery. Cold temperatures further robs aircraft batteries of their stored energy.

Battery technology has been changing over the past 20 years. The advent of lithium chemistry has changed both the consumer electronics and aviation industry. From an aviation perspective, NanoPhosphate Lithium-ion and Lithium Iron Phosphate cells offer advantages, without the thermal runway issues plaguing the consumer electronics sector. Lithium cells have a number of benefits: 70 to 80 per cent lighter than lead-acid and nickel cadmium; 10,000 charge cycle life (versus 350 a lead acid battery); will not corrode or sulfate; cannot freeze or boil; can be mounted in any position, except inverted; very low self-discharge rate (can hold a charge during the winter months); wider operating WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

temperatures; higher starting voltage while engine is cranking (faster starts); and discharge voltage is very constant, essentially delivering a steep drop off at total discharge. True Blue Power and EnergyX are two manufacturers that have been leading the charge on this new technology for aviation batteries. EnergyX’s cells are targeted at the uncertified market, with certification underway for Cessna 172s.

LITHIUM-ION CELLS HAVE ROUGHLY THREE TIMES THE ENERGY DENSITY PER KILOGRAM COMPARED TO LEAD-ACID AND NICKELCADMIUM ALTERNATIVES. Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics’ power division, True Blue Power manufacturers a variety of power products, including USB charging ports, chronometer with USB power ports, DC to AC inverters and others. Its NanoPhosphate Lithiumion battery technology has a stable power chemistry with several million NanoPhosphate cells produced annually. Lithiumion cells have roughly three times the energy density per kilogram when compared

to lead-acid and NiCad alternatives. The result is a battery system that is significantly lighter than traditional batteries, while capable of delivering higher power with noticeably faster engine starts.

Lithium-ion technology has replaced more than 37 per cent of all conventional battery applications representing a $29.9 billion market and yields a 40 per cent to 75 per cent weight savings. Airframe manufacturers like Airbus, Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Robinson Helicopter Company, Sikorsky and Textron are committed to utilizing this technology. In 2010, True Blue Power released its TSOd and STCd power solutions for aircraft, including general and business aviation. True Blue Power batteries are STCd for use on the Cessna Caravan, Beechcraft Bonanza, Pilatus PC-12, Robinson R44, and Beechcraft King Air, to name a few.

True Blue Power aircraft batteries are the first lithium-ion main aircraft batteries to receive FAA TSO and EASA European Technical Standard Order (ETSO) certifications, using extremely rigorous Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) standards for lithium-ion aviation products. Additional testing includes life testing based on accumulating 20,000 simulated flights with no safety or performance issues. The full assessment comprised of 60 batteries undergoing 230 separate qualification tests, including 20 G crash testing, -30° C to 70° C operational temperature, shock and vibration tests. All batteries confirmed the ability to manage over-voltage, over-current, under-voltage and short circuit with no possibility of damage allowed to the aircraft.

A True Blue Power lithium-ion battery will typically last eight years or more. Factors contributing to an early end of life include: high operating temperatures; extreme mission profile; emergency power requirements; and APU start versus main engine start. The True Blue Power TB44 battery has been tested to exceed 11,000 engine start cycles. In most cases, lithiumion batteries should last three to four times longer than lead-acid batteries.

Thermal runaway is a concern with lithium-ion batteries. There have been many media stories and YouTube videos showing the catastrophic failure of a consumergrade lithium-ion battery in a smartphone. The proprietary NanoPhosphate cell chemistry used by True Blue Power is significantly more stable and less reactive than other chemistries. In the unlikely event of an internal short circuit to a cell in a True Blue Power battery or thermal runaway, a white, electrolyte vapor is directed outside the aircraft, away from passengers and critical components. Its lithium-ion batteries are tested to withstand a scenario September/October 2020 | WINGS 31

The following table outlines the parameters of their cells:

BATTERY

ENERGY DENSITY WEIGHT CAPACITY (lbs) (Amp-hour) (wh/kg)

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

BUILT IN TEST

PRICE (USD)

TB17

16.0

17

64.4

2 Year

No

$6,594

Gen5 TB20

19.5

20

58.2

On condition

Yes

$9,487

Gen5 TB30

27.7

30

61.3

On condition

Yes

$14,107

Gen5 TB40

36.6

40

60.5

On condition

Yes

$18,727

TB44

51.7

46

52.0

2 Year

No

$17,404

THE BEST TIME TO FLY THE BEST IS NOW www.pilatus-aircraft.com

Stan Kuliavas, Vice President of Sales | sales@levaero.com.com | 1.844.538.2376

in which all redundant levels of protection are disabled and over-current/overcharge is applied. The battery is proven to deliver one 100 per cent containment and reach a temperature not to exceed 204°C. True Blue Power has a number of batteries, of different sizes and amperage hour, focusing on piston, turboprop and jet aircraft. Its technology has evolved over the past 10 years, currently on a 5th generation (Gen5) series, which includes the TB20, TB30 and TB40 main ship batteries. Onboard electronics provide proactive data, alerting and command-control operations of the battery cells. With USB connectivity, data can be moved off the battery by simply attaching a USB data stick. Some of the benefits of its Gen5 batteries include: Wider operating temperatures (relative to lead acid or nickel cadmium); more power per battery weight; more engine starts per charge; automated built in pre-heaters controlling battery temperature in cold weather operations; data logging; alerting; data integration into glass panels; controllable through a cockpit annunciator panel; on-condition maintenance; and extended life, on average eight years before replacement.

A True Blue Power battery requires about 30 minutes or less for complete recharge when the battery is fully discharged.

The battery delivers higher voltages during engine start. This should result in less wear and tear on the airframe power plant and less maintenance.

Incorporated in the TB17 battery is a Switch Board, providing the ability to enable and disable charging or discharging depending on the health of the battery and associated conditions. It also contains a charge limiting function and current monitoring. In addition to the Switch Board is a Control Board, which is the heart of the Battery Management System (BMS). The discrete logic circuitry monitors the battery functions and protects against such conditions as short circuit, over-temperature, over-discharge and others. The Control Board also generates the battery status signals that are accessed through the 7-pin communication connector for cockpit monitoring and heater control.

True Blue Power batteries produce no emissions during normal operation. Emissions, vaporized electrolyte, will only be present in the event of a battery failure.

However, the battery has a vent to ensure that any gaseous emissions are vented overboard. Be sure to locate the vent where emitted gases would not be directed toward any of the aircraft’s air intake points.

That last thing that you want is for the pilot or passengers to be overcome by battery gaseous emissions.

True Blue Power batteries have the ability to operate at temperatures down to -40°C

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September/October 2020 | WINGS 33 2020-08-27 8:12 AM

True Blue Power aircraft batteries are the first Lithium-ion main aircraft batteries to receive FAA TSO and EASA European Technical Standard Order (ETSO) certification.

fault, charging and heating. A push button on the ACU turns on the battery’s internal heaters. True Blue Power is developing an annunciator panel for its Gen5 batteries.

True Blue Power’s lithiumion batteries have demonstrated 20,000-plus engine starts and subsequent charge cycles.

The cells themselves are designed for a useful life of up to 10 years. The TB17 and TB44 batteries have a two-year maintenance interval, while the Gen5 batteries have no defined maintenance intervals.

Pricing starts at $9,647, plus

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options. The True Blue Power batteries deliver sufficient value to air taxi operation and other commercial operators, with flights into airports with little or no maintenance resources.

