Federal and Provincial Budgets' Impact on BC Aerospace Industry


Two new budgets--by the federal and BC governments--have a few items of note for BC Aerospace Industry members.

The BC Government Budget delivered Feb. 20 contained continuing tax reductions for both small businesses and corporate income tax rates.

The small business tax rate falls to 3.5% from 4.5% this year and to 2.5% by 2011.

The corporate income tax rate falls to 11% from 12% this year and to 10% by 2011.

In terms of attracting employees to BC, our stunningly-high housing costs are partially (and only partially) offset for employers recruiting by BC now having the lowest personal tax rates in the country to the $111,000 annual salary category.

The BC government also extended the SRED Tax Credit program to 2014 to encourage greater investment in new technologies

BC also announced:

$7 million to expand the Provincial Nominee Program and attract more skilled workers and entrepreneurs to British Columbia;
$5 million to enhance the Skills Connect for Immigrants and International Qualifications programs to connect skilled immigrants with employment opportunities.

Offsetting these measures was the introduction of Canada's first carbon tax, $10 a ton starting this year and rising to $30 a ton by $2012. The impact on manufacturers remains somewhat unclear, but what is clear is that the tax will contribute to rising energy input costs for manufacturers as everything from fuel to BC hydro rates will escalate significantly.

With BC's high labour rates, increasing energy costs and the tremendous increase in the Canadian dollar (again trading above the US dollar), nothing in the provincial or subsequent Feb. 26 federal budget will offset the host of rising input costs for aerospace this year.

The federal budget was described by Minister Flaherty as a "prudence" budget and it contained few items directly affecting aerospace, with the exception of a provision around the accelerated equipment depreciation measure.

This budget extends the two-year write-off for one year then provides two additional years of declining depreciation rates.


Federal and Provincial Budgets' Impact on BC Aerospace Industry


Two new budgets--by the federal and BC governments--have a few items of note for BC Aerospace Industry members.

BC Budget
The BC Government Budget delivered Feb. 20 contained continuing tax reductions for both small businesses and corporate income tax rates.

The small business tax rate falls to 3.5% from 4.5% this year and to 2.5% by 2011.

The corporate income tax rate falls to 11% from 12% this year and to 10% by 2011.

In terms of attracting employees to BC, our stunningly-high housing costs are partially (and only partially) offset for employers recruiting by BC now having the lowest personal tax rates in the country to the $111,000 annual salary category.

The BC government also extended the SRED Tax Credit program to 2014 to encourage greater investment in new technologies

BC also announced:

$7 million to expand the Provincial Nominee Program and attract more skilled workers and entrepreneurs to British Columbia;
$5 million to enhance the Skills Connect for Immigrants and International Qualifications programs to connect skilled immigrants with employment opportunities.

Offsetting these measures was the introduction of Canada's first carbon tax, $10 a ton starting this year and rising to $30 a ton by $2012. The impact on manufacturers remains somewhat unclear, but what is clear is that the tax will contribute to rising energy input costs for manufacturers as everything from fuel to BC hydro rates will escalate significantly.

With BC's high labour rates, increasing energy costs and the tremendous increase in the Canadian dollar (again trading above the US dollar), nothing in the provincial or subsequent Feb. 26 federal budget will offset the host of rising input costs for aerospace this year.

Federal Budget

The federal budget was described by Minister Flaherty as a "prudence" budget and it contained few items directly affecting aerospace, with the exception of a provision around the accelerated equipment depreciation measure.

This budget extends the two-year write-off for one year then provides two additional years of declining depreciation rates.

The SR&ED Tax Credit system will allow a 10 per cent allowance for international collaborative research. The expenditure limit for R&D spending by Canadian owned privately held companies will be increased from $2 to $3 million, and the upper limit for taxable capital and income phase-out will be increased to $50 million and $700,000 respectively. Total benefit = $70 million over the next two years.


Administrative improvements will also be made in the SR&ED system – the measures, if implemented, would follow CME’s recommendations to provide greater certainty and streamline processing of tax credit claims.

The EDC will increase its guarantee coverage under its Export Guarantee Program, from 75 per cent to 90 per cent for loans to exporters of up to $500,000

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YEAR END ACTIVITY REPORT

1. Labour Market Challenges – The AIABC has been working to educate the Government of British Columbia about the challenges associated with the current shortage of skilled labour in the aerospace industry and the need for more flexible labour training and recruitment programs to meet the needs of industry.

A. BC Nominee Program - AIABC has met with the BC Nominee Program, which is primarily designed to support BC companies need to hire foreign workers, through an immigration process. The BC Nominee Program is working to expedite the recruitment process in an effort to meet the labour market needs of the BC aerospace industry.

B. Destination Canada Recruitment Job Fairs – The BC Ministry of Economic Development, together with the Government of Canada have developed Destination Canada Job Fair program designed to provide BC and Canadian companies with an opportunity to recruit temporary and permanent foreign workers. The AIABC is currently working with the Ministry of Economic Development to identify target labour markets, for the purpose of organizing aerospace industry specific job fairs in those target markets. This will provide AIABC member companies with an excellent opportunity to directly present job offers to potential recruits in targeted markets. The AIABC looks forward to presenting interesting labour market opportunities to AIABC members in the New Year.

C. BC Aerospace Industry Training Programs - On September 12, 2007, the BC Government announced a new $76.5-million aerospace training campus, Canada’s first post-secondary institution with control tower simulation technology, for B.C.’s aerospace and aviation training industry to develop the skilled labour it needs to continue to grow and thrive. The opening of the new Aerospace Technology Centre also marks the 50th year of aerospace training in British Columbia.
The new Aerospace Technology Centre is a 19,970 square-metre campus with 40 classrooms, computer labs, a library, and a seminar room with global teleconferencing capabilities that support BCIT’s new air traffic management programs. A 3,700-square-metre glass hangar houses BCIT’s fleet of helicopters and other aircraft.
The new campus will provide 500 new student spaces now, increasing to a total of 1,000 new student places by 2010. These new training seats are in addition to the existing 670 training seats in Richmond, Abbotsford, Dawson Creek, Vernon, Kelowna, Victoria and Campbell River.
The number one issue challenging BC’s aerospace industry training programs is the difficulty associated with recruiting students into the aerospace programs and maintaining sufficient enrolment numbers. The AIABC and BCIT have agreed to work more closely together on recruitment initiatives to encourage greater enrollment and industry training participation.

D. BC Aerospace Industry Training Organization for Aerospace – The AIABC has been tasked by the Industry Training Authority (ITA), the agency responsible for the industry training and apprenticeship system in British Columbia, to undertake a review of the feasibility of developing an industry training organization (ITO) for the aerospace/aviation industry in BC.

This review arose out of a proposal for an ITO made earlier this year. The ITA Policy Committee is generally supportive of an ITO for the industry but requested that further analysis and consultation be done. The views of key industry stakeholders are a crucial component of this process. In addition to the AIABC, stakeholders include the BC Aviation Council, Transport Canada, and CAMC, aerospace and aviation employers and labour associations.

Essential components of the review include:

• Assessing the viability of a coordinating vehicle for BC aerospace/aviation workforce development, including labour market information, careers marketing and promotion, and training program development and delivery.
• Reviewing the efficacy of the current aerospace/aviation programs – Aircraft Maintenance Technician and Aircraft Structural Technician – and analyzing other related occupations and workplace-based training programs to assess their potential to be included in a broader industry training strategy.
• Surveying AIABC and BC Aviation Council members, industry stakeholders, and education providers to obtain their input and assess their support for the development of an ITO.

A key issue of concern regarding the future viability of an aerospace ITA relates to the fact that the utilization of the only two existing aerospace apprenticeship programs - the AME and structural technicians’ apprenticeship programs – are running at 58% utilization and 75% utilization, with a combined cost of $4.1 million annually.

The ITA was established by the Provincial Government in 2004, with a mandate to develop an industry-led training system that is outcome based and focused on key sectors of the BC economy. ITOs are initiated and supported by industry and approved by the ITA. Currently, six ITOs are operational in the residential and industrial construction, resource, automotive, horticulture, and tourism and hospitality sectors.

The draft review was completed in late November 2007 and will be approved and finalized by the AIABC Board of Directors in January 2008 for consideration by the ITA who will consider the need for an ITO in the aerospace/aviation industry.

E. Human Resource Strategy for the Canadian Aerospace Industry - The AIABC participated in the first of two Industry Workshops to address human resources needs in the Canadian Aerospace Industry. The Canadian Aerospace Associations’ Human Resources Alliance (CAAHRA) is working with the Provincial Associations across Canada to define an HR Vision for the future as well as actions to realize this vision. The first Industry Workshop was held on September 18, 2007 and attended by eight representatives of major BC employers as well as representatives from the provincial and federal governments; educational institutions; and the BC Aviation Council. A second Industry Workshop will be held early in 2008 to further develop the ideas discussed.

This work is being undertaken to help enable the industry to meet dramatically changing market demands and to respond constructively to demographic realities. The project is providing the opportunity for provincial, regional and national industry stakeholders to work together actively to establish a ‘shared vision’, and to contribute their knowledge and experience.

Specific topics being addressed are: Ensuring the continual availability of people; securing people with the required knowledge, skills and work values; improving the perception of the industry as a career path of choice; achieving a national focus & coordination around industry strengths.


2. AIABC Government Relations Program – Improving BC’s Aerospace Industry’s National and International Competitive Position

A. AIABC Federal Government Relations Program – AIABC provided an update to the Board on the development of a government relations program with the Federal Government. The AIABC is organizing meetings with targeted Federal Government Departments and Agencies such as Western Economic Diversification and Industry Canada, the Department of Public Works and Government Services and National Defence to educate the federal government about the significance of, and current business challenges of the aerospace industry, with a view towards encouraging the Government of Canada to better support the Aerospace Industry in British Columbia and across western Canada. Briefing documents have been prepared and distributed to government and a program of direct meetings with government officials at both the bureaucratic and political levels of government has been initiated, including Minister Rona Ambrose and Minister Fortier.

Meetings with the federal government to date have identified the fact that the Government of Canada does not have a good understanding of the current status of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the aerospace industry, particularly with respect to their current capacity to participate in Canada’s Industrial Regional Benefits program. AIABC Chair, Paul Kalil, with support from the AIABC Executive Director has developed briefing documents and engaged in direct meetings with the Government of Canada to educate government on this issue and engage the government in a more practical support program for the aerospace industry.

The second focus of discussions with the Government of Canada at this time is to enhance the capacity of Western Economic Diversification to support the western aerospace industry and provide greater resources – both human and financial - to the aerospace industry with respect to improving the competitive position and support mechanisms available to BC’s aerospace industry.

As noted above, through the WAA, the AIABC is also working to develop a targeted aerospace marketing program that would work for the benefit of all AIABC members at both a national and international level.

The Government of Canada indicated that the Ministry of Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is being challenged by a lack of sufficient responses from industry to their various procurement and service bid requests. The government indicated that some of the feedback they are receiving is that the complexity of the bid process is too cumbersome and the government needs to work to make this process more efficient.

B. AIABC Provincial Government Relations Program – AIABC has implemented a regular program of meetings with the Government of British Columbia through the Ministry of Economic Development to enhance the relationship between BC’s aerospace industry and the BC Government and to educate the government on the current challenges being experienced by the aerospace industry and discuss ways the government could support the industry. At this time, the AIABC is focusing discussions with government on two primary topics. The first topic of discussion is the skilled labour shortage and its negative impact on the continued growth and development of BC’s aerospace industry and the need to design flexible training programs and flexible foreign worker processes. The second topic of discussion is focused on the need for government to better support the competitive position of the aerospace industry with a focus on providing both funding and political support for the development of targeted national and international business development marketing programs.


3. Enhancing Business Development Opportunities for AIABC Member Companies

A. IRB Trade Mission (Boeing and Lockheed Martin) – The AIABC represented AIABC members at a Western Economic Diversification sponsored Trade Mission to St. Louis to meet with Boeing representatives and to Atlanta to meet with Lockheed-Martin representatives. A detailed report on the IRB opportunities with Boeing and Lockheed Martin, and other OEMs, as well as a listing of OEM contacts was prepared and distributed to all AIABC members to ensure all AIABC members had access to the information required to approach the OEMs should they be interested in doing so.

B. Aerospace Industry Trade and Marketing Shows - The AIABC works to support the development and implementation of, and representation of AIABC member companies at, national and international aerospace industry trade and marketing shows. At this time, the AIABC is focused on participation in three primary Air Shows:

Abbotsford Air Show – AIABC worked with the City of Abbotsford and the Canadian Consulate in Seattle as well as industry representatives including Cascade Aerospace to support the preparations for the Abbotsford Air Show. Emphasis was placed on hosting key Washington State aerospace representatives at a sponsored trade mission/business development event held at Cascade Aerospace facilities prior to the opening of the Abbotsford Air Show.

Farnborough and Paris Air Shows – The AIABC has identified the need to elevate and strengthen the competitive presence of BC companies at international trade shows with an emphasis on the Farnborough and Paris Air Shows. The AIABC has approached the BC Government and the Government of Canada for the purpose of seeking funding support for the development of a permanent and sophisticated marketing trade show display to successfully present AIABC member companies in the international marketplace. The AIABC is also working with the WAA to seek assistance from the Government of Canada.

C. Beijing 2008 Business Development Program Opportunity – The AIABC entered into discussions and meetings with the Ministry of Economic Development, Asia Pacific Unit and the BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat, who are working together to offer the aerospace and aviation industries in British Columbia an opportunity to participate in their Beijing Business Program. The Beijing Business Program will feature “Industry Weeks” to showcase the province’s industry, culture and innovation for five months around the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. The Ministry of Economic Development and the BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat offered to provide the BC-Canada Pavilion to AIABC members as well as business matching services to help BC companies identify potential Chinese trade partners for meetings in China.

To gauge the level of interest among BC companies, the AIABC conducted a poll of all members. Only one company expressed interest in participating in the Beijing Business Program. Most AIABC member companies expressed concerns related to the protection of intellectual property as their reason for not wanting to participate in the program at this time.

