More than 50 people in Racine, WI, attend a town hall meeting June 23rd where NBAA president and CEO, Ed Bolen, calls upon those in the general aviation community to make their voices heard in opposition to proposals under consideration in Washington, DC, for creating a privatized ATC system, funded with user fees.

HABCO Industries and Aircontact Services AS (ACS) enter into distribution partnership for HABCO’s PinPoint™ tool control system and support equipment product lines. The Pinpoint™ Tool Control System, powered by IDZ Technologies, is a comprehensive tool control product offering designed and developed by aviation professionals for use by military operations, airlines, maintenance depots and industry OEMs to allow for the ultimate 100% solution in tracking and providing accountability of tools, ground support and other devices.

Constant Aviation, offering full-service maintenance, repair, and overhaul with a nationwide network, announces it is named one of the top five highest-performing dealers with Gogo Business Aviation for the second year in a row. The 51,000 Five Award selection is based on a dealer’s demonstrated commitment to helping customers get the most out of in-flight connectivity, as well as its technical expertise and sales performance.

Aircraft Propeller Service, LLC (APS, www.aircraftpropeller.com, Lake Zurich, IL), a global leader in aircraft propeller maintenance services, announces that its vice president of Sales and Marketing, Dennis Santare, has been named to the board of directors of the Cradle of Aviation Museum (www.cradleofaviation.org, Garden City, NY), an aviation and spaceflight museum commemorating Long Island’s significant contributions to aerospace, science and technology.

Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings announces that its SKYscapes® Basecoat-Clearcoat Polyurethane Enamel has been added to the QPL (qualified products list) for Embraer MEP 10-125 Specification – High Solids (H.S.) Type II Polyurethane (polyester), for use on its executive and commercial aircraft. 

Vector Aerospace (www.vectoraerospace.com), a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, announces that it has successfully completed its first, full engine test on the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-140 turboprop at its facility in South Africa.  The PT6A-140 powers the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX and is also offered as an upgrade for earlier models of the 208 Caravan family.

West Star Aviation is now offering a second shift at its Chattanooga (CHA) location. The after-hours team will perform all West Star maintenance and will also include avionics support. The second shift is designed to reduce aircraft downtime and increase the completion time offering world-class service and expertise.

AAR (NYSE: AIR), a leading aviation aftermarket service provider for the world's airlines, is selected by regional carrier CommutAir to provide ongoing support services for its newly inducted ERJ 145 aircraft. AAR will provide full cost per flight hour (CpFH) services for rotable components including inventory management, logistics, overhaul and repair. In addition, AAR will also provide wheel, tire and brake maintenance and inventory services for the new fleet under a full cost per landing structure (CpL).

Representatives of the Progressive Air Group and Brant Aero announce that Progressive Air Group has finalized its acquisition of Brantford, Ontario-based Brant Aero. Based at Brant Aero’s current location at Brantford Airport (CYFD) in Ontario, Canada, the new company will continue to operate as Brant Aero. In addition, the company has established a new parts distribution center based at the facility. That group will operate as Progressive Air East.

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) announces the reelection of Andy Priester, president and CEO, Priester Aviation in Wheeling, IL, as chair of the NATA board of directors. Greg Schmidt, president and CEO, Pentastar Aviation in Waterford, MI, is elected to serve as board vice chair.