The True Blue Power battery makes a lot sense, versus the total cost of an Aircraft on Ground incident. For revenue generating aircraft, total cost of ownership of battery technology is impacted by costs associated with maintenance costs at remote airports.

No scheduled maintenance is required for True Blue Power’s Gen5 Advanced LithiumIon batteries, once installed.

However, the battery must be recharged every six months when it is not in use, following the proper procedures. Optional battery maintenance is included for verification of battery performance only on an asneeded, or on-condition, basis.

If charging is required in between flights, most lead acid chargers are okay to use. However, the lithium batteries cannot be charged using a de-sulphating type lead acid battery charger and a car should not be used to jump start the aircraft.

Typical lead acid battery tenders are designed to de-sulfate the cells, which is a problem for lithium cells. There are many battery chargers on the market today which are compatible with lithium batteries.

True Blue Power lithium-ion battery products are classified as Class 9 Dangerous Goods and require special processes for shipping. Customers can contact True Blue Power for complete instructions. All True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries may ship via ground or vessel at 100 per cent State of Charge, but IATA regulations require the battery to be at 30

34 WINGS | September/October 2020 WG_Waterloo-Wellington Flight_SeptOct19_CSA.indd 1

per cent state of charge prior to shipping via air and can only be transported via Cargo Aircraft. It is important to only discharge to 30 per cent shortly before shipping to avoid a potential over-discharge scenario. Batteries will need to be fully recharged within 30 days to ensure battery health is maintained. If dealing with an AOG situation, the 30 per cent charged battery can be charged using a ship’s power delivered by an APU/GPU. All lithium-ion batteries are classified by the United States government as non-hazardous waste and are safe for disposal as normal municipal waste.

However, these batteries do contain recyclable materials and recycling options available in your local area should be considered when disposing of this product. You should dispose the battery in accordance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Of course, do not incinerate the battery. You always can go to Call2recycle.org for the location of a free drop off recycling centre near you.

One would expect that over time, with more cells in the field, the cost of research development and certification amortized over more batteries, the cost of lithium batteries may become more affordable for the average general aviation pilot/ owner. In the consumer market place, lithium-ion cells have all but replaced nickel cadmium cells and rechargeable alkaline cells.

On the horizon for True Blue Power is the all-electric aircraft marketplace. Perhaps we’ll see the smart battery technology become the norm in general aviation and e-planes. Only time will tell. | W WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

2019-08-09 1:43 PM

PHOTO: TRUE BLUE POWER

(-40°F) thanks to the internal, self-powered heater. They are designed to support an engine start down to approximately -5°C (23°F), depending upon the engine start profile. Below this temperature, the performance of the battery begins to decrease in current and energy delivery as the electrolyte in the cells begins to thicken and the internal impedance increases to retard ion flow. In order to address this, each battery module contains an individual heater which is powered by the cells themselves, even at very low temperatures.

The TB17 and TB44 are able to communicate the battery’s status to the pilot through a panel-mounted display screen (MD41-1817 and MD41-1844).

The MD41-1817 is an Annunciation Control Unit (ACU) which is able to support two TB17 batteries. The fully integrated control unit provides annunciation for the TB17/ TB44 displaying the following annunciations: temperature,

Some of the female students from Gander Flight Training, including (back row, left to right) Chantel Gould, Taylor Hefferan and Shannon Murphy; and (front row, left to right) Paulina Stagg, Courtney Trimm, Lauren Kattenbusch and Victoria MacKenzie.

HOPES AND DREAMS H

GANDER FLIGHT TRAINING BECOMES A BEACON FOR FEMALE PILOTS

PHOTO: ELEVATE AVIATION, GANDER FLIGHT TRAINING

BY KENDRA KINCADE

ave you ever been to Gander, Newfoundland? I have – once. I was on a cross-country tour with Elevate Aviation. Our goal? To share the world of aviation with women and show them that the aviation industry is exciting, dynamic and welcoming to all.

Two years after our visit to Gander, I was sent a photo with seven women standing around an airplane in pilot uniforms. My heart skipped a beat. What was this? Who are these women? The photo was taken at the Gander Flying Club. I needed to learn more about what was happening.

Had the ball finally been pushed enough that it was rolling on its own and more young women were starting to realize what an exciting industry aviation is? After a little investigating, I was introduced to one of the aspiring people in the photo, Victoria Mackenzie, a 28-year-old who had just completed her commercial pilots’ licence at Gander Flight Training, which officially operates under the name of GFT Aerospace Technologies.

When I ask Mackenzie how she became interested in aviation she explains it was by pure luck: “I was a waitress. One day my sister was at a party and met a flight attendant. My sister thought it was something I might be interested in. I hadn’t thought of it before, but once she mentioned it to me, I was excited. I applied right away and shortly after was working as a flight attendant.”

During her shifts, Mackenzie would look up at the flight deck and sometimes see female pilots flying the airplane and recalls wanting WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

to be up there in the cockpit, too. And this is what I find really interesting and a very typical occurrence. It took Mackenzie seeing another woman in the flight deck, flying the aircraft, to make her think she could do it as well.

I was introduced to another story, very similar to Mackenzie’s, not long ago, when I was speaking to a young military woman about her career in aviation. She had found her inspiration to fly at a particular airshow. She will never forget the moment she heard a woman’s name being introduced as one of the renowned Snowbirds. It was in this instant that she realized, she too could become a military pilot.

This young woman later went on to do exactly that.

These stories are very typical for women in under-represented careers, not just aviation-related. On the cross-country tours organized

by Elevate Aviation, such as the one that landed me in Gander, we talk to thousands of young women and they all ask the same thing: “Why haven’t we heard of these careers?” The scope of potential aviation careers, well beyond becoming a pilot, has long been a mystery to women; and young people in general.

In 2018, Elevate Aviation decided we wanted to better understand why and took on a project where we dug into this conversation and conducted surveys, focus groups and interviews all across Canada among many demographics to ask, “Why don’t women look at aviation as a career for economic security?”

The overwhelming conclusion was that women/girls simply had not been exposed to the careers available to them in aviation. Gander September/October 2020 | WINGS 35

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36 WINGS | September/October 2020

Flight Training is one school working hard to change this reality. Opened in 1992 by the husband-and-wife team of Patrick and Florence White, GFT Aerospace Technologies has evolved from the humble beginnings since its incorporation as Exploits Valley Air Services Ltd. (EVAS). It has become a leader for women in aviation. Currently, the school has a fleet of 10 Cessnas and a Piper Seneca. Its most recent student cohort of 80 includes 15 women (18.7 per cent). Of the seven flight instructors GFT employs, two are female. On top of that, its Chief Flight Instructor is a female and GFT has four female pilots on its roster.

One of the biggest challenges in becoming a pilot, regardless of gender, is the cost of training. But, this too, is changing. Mackenzie explains that provincial funds are available to cover a full licence, including the private portion and living expenses.

To be eligible for this funding offered by the province, you must be a native Newfoundlander and qualify for employment benefits, but having this option available (for both men and women) has opened the doors for more women like Mackenzie to pursue a dream career.

“I just earned my commercial licence. I’m working on multi and instrument ratings and hope to be wrapped up by the end of September. My immediate goal is to become an instructor,” says Mackenzie. “It appears to be the most realistic route right now with what is happening in the world. I also like that it is more hands-on – the more you teach, the more you learn.”