D. AIABC Participation in the Western Aerospace Association -

i. Renewed WAA MOU – AIABC Chair Paul Kalil was instrumental in achieving the signing of a renewed Western Aerospace Association (WAA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Canada’s four western provincial aerospace associations to work more closely together for the purpose of developing sophisticated marketing programs to promote western Canada’s aerospace industry to targeted national and international business development opportunities, and to increase access to federal funding , resources and services in support of developing and diversifying the western Canadian aerospace industry.

ii. WAA Government Relations – The WAA has entered into discussions with the Government of Canada, with Industry Canada and Western Economic Diversification, as well as Public Works and Government Services Canada and National Defence, as primary points of communication, to request funding and political support for the development of targeted marketing materials including a WAA website, the development of a comprehensive aerospace database, a Strategic Marketing Plan, and a permanent Trade Show Exhibit. The WAA is also requesting political support for national and international trade and business development opportunities targeted by the WAA and its member companies.

iii. WAA Reverse OEM Trade Mission – The WAA has developed a conceptual proposal to implement a reverse OEM Trade Mission that envisions bringing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to western Canada for the dedicated purpose of showcasing western aerospace firms and their capabilities to OEMs as the OEMs work to fulfill their Industrial Regional Benefits obligations. The objective of the proposed Reverse OEM Trade Mission is to create an opportunity for a greater number of western aerospace firms to participate in the Industrial Regional Benefits program.


4. Aerospace Industry Workshops -

The AIABC worked to offer all AIABC member companies the opportunity to participate in two industry workshops – both at no extra cost to members.

A. Think Asia Workshop - The Ministry of Economic Development and the BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat in cooperation with the AIABC hosted a “Think Asia – China 2008” workshop for AIABC members. This was an introductory workshop for doing business in China. The workshop presented two different perspectives to create a balanced and insightful experience for workshop attendees. The Think Asia workshop was designed for BC's small and medium enterprises (BC SMEs), and delivered practical information to develop business trade and take advantage of the significant upcoming opportunities in China. Participants had the opportunity to hear from both BC business people with China trade and government experience as well as Chinese business people with BC experience.

B. Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative Workshop – Industry Canada in cooperation with the AIABC hosted a workshop to present Industry Canada’s recently launched Canada Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI). SADI supports private sector industrial research and pre-competitive development (R&D) in Canada's aerospace, defence, security and space (A&D) industries through repayable project contributions. These repayable contributions are designed to encourage much-needed Canadian private sector investment in research and development.

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Aeroinfo, A Boeing Company: We actually welcome AeroInfo back to the association after a brief break from membership. However, since that time, the company has grown dramatically, largely due to its new business focus of providing Business Consulting Services, Business Applications Solutions and Information Technology Services to solve your corporation’s Mission Critical Business & Technology challenges. Our customers are constantly adapting to the marketplace & need to understand how to effectively meet the demands in a competitive environment. AeroInfo provides these services to address those sophisticated challenges with practical & create solutions. AeroInfo, over the past 10 years, has helped customers around the world from Canada to China to the USA. We started in the Airline industry and are applying what we know to corporations within the Aerospace & Defense, Transportation, Logistics and Security industries. AeroInfo not only has significant resources and experience but is also unique in that we can draw on Intellectual Property from within Boeing’s commercial, military and space experience in an agile and quick responding manner. For more information, please contact: Blair Nadeau at(604) 232-4200 or blair.nadeau@aeroinfo.com

Apprenticeship and Technical Training forum – April 18
As all of you should be aware, AIABC is in the process of applying for status as the Industry Training Organization for aerospace trades and technical training. If you employ apprentices or other workers requiring technical training, this forum will have an important and lasting impact on your business.
At this industry forum AIABC will define many aspects of the proposed ITO, as well as the scope and structure of the organization. Responsibility for training is being transferred to industry and if you want a voice in how that is handled, you must be here! For more details, including an agenda, and for registration information (there is no cost to attend!) click here.

Aerospace Career Fair
On April 19, BCIT's Aerospace and Technology Campus will be the venue for hundreds of high school students interested in careers in aerospace. Sponsors include: Avcorp Industries, BCIT, Cascade Aerospace, Heli-One, Kelowna Flightcraft, MDA and Viking Air. Other participating stakeholders include CAMC, DND, North Island College, SFU, and UBC. This is an invitation-only event, but if you are interested in participating, please give me a call. We really could use giveaways, prizes, hands-on exhibits and other ideas that will engage students in thinking of career opportunities in space, manufacturing and maintenance. Already more than 350 students from 8 school districts have signed up to attend!

Air Canada Job Fair
The unfortunate layoffs at Air Canada recently are an opportunity for other labour-starved BC aerospace companies. A job fair for companies wishing to hire Air Canada employees is being held April 26 in the Air Canada hangar. If you would like more information about this event, please contact Mélany Le Myre, Staffing Manager, ACTS, at (514) 856-6756.

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Membership Renewals
Please look for your 2007-2008 AIABC membership renewal forms in the mail this week. For the 10th consecutive year, AIABC fees remain unchanged. Please continue to support the activities of your provincial aerospace association!

Invite list for Canada Reception at Paris Airshow
The Canadian reception at Paris (Sunday June 17) is one of the hottest events going, and invitations are hard to come by, especially as the event draws near. Secure a spot for yourself – and most importantly, for any guests you would like to entertain – by forwarding contact information to AIABC. Don't even think about showing up at the door; you will not be admitted! But if there is even a small chance you may attend, you should let me know! It is a great way to use the Canadian presence at Paris to your advantage! Deadline for invitation requests is April 15. Send them to info@aiabc.com

Even if you can't attend the reception but plan to be at the show, please let me know. There is lots going on and more opportunities to participate in events coming up. AIABC will keep you informed.

If you wish to take part in the Western Canada Aerospace stand, which is part of the Canada Showcase, please call Andrew at the AIABC office at 604 538 0071. This is a great, low-cost option for companies seeking a physical presence at the world's largest aerospace show!

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Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative
It was a good week for aerospace this week with the announcement of some $900 million in support for research and development of new technology. Aerospace and defence is knowledge-intensive, a boon in today's global knowledge economy. The industry is Canada's third largest investor in research and development (R&D), accounting for 11 percent of all industrial R&D. Through R&D, aerospace and defence industries develop technological breakthroughs such as robotics and new lightweight materials, and remain important first users of enabling technologies- new technologies, like nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing. By providing repayable contributions to aerospace and defence companies, the government helps to ensure that Canadian aerospace and defence companies undertake strategic R&D, and that Canadians will benefit from these investments.
Supporting R&D in these industries also means Canada can encourage leading international aerospace and defence companies to do business here, retaining and increasing foreign investment. At the same time, Canada becomes very attractive to top scientific and engineering talent in cutting-edge aerospace and defence industries. For more information on the program, please visit: www.ito.gc.ca and click on the SADI link.

Pyrotek Heat Treating is hiring
Individual required for full time position in metal processing. Applicant must have a solid ISO background, excellent leadership abilities and organizational skills. A metallurgical background and knowledge of aluminum alloys used in the aerospace industry an asset. Please send resume to lecro66@hotmail.com.

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AIAC Annual Survey
You should already have received a copy of the AIAC Annual Survey. If so, PLEASE FILL IT OUT!! Due to lousy return rates, the size and scope of BC's aerospace industry is regularly under reported. What does that mean? Basically, it is a yardstick that is often used to assess the need for programs, funding, or other government activities in various regions across the country. As a small stick to encourage companies to return their forms, AIABC will no longer entertain complaints of Western alienation or favouritism for other parts of the country from companies that did not return their surveys. So there.
Get your copy by clicking here to sending an e-mail to Vlada Shilina at AIAC. All responses are confidential.

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BCIT "How to" Workshops
BCIT has again scheduled the 2007 "How To" workshop series to run from June 4th through June 22nd again this year. This will be the 18th consecutive year that BCIT has offered this series of workshops in support of economic development through nurturing business development. These workshops identify where improvements in business performance can take place and how to actually implement them. These workshops also provide the participants with the rare opportunity of discussing business issues with other practitioners at their level. The "How To" workshop series cover: Materials Management, Process Improvement, People Skills. For more information, please contact Richard Ranfl at (604) 767-4822 or visit www.bcit/venture

Avcorp acquires composite manufacturer
Avcorp Industries has acquired all of the shares of Comtek Advanced Structures Ltd (Comtek), a manufacturer of advanced composite aerostructures. For the full press release, click here.

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Supply Chain Study
McGill University doctoral student Xiaowen Bao seeks AIABC members' assistance. Here's his pitch:

Sharing information along the supply chain in aerospace industry is extremely important. It is critical for survival and development of small and medium-sized enterprises to keep close and strong relationships with suppliers/customers. The level of information sharing with suppliers/customers indicates the strength of your relationship with your suppliers/customers and how firmly have you established your position in the industry. The lack of accurate and timely information flow across supply chain partners also results in inefficiency, such as inaccurate forecasts, excessive inventory, low capacity utilization, and inadequate customer service. Higher level of information sharing in supply chains brings better performance to both individual businesses and the entire industry.

This survey measures the level of information sharing by using six indicators: types of information being shared, level of detail, distance of sharing, width of sharing, frequency, and timeliness. After submitting the questionnaire, respondents will get their scores on the six indicators immediately and can compare them with the average scores of other businesses participated in the survey. Simple explanations about the meanings of the scores will also be provided. If the respondents are interested, we will also provide them with the final report of the study. This survey can be used as tool to monitor business communication activities and provide data for relevant decision-making needs. It takes about 10 minutes to complete the online questionnaire. To access the survey, please visit: click here.

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Role of modelling and simulation in MRO
Canada has documented shortfalls in recruiting, training and retaining skilled workers, notably in MRO organizations. The current workforce continues to age, while industry experts predict a boom in demand, nationally and internationally. The Society for the Advancement of Modelling and Simulation has structured a symposium around the following themes:
1. Build consensus among stakeholders regarding the looming skills deficit;
2. Inform attendees of the potential impacts of blended learning approaches, leveraging modeling and simulation;
3. Provide a forum for participants to discuss collaborative approaches to the skills challenge.
For more information on this symposium, May 14-15 in Ottawa, please contact Keith Gladstone at 613-596-1105.

AIAC Supplier Development Working Groups
The following message from Dale Hunt of AIAC offers a great way for AIABC members to leverage their associate membership in our national aerospace association:

For the past few months AIAC's Supplier Development Steering Group has been actively identifying and prioritizing key issues of concern to direct and associate members across the country. Those issues are:
1) Supply Chain Security
2) Public Sector/Major Program Procurement
3) International Business Development
4) ERP/MRP/TQM Implications, and,
5) Technology Advancement Considerations.
The first 3 issues have been ranked as the top priority subjects, (the last two will be tackled at a later date). Working Groups for each issue are now being established, with a mandate to seek and implement resolution to the various actions that will be tabled. Participation in the working groups is open to employees of both direct and associate member companies, who meet the following criteria: the individual should be directly engaged, or have experience with the subject matter being considered and be authorized to speak on behalf of and commit his company to obligations put forth during working group meetings.

If this is not you, please forward this notice to those in your company responsible for these first three issues. To confirm participation or to clarify questions, please email Dale Hunt at dale.hunt@aiac.ca
or call at 613.760.4550

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Chinese Aerospace Mission Report
Interested in the Chinese aerospace market? AIABC has a report on a recent mission to China. If you are interested, please click here and I'll send you a copy.


Got news?
Please make sure that news and announcements about your company find their way to AIABC! We will be pleased to post them in our well-read newsletter. If you need help writing a press release or announcement, AIABC can help . . .it's all part of your membership benefits. Just call Andrew at 604 538 0071. Just remember, it almost always is more effective if you let me know sooner rather than later. Confidentiality is assured!

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FEBRUARY 28, 2007
Click on a link to go directly to an article, or scroll down to see all.
Newest AIABC Member: Innovia Solutions
Boeing and Lockheed Supplier Days
A350XWB Suppliers Conference - Cancelled
Bursaries and Scholarships
Paris Airshow
Aircraft Social Service Tax
Job posting
Flight International special supplement
Business School Co-op students
Americas Aerospace Quality Group Conference
Aerospace in Poland
United Technologies Suppliers Conference
Canadian participation at AUSA show
US-Canada Regulatory Barriers
Viperfish completes test flight
Western Aerospace Alliance Conference 2007
Industry Training Authority News Part 1
Industry Training Authority News Part 2

New AIABC Member: Innovia Solutions
AIABC welcomes its newest member: Innovia Solutions. Innovia Solutions Inc. provides independent consulting services to Aerospace and Engineered product companies in the areas of market analysis, operations and supply chain management. Our value proposition encompasses strategy development through to implementation for achieving measurable results using a 'What', 'So What', 'Now What' activity process. Dominique Spragg has held senior executive roles with Pratt & Whitney, Magellan Aerospace and Avcorp Industries and has consulted to firms in Canada, the USA, Mexico as well as Eastern and Western Europe.
For more information, check out Innovia's profile in the AIABC Directory (and update your own profile while you are at it!)

Boeing and Lockheed Supplier Days
I have received word from Western Economic Diversification that the department is working with Industry Canada to schedule supplier days in Western Canada in the coming weeks with Lockheed Martin and Boeing with respect to the Tactical Airlift Aircraft and Medium/Heavy Lift Helicopter projects. No information about dates or locations is available yet but, naturally, AIABC will keep members up to date on the developments as they are confirmed.

A350XWB Suppliers Conference - cancelled
This conference , previously scheduled for March 28 in Toronto, has been cancelled. If we receive news that the conference has been rescheduled, we will post the information here.

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Bursaries and Scholarships
AIABC is compiling a resource page for aerospace-related bursaries and scholarship. If your company offers a scholarship for any maintenance, manufacturing, engineering or other aerospace-related training, please contact Andrew in the AIABC office at 604 538 0071 or click here to send an e-mail. Scholarships and bursaries must be available to BC residents or for BC training organizations.

Paris Airshow
There is still lots of opportunity to participate in the Western Canada exhibit in the Showcase Canada pavilion at the Paris airshow. For more information or to express an interest in participating, please call Andrew at the AIABC office at 604 538 0071.

