Volume 15 | April 2017 Q2

Take - OffSETTING THE STANDARD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

During HAI Heli-Expo 2017, Vector Aerospace announced its appointment by GE Aviation as an Authorized Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Provider (AMROP) for GE T700 engines. This approval extends Vector’s 18- year association with GE on the T700 family, which is supported from Vector’s Richmond, BC, facility.

This latest authorization adds to Vector’s existing GE license for repair and overhaul of the T700, as well as its U.S. Army and U.S. Navy source approvals for the engine.

“We are proud to be the first GE T700 shop to be granted the next level of recognition as an Authorized Service Provider for GE T700 engines,” said Paul Cockell, President of Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services – North America.

GE has delivered over 20,000 T700/CT7 engines to date, with the family having surpassed 100 million flight hours in nearly four decades of service. The T700/CT7 turboshaft family is in service with over 130 operators in 50 countries, key applications including the Boeing AH-64 Apache and the Sikorsky H-60/S-70 Black Hawk family.

Vector Aerospace appointed as GE Aviation’s first T700 Authorized MRO Provider

(L-R) Harry Nahatis, General Manager, Advanced Turboshaft/Turboprop Programs, GE Aviation; Paul Cockell, President, Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services - North America; Andy Morganthaler, Marketing Director, Military Systems Operation, GE Aviation; and Declan O'Shea, CEO, Vector Aerospace

Vector Aerospace employee named UK’s Technician of the YearKatie Gray, a Technical Supervisor at Vector Aerospace Component Services in Almondbank, Perth, was recently named the UK's Technician of the Year at the 2017 Semta Skills Awards. Semta, the Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance, is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for engineering skills for the future of the UK's most advanced sectors.

Katie is the first Vector representative to be short-listed for this award, which was sponsored by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Katie was up for consideration against technicians from a range of well-known UK engineering and manufacturing firms.

On receiving her accolade, Katie remarked, “I didn’t expect to win this award – there were so many amazing engineers in this category. I have always tried to make sure I am out there promoting engineering as a career to young people. It is a career for life.”

A former Almondbank apprentice herself, Katie has mentored numerous apprentices during their training within her approved technical disciplines. Katie volunteered to join the ‘Apprentice Support Group’ within Vector Aerospace Almondbank, and also volunteers at STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Maths) events, working with schoolchildren in engineering-related activities. Her desire to learn and to help others do so really sets her apart.

Ann Watson, CEO of Semta, said, “Katie is a very deserving winner of the Semta Skills Award and is an inspirational role model for others. She is exactly the sort of person we need to encourage more female engineers. If we are to achieve the 800,000 extra engineers we need by 2020 it is vital we have more young women like Katie in STEM careers to keep the skills talent pipeline flowing."

Message from the President

April 25 - 27 MRO AmericasApril 25 - 27 RACCAApril 26 - 27 Dassault Falcon M&O ParisApril 26 - 28 AAAA SummitMay 16 - 18 Bombardier European ReviewMay 22 - 24 EBACEMay 31 - June 1 CANSECMay 31 - June 1 ap&m EuropeJune 19 - 25 Paris Air Show

UPCOMING TRADE SHOWS

Welcome to our second newsletter of 2017. This latest edition provides an update on the Vector family’s activities over the past three months, including news of our most recent contracts, an extension of our long-standing association with GE Aviation, the launch of Vector Global Services (VGS), and the selection of one of our UK team, Katie Gray, as the recipient of a prestigious UK Technician of the Year award.

The aerospace markets in which Vector operates continue to present a mixed picture, with positive indicators reported across both the fixed-wing and rotary-wing segments, but with no dramatic growth in activity expected during 2017. Several major regional markets, notably Brazil and Indonesia, have experienced currency depreciation against the U.S. dollar, and the European market remains cautious following last year’s UK ‘Brexit’ vote.