When I ask Mackenzie what her experience was like being in a school with so many other women training, she explains, “This is hopefully the New Normal. I don’t think aviation ever tried to keep women away. It was just not out there as something that was promoted to women.”

Mackenzie also holds a goal to find a role bush flying in Labrador. Of course, like most young pilots who are now completing significant phases of their training, she faces the unique challenges of finding employment after so many other pilots have been grounded. There will certainly be incredible opportunities in the future as commercial airlines recover, when the preCOVID-19 pilot shortage is likely to be an even larger issue for the industry.

“I’m actually looking forward to the rebuild from COVID. I know I will have to start from the ground up and work many jobs on the way to my dream job,” says Mackenzie. “I’m excited about that and I’m looking forward to motivating more women to become pilots and see how great this career is.” | W WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTO: GANDER FLIGHT TRAINING, FACEBOOK

Lauren Kattenbusch and Victoria Mackenzie celebrate earning their stripes to become commercial pilots.

PHOTO CREDIT TK

WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

September/October 2020 | WINGS 37

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MRO

WESTERN CANADA

CONDOR AIRCRAFT ACCESSORIES

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Repair, overhaul and sales of aircraft components and accessories. These components would be categorized as Fuel, Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Electro-Mechanical, and Electronics. Supporting Dehavilland, Boeing, Bombardier, Metro, Bell, Beech, HS748, and various other aircraft.

FLYRITE ACCESSORY OVERHAULS LTD.

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Specialists in starter generator overhauls, repairs and modifications. We work with our Customers professionally and personally, to help them achieve their goals of reliability and economy. Centrally located in Edmonton Alberta since 1997. AMO 90-97.

Hgr 5, 620A McTavish Rd. NE Calgary, AB, T2E 7G6 Tel: 403-250-3032 Fax: 403-291-9439 Website: www.condorac.com Email: viki@condorac.com Personnel: Victoria Reeves

101, 9615 - 56 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB, T6E0B2 Tel: 780-439-6020 Fax: 780-439-6106 Toll Free: 888-439-6020 Website: flyrite.ca Email: flyrite@incentre.net Personnel: Peter C. Jenkins

KF AEROSPACE

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5655 Airport Way Kelowna BC V1V 1S1 Tel: 250-491-5500 Fax: 250-765-1489 Website: www.kfaero.ca Email: mro@kfaero.ca Personnel: Mike Udala - Director of Maintenance Sales Bryan Akerstream - Director of Business Development Gregg Evjen - Vice President, Maintenance and Engineering

OPTION A

Liberation Serif - Bold Italic

PROPELLER SYSTEMS Notes: Lines from ‘W’ tapper to seem more wing like

OPTION B Lido STF CE - Bold Italic

PROPWORKS PROPELLER SYSTEMS

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SKYSERVICE BUSINESS AVIATION INC.

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WESTERN PROPELLER

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#38, 27018 SH 633, Villeneuve Airport Sturgeon County, AB, T8T 0E3 Tel: 780-457-1910 Fax: 780-457-1939 Toll Free: 888-457-1910 Website: www.propworks.ca Email: carntson@propworks.ca Personnel: Cliff Arntson, Manager Codie-Lyn Maki, Office Manager

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KF Aerospace is Canada’s largest commercial Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider and celebrates over 50 years of innovative aircraft solutions for corporate, commercial and military customers worldwide. With over 1,000 highly skilled staff across Canada, KF specializes in a wide range of aviation services including: maintenance, engineering and modifications, air cargo operations, military pilot training, and aircraft leasing. Our MRO facilities in Kelowna, BC and Hamilton, ON support 19 lines of concurrent maintenance and are industry recognized for their quality and on-time delivery.

Aircraft propeller overhaul, repair and sales.

Component overhaul and NDT services. Transport Canada and EASA approved. Hartzell, McCauley, MT Propellers and Sensenich.

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PROPELLER SYSTEMS

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575 Palmer Road NE Calgary, AB, T2E 7G4 Tel: 905-678-5682 Toll Free: 888-759-7591 Website: www.skyservice.com Email: maintenancesales@skyservice.com Personnel: Paul Weeks, VP of Maintenance Glenn Williams, Director, Business Development Pat Canuel, Director, Business Development

124-7080 River Rd. Richmond, BC, V6X 1X5 Tel: 604-273-4561 Fax: 604-273-0215 Website: www.westernpropeller.com Email: info@westernpropeller.com Personnel: Chad Sloane, President; Rob Heath, PRM; Brian Camenzind, Maintenance Supervisor

38 WINGS | September/October 2020

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Skyservice is Canada’s leading facility for business and commercial aircraft maintenance services. Our extensive suite of aircraft services includes, but is not limited to Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), global AOG support, and one-stop parts and repair shop.

Skyservice is an Authorized Service Centre/Warranty/ Dealer and preferred installer for Bombardier, Dassault/Falcon, Honeywell Avionics, Hondajet and many other leading aircraft and avionics, clean-air, and in-flight internet and entertainment solution providers. Skyservice is an approved aircraft maintenance organization of TCCA, FAA, BDCA, HK-CAD, 2-REG, Aruba, CAAS and EASA. Trusted for over 30+ years by Canadian and International aircraft owners, Skyservice is Canada’s leader for MRO services.

For over 70 years Western Propeller has been Canada’s #1 Component MRO shop specializing in all makes & models of Propellers, Governors, Wheels & Brakes and more. We are Transport Canada & EASA Certified with in house NDT capabilities. We stock new and used propellers, governors, wheels & brakes for outright purchase or exchange in our two full service MRO facilities located in Vancouver & Calgary to service the Canadian market as well as our international partners.

Calgary Office - Bay Q 1003 55th Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6W1

WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

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CENTRAL CANADA ADVANCED COMPOSITE STRUCTURES INC.

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n For 30 years Advanced Composite Structures (ACS)

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has been a world leader in Rotor Blade and Composite Structure repairs. ACS’s success can be attributed to a comprehensive and ongoing research and development program resulting in new and enhanced repair procedures. ACS strives to provide customers with “Sound-Solid-Solutions” and focuses on fixing problems not symptoms. ACS provides repairs on components such as: helicopter rotor blades, cowlings, fairings, door and floor panels, radomes, ailerons, elevators, rudders, flaps, flight controls, engine nacelles, landing gear doors and interior panels.

43 Muir Rd. Winnipeg, MB, R2X 2X7 Tel: 204-982-6565 Fax: 204-982-6555 Website: www.acs-composites.com Email: acs@acs-composites.com Personnel: James Anning, President; Bruce Anning, VP of Technical Operations; Slobodan Oravec, GM

AERO RECIP CANADA LTD.

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CANADIAN PROPELLER LTD.