Aircraft Social Service Tax
To see an update on how the Social Service Tax applies to aircraft, aircraft parts, leasing and other aerospace related activities, click here.

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Job posting
Vice-President Engineering
Rise to the challenge... International Water-Guard Industries Inc. (IWG) is the dominant supplier of flight qualified water treatment equipment to the corporate jet market, and the developer of the patented aircraft circulating potable water system. IWG is seeking an experienced aerospace professional to lead its diverse engineering, production and maintenance activities through the next stage of growth within its AS9100 certified organization.

Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President, Engineering will be a core member of the senior executive group responsible for driving the aggressive business plan of the company. This individual will coordinate development activities and implement consistent production processes across all parts of the engineering and production organization. Working with department heads for product development & project management, the VP will ensure timelines are met and deliveries achieved as required. This person will be a team builder who has a demonstrated track record of developing, and leading a world class engineering organization.

REQUIREMENTS
The VP Engineering must have a solid background in aircraft systems and structures, electronics/ avionics, certification, project management and manufacturing. A history of building good working relationships with major OEM's as well as the regulators is a must. An undergraduate degree in engineering is required, and an advanced degree in engineering or business would be ideal. The VP Engineering will have 15 years of experience in the Aerospace Industry, ideally in both large and fast growing small companies.

If this describes you, please forward your resume along with a cover letter to:

Gerald Eiers
International Water-Guard Industries Inc.
Unit One - 3771 North Fraser Way.
Burnaby, BC V5J 5G5
Fax: (604) 255-5685
Email: geiers@water.aero
www.water.aero

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Flight International special supplement
Flight International is doing a special section on Canada's aerospace industry. Covering all the key regions of Canada, with interviews with the main business leaders, industry associations and government representatives, our Canadian aerospace special will get into the workings of one of the world's biggest national industries to find out what really makes Canadian aerospace tick. To secure an advertisement for your company in this special Canadian issue of Flight International, please contact eaconsultants@sympatico.ca for further information.

Business School Co-op students
Sauder School of Business Marketing Co-op students are ready to help you with projects or additional work loads starting in May 2007 for either four-month or eight-month work terms. Students have assisted employers with market research, marketing analysis, marketing strategy, promotions, sales management, international marketing, event planning and e-marketing. To post your opportunities, simply send the job posting to co-op@sauder.ubc.ca, or Claudia Garcia at 604-827-4438.

Americas Aerospace Quality Group Conference
Avcorp Industries invites all suppliers, business partners and other organizations interested in the aerospace industry quality management strategy to attend the Americas Aerospace Quality Group (AAQG) conference in Vancouver, BC from March 06-08, 2007. The objective of the AAQG organization is to establish and maintain a dynamic cooperation based on trust between Americas aerospace companies on initiatives to make significant improvements in quality performance and reductions in cost throughout the value stream. Initial focus is to continuously improve the product realization processes used to deliver consistently high quality products, thereby reducing non - value added activities and costs. By attending the General Assembly meeting, you will:
- learn of the latest initiatives being pursued and promoted by AAQG
- be exposed to ways to reduce cost through standardization of quality policies and practices
- have the opportunity to network with key personnel from major aerospace companies who participate in the AAQG
- provide the AAQG with suppliers' point of view
- have the opportunity to engage industry leaders in the various initiatives being sponsored by the AAQG in discussions and reviews of those initiatives
Topics which will be covered in the General Assembly meeting include:
- Overview of the AAQG; its Initiatives and Strategy
- AAQG Expectations
- AAQG Other Party scheme (AS9100)
- Lessons Learned on Implementation of AAQG standards.
Go to http://www.sae.org/aaqg/for information about the conference.
WANTED: The Pacific Northwest Aerospace Association is sending a delegation of Washington State companies to the meeting. If you are interested in participating in a reception/dinner for PNAA member companies, please give me a call at 604 538 0071.

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Aerospace in Poland
Join your Ontario aerospace colleagues for this Roundtable discussion hosted by Canada's Ambassador to Poland, David Preston. The Ambassador will be joined by representatives from Canadian aerospace companies active in Poland who will share their views on market opportunities and successful practices as investors or via outsourcing. Registration deadline: March 1, 2007. To register or for more information, please visit: http://www.ontaero.org/Page.asp?PageID=1209&ContentID=966&SiteNodeID=124&BL_ExpandID

United Technologies Suppliers Conference
The United Technologies group, working in cooperation with the Consulate General of Canada in New York and Industry Canada in Ottawa is organizing a 2nd and 3rd tier annual suppliers conference on March 19 - 20, 2007 in Hartford, Connecticut. The objective of the program is to introduce to United Technologies Aerospace companies select suppliers from Canada who can offer capabilities and products that would match the requirements of the US prime contractors while contributing to meeting the groups commitment to the Canadian Industrial Regional Benefits program. You must apply to participate in this event,
which is open to up to 20 selected Canadian suppliers. If you are interested, please click here to contact the AIABC office for detailed criteria and application information, or call 604 538 0071.

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Canadian participation at AUSA show
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) invites Canadians firms interested in doing business with the U.S. defence and security sectors to participate in the AUSA Winter Symposium and Exposition from March 7-9 in Fort Lauderdale. This is an important military procurement event and a complete plan for Canadian participation is available by clicking here.

US-Canada Regulatory Barriers
The Conference Board of Canada is conducting a study on behalf of Industry Canada to identify the important regulatory differences between Canada and the United States. The focus of the study is to identify those regulatory differences that create obstacles to Canada-U.S. trade. The results of this survey will be used to reduce existing trade barriers with a view to enhancing productivity, competitiveness and profitability for your business. Your participation in this survey gives you an opportunity to help identify regulations that impede your export business to the United States. Your responses will help identify those industries to which the Canadian government should assign the highest priority for aligning regulations. The Online survey takes about 30 minutes to complete. Please feel free to identify the most appropriate colleague(s) or staff person(s) to complete the survey. If you feel that you are unable to complete a question, please move on to the next question and submit the survey even if it is incomplete. Please, respond before February 28, 2007. To get access to the survey, please click on the following link and you will be redirected to the questionnaire. http://host.ultimatesurvey.com/ConferenceBoard/Surveys/TakeSurvey.aspx?s=9892458918764055A6EC5F1BB801D0D1 If you have any questions, please contact Yves St-Maurice at 613) 526-3090 ext. 250.

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Viperfish completes test flight
Deep Development Corporation, a division of Gatekeeper Systems Inc. and National Research Council Canada’s Institute for Aerospace Research (NRC Aerospace) have announced the successful completion of flight testing of DDC’s Viperfish® ASX Digital Video Recorder (DVR). The Viperfish® ASX DVR was used to record a pilots movements and activity as part of Dr. Todd Macuda’s “Airborne Neural Recording Program” (ANRP) being conducted by NRC Aerospace. The Viperfish® ASX DVR was integrated into the Bell 412 Advanced Systems Research Aircraft. "The Viperfish ASX preformed flawlessly even though it operated in a harsh, vibration rich environment," said Dr Macuda. "The quality of the video we obtained was excellent." Dr. Macuda will use the video to assist in his analysis of other neurophysiological monitoring data that was also collected. The Airborne Neural Recording Program is a new NRC Aerospace capability that can be used to measure pilot brain activity during flight. It is hoped that this new capability can be used to evaluate the influence of new cockpit technologies on pilot performance and as a basic research tool. For more information, contact: Tim MacFarlane, Vice President, DDC Viperfish Group, Tel: (604) 864-9671.

Western Aerospace Alliance Conference 2007
Mark your calendars! The follow-up to the successful 2006 event in Campbell River has been announced for Oct 24-26 2007 in Saskatoon. For more information, please visit waa-sask2007.com

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Industry Training Authority News Part 1
Kevin Evans has been appointed to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Industry Training Authority. Kevin will join the ITA's senior management team effective March 1, 2007. The COO position is new and in this position Kevin will assume responsibility for most of the operational aspects of the ITA's ongoing business as well as providing strategic input and advice on future direction and initiatives. Kevin in formerly Vice-President, Western Canada for the Retail Council of Canada, and Chief Journalist in British Columbia for CBC.

Industry Training Authority News Part 2
The Industry Training Authority has partnered with The Province newspaper to create the Top in Trades awards with two goals in mind: to celebrate excellence in the trades and encourage young people to consider these careers by sharing inspiring stories of success. We’re looking for individuals who have achieved career success, made commitments to training and safety, and given back to their communities. Twelve winners will be selected and profiled in a series of full page feature articles in The Province newspaper throughout May and June, and the ITA will donate a $500 bursary in each winner’s name to the trade program and institution of their choice.

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JANUARY 29, 2007
Click on a link to go directly to an article, or scroll down to see all.

Industry Training Organization
Discovery Channel looking for ideas
Paris Airshow
AIAC rebuts TPC criticism
AIABC protests C-17 IRB allegations
Transport Minister visits Richmond
AIABC Discount for Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance Conference - Everett
AIABC/Washington State Host Program
JSF Export Controls Seminar
Saskatchewan calling


INDUSTRY TRAINING ORGANIZATION
The Industry Training Authority has accepted AIABC's application to establish an Industry Training Organization. Now that we have the initial approval, we can proceed to with application for establishing the actual organization. That will take place over the next few months, so please watch this space for updates or call the AIABC office at 604 538 0071 for more information.


DISCOVERY CHANNEL LOOKING FOR IDEAS
The Discovery Channel has contacted AIABC looking for ideas to feature in an upcoming series of shows based in BC. They want to feature the latest and greatest ideas coming out the BC aerospace industry. It's a hands-on type show, so they will want to SEE what you are doing/building/researching etc. If you have a good idea for the show, please call the AIABC office at 604 538 0071 and I'll pass it along. Act quick, they are coming in early February!

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PARIS AIRSHOW
AIABC will have our final participation in the Paris Airshow determined within the next few days. For more information or to express an interest in participating, please call Andrew at the AIABC office at 604 538 0071.

AIAC REBUTS TPC CRITICISM
From an AIAC editorial countering criticism of the TPC program, from which many BC companies have benefited:
"Our competitors rely heavily on direct support from their respective governments through a host of policy tools and programs designed specifically to attract investment. With its contributions to R&D under the Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) program, the government has strengthened the business case for investment and scientific innovation here at home. Meanwhile, Canadians can rest easy knowing these contributions remain transparent, accounted for, and above all, fully repayable as they have always been. They are investments that make sense not only for our competitiveness and productivity, but for the thousands of Canadians whose livelihoods depend on them, to say nothing of the thousands of young Canadians contemplating a future career in aerospace. Our competitors around the world reap the benefits of government aid for technology development at levels far above those provided here in Canada, (where we have the fourth-largest aerospace industry in the world). The European Union offers fifty per cent, non-repayable, R&D funding for aerospace innovation. The U.S. aerospace industry benefits from massive non-repayable government-funded defence R&D that companies then apply to commercial applications. The governments of Japan, China, India and many emerging economies are now investing heavily to reap the economic and quality of life benefits that flow from a technology-intense industry like aerospace."

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AIABC PROTESTS C-17 IRB ALLEGATIONS
A letter has been sent by AIABC to Industry Minister Maxime Bernier expressing the Association's dismay at the apparent political manipulation of the C-17 IRB plan, as reported last week in the Globe and Mail. AIABC has sought clarification whether the allegations made in the Globe and Mail story are true.

AIABC has also requested meetings in Edmonton with both the Deputy Minister and Minister for Western Economic Diversification.

TRANSPORT MINISTER VISITS RICHMOND
Federal Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon gives a lunchtime speech to the Richmond Chamber of Commerce on February 9. For more information, please click here: clicking here.

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PACIFIC NORTHWEST AEROSPACE ALLIANCE CONFERENCE DISCOUNT
AIABC members are being extended the PNAA members' discount for their annual conference, taking place Feb 12-13 in Everett. This is a great conference through which to build contacts in the Pacific Northwest. I strongly encourage AIABC members to participate. To get the $90 discount, you must register through the AIABC office by calling 604 538 0071. For a look at the PNAA conference web page, please go to: www.pnaa.net.


AIABC/WASHINGTON STATE HOST PROGRAM
Here is an interesting program developed by AIABC and the Canadian Consulate General, Seattle. A travel fund has been established to allow BC aerospace companies to invite an eligible business contact and your contact's travel expenses to British Columbia will be fully funded.

How does it work? Simply review the eligibility criteria posted on the AIABC website and get your application in before 7 February.

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JSF EXPORT CONTROLS SEMINAR
JSF - Export Control Seminar for Canadian Industry is organized by Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC). It is a unique opportunity for Canadian Aerospace companies to learn about the latest developments on export control issues as they relate to the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) Program.

The representative from US Department of State will update Canadian aerospace firms on the latest issues and developments affecting U.S. Export Control policies and procedures. Get a U.S. industry perspective on best practices from JSF prime contractor Lockheed Martin and its partners BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman. Learn about licensing issues and procedures as they related to the JSF program from Judson Mason, JSF International Program Manager at JSF Program Office.
Date:February 7th, 2007
Location:Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel, Canadian Room
Time:8:30 AM - Noon
For more program details and a registration form, please click here.

Saskatchewan Calling
The Honourable Lorne Calvert, Premier of Saskatchewan, invites AIABC members to an exclusive presentation where you can learn about big opportunities in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan has a whole lot of potential for investors. Unprecedented growth and the largest tax cuts in our history are making this the best time to invest. Learn how they're extracting oil resources with innovative technology like C02 sequestration. Find out why scientists from around the world are flocking to Canada's biggest science project, the synchrotron, in Saskatoon. And discover how Saskatchewan companies are providing you with everything from satellite radio to alternative energy.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
To RSVP, call the AIABC office at 604 538 0071.

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DECEMBER 22, 2006
Click on a link to go directly to an article, or scroll down to see all.

