Airbus today unveiled its PioneerLab twin-engine helicopter technology demonstrator at the German National Aviation Conference in Hamburg. The testbed is tasked with evaluating technologies specifically dedicated to twin-engine helicopters.

Based on the Airbus Helicopters H145, the company said the helicopter’s flight-test campaign is already underway in Donauwörth, flying with a rotor strike alerting system on board the aircraft and pending testing of an automated takeoff and landing system.

Using a hybrid electric propulsion system and aerodynamic improvements, PioneerLab aims to demonstrate a fuel reduction of up to 30 percent compared with a conventional H145. Airbus will also flight test structural components made from bio-based and recycled materials aimed at reducing the aircraft’s environmental footprint across its life cycle and produce new parts using processes that reduce material and energy consumption and improve recyclability.

Further research will include the integration of the latest digital technologies into the aircraft's flight control system, along with associated sensors to increase autonomy and safety during critical flight phases such as takeoff and landing.

PioneerLab joins Airbus Helicopters’ FlightLabs fleet of rapid-technology testbed aircraft, part of the company's strategy to bring incremental innovation to improve its current products and mature technology for future platforms.

Wheels Up has reconstituted its board of directors concurrent with receiving up to $350 million in term loan financial support and a $100 million revolving loan from an investor consortium led by Delta Air Lines. Before that deal closed on September 20, Delta already had provided Wheels Up with $70 million since August 8 under an amended promissory note.

Departing board members include company founder and former CEO Kenny Dichter, Mike Mullen, Brian Radecki, Susan Schuman, Ravi Thakran, Chih Cheung, and Marc Farrell. In a Form 8-K filed Friday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Wheels Up stressed that the resignations were "not related to any disagreement with the company or the board regarding any matter related to the company's operations, policies, or practices."

Concurrent with the resignations, Wheels Up announced the appointment of new board members including incoming CEO George Mattson; Delta president for international and former Bombardier CEO Alain Bellemare; Adam Cantor, a partner with Wheels Up investor Knighthead; Zachary Lazar, a director with Wheels Up investor Certares; and Andrew Davis, senior v-p of strategy and investments for Wheels Up investor Cox Enterprise.

More than 70 percent of damage to business and general aviation aircraft occurs on the ground during handling, according to aviation technology startup Fyve By. To lessen these often expensive occurrences, the company is developing a sensor and software system aimed at reducing the threat of hangar rash.

Fyve By recently announced it completed a pre-seed funding round, raising more than $600,000, and is now preparing to launch the beta test program for its Sky View system. It describes Sky View as “a backup camera for the hangar.”

Using computer-vision technology, the system provides aircraft tug operators with a live-streamed, top-down, in-scale rendering of the entire hangar on a mobile device, allowing operators to maneuver aircraft precisely. When safety margins are breached, the system issues a warning.

As it moves into the next phase, Fyve By is now looking to recruit 50 active hangar keepers representing a diverse range of operations. In addition to contributing to improving safety in the industry, beta test participants will receive a lifetime discount on the system.

Commercial launch of the product is slated for early 2024, with a hangar stacking optimization feature to follow later next year. Early-stage testing of that element has shown promising results, according to the company, suggesting an ability for hangar operators to increase occupancy and revenues.

Gama Aviation subsidiary Jet East recently completed a cowling composite repair on a Gulfstream G550 at its facility in Ohio, highlighting what it calls its precision engineering and artistic creativity.

“In our daily operations, we continually encounter challenges,” said Chris Prokesh, Jet East’s general manager for component repairs. “I believe that our ability to adapt and excel in this ever-evolving environment is what makes us successful. Our Jet East family is so dedicated and committed to overcoming composite obstacles.”

Composite repairs demand more than technical proficiency; they require a creative touch, Jet East explained. Each composite structure presents an opportunity to solve a unique puzzle, and the technicians at Jet East must carefully evaluate the damage, envision the final result, and meticulously implement repairs. A creative eye is crucial, stressed the company, because technicians must repair the damage and ensure that the repaired area seamlessly integrates with the aircraft's overall design. The process involves restoring structural integrity while ensuring that the repaired area seamlessly blends with the aircraft's original aesthetics.

“This year alone, we have seized numerous opportunities to salvage composites that other establishments deemed irreparable,” added Prokesh. “With added time and attention, we not only preserved the component but also spared our customers the expense of acquiring replacements."