In the military segment, the proposed hike in U.S. military spending may create additional opportunities for Vector, and our U.S.-based teams in Andalusia, AL, Huntsville, AL, Kennesaw, GA, Latrobe, PA and Grapevine, TX, look forward to supporting the renewed focus on ‘Buy American.’

Vector’s network of facilities continues to evolve, as we proactively respond to the needs of our customers. From a growth perspective we will shortly be announcing the opening of two new service centers in Europe. Construction of our new 88,000 sq. ft. facility in Langley, BC, is nearing completion, and is due to open for business later this year.

During the first quarter of this year, Vector’s sales teams were actively involved with a number of industry trade shows across the globe. The largest of these was the annual HAI Heli-Expo trade show & exposition, held this year in Dallas, TX. Vector used this event to promote our newly unveiled ‘SAFECRAFT’ portfolio of safety-related equipment, which includes the retrofittable AS350/EC130 crash-resistant fuel tank being developed in partnership with Robertson Fuel Systems.

Another major event attended during the first three months of 2017 was the Avalon international aerospace & defense exposition in Australia, which – like Heli-Expo – provided a valuable opportunity for our sales teams to connect with existing customers and potential clients.

Looking forward, the next major industry events being attended by Vector will be the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) being held in Geneva during May, and the Canadian CANSEC trade show being held in Ottawa during May-June.

Of course, trade shows are just one facet of our business. It’s the responsive, high-quality work undertaken by our worldwide team of MRO specialists and Vector’s singular attention to customer service that defines our brand. The Vector family of 2,200 aerospace professionals is continually looking for ways to maximize the satisfaction of our customers, including through dedicated cost reduction and process excellence efforts, and our dedicated group of 150 mobile repair team (MRT) experts continues to work to keep our customers flying, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In closing, I hope you had a successful start to the year and wish you a prosperous 2017.

Declan O’Shea President & CEO, Vector Aerospace

Vector Aerospace has entered into an exclusive agreement with Field Air to provide Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A engine services. Field Air, headquartered in Ballarat, Victoria, is the primary Air Tractor dealership for Asia Pacific and one of Australia’s leading aerial application businesses. Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, Vector will provide comprehensive engine MRO services in support of Field Air’s fleet of five Air Tractors. In addition, Vector will provide comprehensive MRO services to Field Air for all engines provided by its customers. “We appreciate the excellent service levels, support and flexibility provided by everyone at the Vector Brisbane facility,” says Peter Mackay, Managing Director at Field Air Group of Companies. “We look forward to the continuation of this valued working relationship.”

“The signing of this exclusive agreement demonstrates the excellent progress our Brisbane facility is making in its support of the agricultural and firefighting aviation markets within the Australian region,” says Matt Dennington, General Manager of Vector’s Brisbane facility.

Vector signs exclusive PT6A service agreement with Field Air

James O’Brien (left), Aircraft Sales Manager at Field Air, with Matt Dennington, General Manager of Vector’s Brisbane facility

April 25 - 27 MRO AmericasApril 25 - 27 RACCAApril 26 - 27 Dassault Falcon M&O ParisApril 26 - 28 AAAA SummitMay 16 - 18 Bombardier European ReviewMay 22 - 24 EBACEMay 31 - June 1 CANSECMay 31 - June 1 ap&m EuropeJune 19 - 25 Paris Air Show

Vector at Heli-Expo 2017: Everything’s Bigger in Texas!

Astronautics president Chad Cundiff demonstrates Road Runner EFI

HAI Heli-Expo, the world’s largest international helicopter trade show, is an extremely important event for Vector’s helicopter services team. This year the Helicopter Association International’s annual trade show was held in Dallas, TX, at the Kay Bailey Convention Center during March 6-9. Heli-Expo 2017 saw 17,788 registered attendees and 731 exhibitors - a substantial increase compared to last year’s attendance. A total of 62 aircraft were on display, of which 41 were flown in and 21 were trucked into the convention center, these numbers including approximately a dozen experimental/restricted category aircraft.