2006 in Review from AIABC
Spare parts sought for Bell 47 mock-up
Paris Airshow
Industry Training Organization application
Canada signs on for more JSF
JSF Manager Takes Off
Washington Aerospace Directory
Are you SMSed yet?
Aerospace Advantage
Transforming Space Conference
Quebec's Aeronautical Industry Strategy
Tax breaks targets trades-training students
Job vacancies at BCIT
TPC's future
IRB News
Funding available for new marketing activities
How did they get it through security?

YEAR IN REVIEW FROM AIABC
On behalf of the Board of Directors of AIABC, I would like to take a moment to wish all members a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2007. The year has been eventful and I thought it would be useful to attach a summary of some of the activities that AIABC has been involved in over the past 12 months. So, in no particular order:

* AIABC hosted the Western Aerospace Alliance Conference, western Canada's largest aerospace event
* Commenced application process to form an aerospace industry-training organization
* Completed a review and update of the five-year action plan from the 2001 BC Aerospace Workforce Strategy
* Completed the 2006 BC Aerospace Labour Market Update
* Represented the British Columbia aerospace industry at the 2006 Farnborough Airshow
* Conceived the "Introduction to Aerospace Maintenance and Manufacturing program" with the BC branch of the Air Cadet League of Canada
* Participated in the development and launch of the AeroCanada on-line capabilities database
* Briefed the caucus of the Official Opposition regarding aerospace issues in BC
* Co-hosted an Industry Day for BC companies interested in IRB opportunities with Boeing
* Hosted the annual Abbotsford Airshow networking event for Washington State companies
* Enrolled four new members
* Supported the development of the National Aerospace Human Resources Strategy
* Supported CNC machining courses at BCIT
* Participated in development of a Provincial Technology Strategy
* Hosted an Open Board Meeting for AIABC members
* Represented the Western Aerospace Alliance on the Board of Directors of the Aerospace Industry Association of Canada
* Chaired the Western Aerospace Alliance
* Represented BC at meetings with the Aerospace Futures Alliance in Washington State
* Participated in the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance conference in Seattle
* Participated in the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada annual conference
* Participated in ITARS workshop in Washington State
* Acted as industry resource for various news media
* Contributed to Business in Vancouver newspaper aerospace supplement
* Fulfilled obligations of the $500,000 Aerospace Training Initiative fund
* Provided input to Western Economic Diversification's publication "Western Canada's Aerospace Industry Advantage"
* Participated in the inaugural session of the Council of Canadian Aerospace Associations
* Hosted visit by Team Spartan, assisting in establishment of IRB relationships
* Participated in the Provincial Working Group on Industrial Regional Benefits
* Produced updated listing for BC Aerospace Capabilities Directory
* Facilitated placement of an advertisement in National Post supporting federal government's support of the National Aerospace and Defence Strategic Framework
* Co-hosted visit by EADS in support of IRB-related activities
* Participated in workshop regarding Transport Canada's Accountability Framework
* Participated in Strategic Planning session with Board of Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
* Supported communication regarding international trade missions to China, France and United States markets
* Worked with federal and provincial governments to encourage placement of new aerospace investments and facilities in the province
* Supported establishment of a secondary school apprenticeship program in Langley School District

...plus many others, including the day-to-day administration of the association and all the phone calls, e-mails and questions from members that form an important link between BC aerospace companies. It is to the credit of our membership and the support we receive that we are able to work so broadly on behalf of the BC aerospace industry.

SPARE PARTS SOUGHT FOR BELL 47 MOCK-UP
If you have any unneeded spare parts suitable for a Bell 47 mock-up that is being constructed in Washington State, donations would be gratefully accepted. The project is for the Corilation Foundation and benefits special needs adults and children. For more information, contact Gary white at heliman59@webtv.net or call him at (253) 226 3364.

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PARIS AIRSHOW
AIABC is seeking expressions of interest by BC companies to participate in the Paris Airshow. I know many members just "walk the show" but this is a cost-effective way to be a real participant; other exhibitors are more likely to take you seriously if they know you are serious enough to have a presence.
The cost of this excellent marketing opportunity is far less than going it on your own. Although the final cost will depend on the number of participants, for $7500 you will enjoy:
- A panel in an AIABC-branded booth in a good location adjacent to Showcase Canada
- Showcase Canada Lounge access
- Staff presence at the booth
- Small storage space at booth
- Two full-week air show passes per company
- Pre-show logistical support
- Design and decoration of the booth
- Invites to all Canadian government receptions and events
- Shipping and handling of promotional materials
Please call Andrew at the AIABC office at 604 538 0071.

INDUSTRY TRAINING ORGANIZATION APPLICATION
AIABC has now submitted its application to establish an Industry Training Organization (ITO) under the umbrella of the Industry Training Authority. A decision to proceed will go before the ITA board in January. What is an ITO? In a nutshell, it is an industry-led organization with a mandate from government to recommend what training programs should be funded through public institutions. The organizations already exist in six industries, including automotive, horticulture, heavy construction, residential construction, resource industries, and tourism. This is a major step forward for AIABC and will be a significant benefit to members who rely on graduates from local training institutes. AIABC has also put forward an expression of interest to bring CNC machining under the aerospace funding envelope.

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CANADA SIGNS ON FOR MORE JSF
The Department of National Defence has formalized their continued partnership with the United States Department of Defense in the JSF program. Canada is the second of eight partner nations to sign the MoU for the third phase of the JSF program - the Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development phase. Canada's participation in the JSF program will provide a number of benefits such as unique access to technical and operational data and royalties on third party sales. While participation in this next phase does not commit the Department to purchasing the multi-role aircraft, it is helping to define and evaluate DND's future requirements for the next generation of fighter aircraft to replace the CF-18 and its capabilities. The Department of Industry also signed MoUs with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Pratt & Whitney and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team to provide Canada's aerospace and defence industry with access to up to $8 billion in industrial participation opportunities in the JSF Program.
For a complete account, please visit: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2167#tphp.

JSF MANAGER TAKES OFF
Anyone who has done anything regarding JSF will be interested in the following note from Paul Cachia, JSF Canada Deputy Project Manager: "As most of you probably know by now Canada signed the Joint Strike Fighter MOU in Washington last week. This was obviously a significant event for all of us north of the border. I have been fortunate to have been a member of the Canadian JSF team since CDP and with the MOU signature on the 11th I have decided to make a career move and accept a position with the Canadian Commercial Corporation. I will be focusing my efforts on their aerospace and defence file."

WASHINGTON AEROSPACE DIRECTORY
This of you looking south of the border for business opportunities may find the following resource useful: Washington State Aerospace Suppliers. If you have trouble downloading it, drop me a line and I'll send you a copy. The Aerospace Futures Alliance is new a Washington-state based group of companies that have shown great interest in developing relationships with BC companies and we shall be working more closely with them in 2007. Watch this space for updates!

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Are you SMSed YET?
A safety management course is being held January 19 & 20 (Friday & Saturday) 2007 in Calgary, Alberta. This would benefit individuals who will be actively involved in the organization's Safety Management System (safety program) or are responsible for the duties of a Company Aviation Safety Officer. Individuals with previous experience and those with no knowledge in aviation safety management will find this course useful for the formation or expansion of safety programs within their organizations. There will be a limit to the number of participants to ensure quality discussion. This course will qualify participants to meet the training and knowledge requirements of a CASO in accordance with Transport Registration and further information:
Brendan Kapuscinski, 403-804-9745 or training@beyondriskmgmt.com.

AEROSPACE ADVANTAGE
Western Economic Diversification has produced a generic investment package to attract companies to Western Canada. The package includes a one-pager on aerospace, featuring some companies that have chosen BC. You can view the aerospace page by clicking here, or you can request the whole package from Craig Fulton at 604 666 7012.

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TRANSFORMING SPACE CONFERENCE
California Space Authority's "Transforming Space Conference", November 29 - December 1, 2006.
Executive Summary
The California space enterprise community - industry, government and academia - continues to lead the United States as the nation transforms space in the civil, national security, and commercial sectors. This transformation is taking place in all three sectors in order to meet the nation's changing requirements to explore outer space, ensure access to space, transport space tourists, enhance launch and satellite responsiveness, and educate the future aerospace workforce.
This two-and-a-half day conference was held on November 29 through December 1 in Los Angeles, the nation's hub for space enterprise. Space professionals from throughout the nation who are integrally involved in the transformation of space enterprise are attracted to the only state in the nation that has end-to-end space capabilities. Conference attendees benefitted from the conference through knowledge of current business opportunities in all three space sectors, discussions of space policy and networking with California's space leaders. The conference is hosted by the California Space Authority (CSA) and the California Space Education and Workforce Institute (CSEWI). CSA is a non-profit organization designated by the State of California as the California Spaceport Authority. CSEWI is a charitable, non-profit organization devoted to space educational and workforce issues.
For the full conference report, please contact Jeffery Gray, Canadian Consulate General, Los Angeles at Jeffrey.Gray@international.gc.ca.

QUEBEC'S AERONAUTICAL INDUSTRY STRATEGY
Québec Premier Jean Charest, together with Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade Raymond Bachand, recently launched Québec’s new research and innovation strategy. The Premier unveiled additional investments totalling $888 million over a three-year period. Please also refer to a summary of Quebec's Aeronautical Industry Development strategy (announced in July 2006) - objectives and concrete means that the Quebec government is proposing to support Quebec's aeronautical industry. Summary is on page 35 of the 39 page report which can be found in the following webpage. Five key initiatives are included in the provincial measures: Quebec's Aeronautical Strategy website.

TAX BREAKS TARGET TRADES-TRAINING STUDENTS
British Columbia's Finance Minister, Carole Taylor, has announced $90 million in tax breaks that the government will use to attract more people into skilled-trades training. In its 2006 budget, the province promised to spend an additional $400 million over four years for trades training, including tax breaks to people who enter skilled-trade courses. Taylor detailed the list of tax credits that will go to both employers and employees who enter recognized trades training. The incentives will apply to 47 Red Seal & 79 non-Red Seal apprenticeship programs in BC, which encompass all trades relevant to aerospace. The program will be effective 1 Jan 2007, subject to legislative approval. For more information, see the Industry Training Authority website: www.itabc.ca

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JOB VACANCIES AT BCIT
- ASSOCIATE DEAN
Reporting to the Dean, School of Transportation, the Associate Dean is responsible for providing educational and administrative leadership to the aerospace programs and courses, in accordance with BCIT and Transport Canada Regulatory Standards. The successful candidate will have a minimum of six years of aviation maintenance experience, progressive supervisory/management experience, will hold a Provincial qualification as an instructor, and will possess an AME license or will have an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.
- BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Reporting to the Associate Dean, Aerospace Programs, the Business Development Manager will work closely with faculty and staff in the maintenance and development of partnerships within the Aerospace Industry, provincially, nationally and internationally and the BCIT Aerospace Programs. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Business Administration, progressive experience in a management or a senior supervisory position in the aerospace and aviation industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Should you want to learn more about either of these unique leadership opportunities, call Kelly Baron at (604) 913-7768 or forward your CV, a letter of introduction and the names of three referees in confidence to Provence Consulting Inc. at search@provenceconsulting.com

TPC's FUTURE
With the Technology Partnerships Canada program (TPC) set to expire on December 31st, the government has announced several new TPC contributions over the past several weeks. Meanwhile, the creation of a successor program to TPC is moving through the cabinet approval process. The new program has apparently been approved in principle, but hurdles remain before a formal announcement can be made. Budget allocation, along with certain program design and delivery details has yet to be determined. Treasury Board approval is required for this. The new program will focus exclusively on the aerospace and defence sectors. The program’s mandate will be to enhance Canadian aerospace competitiveness, stimulate and facilitate R&D, and generate broad benefits to Canada through the development and diffusion of new technologies, the establishment of new R&D partnerships, and by strengthening Canadian productivity. The new program will place significant emphasis on technology advancement and excellence, and broad diffusion of new technology into the supply chain and with R&D partners such as universities. It will operate much like the current TPC program with a maximum sharing ratio of 50 per cent and a very similar eligible cost base. Contributions will be repayable, linked to gross business revenue. The exact modalities of this GBR approach have not yet been determined. TPC has initiated a consultation process with AIAC and member firms on repayment, as well as on the issue of exploitation of intellectual property developed with program support, and case assessment, including assessment criteria and processes. No date has been set for program start-up, although officials report a desire to minimize the time gap between the termination of TPC and start-up of the new program. – Submitted by Aerospace Industries Association of Canada

IRB NEWS
The federal government is proceeding with the acquisition of four C-17 (Boeing), 17 C-130J (Lockheed Martin) aircraft, and 16 CH-47 helicopters (Boeing) with a value of $13 billion. In an October 13 letter to Industry Canada, AIAC called on the government to:
- Articulate clear industrial development outcomes to be sought e.g. technology transfer, participation by firms of all sizes and across all regions and business segments (commercial, space, defence);
- Ensure 100 per cent of Canadian industrial benefits (CIBs) be directed by OEM primes to the aerospace sector;
- Guarantee 100 per cent of in-service support (ISS) with the exception of sparing, be performed in Canada by the existing ISS industry;
- Create a federal government/industry forum to assist the OEM primes with the delivery of high quality, lasting CIBs.

The Aerospace Industry Association of BC has sought the cooperation of the the Province of BC to establish an IRB working group to monitor these procurements to ensure BC companies are included in the process.

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR NEW MARKETING ACTIVITIES
AIABC is able to make applications on behalf of its members for funding to support initiatives that open new markets for members. These funds can be used for "testing the waters" in new markets through activities such as trade shows, trade missions or other innovative means of bringin your products and capabilities before potential new customers. Up to 50% of eligible costs are covered by these non-repayable grants. With this additional funding you can reduce your costs, or increase the scope of your activities…find out more by contacting the AIABC office at 604 538 0071. The window for the current funding round closes in January, so don't delay!