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PROPWORKS PROPELLER SYSTEMS

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540 Marjorie St Winnipeg, MB, R3H 0S9 Tel: 204-788-4765 Fax: 204-786-2775 Toll Free: 800-561-5544 Website: www.aerorecip.com Email: info@aerorecip.com Personnel: Tracey Gregorash, General Manager 462 Brooklyn St. Winnipeg, MB, R3J 1M7 Tel: 204-832-8679 Fax: 204-888-4696 Toll Free: 800-773-6853 Website: www.canadianpropeller.com Email: dwills@canadianpropeller.com Personnel: Maurice Wills, PRM & President; Debbie Wills, VP & Owner

OPTION A

Liberation Serif - Bold Italic

PROPELLER SYSTEMS Notes: Lines from ‘W’ tapper to seem more wing like

OPTION B Lido STF CE - Bold Italic

PROPELLER SYSTEMS

3 Bannister Rd. Winnipeg, MB, R2R 0P2 Tel: 204-837-4961 Fax: 204-779-3085 Toll Free: 888-679-2965 Website: www.propworks.ca Email: mhudec@propworks.ca Personnel: Mike Hudec, Jim Ross

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Specialists in starter generator overhauls, repairs and modifications. We work with our Customers professionally and personally, to help them achieve their goals of reliability and economy. Centrally located in Edmonton Alberta since 1997. AMO 90-97.

EASA Approved. Specialized support, MRO, sales and exchange of propellers, governors and components.

MT Propeller distributor. NDT services. On wing maintenance and 24/7 technical and AOG support.

Metal and composite propellers, turbine and reciprocating governors. Servicing across North America and worldwide. Western Canada’s Factory Authorized Service Centre for Hartzell & McCauley.

Now an authorized BLR dealer. ** DASH 8 & ATR Blades & Component, MRO*** Propeller and governor overhaul and repair. Full service propeller and governor overhaul facility.

Transport Canada & EASA approved. Factory trained technicians. Avia, Dowty, Hartzell, Hamilton Standard, Hamilton Sundstrand, McCauley, MT Propeller, Sensenich propellers

September/October 2020 | WINGS 39 2020-09-02 10:52 AM

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MRO ONTARIO

BRAMPTON FLIGHT CENTRE

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CHARTRIGHT AIR GROUP

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D.W. ELECTROCHEMICALS LTD.

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ENTAIR INC.

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FLYING COLOURS CORP.

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13691 McLaughlin Road North, PO Box 27 Stn Cheltenham Caledon, ON , L7C3L7 Tel: 905-838-1400 Fax: 905-838-3612 Toll Free: 800-387-2534 Website: www.bramptonflightcentre.com Email: amicone@bramfly.com Personnel: Angelo Micone, Director of Maintenance Jennifer Blunt, Parts Manager

2450 Derry Road East, Hangar 3 Mississauga, ON, L5S 1B2 Tel: 905-671-4674 Toll Free: 800-595-9395 Website: www.chartright.com Email: mro@chartright.com

97 Newkirk Rd. North, Unit 3 Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 3G4 Tel: 905-508-7500 Fax: 905-508-7502 Website: www.stabilant.com Email: dwel@stabilant.com Personnel: Betty Gordon, Sales Manager 1190 Keith Ross Dr. Oshawa, ON, L1H 7K4 Tel: 905-721-1109 Fax: 905-721-2502 Toll Free: 800-668-4382 Website: www.enterpriseair.ca Email: mproulx@enterpriseair.ca Personnel: Martin Proulx, Kevin Duncan, Jamie Lee 901 Airport Rd Peterborough, ON, K9J 0E7 Tel: 705-742-4688 Fax: 705-742-8861 Website: www.flyingcolourscorp.com Email: info@flyingcolourscorp.com Personnel: Tony Barrett, Mark Anderson, Richard Dabkowski, Ryan Kinahan R

LEVAERO AVIATION

2039 Derek Burney Dr. Thunder Bay, ON, P7K 0A1 Tel: 807-475-5353 Fax: 807-475-5405 Toll Free: 844-538-2376 Website: www.levaero.com Email: info@levaero.com

40 WINGS | September/October 2020

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n The Brampton Flight Centre, established 1946, houses

state of the art facilities and factory trained engineers to accommodate all of your aircraft maintenance, overhauls and repair needs under AMO 346-92. We are a Cessna Service Station and authorized parts reseller offering quick delivery and best pricing to keep your aircraft flying whether recreational or operating a fleet.

Located just north of Toronto our additional services include; restaurant, fuel, a/c rentals, sightseeing, hangar ownership, rentals and tie downs. Globally known for our continued excellence in Canadian Aviation, Professional and Recreational Pilot training.

Call or visit us today!

Chartright is a Transport Canada Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO #196-92) with an approved FAA Supplement. Chartright has maintenance facilities in Toronto and Kitchener and are capable of performing maintenance on a wide array of fixed and rotary wing aircraft offering a full array of services from line maintenance servicing to large inspections, avionics, and structures.

Chartright is an authorized Leonardo Service Centre.

Contact us to discuss your next maintenance event.

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D.W. Electrochemicals Ltd manufactures Stabilant 22 Electronic Contact Enhancer products. Stabilant 22 is used to ensure the conductivity, reliability and performance of electronic contacts and connectors.

Stabilant 22 is an easy to use, cost effective, active resident treatment when assembling or servicing aircraft equipment.

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n n EntAir Inc. (Enterprise) is a full service, Transport Canada Approved Maintenance Organization with newly expanded maintenance and avionics facilities in Oshawa (CYOO).

Approved to certify work on commercially operated Beech King Air, Falcon 10/100 & 20/200, Pilatus, Piaggio P-180 Avanti, Douglas DC 3, Cessna single turbo propeller and small piston aeroplanes. Capable of performing specialized and non-specialized work, including welding.

Extensive parts resources and supplies. Equipped for aircraft salvage and insurance repairs.

n Flying Colours Corp, established in 1989, is a global

leader in all aspects of aircraft MRO. Headquartered in North America with facilities in Peterborough, ON and St. Louis, MO. Flying Colours supports a range of aircraft types from light through to ultra-long-range models including Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream, Hawker, Pilatus and Textron types. Our team of more than 500 experts is dedicated to providing the highest quality standards in everything we do. We specialize in light to heavy maintenance and repairs, special mission modifications and design engineering, avionics installations and upgrades, component overhaul and repair, completions, refurbishments, executive conversions and exterior paintwork. Flying Colours is a Bombardier Authorized Service Facility and Bombardier Preferred Completion Center as well as a GE Aviation Approved Service Centre. A dedicated Flying Colours Corp. interiors facility is located in the Bombardier Aerospace facility at Seletar Airport.

Levaero Aviation, the exclusive Pilatus Authorized Sales & Service Centre in Canada, offers extensive maintenance services and a One-Stop Service Solution to Canadian and international general aviation owners. We are an Authorized Service Centre/Dealer and preferred installer for numerous industry products and services. Qualified, experienced, factory trained maintenance staff and managers ensure your aircraft is always maintained to the highest standards. Levaero Aviation's Thunder Bay service centre operates 24/7/365.

WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

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ONTARIO PPG

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n PPG’s aerospace business is a leading manufacturer

SKYSERVICE BUSINESS AVIATION INC.

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n n Skyservice is Canada’s leading facility for business

5676 Timberlea Blvd Mississauga, ON, L4W 4M6 Tel: 905-629-5668 Fax: 905-629-7999 Website: www.ppgaerospace.com Email: mmolinolo@ppg.com Personnel: Mariana Molinolo de Rivera Manager, Customer Service 6120 Midfield Road Mississauga, ON, L4W 2P7 Tel: 905-678-5682 Toll Free: 888-759-7591 Website: www.skyservice.com Email: maintenancesales@skyservice.com Personnel: Paul Weeks, VP of Maintenance Glenn Williams, Director, Business Development, Business Maintenance Patrick Canuel, Director, Business Development, Business Maintenance

of aircraft transparencies, aerospace sealants, aerospace coatings, specialty materials, aircraft maintenance products, and packaging & application systems for military commercial and business aviation. PPG also offers chemical management services and operates a global network of Application Support Centers

and commercial aircraft maintenance services. Our extensive suite of aircraft services includes, but is not limited to Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), global AOG support, and one-stop parts and repair shop.