January and February were busy months for Vector's helicopter services sales, business development, marketing and customer service teams as they scheduled meetings, arranged contract signings and worked diligently to make Vector’s presence at the show as prominent and professional as possible. A major highlight on Vector’s booth this year was an Airbus Helicopters AS350 fuselage display, showcasing our nose-to-tail MRO capabilities on the AS350/EC130 family. The updated display incorporated the latest version of the Vector-Robertson crash-resistant fuel tank (CRFT), and was equipped with our certified D-level repair fixture and a composite repair demonstration.

Vector’s AS350 fuselage display was also used to introduce our ‘SAFECRAFT’ portfolio of retrofittable safety technologies, being offered for the AS350/EC130 family. We partnered with OEMs including Astronautics Corporation, L3, Outerlink Global Solutions, Robertson, Safe Flight and Thales to offer their safety upgrade technology as STC upgrades. This created quite a bit of interest and future sales leads, and we are excited to begin the certification process for installing this safety equipment on AS350/EC130 platforms.

Vector Global Services launched worldwideVector Global Services (VGS) is a new team that has been put in place to meet the broad aircraft management, design services and technical support needs of fleet operators around the world.

Expanding on Vector Aerospace’s existing range of comprehensive rotorcraft service offerings, which include airframe, engine and dynamic component MRO, VGS covers:

• Account management • Technical services• Group operations • Strategic partnering• Design services

Vector’s VGS team will be led by Simon Jones, currently Vice President – Business Development.

Commenting on the announcement, Declan O’Shea, President and CEO of Vector Aerospace, said: “Vector is committed to meeting the evolving needs of our fleet operators, including civil helicopter services providers, lessors and military forces. Thanks to the expanded range of capabilities now offered through VGS, operators are able to rely on Vector to fully support their back office requirements, thereby allowing them to focus solely on meeting the needs of their clients.”

Vector Aerospace continues to extend its long-standing tradition of serving the United States armed forces by providing support for the Airbus UH-72A Lakota. Based on Airbus Helicopters’ H145/EC145 platform, the UH-72A is a light utility helicopter used for a variety of missions including training, homeland security, drug interdiction, logistics and medical evacuation.

Vector supports the UH-72A for the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School (USNTPS) at Patuxent River, MD. Vector also recently completed Lakota support contracts for the U.S. Army at Fort Polk, LA, Fort Rucker, AL, and Huntsville, AL.

“We are well-known for our nose-to-tail MRO support of the H125/AS350, H130/EC130 and the H225/AS332 Super Puma, but perhaps less so for Airbus Helicopters’ light twin platforms such as the H145/EC145 and H135/EC135,” said Rick Pataky, Vice President of Operations, Andalusia, AL. “I believe that being entrusted to provide support for the UH-72A Lakota in operation with the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy is a testimony to the outstanding level of expertise and customer service that Vector provides for this platform.”

Vector Aerospace provides worldwide support for all models of the Airbus Helicopters H125/AS350, AS355, H130/EC130, BO105, H135/EC135, BK117, H145/EC145, AS332 and H225/EC225 families.

Vector Aerospace extends its support of the U.S. armed forces through UH-72A Lakota program

The Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (Avalon) took place during February 28 – March 5 in Geelong, Australia. Avalon is a global business event which attracts senior civil aviation, air transport, aerospace and defense industry, military and government decision-makers from around the world.

The show attracted a record 664 participating exhibitor companies from Australia and 25 overseas countries. Companies exhibiting at the event were exposed to more than $24 billion worth of business opportunities. The event also attracted 158 Australian and foreign delegations, including 79 international delegates from 45 countries.

Attendees pictured in the Vector exhibit are (L-R): Michael Brown, Manager of Technical Sales at Vector – UK; Paul Bland, Senior Regional Sales and Service Manager; James O’Brien, of Field Air; Matt Dennington, General Manager of Vector – Brisbane; and Matthew Veitch, Mobile Repair Team Manager at Vector – Brisbane.