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HOW DID THEY GET IT THROUGH SECURITY?
A crew of mechanics at Istanbul's airport were so glad to be rid of some trouble-prone British-made airplanes that they sacrificed a camel on the tarmac in celebration — prompting the firing earlier this month of their supervisor. The photo of a worker raising a large piece of bloodied camel meat on the tarmac of Ataturk International Airport was published on the front page of at least two newspapers, drawing the wrath of transportation authorities. The sacrifice of a camel with small Turkish carpets over its humps at the busy airport was regarded as a disgrace and an embarrassment for the country at a time when it is seeking to join the European Union. "This is a grave incident. Is it compatible with the image of a modern Turkey, trying to enter the EU?" said opposition lawmaker Huseyin Guler. Turkish Airlines authorities launched an investigation and later fired chief mechanic Sukru Can for approving the camel sacrifice. The crew of mechanics had been celebrating the return of the last of 11 four-engine Avro RJ 100 jets that were leased from Britain 13 years ago. Turks traditionally sacrifice animals as an offering to God for when their wishes come true. "We are happy to be rid of planes which frequently broke down without causing major headaches to Turkish Airlines," the daily Cumhuriyet quoted Mr. Can as saying after the ceremony.

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DECEMBER 4, 2006
Click on a link to go directly to an article, or scroll down to see all.

New BCIT Aerospace Campus Tour
AIAC Guide
Paris Airshow
Boeing Says Thank-You
Practicum Students Available
New Personnel At Cascade Aerospace
Volunteer Position On Civil Aviation Committee
A350 Market Intelligence Report
Canada Pavilion At 23rd National Space Symposium
Aviation Alberta
UK Aerospace Opportunities
U.S. Defense And Security Sectors – Advocacy And Trade Development
Aerospace Opportunities In Utah
Office Of Small And Medium Sized Enterprises

NEW BCIT AEROSPACE CAMPUS TOUR
There are a limited number of spots available for a tour of the new BCIT Aerospace Campus at YVR. It's a multi-million dollar investment in the future of aerospace training in BC and AIABC members are getting the chance to see it first. The tour is booked for 10:30 am on Friday Dec 8 (subject to change). If you wish to participate, please click here and let me know. First come, first served! I'll let you know where to meet when you register.

AIAC GUIDE
If you have not already done so, this is your absolute last chance to get your profile included in the annual AIAC Guide. This publication gets global circulation and is a great place to profile the capabilities of your company. To see a sample of what a profile looks like, please click here. The cost of a profile is $300, and well worth the exposure it provides. Call Andrew at the AIABC office for more info: 604 538 0071.

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PARIS AIRSHOW
AIABC is seeking expressions of interest by BC companies to participate in the Paris Airshow. I know many members just "walk the show" but this is a cost-effective way to be a real participant; other exhibitors are more likely to take you seriously if they know you are serious enough to have a presence.
The cost of this excellent marketing opportunity is far less than going it on your own. Although the final cost will depend on the number of participants, for $7500 you will enjoy:
- A panel in an AIABC-branded booth in a good location adjacent to Showcase Canada
- Showcase Canada Lounge access
- Staff presence at the booth
- Small storage space at booth
- Two full-week air show passes per company
- Pre-show logistical support
- Design and decoration of the booth
- Invites to all Canadian government receptions and events
- Shipping and handling of promotional materials
PLEASE NOTE: I need to hear from you by Friday December 8. Please call Andrew at the AIABC office at 604 538 0071.

BOEING SAYS THANK-YOU
Subsequent to the Boeing IRB event in Calgary in October, I have been asked to pass along the following letter on behalf of Roger Schallom, Industrial Participation – Country Manager with Boeing in St Louis. Please click here to read the letter. By the way, a few members have asked for a list of contacts from the Boeing partners that were at the event. I have been informed by Boeing that "our approach is to contact the companies, instead of them contacting us. An official letter to each company we have seen will be sent shortly. . ."

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PRACTICUM STUDENTS AVAILABLE
UBC Continuing Studies is actively seeking sponsor organizations to provide work opportunities for undergraduate students to gain real world experience in their areas of expertise. Over a four-week internship period, the sponsor has an opportunity to utilize student assistance from project work to day-to-day operation. The practicum period for the current program will take place from January 29th to February 22nd, 2007. It is an unpaid practicum, it is intended to expose students to workplace expectations and demands in their chosen fields of study. These students come from well-recognized South Korean universities, and they are undergraduates from a variety of fields including Business Administration, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Journalism & Advertising, and Social Work. Many of them also had previous work experiences in their study-related areas. An agreement package is available to interested organizations and all prospective sponsors. If this practicum is of interest to your organization, please contact Patrick Liu Tel: 604-822-1925.

NEW PERSONNEL AT CASCADE AEROSPACE
Dwayne Lucas has joined Cascade Aerospace as Vice President and General Manager, Products and Engineering. Brigadier General Lucas’ arrival at Cascade follows a distinguished 36 year career with the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) where, after a number of field operations positions, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff Support and Fighter Force Redesign Leader, Air Force Staff - Director of Materiel Program Development, Director of Aerospace Equipment Management (Fighters and Trainers), Chief of Staff Support for 1 Canadian Air Division, and as Director General of Aerospace Equipment Program Management until retirement in 2005. Mr. Lucas led a variety of strategic initiatives and development programs at DND, including the redesign of the Canadian Fighter Force structure, development of an accountability, responsibility and authority framework for the strategic air staff, and Air Force infrastructure renewal. As Chief Engineer for the Air Force and Technical Airworthiness Authority for DND, Mr. Lucas oversaw all military aircraft fleets including all ground-based systems, and implemented the new Optimized Weapon System Management (OWSM) support program. The program increased the operational output of Canada’s Air Force and reduced its operating costs, and is now emulated by the Canadian Army and Navy. He was also a key leader in Air Force personnel development, led all aerospace engineers and introduced a new mentoring system to the Air Force. Mr. Lucas has a Masters of Science degree in Aerospace Design and a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering.

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VOLUNTEER POSITION ON CIVIL AVIATION COMMITTEE
AIABC is looking for a volunteer to participate on AIAC's Civil Aviation committee. If you are not a direct AIAC member, you may participate as the designate of AIABC's official representative, subject to approval of the AIABC board. The Civil Aviation Committee is the authoritative body for the development and implementation of AIAC advocacy positions and technical policies related to the design, development, production and in service support of Canadian civil aeronautical products and services. Domestic and international aviation safety, security and environmental regulatory environments are key focal points of this work. The CAC and its constituent Advisory Groups/Panels is the primary AIAC interface with Transport Canada, Civil Aviation (TCCA) and its international counterparts (FAA, EASA, ICAO), national and international standards setting organizations, and works closely with the AIAC’s international counterparts (AIA, GAMA, ASD, ICCAIA) in the development of global consensus on regulatory issues and standards. In coordination with other AIAC Committees the CAC interacts with Standards Associations and Government agencies that may affect civil aviation. The CAC oversees an Advisory Group on Technical Policies, an Environmental Affairs Panel, a Standards & Specification Panel, a Human Resources Panel, and ad hoc working groups/task forces as required.
For more information, please contact committee chair Bob Mather at (613) 760 4561.

A350 MARKET INTELLIGENCE REPORT
With ATW reporting that 50% of the A350 will be outsourced, this compendium of information compiled by Martine Moreau at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is a good starting point for those seeking to get aboard the program. We've been asked to restrict circulation to Canadian companies only, so if you want a copy, please click here. Please have your passport ready for inspection.

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CANADA PAVILION AT 23rd NATIONAL SPACE SYMPOSIUM
The Consulate General in Denver is organizing a Canadian Pavilion for the National Space Symposium, that will be held April 9-12 2007 in Colorado Springs.
The National Space Symposium is the premier U.S. policy and program forum, a "must attend" opportunity for information and interaction on all sectors of space — civil, commercial, and national security. The conference will be held April 9 - 12, 2007 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. More than 7,000 attendees from around the world are expected to participate in the 23rd National Space Symposium. As usual panelists and speakers represent the who's who of the US space sector. In addition there is a large exhibition with all the large and small space firms exhibiting plus numerous DoD entities. Please contact Philippe Taillon at the Canadian Consulate Denver (303) 626-0640 for more information.

AVIATION ALBERTA
Best regards to Don Matthews, President and CEO of Aviation Alberta, who has moved on to become General Manager of the Canadian Centre for Unmanned Vehicle Systems, which will be based in Medicine Hat.

UK AEROSPACE OPPORTUNITIES
How would you like someone else to pick up the expenses for a UK trip to source new suppliers? Interested parties should click here.

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U.S. DEFENSE AND SECURITY SECTORS – ADVOCACY AND TRADE DEVELOPMENT
The Enhanced Representation Initiative (ERI) of Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) has launched two new initiatives in October 2006 to increase awareness among American defense and security stakeholders of Canada’s commitment to do its share in the war against terror, and to provide information on Canada’s industrial supply capability to meet the needs of its American allies. All projects will be themed under the heading “Canada: Partners in Defense and Security”. To support the outreach efforts and provide some performance measurement indicators, a web page with links to various stakeholders will be placed within the web site www.CanadianAlly.com – this web page and address will be featured in all communications tools. The lead stakeholders are the Canadian Embassy, DFAIT – NCT (Ottawa + Montreal regional office), all DFAIT aerospace and defense trade commissioners throughout the United States, Industry Canada, Department of National Defence, Canadian Commercial Corporation, and the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI). To read more about this initiative and some of the opportunities available, Interested parties should click here.

AEROSPACE OPPORTUNITIES IN UTAH
Vice Counsel and Senior Trade Commissioner Phillipe Taillon recently participated in an Industry Procurement Symposium and related Outcall meetings in Utah. His report on both activities outlines contacts, opportunities and background on several companies/govt agencies, which are attached for your perusal. Click here to download his report. If you are interested in further activities in this region, please contact Dale Hunt, VP Supplier Development at AIAC: (613) 760 4550.

OFFICE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISES
The Government of Canada is committed to giving SMEs access to compete for government business. The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME) supports SMEs by working to reduce barriers and by simplifying requirements for SMEs that want to do business with the Government of Canada. For more information on this initiative, please click here.

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NOV 16, 2006

Paris Air Show
It may only be November, but we are already under a lot of pressure to make commitments for the 2007 Paris Air Show (June 18-24, 2007). We are once again examining options for members to participate under an AIABC banner.

By participating collectively, AIABC members will be able to enjoy the following benefits at little or no extra cost:

- AIABC-branded booth, sub-branded with your company logo
- Showcase Canada Lounge access
- Staff presence at the booth
- Small storage space at booth
- Two full-week air show passes per company
- Pre-show logistical support
- Design and decoration of the booth
- Invites to all Canadian government receptions and events
- Shipping and handling of promotional materials

The cost of this package is $7500 per company. No travel costs are included. Costs may reduce depending on the number of companies participating.

Compared to the cost of participating independently, this is a very competitive price; a single panel display costs a minimum of $5000 in the Showcase Canada pavilion and a 10 x 10 booth is $15,000. All of the logistics, design and staffing support that AIABC will handle would be additional costs.

If you are interested in participating, I would like to hear initial expressions of interest before Nov 30 and final commitments will be required shortly thereafter.

AIAC Guide
Once again, the annual AIAC guide is open for advertising. This is a great promotional tool because it is one of the few Canadian aerospace guides that actually gets well circulated. As just one example, many trade commissioners at Canadian consulates and embassies around the world use it when promoting Canadian aerospace. All AIABC members will be listed on the AIABC page.

You have two additional options:

A) Purchase a half page profile at a cost of $300. You may include up to 150 words of text and your company contact details.
B) Purchase display advertising. Costs and specifications vary.

If you are interested in either of these options, please click here to send me an e-mailor call the AIABC office at 604 538 0071. Deadline for either of these options is 27 November, 2007.

A380 Visits Vancouver
In case you missed it at Farnborough or elsewhere this year, the A380 will make a stopover in Vancouver on Nov 29. When the A340-600 came through a while back it was not possible to get aboard the aircraft, so I am not hopeful about a tour of the A380…but I’ll keep members advised.

BCIT Sea Island Campus Tour
A special tour of the new BCIT Sea Island aerospace campus has been organized for AIABC members only. The building has a ways to got to completion, but if you haven’t seen what the future of aerospace training in BC looks like, here is your opportunity. Space is extremely limited, so if you are interested, click here to send me an e-mailor call the AIABC office at 604 538 0071.Pre-registration is required! The tour will take place on the morning of Dec 8, 2007. Exact time and place will be advised when you register.

Did you know?
AIABC’s web site recorded visits from more than 106,000 hits from more than 4500 visitors during the month of October? How long has it been since you updated your profile for all those interested visitors?

Welcome to new member
Coplan Limited specialises in the supply of hand tool solutions to the aerospace industry including the Stahlwille brand of aerospace approved hand tools, routed tool control foam, laser marking of tools, tool storage systems including fly-away bags, cabinets, tool cribs and our latest innovation - Intelligent Tool Control (ITC) where every tool, from a PIN locked cabinet, can be computer tracked at all times without the use of RF tags or bar codes. With over 15 years experience in the supply of FOD (Foreign Object Damage) Tool Control Systems, Coplan offers a "one-stop-shop" for all hand tool requirements from consultancy to complete design and supply.
For more information about Coplan, please contact:
Roy King
5624 Eagle Creek Place
West Vancouver
BC V7W 3K2
CANADA
Tel: +1 778 668 0991
E: roy@coplanlimited.com
Web: www.coplanlimited.com

Industry Training Authority
The AIABC board has approved the initiation of a process to establish an Aerospace Industry Training Organization under the provincial Industry Training Authority. This important development will provide a high degree of influence over the allocation of training funding for aerospace training programs in the future. For more information, please contact the AIABC office, or visit the ITA website at www.itabc.ca.

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OCT 27, 2006

Job opportunity
BCIT invites applications for the following position:

INSTRUCTORS
AEROSPACE PROGRAMS
SCHOOL OF TRANSPORTATION

BCIT’s Aerospace Programs has an on-going requirement for temporary, full-time Instructors to teach all aspects of the Transport Canada /Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council (CAMC) approved curriculum for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Category ‘E’ (Avionics), ‘S’ (Structures) and ‘M’ (Mechanics) program areas.