Swiss firms Albinati Aeronautics and Jetron have joined forces to create what they describe as “a compelling player” in the business aircraft brokerage market. The new venture, Jetron Switzerland, combines some 40 years of accumulated expertise in the private aviation industry—Jetron’s solely in the aircraft brokerage field and Albinati’s also in the business jet charter and management arena. The latter company's charter/management business, which employs a fleet of 20 light to long-range jets, is separate from the partnership.

Jetron Switzerland describes its key activities as “the sale and acquisition of preowned business aircraft worldwide and providing advice to aircraft owners, lenders, and institutions about the resale value of their assets.” Albinati CEO Stefano Albinati said the venture expands and enhances the company’s offering within the aviation industry.

“We have strategic plans in place to consolidate our position as a notable player in the global market,” he noted. “As we now move forward with Jetron Switzerland…we are eager to continue serving as a trusted partner to aircraft owners and stakeholders worldwide.”

Jetron CEO Marian Jancarik explained that the venture will “set new standards” in the business jet industry. “Our dedication to delivering top-tier services and our deep-rooted passion for aviation will drive us to redefine what’s possible in this market,” he said.

Nomad Technics recently completed its first 12-year inspection on an Airbus ACJ319, marking the Swiss MRO company's largest maintenance event ever undertaken on an Airbus ACJ319. The inspection involved a thorough examination of the aircraft’s primary and secondary structure, which required the removal and reinstallation of the entire cabin interior.

Its inspection revealed corrosion on some components, requiring either replacement or repair. Engineers also rectified system and structural defects and carried out inspections and maintenance work on engines and thrust reversers. Functional and operational tests of all aircraft systems concluded the maintenance event and Nomad returned the aircraft to the customer.

“The successful completion of this first 12-year inspection on an ACJ319 is a great milestone for Nomad Technics and will enable us to further enhance our capabilities to offer and execute this type of demanding maintenance service not only on Airbus but also on a variety of other aircraft types,” said Serge Kieffer, maintenance manager of Nomad Technics.

Company director of sales and project manager Thomas Gierlich expressed gratification for its Airbus cabin and sheet metal teams. “We are looking forward to welcoming owners and operators of Airbus aircraft at our Basel, Switzerland facility to demonstrate our highly skilled VVIP aircraft maintenance and bespoke aviation services,” he concluded.

A flatbed semi-truck driver in Louisiana got a ground-based lesson in scud running Friday when the Sikorsky S-92A he was hauling got jammed under an I-12 freeway overpass in Denham Springs, snarling morning rush-hour traffic. In the process, the helicopter's rotorhead struck a concrete pillar, spilling a significant amount of hydraulic fluid onto the roadway.

The mishap necessitated removing the helicopter from the trailer that was towing it. While the accident did not endanger the overpass structure, damage to the helicopter's rotorhead, the main gearbox, and possibly the landing gear appeared significant. The driver was ticketed for “careless operation.” It was not immediately clear who owned the helicopter or where it was headed.

The oversized load was accompanied by an escort vehicle. Investigators are examining whether the underpass on Louisiana Highway 3002 was marked with a height limitation warning sign. The road was closed for two hours while the wreckage was removed and the spilled fluids abated.

New-production S-92s sell in the $30 million range, while used models command between $10 million and $12 million, according to valuation service Vref.

Last week at its Prescott Regional Airport (KPRC) FBO in Arizona, Cutter Aviation honored the 10 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students who were selected to receive this year’s Bill Cutter Memorial Scholarships.

The annual scholarship program—which supports business aviation students who display outstanding dedication to an aviation education—was initiated in 2018 as a tribute to the memory of William R. Cutter, who passed away that year. He was the second generation to run the company— the oldest family-owned service provider in general and business aviation—and father of current president and CEO Will Cutter.

Embry-Riddle operates one of its two U.S. campuses at KPRC and the two organizations have developed a strong relationship over the years. During the breakfast event, students and guests heard statements from Dr. Thomas Drape, the dean of the university’s College of Business, Security, and Intelligence, along with Will Cutter.

“We are extremely proud of all these students,” said Cutter. “We understand the importance of supporting the next generation of aviators. It is an honor to encourage them [in] their education and aviation career.”

Following the event, the seven scholarship recipients in attendance were given an in-depth tour of the FBO and its aircraft maintenance facility.