Astronautics Corporation of America and Vector Aerospace signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during HAI Heli-Expo2017 to work together to obtain supplemental type certificates (STCs) for the installation of Astronautics’ RoadRunner electronic flight instrument (EFI).

The RoadRunner EFI is designed as a drop-in replacementfor analog altitude direction indicators (ADI) and horizontal situation indicators (HSI), both of these being primary flight instruments. No modification of the instrument panel is required, and Astronautics has developed a simple wiring connector that eliminates the need for complicated wiring upgrades.

Astronautics and Vector will collaboratively pursue RoadRunner EFI retrofit applications for various aircraft, including the Airbus Helicopters AS350 and Bell 212, 412 and UH-1 rotorcraft.

Astronautics and Vector Aerospace collaborate on RoadRunner EFI

Elvis Moniz, Vice President, Business Development at Vector (left) and Astronautics president Chad Cundiff sign a MoU to pursue STCs for RoadRunner EFI installations in several helicopter models.

Vector Aerospace exhibits at Avalon Airshow

Vector Aerospace has signed a two-year engine support contract with the Comando Generale della Guardia di Finanza (Italian Financial Police).

The contract covers the maintenance, repair and overhaul of Rolls-Royce M250 engines installed on the agency’s fleet of NH500 light turbine helicopters, a locally produced version of the MD Helicopters MD 500. This is the first major contract to be awarded to Vector Aerospace by a branch of the Italian government. “We are pleased to sign this contract with the Italian Financial Police, and we look forward to providing outstanding support to our new and valued customer over the next two years,” said Craig Pluim, Vice President, Sales, Rotary-Wing at Vector Aerospace.

Vector Aerospace signs contract with the Italian Guardia di Finanza

The Rolls-Royce engines on NH-500 helicopters used by Italian Financial Police will be maintained by Vector's Richmond, BC facility.

Tell us a little bit about your unit

The Orange County (CA) Sheriff’s Department Aviation Support Unit has been serving the citizens of Orange County since 1985. The Aviation Support Unit performs patrol functions, surveillance, firefighting, SWAT insertions and search and rescue (using the AS350, Bell 407 and UH-1H Huey). The unit also uses reserve personnel with specific skill sets (e.g. paramedics and physicians) to supplement the search and rescue program. The unit’s members are highly experienced Deputies from varying backgrounds who assume different roles, such as pilots, tactical flight officers, hoist operators and downside rescuers, to accomplish the mission.

What are the main operations you take part in?

• Patrol operations, including but not limited to, responding to priority calls for service such as active vehicle/foot pursuits, perimeters, robberies, burglaries, stolen vehicles or any type of call where a suspect is outstanding

• Surveillance and photo missions for investigative details and the Orange County District Attorney’s office

• Search and rescue operations throughout the county, utilizing several varieties of hoist-equipped aircraft and rescue-trained paramedics

What is your unit’s mission statement?

The Orange County (CA) Sheriff’s Department Aviation Support Unit’s mission statement is to provide effective airborne surveillance and patrol support for the citizens in Orange County. We also provide rapid response and tactical insight by identifying potential hazards detected from the air in order to reduce the risk for citizens and

Will you tell us about a recent, successful and rewarding mission that you partook in?

On Sunday, November 6, 2016, Deputies Erik Baum (Pilot), Drew McMillan (Medic), Brian Stockbridge (Hoist Operator) and Reserve Jim Slikker (Medic), who were the crew on the Sheriff’s Department’s UH-1H Huey (Callsign Duke 6), rescued a 50-year-old female hiker who was struck by a mountain biker in a remote location and had a life- threatening head injury. The patient received immediate medical care, was hoisted into the helicopter and flown to a nearby trauma center where she underwent emergency surgery for her injuries. If not for the quick actions of the aircrew and rescue medics, the patient would not have survived the incident.

Why is Vector Aerospace your MRO provider of choice?