QUALIFICATIONS for all 3 specializations are:
· Valid Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence or Aircraft Certification Authorization
· For ‘M’ specialization preference will be given to those with aircraft electrical experience
· Minimum of five years recent industry experience in the certification of aircraft for return to service
· Graduate of Transport Canada approved school or equivalent
· An excellent command of the English language
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral
· Must be a team player and contribute to a continuous product improvement environment
· Selected applicants will be given Instructional Skills Workshop training

TERM OF APPOINTMENTS: Various

SALARY RANGE: $54,021 to $78,478 per annum
(Placement based on education and experience)

COMPETITION NUMBER: 06N17

CLOSING DATE: October 31, 2006

BCIT offers a competitive salary, generous benefits package and a diverse, enthusiastic workplace. BCIT is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
October 13, 2006
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

To Apply: Visit us online at www.bcit.ca/jobs and complete our application form. We are only able to accept applications submitted online.

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OCT 16, 2006

AIABC Open Board Meeting and Members' coffee
AIABC members are encouraged to join the AIABC Board of Directors at their next meeeting. Meet your board, get up to speed on AIABC activities and events, and let the board know what you think AIABC needs to focus on in the future. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required. Just click here to send an e-mail or call the AIABC office at 604 538 0071.

Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Agenda
8:00 am - Coffee and muffins
8:30 -10:00 - Board meeting
10:00-10:30 - Networking and event conclusion.
Hosted by Grant Thornton LLP

ITARS
A presentation was hosted recently in Seattle by the British-American and French- American Chambers of Commerce on the subject of ITARS. While presentation was useful and informative, it was also an excellent reminder of how tricky and onerous ITARs regulations can be. The amount of responsibility placed upon industry to ensure that goods and information are not exported to unfriendly parties is substantial – as are the penalties for violating the rules. How does a $1 million fine and 10 years in prison sound?

If you don’t know ITARS regulations, this Powerpoint presentation from the workshop will not answer all your questions. In fact, it will probably only create more questions….such as: do you have a tracking system in place? Who is responsible for ITARS in your company? What steps have you taken to ensure ITARS is observed? Does the policy even apply to you? What is the difference between an export, a re-export and a deemed export? Is it true that your office decorations can violate ITARS? (Yes, it is!)

Watch for more on ITARS in the future. In the meantime, it’s probably not a bad idea to read up a bit. Google “ITARS” and “State Department” for millions of pages of reading!

Boeing Calgary
AIABC recently supported an in Calgary where Western Canadian companies met with Boeing and a number of the OEM’s partners and suppliers to look for IRB opportunities. More than a dozen BC companies participated. Its too early to tell what contracts may arise out of these meetings, but a number of AIABC members who participated indicated they felt the contacts made were worthwhile.

Boeing will very likely win contracts to provide 4 C-17 Globemasters valued at up to $3 billion (including ISS) and another $3 billion contract to provide a dozen or more Chinook helicopters (also including ISS). With a requirement to identify more than 60% of IRB content before contract signing, it is a good time to be knocking on Boeing’s door. For contact details, please call the AIABC office.

AIAC
AIABC recently participated in the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada annual general meeting and conference in Ottawa. While little in the way of news or policy direction was revealed during the three-day affair, it was a good opportunity for me to remind our friends in Ottawa that the BC aerospace industry is still alive and thriving. A number of presenters indicated that their slides would be available on the AIAC website after the conference. The site hasn’t been updated yet but check back for updates.

Aerospace Futures Alliance
Washington State has a new aerospace advocacy group funded by many of the heaviest hitters in the state, and AIABC has established an early relationship with the new group. The Aerospace Futures Alliance is a group dedicated to aerospace advocacy in the state of Washington and, while their mandate is quite specific, it does provide interesting opportunities for AIABC members to keep abreast of developments in our nearest and largest aerospace market. A good communication channel, facilitated by the continuing excellent work of the Canadian Consulate in Seattle, has now been established and I look forward to future discussions and cooperation with the Aerospace Futures Allliance.

NDP Caucus
AIABC continued its program of promoting the BC aerospace industry by meeting last week with MLAs Jenny Kwan and Gregor Robertson. This was a follow-on meeting to an earlier presentation to the Opposition party’s Economic Development committee. The meeting agenda was focussed on alerting MLAs to the opportunities present through IRBs relating to the federal procurement of new Chinook helicopters and C-17 heavy-lift aircraft. During the meeting AIABC underlined the importance of having a champion for BC companies in the procurement process, a strategy that has been very effective for other regions of the country.

Export Development
Export Development Canada (EDC), the Crown corporation that provides financing, insurance and bonding services to exporters and investors, has established a national stakeholder panel to discuss the challenges facing Canadian companies investing or selling their products or services internationally. AIABC, through its membership in AIAC, is one of a select number of key trade and business associations participating in this initiative. Participation in this panel gives our association an opportunity to work with EDC and other industry representatives on your behalf. As a first step, the associations, in partnership with EDC, are consulting with members through a survey to better understand the role exporting and/or international investment plays in your business. The results of this survey will help us develop new strategies and approaches to assist you in meeting the challenges of the global marketplace. We encourage you to share your views on trade and investment issues by participating in this important research even if your business does not currently export or have international investments. The survey should only take 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Responses will be treated in confidence - no individuals or organizations will be identified in any way. Phoenix Strategic Perspectives Inc., an independent research firm, is conducting this research on our behalf. Click here to take the survey. For more information please contact Dale Hunt at AIAC at 613-760-4550.

A350 Supply Chain
A Market Intelligence Report on the Airbus A350-XWB Supply Chain has now been finalized and approved by Industry Canada’s management and is available for distribution in both languages. The report captures the findings from over 50 outcalls conducted last spring by 24 of Canadian consular and embassy posts abroad. Primary contacts at AIABC member companies have already been added to the mailing list for this document. If you would like additional copies, please request one by clicking here..


China Trade Mission
The Trade Commissioner's office in the Canadian Embassy in Beijing has developed an active trade mission in association with Airshow China in Zhuhai. Besides various networking events being held in conjunction with the Airshow, the mission will visit Hong Kong (Asiaworld Expo, Civil Aviation Dept, HAECO and Cathay Pacific); Shanghai (AVIC I - Commercial Aircraft Corp and Shanghai-based airlines); Beijing (CATIC, AVIC I, AVIC II, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China) and Tianjin (Civil Aviation University of China, BHA Aero Composite Parts, and the China Industrial Base of Civil Aviation A320 assembly JV). Companies within your membership may have specific organization or market interests in or around those locations. While mission timing/itinerary will not permit meeting each specifically - unless they present themselves at the Canadian Pavilion at Airshow China - we will endeavour to inquire/learn about those interests on behalf of interested Canadian companies. In that regard. Please indicate your interest right now by clicking here..


Aerospace and Security
Industry Canada and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade are supporting a study that will result in the development of a document profiling the sector and containing a directory of BC companies in this sector. This document will be available for distribution at the West Coast Security Forum here in Vancouver on November 27-28, 2006 (http://www.wcsf.com/). While the security sector is difficult to define, owing to its breadth, for the purposes of this study we are considering companies in the following markets (specific segment names are likely to change) :
-Biometrics and Authentication
-Data Security and Encryption
-Hardware Security
-Surveillance and Imaging
-Wireless
-Transaction Security and Digital Rights Management
-Marine and Underwater
-First Responders
-Personal Safety
-Military and Defense
-Services
If you are interested in being identified as a part of one of these sectors, please click here and I will forward the info to the consultant conducting the research.

Meet-the-Buyers event
This event is centred on British Midlands companies active in aerospace; which will include some automotive companies. In keeping with the skills of the Midlands, the event will focus on propulsion systems, aircraft actuation systems, composites and materials, MRO, tooling and testing equipment. The event follows on from the success of Aerospace Procurement 2004 which attracted 27 major international buying organisations such as EADS Socata, IHI, MTU, Piaggio Aero Industry Spa, Sener, Embraer etc who met with the UK's leading edge aerospace companies in a series of pre-arranged meetings.

If your company is interested in being considered for the event please submit an expression of interest, with the following information:
Company name
Name and contact details of Officer(s) wishing to participate
Job title/Responsibility
Description of the nature of the Companys business
Number of employees
What goods and/or services are you looking to source from the UK
Amounts spent on procurement over the past 12 months
Anticipated procurement budget.
Bids should be submitted by e-mail to bcgmtl@bellnet.ca and entitled "Meet the Buyers" or faxed to Barry Davidson (in Montreal) at 1-514-866 0202. Click here to request a flyer with more information about the event.

Norsat moves location
Norsat International Inc. announced that the Company will relocate its headquarters to Richmond from Burnaby on Monday. The Company will consolidate its two Burnaby locations at the new 23,405 sq. ft Richmond facility. "This move reflects how we expect to evolve, the increasingly international character of our business and our bid to drive efficiency throughout our operations. Our business requires close daily interaction with suppliers and logistics partners. The new facility is within close proximity to these partners and Vancouver International Airport. We expect that supply chain partners will continue to assume non-core functions and that an increasing portion of our business will come from channel partners. We expect to save almost 60% in monthly rent expenses as a direct consequence of this move," said Dr. Amiee Chan, President and CEO, Norsat International Inc. The new Richmond facility will serve as the Company's international headquarters. The new address will be 110 - 4020 Viking Way, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada V6V 2N2.

IWG signs with Reheat
AIABC member company International Water-Guard Industries Inc. (IWG) has signed an agreement with Reheat International Ltd. for the distribution and maintenance of its water treatment products for the Corporate Aviation market in Europe. “Business aviation is on a growth curve worldwide, and we wanted to ensure maximum penetration of one of its largest regions”, said David Fox, IWG’s President and CEO. “This relationship with Reheat fits with our growth plans for Europe since they have a respected and well-established sales and maintenance presence within an identified target market.”

Neil Watkins, Managing Director for Reheat International, agreed. “Our strengths complement those of International Water-Guard quite nicely. They have the water treatment equipment that the market needs, and we have the galley and cabin equipment supply and support experience to help bring that solution to market, and to maintain its effectiveness well into the future.” Reheat International Limited supports and supplies spare parts for aircraft galley equipment and cabin components manufactured by major interiors OEM’s. Reheat is an EASA 145 and FAR 145 approved maintenance organization with a well equipped service center staffed by knowledgeable and experienced technicians.

AIAC Annual Survey
The results of AIAC’s annual survey on the size, scope and state of the Canadian aerospace industry have been posted on the AIAC website. To view the summary, please click here.

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SEPT 13, 2006

Boeing seeks industrial participation partners
In anticipation of new Industrial Regional Benefit (IRB) programs in Canada resulting from Canada’s anticipated procurements of C-17s and CH-47s, Boeing is exploring IRB opportunities for industry in Western Canada. Boeing and its Tier 1 partners are committed to working with our customer, Industry Canada, to identify solid aerospace opportunities for Western Canada. In this regard, The Boeing Company, in cooperation with the Aerospace Industry Association of British Columbia invites you to attend Boeing’s Western Canada Industry Day at in Calgary. The agenda is as follows:

October 3, 2006 18:00 – 20:00 Reception

October 4, 2006 9:00 – 17:00 One-on-One meetings

Boeing’s intention during the event is to facilitate introductions between the aerospace and defense industry of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan with different divisions within the Boeing Company. It is with this intention that we look forward to your participation in this event.

To confirm your attendance, please RSVP no later than 22 September, 2006 to: Aerospace Industry Association of BC: 604-538-0071 or info@aiabc.com Additional information will be provided upon registration.The following companies have been invited; to meet with BC participants (list of confirmed companies will be available Sept 15): Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS); BAE Systems; Boeing Commercial Airplanes; Boeing Industrial Participation; Boeing Shared Services Group; Honeywell; Northstar; Parker Aerospace; Pratt and Whitney; Rockwell Collins; Smiths Industries; Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc.; Boeing Phantom Works.

Open AIABC Board Meeting
All AIABC members are invited to the Oct 31 2006 board meeting to meet your Association’s directors. The meeting will take place from 8:30 am to 10 am, and a networking session with board members will take place immediately afterwards. Refreshments will be provided.At this meeting the AIABC board will be discussing the Association’s strategic priorities for the next couple of years and this will be a good opportunity for you to get up-to-date on many of the Association’s initiatives. There is no cost to attend, but you must be a member in good standing, and you must pre-register by clicking here or calling the AIABC office at 604 538 0071. Location will be provided upon registration.

New AIABC member
AIABC welcomes the following new member:
Axymetrix Quality Engineering Inc.
Evan Janeshewski
President
Phone: (604) 612-2996
www.axymetrix.ca
Axymetrix provides consulting and training services in a wide range of quality improvement strategies, focusing on dimensional variation management. Its core competencies are advanced coordinate metrology applications, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and Statistical Process Control (SPC). Axymetrix can help companies maximize the return on coordinate metrology investments through custom programming, user training and coaching. Specialized software tools are also employed, to extract more value from 3D point data collected using manual CMM's. Successful applications include profile comparison to CAD surfaces, verification of complex geometric tolerances, and diagnosis of forming and machining problems. Axymetrix also recognizes the crucial role that dimensioning and tolerancing plays in aerospace manufacturing. A full range of GD&T training and consulting services are available, from basic principles to advanced stackup analysis and tolerance optimization. Axymetrix was founded in 2001 by Evan Janeshewski, a former aerospace CMM programmer and quality engineer. Evan is a certified ASME Y14.5.2 Senior Level GD&T Professional, and has instructed GD&T courses at several leading aerostructure and space hardware manufacturers including the NASA Langley Research Center. He is also a part-time BCIT instructor, teaching courses in metrology, quality control, and SPC.

