AMTonline Blogs

This week marks the 50^th anniversary of NASA. And in less than a month the FAA will turn 50.

And this week it’s EAA. Innovation and technology in a country fair atmosphere. Some of the new developments include:

• Cirrus Jet (S-43)

• Boeing Dreamlifter (Aeroshell Square)

• Honeywell AV8OR Handheld Multi-Function Display, AV8OR Handheld Multi-Function Display, AV8OR Vision 3D Cockpit Information Systems with Synthetic Vision (Booth 2081-2086)

• REMOS GX Aircraft (S-54)

• SkyBike from Samson Motorworks (Booth E 5033)

• Avidyne Entegra with Synthetic Vision and Enhanced Vision (Booth 2098-2101)

• Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology

• GE Honda HF120 Engine (303, 304, 309, 310)

• GE M601H-80 Engine (269-271)

• And More

Hope to see you checking out what the aviation industry has to offer in Oshkosh this week. Thanks for reading.

Last weekend was our local Relay for Life event. In a city of 11,000 we raised more than $230,000. We set the pace for other cities trying to set up fund-raising events.

But it isn’t just a two-day event. Fundraising events are set up throughout the year: car washes, rummage sales, auctions and banquets, fish dinners, brat stands, bake sales, baseball tournaments. Lots of people donate their time and efforts to raise awareness of the fight against cancer.

The pages of AMT include what AMTSociety, NATA, NBAA, NCATT, and others in the industry are doing to build awareness and the professionalism of aircraft mechanics. Building the membership and drawing from the industry to support educational and training programs is ongoing.

Don’t wait for a once a year event. To raise the awareness of what aircraft mechanics offer to the industry, join in with other mechanics to share stories, exchange technical information, and help create opportunities within the maintenance field.

Visit www.amtsociety.org for more information.

Thanks for reading.

With all the news of downsizing by the airlines, it’s hard to find the good news. But attending an airshow in the summer months is a good place to start.

Airshows bring together those passionate about the industry, whether pilot, mechanic, homebuilder, or a youngster with a dream.

You probably can’t afford to head to Farnborough in the UK next week, but there may be some closer to home. This weekend Geneseo, NY, has an airshow with a wing walker. Carol Pilon from Canada will perform atop her bright red biplane July 12 and 13. For more information on the airshow visit www.FingerLakesWest.com.

And as if you could forget, EAA AirVenture is at the end of the month in Oshkosh, WI.

Check your local papers to see what might be in your area. And join in the events that highlight aviation and the wonder of flight. And if you think of it send us some of your photos so we can share with other AMT readers; editor@amtonline.com.

News came this week that Lufthansa Technik will add 280 apprentices to its training program this summer.

The largest training centers are in Hamburg (137 new apprentices), Frankfurt (105), and Munich (30). Under the heading of “Technics Students,” Lufthansa Technik is continuing to expand its collaboration with institutes of higher education by offering 33 places in six practically oriented courses of study. The most recent addition is a “Bachelor of Engineering Aircraft Maintenance,” for which 10 places have been allocated.

In support of the program, an official said, “Training is a social responsibility . . . and ensuring the best possible qualification and motivation of our personnel is the foundation on which the commercial success of Lufthansa Technik is built.”

For the full release

Thanks for reading and Have a Safe Fourth.

Barb Zuehlke, Managing Editor