Skyservice is an Authorized Service Centre/Warranty/ Dealer and preferred installer for Bombardier, Dassault/Falcon, Honeywell Avionics, Hondajet and many other leading aircraft and avionics, clean-air, and in-flight internet and entertainment solution providers. Skyservice is an approved aircraft maintenance organization of TCCA, FAA, BDCA, HK-CAD, 2-REG, Aruba, CAAS and EASA. Trusted for over 30+ years by Canadian and International aircraft owners, Skyservice is Canada’s leader for MRO services.

EnginE ovErhaul & rEpair SErvicES lycoming • continEntal EnginES

major ovErhaulS

propEllEr StrikE inSpEctionS

cylindEr rEpairS

EnginE rEmoval & inStallation

We will meet or beat competitor pricing on engine overhauls and repairs. * Contact Angelo at amicone@bramfly.com *Some conditions do apply. Cylinder repairs not included.

As the 2020 wildfire season in Canada draws to a close, HELICOPTERS and WINGS will present key developments in the sector with a range of profiles and content over five days, culminating with a half-day, live Virtual Symposium beginning at 1:00pm EST on October 22.

Discover the newest trends and technologies, challenges and opportunities driving aerial firefighting for Canadian operators and fire agencies.

For services, please call 905-838-1400 ext. 224 13691 McLaughlin Rd. N., Caledon, Ontario, L7C 3L7

www.bramptonflightcentre.com

Helicoptersmagazine.com/firefightingweek September/October 2020 | WINGS 41

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2020-08-27 2:22 PM

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MRO ONTARIO

SKYSERVICE BUSINESS AVIATION INC.

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VOYAGEUR AEROTECH

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INNOTECH-EXECAIRE AVIATION GROUP

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L3 HARRIS

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M1 COMPOSITES TECHNOLOGY INC.

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1004 Airport Road Gravenhurst, ON, P1P 1R1 Tel: 888-759-7591 Website: www.Skyservice.com Email: maintenancesales@skyservice.com Personnel: Paul Weeks, VP of Maintenance Glenn Williams, Director Business Development Maintenance Patrick Canuel, Director Business Development Maintenance

1500 Airport Road North Bay, ON, P1B 8G2 Tel: 705-476-1750 Website: http://aerotech.voyav.com Email: info@voyav.com Personnel: Chas Eveson, Vice President, Aerotech - chas.eveson@voyav.com Georges Dubytz, Director, Engineering georges.dubytz@voyav.com Aaron Brodhagen, MRO Sales Manager aaron.brodhagen@voyav.com

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n n Skyservice is Canada’s leading facility for business

and commercial aircraft maintenance services. Our extensive suite of aircraft services includes, but is not limited to Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), global AOG support, and one-stop parts and repair shop. Skyservice is an Authorized Service Centre/Warranty/Dealer and preferred installer for Bombardier, Dassault/Falcon, Honeywell Avionics, Hondajet and many other leading aircraft and avionics, clean-air, and in-flight internet and entertainment solution providers. Skyservice is an approved aircraft maintenance organization of TCCA, FAA, BDCA, HK-CAD, 2-REG, Aruba, CAAS and EASA. Trusted for over 30+ years by Canadian and International aircraft owners, Skyservice is Canada’s leader for MRO services.

n Voyageur Aerotech is an Approved Maintenance

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Organization (AMO) and Design Approval Organization (DAO), specializing in comprehensive regional aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities, and aircraft design engineering. Our AMO approvals are designed to satisfy our worldwide client base and include Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). We specialize in client-dedicated solutions for all levels of aircraft inspections, heavy checks, modifications, installations, and repairs. Our 200,000 sq.ft. maintenance facility provides the anchor facility for all of our MRO, avionics, and engineering activities.

Our skilled technicians reinforce our well-known reputation for quality workmanship and dependable project management. AMO activities are supported

by Voyageur's Transport Canada Approval for the Manufacture Certification of Aeronautical Products.

QUEBEC n n

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n n n n Innotech-Execaire Aviation Group (IEAG) is a leading

provider of aviation and technical support solutions to business aircraft OEMs, owners, and operators.

With a purpose-built 180,000 square foot hangar and state of the art paint facility at Pierre Elliot-Trudeau International Airport in Montréal, IEAG has extensive experience on Bombardier Challenger and Global aircraft and offers comprehensive maintenance, inspection, refurbishment and paint capabilities. The company also operates a Cessna Authorized Service Facility at Pearson International Airport in Toronto.

10225 Ryan Avenue Dorval, QC, H9P 1A2 Tel: 514-420-2900 Website: www.innotech-execaire.com Email: info@innotech-execaire.com

10000 Rue Helen Bristol Mirabel, QC, J7N 1H3 Tel: 450-476-4000 Website: www.L3Harris.com/MAS Email: info.marketing@l3t.com Personnel: Ugo Paniconi, General Manager Marc Leblanc, VP Business Development

2460 Michelin Laval, QC, H7L 5C3 Tel: 450-686-8864 Website: www.m1composites.com Email: info@m1composites.com

42 WINGS | September/October 2020

n L3Harris is Canada’s leading In-Service Support (ISS)

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integrator. L3Harris delivers innovative and integrated solutions, spanning fleet and life cycle management, Electronic Information Environment (EIE) applications, systems engineering, maintenance, material management, electronics publications and data management, and the full spectrum of ISS solutions, to maximize customer platform effectiveness. We also offers turn-key solutions for the design, prototyping, manufacture, repair and overhaul and certification of aerospace components. L3Harris is an ISS service provider for a variety of fleets, including Canada’s CF-18 Hornet fighter, CC-150 Polaris transport, CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter, CH-147F Chinook, CP-140 Aurora and CT-114 Tutor demonstration aircraft..

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M1 Composites serves the commercial and military the aerospace industry with engineering, certification, manufacturing, and repair of advanced composite and sheet metal structures including: nacelles, flight control surfaces, radomes, interiors, and more. M1 Composites is ISO9001/AS9100/ AS9110 certified, a Transport Canada Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO 23-12), Design Approval Organization (DAO 14-Q-01), and Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) accredited.

WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM

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QUEBEC PREMIER AVIATION QUEBEC INC.

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800, 8e Rue de L'Aéroport Québec QC G2G 2S6 Tel: 418-800-1325 Fax: 418-948-8616 Toll Free: 888-578-3369 Website: www.premieraviation.ca Email: sales@premieraviationqc.ca Personnel: Ronnie Di Barolo, President and CEO; Sylvain Perron, COO; JC Tewfik, VP Sales, Marketing & Services

SKYSERVICE BUSINESS AVIATION INC. 9785 Ryan Avenue Montreal, QC, H9P 1A2 Tel: 514-420-2405 Toll Free: 888-759-7591 Website: www.skyservice.com Email: maintenancesales@skyservice.com Personnel: Paul Weeks, VP of Maintenance Pat Canuel, Director Business Development, Maintenance Glenn Williams, Director Business Development, Maintenance

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Premier Aviation Quebec is an International primary provider of Regional airframe heavy maintenance with all back shops under one roof. Located at the Jean Lesage International Airport in Quebec city, Premier Aviation Quebec is Transport Canada, FAA, ANAC, 2-REG and EASA certified. Premier Aviation Quebec provides world-class cost-effectiveness and value-added MRO services to lessors and aircraft operators worldwide. We maintain all ERJ & EJets series, Dash-8-series, CRJ series, ATR42/72 & SAAB340A/B

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n n Skyservice is Canada’s leading facility for business

and commercial aircraft maintenance services. Our extensive suite of aircraft services includes, but is not limited to Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), global AOG support, and one-stop parts and repair shop.