Italian companies seek BC partners
The Italians are coming! Delegates from the Italian Aerospace Mission consisting of industry and government representatives will be attending the AIAC AGM in Ottawa on Sept 25-27. The Italian delegation is visiting Canada to learn more about the state of the Canadian aerospace industry and to get a clear view and understanding of Canadian companies and the type of products and technologies we offer. You will have the opportunity to meet the representatives from the following companies:
AIAD - Italian Aerospace Association
A.T.A. System
Alenia Aeronautica Spa
Alenia North America - Canada Co.
Aurora Ingegneria Srl
Consorzio S3log
DEMA Spa
Elettronica Spa
Logic Sistemi Avionici Spa
Pietro Rosa TBM Srl
POZZO s.r.l.
PRO S3 Srl

In addition, there has been an inquiry from the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vancouver. The following company seeks business contacts with BC-based aerospace companies:
COMPANY: ATI Alpitel
ACTIVITY: To deliver equipments and services related to the implementation and care of radio-communications systems, security systems for major events, system design and system integrator. The
ATI has been set up to tender, implement and operate the Security Radio Mobile Network of TOROC and for the Torino Municipality Civil Protection and local police. The interest is to replicate the
experience in Vancouver.
PROFILE:
-Year founded: 2000
-Turnover/year: US $41Bn (2005)
-# of employees: 113,210 (end 2005)
-Has already established business contacts with Canada in the past
-Products:
1) Secure radio-communications systems (digital radio products and systems)
2) Security systems for major events (information system, coordination and operations centers, intelligence centers)
3) System design and system integrator
4) Services related to the implementation, maintenance and operation of radio communication systems

National Aerospace Survey results
The final 2005 Annual Survey results are now posted on AIAC’s website under the ‘Facts & Figures’ section (Press Room) as well as for ‘Members only’ section. National data on revenue, exports and employment with comparison to previous years is provided. Please note that the breakdown of the aerospace related revenues and employment by Provincial location is not included this year due to the low rate of responses from the provincial member companies.

Airshow China 2006 and Possible Follow-on Mission Program
Airshow China 2006 will be held Oct.31st-Nov.5th in Zhuhai. It is the only international aerospace trade show in China which includes extensive aerospace equipment displays and flying demonstrations, and takes place every two years. Be part of the Canadian Showcase and a possible follow-on Mission Program.

There were 500 exhibitors from 32 countries and 80000 visitors to Airshow China 2004. The 2006 show will highlight the market prospects and cooperative opportunities for helicopters, business aircraft, regional aircraft, aviation infrastructure construction, aviation safety, space exploration and other related fields.

There will be a Canadian Showcase at Airshow China 2006. A possible extended Mission Program is being considered with visits to aerospace centers/entities in Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Beijing and Tianjin. At the 2004 event, participants in the Canadian Showcase reflected Canada's wide breath of expertise in aviation, including Bell Helicopter Textron, Bombardier, CAE, Diamond Aircraft, Interfast, Magellan Aerospace, Montair Aviation, Northstar Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney.
For more info, please contact the AIABC office at 604 538 0071.

Paris Airshow 2006
If you are interested in participating in an AIABC-themed program during the Paris Airshow next summer (June 18-24, 2007) let me know by clicking here to send an e-mail.You are not committing to anything by doing so but I can make sure you are included in any planning that takes place.



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July 27, 2006
Farnborough Airshow Report
I have just returned from the Farnborough Airshow and despite losing three-quarters of my body weight in sweat due to record-breaking temperatures in London and a severe lack of air conditioning, I think the effort was well worth it. I attended a number of invitation-only receptions and dinners, walked the trade show floor, and had a number of private meetings with stakeholders. Following is a description of a number of key contacts made during the event.

- I am pleased to report that for the first time in many years, BC's Ministry of Economic Development attended the show, in the person of Rolf Fyne. I spent a great deal of time with Rolf and endeavoured to introduce him to as many BC people as possible, as well as other influential decisionmakers in the industry. I emphasised repeatedly to Rolf the importance of the provincial government co-operating with BC industry to create a presence at future shows (BC and Saskatchewan were the only two provincial governments not represented in some form in the Showcase Canada pavilion.)

- I enjoyed a short discussion with Minister of Industry, Hon Maxime Bernier and he expressed in interest in coming to BC to meet with AIABC members. An invitation will be issued shortly.

- Further to my earlier point about the provincial government, AIABC has been vocal about the provincial government's strategy to attract investment - particularly by aerospace companies - in BC. I visited the stands of various associations/jurisdictions that were promoting their regions as good locations for aerospace investment. Where available I picked up relevant promotional literature highlighting incentive packages and other investment attraction information. The information will be shared with the provincial government. Stands visited included, West of England Aerospace Forum; Wales Cymru; Alabama; West Virginia; East of England; New Mexico; Baja California, Mexico; Connecticut. Most enthusiastic reception was from Pinellas County, Florida which indicated they have a whole department that does research for potential investors seeking information on demographics, industrial base, and other related information, all free of charge. " justAbbotsford Airshow Networking Event
This year's theme is Strengthing the Canada/US aerospace alliance and we have 50 guests from Washington State coming up to network with AIABC members and other aerospace firms from western Canada. If you are an AIABC member and you have not RSVP'd yet, please click here and do it NOW! This is a limited attendance event and there is a limit of one person per company, and invites are accepted on a first-come first served basis, so please accept my apologies if not all of your company reps can be accommodated. We are almost full, so don't delay!

New Board for AIABC
I realised in my last blog that I neglected to mention the new board elected at the AGM, and the new Executive as selected at our last board meeting. So my apologies, and here it is:
President Kevin Russell, Asco Aerospace
Secretary Treasurer Ed Merlo, Avcorp Industries Inc.
Vice President Linda Wolstencroft, Aerospace BizDev
Vice President Nigel Evans, MDA
Vice President Todd Sjerven, Viking Air Ltd
Stephen Ow, ACROHelipro Global Services Inc
Dale Hunt, ADHoc Services
Brian Burge, Air Canada
Rupert May, Grant Thornton, LLP
David Fox, International Water-Guard Industries Inc
Jim Rogers, Kelowna Flightcraft
Shaun Turner, Siemens

Aviation Risk Management for SMS Accountable Executive
Dalhousie University/RBC Centre for Risk Management and AlgoPlus Consulting Limited are presenting an Executive Seminar October 5-6, 2006. This will be held at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Transport Canada regulations require holders of aviation operation certificates to establish a safety management system (SMS) and designate an Accountable Executive who understands the organization’s significant safety issues. This seminar will increase the Accountable Executive’s familiarity with concepts and techniques essential for risk management. In addition, guest speakers will describe various approaches for integrating evidence-based decision-making across the organization.
Visit www.dal.ca/RiskSeminar for program details, registration form.
PLACE: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
DATES: October 5-6, 2006
CONTACTS: Dr. A. Richman at 902-423-5155 or Dr. Ronald Pelot at 902-494-1769

Industry Training Authority Update
Welding training certification
The Industry Training Authority of BC is conducting an industry review of welding training and certification. If you want to be included in the communication process on this subject, please contact
Dick Vanier, Vanier Training Consultants Ltd, 604-485-2639, dick@trainingconsultants.ca.
Foundation programs
The ITA has recently embarked on the implementation of a significant new framework to govern pre-apprenticeship training in B.C. The project will involve both the standardization of existing entry level trades training programs (ELTT) and the industry-led development of new pre-apprenticeship options, and will result in a new category of training called Foundation Programs. The rationale, objectives and benefits of this project are summarized in a discussion paper entitled “Foundation Programs: A New Framework for Pre-Apprenticeship Training” that is available on our website at http://www.itabc.ca/whatsnew.php?ContentID=92?. Contact the ITA Foundation Project lead, Jeff Nugent, should you have any questions or comments. He can be reached at jnugent@itabc.ca or 604-214-8712.

NATIBO
The North American Technology and Industrial Base Organization (NATIBO), is chartered to promote a cost effective, healthy technology and industrial base that is responsive to the national and economic security needs of the United States and Canada. NATIBO’s primary purpose is to identify and analyze key industrial sectors that are critical to defense, assess the viability of these sectors, identify issues and barriers related to sector viability, and develop strategies to enhance and sustain the health of the marketplace. For a report from Los Angeles Trade Commissioner Jeff Gray on the latest Steering Committee meeting of this organization, please click here.

Canadian Forces "Operation Santa Claus"
The emphasis of this program is to send a Christmas gift parcel to every deployed Canadian Forces Military member and Peacekeeper serving outside Canada at Christmas time. Canadian companies are asked for a donation of company-branded promotional items that can be included in this gift parcel. This gift helps reinforce the link between deployed CF members and the at home Canadians and Corporate Canada at a time of year when the feeling of separation from family and loved ones can be particularly acute for our soldiers. Included in the gift will be heart warming letters and drawings from school children who put their thoughts on paper. Together they form a message from Canada saying "We're thinking of you and we recognize the tremendous effort you're making on behalf of all Canadians. This Christmas over 3,500 soldiers will be assigned to foreign locations world wide in locations such as Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan and our HMCS Ship in the Arabian Sea. If your company can donate something to this program, please contact Shirley Penny, Operation Santa Claus Coordinator, 1-613-995-8779, or via e-mail: penny.sm@forces.gc.ca.

NAT management changes
Northern Airborne Technology Ltd. (NAT) of Kelowna, BC, Canada, is pleased to announce these changes to the management team:
- Mitch Stinson, formerly VP, Engineering at NAT Kelowna, has transferred to the NAT Seattle facility and taken the role of VP & General Manager, responsible for the overall operation of that location.
- Maurice LeNoble has assumed the position of VP, Engineering at NAT Kelowna, responsible for all functions of the Engineering and R&D departments.
- Gary Cooper has accepted the position of Contracts Manager at the NAT Kelowna location. Gary brings several years of experience in aerospace contract management and negotiations to NAT.
NAT is a leader in communications equipment for special mission aircraft applications. Products include Audio & RF Controllers, FM Radios, Intercoms, PA & Loudhailer Systems, Satellite Communication Systems, and Airborne Networking & Data Management Solutions. For further information, visit www.northernairborne.com or contact Steve Brunsden, President, at
(250) 763-2232

AIABC members participate in International Trade consultations
Upon invitation of the International Trade Minister, Hon David Emerson, a panel of AIABC members met with him on July 17 to discuss ways to improve the Department’s business development programs and services to position Canadian business for success in a rapidly changing global economy, and, in turn, assist in the development of the Department's Global Commerce Strategy. Here is a summary of the discussion.
1. What key changes or additional programs and services are needed to improve competitiveness and innovation and better assist business to integrate into global value chains or otherwise succeed in global commerce?
i. Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
The industry mentioned that they use the TCS, but that trade commissioners have a difficult role. It is important that they be more focussed and targeted. Trade Commissioners are useful, but not if they are "pulled in all directions or are not interested". There is need for more trade commissioners with specialized knowledge (e.g., S&T counsellors).
It was also noted that the International Trade part of DFAIT needs to be more involved in the Canadian Space program. Industry Canada and Foreign Affairs are involved but International Trade needs to assist in determining how budgets are allocated and how Canadian firms can best take advantage of new NASA initiatives.
ii. Trade Policy
The U.S.’s ITARS were identified as a continuing concern. The industry stated that since that Canada is investing in unprecedented military procurements worth billions of dollars from American companies, we should get something back from the U.S.
iii. Links to other Government Programs
The Aerospace industry mentioned that Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) needs to be improved and made more efficient. The application process takes much too long.
2. With regard to your foreign competitors, what programs or services do they receive from their home government (e.g., U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Australia) that the Canadian government should provide for our businesses? What programs and services do the provinces provide that the federal government could also provide to assist Canadian business?
The Aerospace sector noted that negotiations for projects are quicker in Europe and that in Canada the process is long and arduous.
3. What new services could the Department provide to improve your performance in commercializing R&D opportunities, as well as to support and stimulate innovation in your industry sector?
Aerospace industry representatives noted that there is not an international level playing field for their industry and that other governments are subsidizing their industries. TPC was cited as the kind of mechanism that helps level the playing field.
The industry noted that Canada needs to develop proprietary products or else their companies are at the whim of clients. Subsidiary products can be off shored to China.
Concern was expressed over the lack of a Canadian aerospace strategy for the Department of National Defence's "record-setting" $11B aircraft procurement. They recognise that the government needs to buy off-shore but needs to put in place a strong Industrial and Regional Benefits package for these procurements.
Additional concern was expressed that Canada has a "no China policy"; and that Canadian companies cannot sell to the Taiwanese for fear of offending the Chinese and can not sell to China for fear of upsetting the Americans. One company noted that they had been refused an export permit from DFAIT to sell to Taiwan.
4. Thinking of the overall competitiveness of your industry sector or business, are measures necessary to encourage foreign skilled labour and resources?
The industry noted that there is a struggle to find skilled labour and that the skill base in B.C. is becoming thinner. In particular immigration permits for skilled engineers were complex, time consuming and not very efficient. The process needs to be better explained and more user-friendly.
5. What tools and programs do you think the government should adopt to showcase Canada’s regional and sectoral strengths to promote Canada place to invest?
The Aerospace industry also talked about the importance of clusters and having the B.C. industry speak with one voice. It was noted that B.C. is gaining on Manitoba as an aerospace cluster but still needs a manufacturing project (like the Twin Otter) to spur action. Industrial and Regional Benefits were identified as critical.

AERO-Can Database
The newest internet tool for promoting your company is now up and running. AIABC has been participating in the development of the Aero-Canada database which was formally launched during the Farnborough airshow in London. This database is a national capabilities index that allows international aerospace businesses quickly identify Canadian business partners by capability and product. This powerful tool has initially been designed for Manufacturing companies and will soon be expanded to encompass other sectors including MRO and defence, security and others. To update your profile, please visit: www.aero-canada.ca/register_step1.cfm. From here you can directly update your profile, or you can search to see if you are already entered. If you have any questions, please call Andrew at the AIABC office at 604 538 0071.

And remember, if you are part of a sector that is not yet listed in Aero-Canada, you can always update your profile in AIABC's database at http://www.aiabc.com/updateprofile.cfm

=========================
JULY 1, 2006

Happy Canada Day!

Farnborough
Less than three weeks to Farnborough. Rather than clutter this blog with Farnborough information, I have collected it and posted it separately.
If you are looking for information about travel and accommodation, show passes, invites to official functions or contact details during the show, please click here to go to the Farnborough page.