Vector Aerospace does an outstanding job with our engine overhauls and provides excellent customer service. Vector is extremely responsive to the needs of the customer.

Customer Profile: The Orange County (CA) Sheriff’s Department Aviation Support Unit

Q & A with Deputy Carlo DiGanci, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Aviation Support Unit

Western Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association (WAMEA): Courtnay Woods (left), VMAX Program Manager, and Barry Seddon, Central – Western Canada Sales and Service Manager, attended the Western Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association (WAMEA) Symposium and Trade Show held in Calgary, AB, in March. Attendees at the show included existing and prospective customers, technicians, pilots and aircraft maintenance support companies.

Q1 2017 trade show round-upVector Aerospace was active on the aviation trade show circuit during the first quarter of 2017, exhibiting at numerous events.

Alaska Air Carriers Association (AACA): Dave Mires, Field Service and Sales Manager for the North West US, Alaska and Hawaii, recently exhibited at the Alaska Air Carriers Association (AACA) Trade Show and Conference in Anchorage, Alaska. This is an annual event attended by existing and prospective customers and aircraft maintenance support companies.

Federal Aviation Association (FAA) Maintenance Mega Conference: Dave Mires (left), Field Service and Sales Manager with our fixed-wing division and Eric Hicks, Western Canada Regional Director with our rotary-wing division, recently attended our first trade show of the year - the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) Maintenance Mega Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. Attendees included aircraft maintenance technicians, pilots, aircraft manufacturers and aircraft support companies.

Canadian Aerial Applicators Association (CAAA): Barry Seddon, our Western Canadian sales and service manager, recently attended the Canadian Aerial Applicators Association (CAAA) Conference & Trade Show at the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta. The two-day, sold-out show was a huge success!

NBAA Regional Forum: Mike Brown (left), Sales and Service Manager, and Jeff Holdridge, Sales Director, were in sunny Florida in January promoting Vector’s various MRO service offerings during the NBAA West Palm Beach Regional Forum.

Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) Maintenance Symposium and Inspection Authorization (IA): The 14th Annual First State Chapter PAMA Maintenance Symposium and IA Renewal was held in January in Wilmington, Delaware. Our sales and service manager, Paul Wolfe, was among the more than 350 attendees, which included existing and prospective customers, pilots, technicians and aircraft maintenance support companies.

West Virginia Inspection Authorization (IA): Paul Wolfe, Northeast US Sales and Service Manager, and Gary Lantz, Warranty and Technical Support for PT6A/JT15D Programs, exhibited at the 2017 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspection Authorization (IA) Refresher Training Seminar recently in Bridgeport, West Virginia. Gary Lantz also provided JT15D Series Engine Fault Isolation Training to attendees.

The Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium: Phil Reinpold, our Central US Sales and Service Manager, was recently in Minot, North Dakota representing Vector at the Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium (UMAS).

The UMAS is a yearly event where aviation professionals from all across the state come together to learn more about the aviation industry, celebrate statewide aviation accomplishments and support North Dakota's aviation industry.

NBAA Regional Forum: (L-R) Jonathon Bailey, Service Center Manager of Vector's Dallas facility; Glenn Hawley, Director of the Service Center Network; Jeff Holdridge, Sales Director; and Phil Borden, Sales and Service Manager, were in Texas in March promoting Vector’s various MRO service offerings during NBAA's Fort Worth Regional Forum.

Q1 2017 trade show round-up (continued)

Minnesota Aviation Maintenance Technician Conference: Mike Dunham (left), Sales and Service Manager, and Kevin Woodworth, Field Service Manager, attended the 2017 Minnesota Aviation Maintenance Technician Conference, which was held March 27-28 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. The conference attracts aviation maintenance professionals for continuing education, networking, and IA renewal. Vector's exhibit was among many featuring the latest and best in aviation products, technology and services.