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44 WINGS | September/October 2020

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The official publication of the Canadian Business Aviation Association

NEWS BRIEF

Business Aviation and Canada’s Economic Recovery Canada’s aviation industry – including its $12.1 billion business aviation sector – is essential to our economic recovery. But with air travel severely constricted by travel bans and quarantines, our sector’s financial viability is in peril. While we understand that the safety of Canadians is paramount, government actions have resulted in a prolonged and painful travel lockdown that may permanently damage the aviation sector – and the economic and societal benefits it provides.

Business aviation can make a unique contribution to Canada’s economic recovery. One of the many lessons learned over the past months was that business aviation itself is an essential service. Even during the worst days of the pandemic, business flights continued their missions, bringing Canadians home, helping companies conduct business and allowing communities to connect to medical and other critical services.

Business aviation operators were prepared for the challenge of COVID-19 from the start, as they were always flying out of carefully managed and controlled Fixed Base Operator (FBOs) facilities that have few touchpoints and no crowding.

As well, contact tracing was already “baked in”: business flight passengers are personally known by the flight operator – either as corporate employees, shareholders, guests or as clients of aircraft management companies.

Recently there has been an upswing in the number of Canadian companies considering business aviation for the first time. This new interest is a green shoot as we move forward to a more prosperous future, but it is fragile. Overly complex regulations, the spectre of a new “luxury tax” and a lack of incentives to upgrade or

CEO’S CORNER

A stronger value proposition for challenging times

purchase new efficient business aircraft can stop this potential opportunity in its tracks.

Business aviation clients would not be the only ones to miss out: so would leading Canadian companies such as Bombardier, CAE and Pratt & Whitney Canada as well as hundreds of other small medium and large companies that are part of the business aviation community, employing Canadians in such diverse fields as avionics, engineering, design, and many more.

We cannot allow that to happen. In the CBAA’s pre-budget submission to the Government of Canada, we identified a series of actions, summarized on page 3 of this News Brief, that would encourage the growth of business aviation, and also support Canada’s economic recovery and commitment to carbon reduction goals.

The 2021 federal budget can be the starting point for a new direction and a vision that leverages the untapped power of business aviation. The CBAA continues to work with officials and welcomes the new minister of finance Chrystia Freeland as we work to get more people onto business aircraft and get our economy back on track.

In 2019, the CBAA board of directors approved a long-term strategic plan and vision for the association, “to promote and simplify business aviation”, which was supported by a detailed business plan for 2020 that would advance key areas of activity, including education and awareness, government relations/lobbying, communications, membership, and meetings and events.

However, with the onset of COVID-19, the CBAA, like other associations, was forced to quickly change direction, eliminating many activities, including the annual convention, CBAA 2020, and replacing them with new initiatives, such as the creation of real-time information resources that addressed our sector’s immediate challenges, and more frequent and forceful engagement with government officials.

The CBAA adapted quickly

continued on page 2

CBAA-ACAA News Brief

1

3

CBAA 2021 pre-budget submission summary of recommendations

3

BIZAV Making a difference during Covid-19

4

CBAA members can access special presentations featured during the online 2020 AGM

4

Save the date for CBAA 2021

5 5 5

Members working for members CBAA Membership has never been more important

CEO’S CORNER continued from page 1 to meet members’ changing needs, enhancing and adjusting our activities to ensure we remained relevant and useful.

We began to use digital tools such as WhatsApp to replace and/or support traditional communications. We refocused our efforts on new and emerging issues, such as efforts to mitigate the 30 percent increase in fees announced by Nav Canada, requesting that new regulations that are not related to COVID-19 be postponed and proposing our #CBAAFlightPlan which aims to remove quarantine restrictions through sound science and contact tracing.

At the same time, we continued to work on important initiatives that began before the pandemic, such as the soon-to-be-launched Business Aviation and the Environment microsite that will educate audiences on business aviation’s commitment and actions to meet social and corporate environmental sustainability goals while dispelling negative myths about the use of business aircraft.

We were on the right track: not only do these activities support members’ short-term needs, in many instances these new approaches, born out of necessity, enhanced and improved what we had been doing.

Our members’ response to these

2

CBAA-ACAA News Brief

STAFF MEMBERS President & CEO Anthony Norejko, 613.236.5611 ext. 1, anorejko@cbaa.ca Executive Assistant and Director of Administration Aime O’Connor, 613.236.5611 ext. 2, aoconnor@cbaa.ca

Now is the time to join!

Access some of the leading aviation-related businesses in the world

6

1 Rideau Street, Suite 700 Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7 Tel: (613) 236-5611 Email: membersupport@cbaa.ca Website: www.cbaa-acaa.ca

efforts was overwhelmingly positive.

We have received many messages of support, experienced a higher level of member engagement and have seen a membership renewal rate of more than 86 percent, despite the economic downturn. The time is right to assess what we have accomplished and propose ways to capitalize on the new elements we have added.

Our revised 2020 business plan will set the course for a renewed value proposition in 2021. Over the next few weeks and months, we will continue to build on what we have already done. We’ll keep you informed using WhatsApp for real-time flight ops updates, help connect buyers and sellers with our online 2020/2021 Buyers Guide and keep you informed and engaged with podcasts and online info sessions covering national and regional topics that matter to you.

We will be sharing more information on our plans via social media and our website.

Finally, I would personally like to thank you for your support. These have been challenging times for our industry – but thanks to your guidance and engagement, our association is more relevant and stronger than ever before. We intend to keep it that way to ensure that we build back stronger than ever before.

Vice President, Government and Regulatory Affairs Merlin Preuss, 613.883.7738, mpreuss@cbaa.ca Membership and Communication Services Manager Lindsay Berndt, 613.236.5611 ext. 3, lberndt@cbaa.ca Industry & Public Relations Debra Ward, 613.274.0619 dward@cbaa.ca Events Coordinator Lise Hodgson, 613.854.4686, lhodgson@cbaa.ca

Finance accounting@cbaa.ca 613.236.5611 ext. 222

BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair • James Elian President & COO AirSprint Inc. Vice Chair • Ehsan Monfared Partner YYZlaw Past Chair • Peter Bing Director Aviation Operations - Chief Pilot Sobeys Inc. President & CEO • Anthony Norejko Canadian Business Aviation Association Secretary • Aime O’Connor EA and Director of Administration and Board Secretary Canadian Business Aviation Association Treasurer • Scott Harrold Executive Director Sky Aviation International

DIRECTORS Ivano Mosca, CPA, CMA • Vice-President Finance and Administration Innotech-Execaire Aviation Group a Division of I.M.P. Group Limited Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Eng. • Vice President and General Manager Customer Experience Bombardier Aviation Gary Wood • Director – Corporate Sales & Marketing Flying Colours Lisa Clarke • Regional Sales Manager FlightSafety International Paul Carter • Toronto Based Engineer Levaero Aviation Ian Darnley • Director of Business Development Sunwest Aviation Ltd. Jacqueline Bailey • VP Inflight Sterling/ICFS Aviation Group David Arbon • Aircraft Maintenance Manager/DOM Canadian Utilities Emlyn David • President and CEO Skyservice Business Aviation Inc.

www.cbaa-acaa.ca

ADVOCACY AND NEWS CBAA 2021 pre-budget submission summary of recommendations

T

he CBAA pre-budget submission (available on our website, cbaa-acaa.ca) was delivered to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance (FINA) on August 7, 2020 as part of the government’s consultation process.

