U.S. Customs Border Patrol Displaying, Hiring at SNF

The U.S. Customs Border Patrol air and marine operations (AMO) will be showcasing aircraft and marine vessels at the 45th annual Sun ‘n’ Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida, which opens tomorrow. This Customs Border Patrol (CPB) branch has exhibited at the airshow for more than 10 years. It will also be recruiting air and marine agents, with current uniformed personnel on hand to speak with potential applicants about the hiring process, professional duties, and personal experiences.

According to CBP, these air and marine agents “operate sophisticated detection systems and fly airplanes, helicopters, and unmanned aerial surveillance platforms to stop terrorist attacks and the unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs and contraband into the U.S. by land, air, and sea.” In short, it added, “AMO agents serve our country while protecting our citizens from illegal activities."

The agency said its AMO unit is staffed is a “highly skilled, select group” and provides career opportunities for transitioning veterans and college graduates. It also noted that CBP has been recognized by job website Monster as one of the best companies for veterans, a distinction the agency has earned for the third consecutive year.

Women in Aviation Shine at Florida Airshow

Women in Aviation International, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing diversity in aviation and aerospace, is extending its reach this week to the Sun 'n' Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida, following its successful international conference last month. It is holding a WAI Connect luncheon in the Buehler Aerospace Skills Center on Friday at the airshow. Guest speakers for the event include author Erin Miller; Boeing 757/767 pilot, airshow ferry pilot, and writer Devan Norris; and wingwalker and artist Teresa Stokes. Tickets for the event are on sale at the WAI booth (A-057) or at the WAI website. 

“These speakers, with their wide-ranging talents, are true role models for girls and young women who are thinking about careers in aviation,” said WAI president Dr. Peggy Chabrian. WAI members can also get a discounted rate on Sun ’n' Fun admission online with code WIA453 and will be asked to show proof of WAI membership at the gate. 

Chabrian is also hosting a morning talk show about women in aviation on Sun 'n' Fun radio daily (AM 1510 in Lakeland or online at LiveATC's Sun 'n' Fun channel).

AviatorsMarket To Go Live at Sun ‘n’ Fun

Aviators Market Publishing is launching AviatorsMarket, a one-stop aviation shopping website, ranging from aircraft to avionics to pilot supplies and accessories, tomorrow during the opening day of the 2019 Sun 'n' Fun Fly-In.

The web platform is designed to minimize clicks-to-page, said company executive v-p of sales Jeff LoParo. “From the home page you can, with one click, chose from jets/turboprops for sale or light general aviation piston airplanes. If you are looking for engines or spare parts, avionics, instruments or electronics, interiors, aircraft-related services, even commercial or residential aviation properties have a corner of the website you can get to with one click from the home page.”

The organization of the website is anything but a list of classifieds. Shoppers can compare products side-by-side and save favorites, similar to the way Kayak or Trivago works. The sorting function can be pre-configured by the shopper, as well, to create a wish list.

“Shoppers can actually set a price in the website at which they’d be interested in a product, and the website will notify them if the ad changes to reflect that price range, so they can get back in touch,” said LoParo.

Pipistrel Eyes Mongolia for Final Assembly

Pipistrel and representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia (CAAM) and the MRO department of Mongolian Airlines have formed a working committee to perform final assembly of the Pipistrel Virus SW-121 in Mongolia as well as to establish an aviation training organization. The Slovenian ultra-light aircraft producer submitted an official proposal on manufacturing aircraft in Mongolia to CAAM late year. The proposal also includes export and supply of spare parts. 

Mongolian Airlines and Pipistrel intend to sign a memorandum of understanding for the project, and the Ministry of Road and Transport plans to introduce this issue to the government for final resolution. Some years ago, Japan submitted a similar proposal to Mongolia, but Mongolia had not accepted it.   

It is understood Pipistrel is currently working on six- to seven-seat aircraft project while it pursues EASA certification of its “Alpha Electro,” an electric engine ultralight aircraft. Industry observers believe that using this aircraft for training could significantly reduce the cost of pilot training. Pipistrel has produced more than 2,000 aircraft, with the Virus SW-121 model accounting for 1,300 of these.

Shaw Aerox Offering Show Discount for Oxygen Systems

Bonita Springs, Florida-based Shaw Aerox Aviation Oxygen Systems (Booth A-098) is discounting its portable oxygen systems and components by 20 percent and throwing in a free oximeter and seat back carry pouch with every purchase of a portable oxygen system this week during the Sun ’n' Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida.

Aerox Oxygen Systems include lightweight aluminum cylinders, regulators, all hardware, flowmeter, and nasal cannulas or optional masks. The systems are designed to deliver oxygen based on a cabin pressure of 25,000 feet and will flow oxygen at a predetermined rate from 17 to 60 minutes. Its larger systems can be designed for two users.

Oxysaver oxygen saving cannulas and Aerox flow control regulators increase the duration of oxygen supply by about four times and prevent nasal irritation and dryness. The oxygen packs are lightweight aluminum, refillable, and have no life limit. Just put on the mask and open the valve; pulling on the mask pulls a cable to activate the flow of oxygen.