International Brazil Air Show (IBAS): Clovis Martins (left), our Sales and Service Manager in Brazil, and Samuel Laborao, Regional Manager for our rotary-wing division, were on hand representing Vector at the International Brazil Air Show (IBAS). IBAS which was held from March 29 - April 2, at the Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport, was the first Brazilian event focusing on international aerospace and airport infrastructure to bring together activities related to the airport, aerospace and aeronautic sectors.

The 2017 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) will take place May 22-24 at Geneva’s magnificent Palexpo. Thousands of business leaders, government officials, manufacturers, flight department personnel and individuals involved in every aspect of business aviation will meet to conduct business and make buying decisions for the year ahead. EBACE exhibits will showcase more than 500 exhibitors and 60 business aircraft on static display.

If you plan to attend this year’s EBACE event, please drop by and visit the Vector Aerospace booth at K118.

EBACE 2017: Vector on finals into Europe’s premier business aviation event

Vector Aerospace showcased a wide range of its capabilities at this year’s HAI Heli-Expo trade show, from crash-resistant fuel tanks and other safety equipment to engine MRO. However, one capability in Vector’s service portfolio which is sometimes understated is our support of turbine engine fuel control units (FCUs) and other accessories.

Vector’s global network of 22 facilities on six continents support fuel accessories on a large number of turboshafts, turboprops and turbofans. Vector is a Honeywell authorized warranty & repair station (AWARS) for fuel accessories on the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6T and the Rolls-Royce M250 turboshafts. The company

Not just hot air: Vector can take care of your engine accessories, too!is also a Triumph Engine Control Systems authorized repair & overhaul center for hydromechanical units (HMUs) on M250-C40/C47 series engines, and Vector also services fuel accessories on the GE T58/CT58 family of turboshafts.

Vector also provides fuel accessory support for a range of P&WC powerplants, including the JT15D turbofan and the PT6A and PW100 turboprops.

Vector’s facility in Richmond, BC, which is better known for its support of helicopter dynamic components and turboshafts, is approved by Honeywell to support FCUs on six PT6A variants, including the PT6A-21, PT6A-25D, PT6A-27, PT6A-42, PT6A-135 and PT6A-114A. Vector is proud to provide customers with responsive, high quality and cost-effective support of their PT6A fuel accessories.

Vector’s long-running relationship with P&WC also includes full support for the PT6A turboprop and the PT6T turboshaft as an authorized Distributor and Designated Overhaul Facility (DDOF), and comprehensive support of the JT15D, PW100, PW150A and PW300 powerplants as a P&WC Designated Overhaul Facility (DOF).

To support its customers globally, Vector Aerospace has mobile repair teams (MRTs) consisting of 35 dedicated, expert technicians in 10 locations worldwide. Vector’s MRTs are on call 24/7, 365 days a year, and are designed around a ‘Quick Turn Around’ and ‘Travel Ready’ philosophy to support customers’ requirements and AOG engine support services. Vector Aerospace’s Service Center Network has inventory specifically designed for immediate response and AOG requirements, in order to keep engines on-wing and reduce operators’ maintenance-related costs.

Ten years ago, on 26th March 2007, the company formerly known as EADS SECA (now Vector Aerospace – France) decided to relocate its workshops and offices from Le Bourget Airport to the city of Gonesse, a few miles away. Gonesse is located mid-way between Le Bourget and Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport.

The primary reason for this relocation was to improve the team’s working environment and efficiency. Compared to the very old premises at Le Bourget, the new site at Gonesse was designed with a more modern and user friendly environment, thereby improving the level of customer service delivered.

This key investment in the future highlighted the company’s determination and willingness to present a new image of innovation and modernization to its customers and suppliers. The new facility, combined with the extensive experience of the VAF team, provided the assets needed to vastly improve the company’s competitiveness, enhancing its growth and development.