These consultations will result in a report to be tabled in the House of Commons in December 2020, which will be considered by the Minister of Finance in preparation of the 2021 federal budget. The CBAA will continue to press for action on all these items in the weeks and months to come.

Short-term recommendations: Work with the business aviation community to pilot rapid testing and contact tracing processes for air passengers, using the small scale and highly controllable business aviation aircraft/FBO environments.

Expedite the use of technologies and processes (e.g. contact tracing, rapid testing) that would accelerate the safe opening of our interprovincial and international borders and responsibly remove the 14-day blanket quarantine requirement.

Suspend all federal and carbon taxes on jet fuel and avgas until air travel reaches pre-COVID levels.

Accelerated capital cost allowance, expense tax deduction, credit and/or a rebate program applied to the purchase, modification and upgrade of health and safety equipment related to COVID-19 Longer-term (2021) recommendations: Recommendation # 1: Create federal financial stimulus programs that would encourage the purchase and environmental modernization of business aircraft, materials and services.

Recommendation #2: Exclude all aircraft that are used for business purposes from any new “luxury” tax schemes.

Recommendation #3: Work with industry to create a modernized set of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) for business aviation that is more flexible and responsive to business aviation operations, particularly for small operators, including the increased use of appropriate delegations and exemptions.

Recommendations #4: Ensure support to our climate change goals as we ramp up the economy by promoting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in any Government of Canada programs that reduce the applicable fuel tax rate and provide other incentives to companies that manufacture renewable fuels.

BIZAV Making a difference during Covid-19

THANK YOU to all of our business aviation colleagues and partners who have made a positive impact on their communities by generously contributing their time and resources during the pandemic.

CBAA-ACAA News Brief

3

EVENTS AND MEETINGS

“The association’s role has never been more important” Comments from CBAA Chair, James Elian’s June 17, 2020 AGM presentation

CBAA members can access special presentations featured during the online 2020 AGM

C

BAA’s online AGM on June 17th also included two live presentations. The first was by respected industry analyst Rolland Vincent who presented his Canadian and international Business Aviation Outlook and the second was a Flight Ops Leadership panel, featuring Peter Bing, Sobeys Inc., Simon Roussel, Skyservice Business Aviation Inc., Randy Horsley, YVR Based Flight Department, Doug Shields, Shaw Communications, James Elian, AirSprint Inc. and Merlin Preuss, CBAA. Business Aviation Outlook Mr. Vincent shared an optimistic view of the future of business aviation as more companies are interested in accessing business flights to avoid the challenging post-COVID airline environment. CBAA members can watch his presentation on CBAA’s YouTube channel (search for Rolland Vincent - Business Aviation Forecast, CBAA 2020 AGM Presentation)…

Flight Ops Leadership Panel The Flight Op Leadership panel focused on what was needed from industry and governments, to return to pre-COVID levels of flight. Overall, operators had a positive view of the future, expecting demand to rebound once the economy opened up. Members can hear what these leaders had to say by going to our YouTube channel.

Save the date for CBAA 2021

T

he past few months have been unlike anything we have ever experienced and the CBAA’s role, to promote and simplify business aviation, has never been more important.

As Canada shifts to re-opening our economy, our members will play an instrumental part in leading this critically important initiative. The road ahead has much uncertainty, but the CBAA will be there every step of the way to support you in this frequently changing environment, so that you will be equipped to do what you do best.

As your chair, I will count on you to tell us what your challenges and priorities are, and I will do my best to listen and act on them. We are resolved to move forward proactively to be even more effective as your voice in all aviation matters that affect your business.

4

CBAA-ACAA News Brief

M

ark your calendar as we get ready to celebrate CBAA’s 60th year – and start planning for the decades to come! Scheduled for June 17 – 19 and hosted by Diamond sponsor Skyservice Business Aviation at their state-of-the-art FBO at YYZ, CBAA 2021 will bring our industry together at a critical time to share their experiences face-to-face, meet with suppliers and identify ways that we can all move forward from the lessons learned in 2020.

www.cbaa-acaa.ca

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERS WORKING FOR MEMBERS CBAA has partnered with our associate members to offer access to discounted rates and special services that your company uses every day to benefit your operations to all members.

TRAINING

Now is the time to join!

T

he CBAA continues to support its members by promoting the value of business aviation and shaping its distinctive identity, adding new features and benefits to help you through these challenging times, including: Real-time updates and information via WhatsApp Defending your interests - and your bottom line – with Nav Canada, regulators and politicians Educating decision-makers on our responsible environmental stewardship with a new microsite and infographic (coming soon!)

CBAA is now accepting membership payments using AVCARD! For more information, contact us at membersupport@cbaa.ca

INSURANCE

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Access some of the leading aviation-related businesses in the world

C

BAA’s 2020-2021 Online Buyer’s Guide is your year-round resource to trusted business aviation suppliers and services providers. As CBAA members, these companies are demonstrating their commitment to the Canadian business aviation community. We hope you will give them your consideration and support.

CBAA-ACAA News Brief

5

CBAA Membership Has Never Been More Important WITH PRORATED FEES AVAILABLE TO THE END OF 2020, THERE IS NO BETTER TIME TO JOIN!

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“We can only have a voice with strength in numbers. CBAA is that vehicle and needs all of us to support to ensure our say. I highly recommend membership and involvement. You will not be disappointed.”

Ian Struthers – Aviation Manager & Chief Pilot

The voice of Canadian business aviation since 1961. www.CBAA-ACAA.ca 50 WINGS | September/October 2020

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CANADIAN AVIATION POST-COVID-19 The air transport industry in Canada, and worldwide for that matter, is facing not one major pandemic related challenge but two. The first, of course, is short term survival. The other is the uncertainty of what lies ahead and what will our market look like coming out of this crisis. How long before people feel safe to travel by air again? When will foreign borders be opened and remain open? What health and safety restrictions will the government impose on our operations? And will those restrictions make the cost of flying prohibitive? When will quarantines be lifted, be it for domestic, transborder or international flights?

The Canadian Government by its inaction, is signaling to the traveling public that it hopes that the Canadian aviation industry is going to recover unscathed from this crippling crisis on its own, which is totally unrealistic. The other conclusion that one could draw is the Canadian Government does not have the political will to help and is going to stand on the sidelines as air service to Canadians seriously diminish, crippling the recovery of the economy.

While not forcing airlines to reimburse unused tickets may qualify as offering support to some carriers, it does nothing to help regional carriers and the many other stakeholders whose very existence continues to be threatened by the pandemic and the measures put in place to limit its spread.

The lack of leadership by government is evident as it is unable to table a plan to help its aviation industry ride through this very difficult crisis which is of a magnitude aviation has not seen since WWII. It is sadly ironic that in a country dependent on aviation as a lifeline and an economic driver, with a land mass so large and so sparsely populated is now led by a government which seems unable or unwilling to table a plan to help its aviation industry recover from this devastating pandemic. We have been talking to government officials for months and our pleas and concerns are always met with requests for patience and suggestions that plans are in the works for assistance.

However, after six months of the pandemic substantive help for the industry has not materialized and survival of the industry has become critical.

One year from now, Canadians will likely face a reduced offering of services, much fewer direct flights, diminished regional air services, and inevitable higher costs as many aviation companies will most likely not survive.

The Government is trying to shoulder industry with responsibilities that are arguably of the public domain. Health checks, which can lead to denied boarding, and contact tracing are costly activities that will help Canada contain COVID-19 and are two essential services that need to be supported by government resources. History has shown us that the Canadian Government

has a tradition of loose interpretation of user-pay policies insofar as the aviation sector is concerned.

Airlines will have to review their service offerings if they are to survive in the two-to-three-year recovery period. Airlines will return to their core business and concentrate on routes with higher yields. They will rely more on their alliance partners and on code shares. They will develop agreements with regional air carriers, and passengers will find themselves flying to hub airports rather than directly to a destination.

Air travelers from around the world will see increased fees imposed on air travel, but air travel in Canada will be especially hard hit because not only did the Government not step up to help carriers face this crisis by injecting liquidity when it was so badly needed, but it is also planning to have passengers pay for the additional services it is imposing on air travel.

We have already witnessed cuts in regional air services and local and provincial authorities are scrambling to find solutions to ensure that their regions are not cut off economically and socially from the rest of Canada.

Unfortunately, this is only the beginning as reductions in services will have a direct correlation with increases in prices.

The Canadian Government must recognize the critical role that aviation plays in Canada. Without immediate government action, many Canadian air operators will not be around to provide their critical and often essential services and their enabling role to the economy when they will be most desperately needed. It would be so much easier and efficient for the Government to help carriers maintain service than it will be to find urgent alternatives should these carriers no longer be sustainable.

Efforts are also in play to protect northern markets by strengthening local carriers so they can better weather such crisis and continue to serve the population during hard times. This effort can be supported by protecting northern markets from non-northern air carriers. Profitable routes attract all carriers but only the local carriers use these higher yielding routes to help sustain service throughout the region.

Canadian air travelers for the next few years will have to get used to reduced services and higher costs. Governments must recognize that imposing additional costs to air travel is counter-productive and will impede efforts to help our industry recover. Any price reduction strategy by industry to stimulate air travel during the recovery would be negated by increases in fees and charges imposed on air travel.

The Government cannot continue to turn a blind eye on the very critical situation of air travel in Canada. Our industry is one of the worst hit economic sectors with its high capital cost structure and operating costs. It should be painfully obvious to the Government that a wounded air travel industry not only cripples the national economy but weakens our country’s already slow socio-economic recovery.

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ON

FINAL

By Allison Couch

Journey to the flight deck Developing a true passion for the world of aviation

I

have always been attracted to aviation. Probably because of my father, who was an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and is the biggest aviation enthusiast. My incredible journey in this industry began when I was a young girl growing up in Singapore.

I was born in Montreal, but at a young age my family moved half way around the world when my father was transferred to a posting in Singapore. From being around industry professionals, attending airshows, and sitting in the jump seat in a Boeing 747 as a child, I knew I had found my passion.

Following my high school years, and wanting to pursue a career in aviation, I studied Aviation Management at Georgian College. After graduation I worked for air ambulance service provider Ornge Air as an aerodrome conformance specialist, overseeing the inspection and maintenance of more than 80 helipads across the province of Ontario.

Wanting to be up close to live airplanes, however, I moved into maintenance planning at Skyservice Business Aviation, where I learned much about the world of business aviation and corporate aircraft. Working full time, I was also able to take-up flying lessons and earn my Private Pilot’s Licence. I was subsequently bit by the travel bug and joined Emirates Airlines in Dubai as a flight attendant. I needed to get out and see the world. And more importantly, I needed to build-up my savings to continue commercial flight training. I took advantage of the time in Dubai to further my education and obtained a Master’s Degree in Aviation Management.

Moreover, the international experience taught me how to work as an integrated team member with colleagues from a multitude of cultures and backgrounds. I’ve been privileged to travel the world to more than 70 countries. I’ve been to places I did not even know existed.

My fondest memories are from Jordon where I spent a week travelling the country with the ladies from the Arabian section of The Ninety-Nines. I met an amazing group of accomplished female pilots, from all around the world, full of enthusiasm and passion for the industry and with a strong camaraderie offering their support and wisdom to aspiring young professionals. It was 54 WINGS | September/October 2020

I must be constantly mindful to budget wisely and to have disciplined spending habits.

Also, I do not have much of a social life anymore and little time for personal hobbies.

However, I am fortunate to have a supportive circle of family and friends that continue to support me though my training. I know the results will be totally worth it.

The IATPL program is intense and consists of both hands-on flying along with hundreds of hours of ground school instruction. The program is comprised of five phases, including: 1) Private Pilot License, 2) Commercial License and Night rating, 3) Multi-engine rating, 4) Instrument rating, and 5) Airline Transport Pilot training. With a planned completion for the first quarter of 2021, I am currently flying the Piper Seminole preparing for the Multi IFR flight test.

Key advice I would offer to anyone interested in becoming a pilot is, the sooner you get started, the better. I would also encourage anyone with an aviation interest to become involved in organizations that offer comradeship and support to start and grow your career. There are many great organizations like the Ninety-Nines, Women in Aviation and, here in Toronto, the Urban Pilots Network that encourage, support and mentor young aspiring aviation professionals. And don’t forget, there are numerous scholarship opportunities available that can lessen the financial burden of not only flight training, but also lessen the cost of higher education such as college and university.

Also... always, always, always network with your peers and others in the industry.

As my father always tells me, “You need to get out more.” Aviation is a small community spread across a global industry where everyone is supportive of one another. The aviation world is made up of extraordinary and unique people, who share a passion for the industry with energy and enthusiasm that is not seen anywhere else. It can be intimidating, but once you’re a part of it, there’s no turning back. | W

international experience taught me how to work as an integrated team member. encouraging. So, while I had thoroughly enjoyed the international experience and learning as a member of the Emirates team, in 2019 I made the hard decision to leave my career as a flight attendant. I was eager to complete my commercial pilot training.

I packed my bags, returned to Canada, and enrolled full time in the Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (IATPL) program at Brampton Flight Centre.

A part from flying, my father always challenged me to get out more. I followed his advice and joined Women in Aviation and The Ninety-Nines. Both are great organizations that support, encourage and mentor female pilots; and indeed support all women wishing to enter any career field in aviation. I met some incredible women who have been there for me, through every step of my career. I even served a term as president of the Upper Canada Chapter for Women in Aviation International and, currently, I am an active member of both The Ninety-Nines and Women in Aviation. I think one way to give back is to be an example to all – regardless of age, gender or background – who want to learn to fly or advance their careers to the next level. Becoming a commercial pilot can be a fulfilling and rewarding career, but it takes discipline, commitment and hard work to achieve your aspirations.

Flight school is really intense and expensive.

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