The Gonesse facility offered a significant increase in space, as follows: - Land: 49,600 m2 - Building: 16,700 m2 - Total space (3 levels): 19,900 m2 - Workshop and logistics area: 13,700 m2 - Office space: 4,900 m2

Facility Showcase: Gonesse

Did you know…Approximately 99 percent of the aircraft engines that we service at our facility in Summerside arrive via transport truck. Very rarely does a customer actually fly directly to our facility for engine service. But on occasion, it does happen, as was the case recently when the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) flew one of its Dash 7s to our Summerside facility to drop off a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-50 engine due for an overhaul.

The larger size of the Gonesse facility enabled the VAF team to integrate and closely locate all of its functions, including supply chain, workshop, engineering and customer support.

Today, VAF – best known for its support of the P&WC PW100 and PT6A engine families, but equally skilled at servicing helicopter dynamic components, fuel systems and other accessories – shares its modern Gonesse facility with Airbus Helicopters, which has operated a logistics center alongside the Vector team since 2014.

Aerial view of the Gonesse facility in France

Highlighting the close working relationship amongst Vector Aerospace’s various business units, our helicopter services team in Vancouver recently responded positively to a request from Vector Aerospace – France (VAF) technical support. In December 2016, Ramon Fernandez and Mike Dray volunteered to travel from Vancouver to Paris to share their experience in support of VAF’s PT6 and PW100 teams. Despite language barriers, Ramon and Mike assimilated very well, and their great professionalism and humility helped to integrate themselves with their respective teams. VAF’s employees were very positive and welcomed this cross-cultural exchange as an opportunity to share experiences and best practices, and to strengthen their skills competencies in English.

Ramon and Mike have now both returned to Vancouver. More than just a business exchange, this experience created strong bridges between individuals and a willingness to develop further intercultural exchanges in the future. A conclusion to be drawn from this positive experience is that we should continue to develop internal exchanges whenever it is possible. Sharing and fostering intercultural exchanges reinforces Vector’s culture, group cohesion and solidarity among Vector facilities.

Franco-Canadian exchange

Vector Aerospace – France receives certificationsVector Aerospace – France (VAF) was audited by Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam and the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority in February and March of this year.

The audit by Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam was focused on NDT practice and sub-contractor management. In conclusion, our procedures were found to be effective and fully compliant with regulations, and the agreement was renewed for one year.

During the audit of Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, the following points were audited:

• Review of VAF company organization manuals (MOE, SMSM, special condition supplement)• Review of maintenance contract• Assessment for training, experience, competence and qualification of the maintenance personnel and certifying staff• Internal audit procedure• Availability of airworthiness data• NDT procedure to certify personnel• Maintenance records• Maintenance certificate• Facility audit

No extraordinary findings were detected during the visit, and the auditors approved the quality of our repair and organization processes. We received the renewed certificate for one year.

Vector Aerospace is reporting strong demand for the Rolls-Royce M250-C47B Value Improvement Package (VIP) upgrade, which is available to operators of Bell Helicopter's best-selling platform, the Bell 407.

By introducing modifications to the M250-C47B’s impeller, diffuser and first-stage turbine nozzle, the VIP upgrade enables operators to benefit from improved hot/high performance and lower direct operating costs, thanks to decreased fuel burn and reduced part attrition. During testing performed by Rolls-Royce, the VIP upgrade demonstrated a 5 percent improvement in hot/high engine performance and a 2 percent reduction in fuel burn, with no increase in engine weight.

The VIP kit also enables operators to upgrade their M250-C47B engines to the same production-standard M250-C47B/8 configuration which is installed in the current Bell 407GXP platform.

“The Rolls-Royce M250-C47B VIP upgrade is an excellent solution for customers looking to optimize performance in high-altitude, high-temperature environments,” said Craig Pluim, Vice President, Sales, Rotary-Wing. “We are delighted to add this capability to our list of MRO solutions in order to support our customers’ unique needs.”

Vector Aerospace is a member of the Rolls-Royce M250 FIRST Network, with full capability in Richmond, BC, Canada and with branch locations in Dallas, TX, USA and Fleetlands, Gosport, UK.

Vector Aerospace helps Bell 407 climb to new heights with M250-C47B VIP upgrade