Speaking of aerospace trade shows
Jim Hanchett (Goodrich Space Flight Systems, Albuquerque, New Mexico) is doing a PhD dissertation on aerospace trade shows. Information provided in the questionnaire will be treated as confidential and individual responses will not be shared or used for any purpose other than this study. The host site confidentially stores the responses. If you participate and would like to receive an Executive Summary of the composite results upon completion of the study, please send a separate email to me at jhanchett@tourou.edu The questionnaire is web based and accessible via the hyperlink below. It should take less than 10 minutes to complete the 37 questions. The link will be active for the next 3 weeks. Here is a link to the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?A=131953906E62331 (If you're not able to click and follow this hyperlink, please copy and paste the link into the address field of your browser and hit enter). Your inputs will be especially helpful in gaining insight and understanding of aerospace trade show practices

Aero-CANADA - A call to action
One of the most important initiatives being launched at the Farnborough Airshow is a new database of Canadian aerospace manufacturing capabilities. Here is a quick question-and-answer description of the project:

WHAT IS IT? A web-based database that houses in-depth data on Canadian aerospace manufacturing industry. It is intended to replace the numerous databases (such as Strategis) that already exist federally, provincially and amongst associations, but don't always provide the in-depth type of info needed for aerospace.

WHO IS PARTICIPATING? Industry Canada is funding its development. All provincial aerospace associations are being asked to participate, and most - including AIABC - have already signed up.

IS THERE A COST TO BE LISTED? No, just some time to enter your data. In fact, you will save money because you will have fewer databases to update in the future.

CAN ALL COMPANIES PARTICIPATE? Not yet. The database is very detailed and specific, according to industry sector. Manufacturing is the first sector that has been developed. In the coming months/years other sectors such as MRO and Space Missions will be added. But right now, it is for manufacturing companies only.

HOW DO I ENTER MY DATA? The URL for Aero-CANADA is http://aerospace2.hypernet.ca/main.cfm. Before you visit, please click here and download the registration guide and review it.

IS THERE A TIMEFRAME? Ideally, we would like all BC manufacturing companies to be updated by the opening of the Farnborough Airshow on July 17.

WHY IS MY COMPANY IS ALREADY LISTED? Some data was added pre-loaded to the database, but it you need to review the info and update where necessary.

WHY IS MY COMPANY NOT LISTED? Two possible reasons: You are not a manufacturer, or you were simply not part of the initial population of the database. If you are a manufacturer, and you are not listed, please add your profile.

Federal procurements
The headlines have been filled with announcements by the federal government of billions of dollars of major crown procurements. All that means loads of IRBs coming down the pipeline. AIABC has requested meetings with both the Province of BC and Western Economic Diversification to discuss what resources these levels of government plan to dedicate to advocating on behalf of BC companies to make sure we are well represented in the procurement process.

A400M
Our friends at Airbus Military would like to keep you up to date on their activities. You can keep up to date at: http://www.airbusmilitary.com/countdown/index.html

Cluster development
Here is an interesting story about cluster development as addressed by the Province of Quebec and its industry.

Montreal PQ May 15, 2006 - At a time when the aerospace industry in Montreal and Quebec is facing major challenges and dealing with increasingly intense global competition, players in the industry, supported by the Metropolitan Montreal Community (MMC) and the governments of Quebec and Canada, have decided to form a single forum, the Aerospace Cluster of Metropolitan Montreal. This new Cluster will contribute to positioning Montreal's aerospace industry as a world-class sector that can compete with other regions around the world. It will also work to better position the aerospace industry vis a vis other Canadian industrial sectors, in order to ensure that it obtains its fair share of the public funding available for innovation and R&D.

"By creating the Cluster, industry players recognize the need to join forces to enable them to tackle the strategic issues facing them more quickly and effectively," said Mr. Jacques St-Laurent, Interim Chair of the Cluster's board and President of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. "There is a desire to work collectively to do better than what could be done individually. Various organizations in the aerospace industry, which are already performing very well, will now be able to play a broader, more strategic role through joint actions."

"Aerospace is one of the Greater Montreal region's key sectors of economic development," noted the Honorable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labor and Minister of Canada Economic Development. "The establishment of the Aerospace Cluster will help support the sector's enterprises in their efforts to improve their capacity to innovate and remain competitive, while strengthening Greater Montreal's standing as a magnet for international aerospace investment and contracting."

"The initiative announced today will rally all players in Montreal's aerospace industry around common objectives and joint actions. It is an excellent way to better coordinate efforts to develop the industry, which is a priority sector for Quebec's economic development. It is essential that Quebec remain front and center in Canada's aerospace sector. We need to ensure the future of our industry through strategic actions, which the creation of this Cluster will facilitate," said Mr. Raymond Bachand, Quebec's Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Exports.

"The creation of this Cluster is the result of an important mobilization of business people, institutions, associations and the public sector. The resulting synergies will reinforce productivity and consolidate the region's competitive position on the world scene," said Mrs. Nathalie Normandeau, Quebec's Minister of Municipal Affairs and the Regions.

"The creation of the Aerospace Cluster is a remarkable step forward for the economy of Montreal, Quebec and Canada. As a result, all the components in our system of innovation will be significantly strengthened. Montreal, a world aerospace leader, is now in a position to do even better. Our region will thus be able to contribute even more to the process of creating wealth, which will bring benefits to all of our citizens," said Mr. Gerald Tremblay, Montreal's Mayor and MMC President.

The Cluster's mission will be to coordinate the creation of an environment that will increase productivity and step up growth in the sector so that it creates even more wealth for Greater Montreal, Quebec and Canada.

With its new governance mechanism, the Cluster will pursue objectives of conserving and improving its position among world aerospace leaders, bolstering its dominant position in the Canadian industry and increasing revenues and employment in the sector.

A strategic plan will be developed to attain these objectives. It will be based on the following five themes:

a.. the industry's image, visibility and profile;
b.. new talent and labor force;
c.. subcontracting;
d.. productivity, performance and monitoring of competition; and
e.. innovation.
Task forces will be set up in the first year to establish priority actions for each of these themes.

The mobilization of the aerospace industry takes its lead from other Montreal-area sectors-including life sciences, information technologies and film-which have done the same in recent years. Other regions with a critical mass in the aerospace industry have also set up similar governance structures.

The Cluster will have an annual budget of $800,000 or $2.4 million over three years, distributed as follows: $200,000 per year from the private sector and equivalent commitments by the MMC and the federal and provincial governments.

Langley School District and UCFV support aerospace apprenticeships
A partnership between the chamber of commerce, airport businesses, the school district and University College of the Fraser Valley has resulted in a new apprenticeship program.
Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce manager Lynn Whitehouse said the Aircraft Structures Technician Apprenticeship Program will begin this year for six students completing Grade 11 in June, through Langley School District.
The process of developing the program began about a year and a half ago, when the Chamber's Commerce Education Committee looked into the need for aircraft structures technicians at businesses at Langley Airport.
"We invited all the helicopter companies (at Langley Airport) to come to a lunch meeting. We wanted to verify that there was a skills need, and then, (exactly) what it is," Whitehouse said.
It was the input from all these companies that lead to development of the program, in partnership with the Langley School District, UCFV and the Langley Airport firms.
"It was an awesome experience to find out how willing and eager the school district was to work with us," Whitehouse said.
The helicopter firms also were anxious to get involved in development of the program, said Judy Gerein, the school district's secondary-school apprenticeship program co-ordinator.
"They were very supportive, they need the workers. That was the whole premise behind this, we are trying to solve the skills-trade shortage for their businesses," Gerein said.
The success in establishing the apprenticeship program has whetted the appetite of the chamber. Now the chamber not only wants to foster this new program, but is interested in partnering with another industry and the school district, to develop another apprenticeship program for local students.
And the chamber will be promoting the trades and technical training as viable career choices, to both students and their parents.
The school district is seeking six students to begin the program in October, students who have completed Grade 11 and intend to go into Grade 12 with graduation in mind. (In future years, students will apply in their Grade 10 year.) Through the program, students will get eight high school elective courses (32 credits) and credit for four secondary school apprenticeship courses (16 credits).
The students will be in full-time attendance in UCFV's Aircraft Structures Technical Training Program.
Students chosen would have to complete English 12 and Portfolio 12 on their own time in the evenings, to graduate with a high school diploma.
Aircraft Structures Technicians are definitely in demand, says Adrienne Lawrence, the director of sales and customer support at AcroHelipro Global Services Inc., one of the firms at Langley Airport which has agreed to take apprentices.
"There is a huge demand," said Lawrence, who adds that this has been the case for the past 10 years.
And these are skilled jobs that pay well. A student who has completed the training at either BCIT or UCFV would start at $15 to $16 an hour. The top rate for an experienced structures technician is about $35 an hour.
AcroHelipro is one of the largest repair/maintenance facilities in the world, and is the only one with the manufacturer's approval for Sikorsky, Bell and Eurocopter work. AcroHelipro is the only approved repair facility for Eurocopter, outside the factory, Lawrence added.
Acro's roots go back more than 50 years, to the beginning of rotary wing aviation in Canada, as part of Okanagan Helicopters.
The UCFV program is full-time, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday.
"It's like going to school, only at UCFV, and in a hangar," said Gerein.
The aircraft structures program is held at the UCFV Aerospace Centre, at Abbotsford Airport.
The course is not free, but the school district pays one-third of the cost for the first year.
"One of the biggest incentives is that the school district pays for two of the three modules," said Gerein.
Because the school district wants a committment, the student will pay tuition for the first of three 14-week modules in the first year, but Langley School District pays tuition for the second two modules, a saving to the student of almost $3,000.
The student's expense in that first module is: tuition, $1,484; books, $300; clothes, $300; tools, $900, for a total cost of $2,984.
But in the second module, the students' only cost is another $200 for additional tools, the school district covers the $1,484 tuition, as it does in the third module. In the third module, the student is required to pay $163 for books, $100 for tools, and a $25 grad fee for a total of $288.
The students receive their high school diploma (if they complete the English and Portfolio requirements) and a head start on young people who graduate from high school, then enrol at UCFV.
They'll qualify for entry into the second year of the three-year course.
Four companies at the airport have agreed to take part in the program, Gerein said.
Langley School District has other apprenticeship programs which include partnerships with Kwantlen University College in welding, masonry, millwright, outdoor power and practical horticulture, and is eyeing a February start for plumbing and carpentry. Other programs include the baking and pastry arts partnership with Vancouver Community College, and early childhood education with Langley College.
The chamber's involvement included examination of local industry sectors to identify skills shortages in a specific industry or industry cluster. John Campbell, the chamber's vice president and chair of the Commerce Education Committee and Gerein met one-on-one with the airport manager George Miller and key stakeholders in the helicopter industry at the airport, to determine the skills set required and to explore industry interest in working co-operatively to find solutions to the shortage of skilled workers.
After the initial meetings, a draft apprenticeship mockup was prepared and presented at a luncheon meeting with business operators in the helicopter industry.
The chamber invited Roofing Contractors Association of B.C. and the Masonry Institute of B.C. to present brief overviews of specialized training and apprenticeship programs developed for their industries. Program support was indicated by all those attending and while some indicated they would not be in a position to offer employment during the training period due to lack of manpower (one-man operators), the larger companies indicated the ability to support several training positions.
The established UCFV program meets all regulatory requirements and the needs of the helicopter industry, and the university/college agreed to enter into a partnership with Langley School District allowing intake of students during their Grade 12 year. Miller and Gerein met one-on-one with the employers to formalize their commitment to host apprenticeship students and to determine the number of positions each is able to commit to.
The AST program is open to both male and female students. Both the university/college and the school district screens prospective students for aptitude.
Interested students should contact Gerein at 604-534-7891, as soon as possible.

Tax implications: Buying or selling aircraft
There are some AIABC members that are buying and selling aircraft as part of their business - the following invitation may be of interest to those companies:

The Taxpayer Information Project, or TIP, and provides industry-specific tax information written in plain language. As part of the project, a new, easier-to-read version of the tax information bulletin - SST 051 Aircraft - will be published as well as 3 other new publications. We are seeking volunteers to review these publications. We are looking for your input to ensure that the publications are clear, easy to understand and are not missing any information that may be of importance to people who buy or sell aircraft. Part of the goal of this project is to involve those who will be using the publications in the creation process. This will help us ensure we are meeting the industry's needs and providing information specific to them. Please let me know if you would be interested in participating, and I will send you more information on the project as well as the publications we would like you to look at.
Bonnie Wilson, Public Information Policy Analyst
Customer Service and Information Branch
Strategic Initiatives and Administration Division
Ministry of Small Business and Revenue
1802 Douglas St Victoria BC V8T 4K6
Fax: (250) 356-2340
Phone: (250) 387-0630
Email: Bonnie.Wilson@gov.bc.ca

JSF update
Get your monthly dose of JSF at www.TeamJSF.com. It is expected that during July the aircraft will have its official roll-out and naming ceremony.

International Water-Guard Launches Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Bombardier, Inc.
International Water-Guard Industries Inc., a publicly traded company specializing in water treatment products and systems for the aviation industry, today launched a patent infringement lawsuit in Federal Court against Bombardier, Inc according to IWG President and Chief Executive Officer David. C. Fox.

"We had no choice," Fox explained. "We believe in settling business disputes respectfully and we have made repeated efforts to do so in this case. Unfortunately, Bombardier has failed to express any interest in a fair resolution."

"Protecting our patented aircraft circulating potable water system is key to the growth strategy for our company," he said. "We owe it to our shareholders and employees to take a strong stand on this matter."

Fox said the dispute with Bombardier had its beginnings in 2002, but did not crystallize until recently. "When we were first concerned that Bombardier might choose to infringe our patent, we warned them not to do so," he said. "Later we learned they were probably going to use a system similar to ours, so we warned them again about infringing our patents. But after years of ignoring our warnings and settlement overtures, it was Bombardier's decision to proceed with using a system effectively identical to ours, and their refusal to discuss any meaningful settlement, that pushed us to file the lawsuit today."

For more information, contact David Fox at Tel: (604) 255-5555.

USFS Approves NPX136D-070 Digital P25 Transceiver
Northern Airborne Technology Ltd. (NAT) is pleased to announce USFS acceptance and approval of the NPX136D-070 Digital P25 Transceiver. This digital radio is a complete, self-contained VHF, panel mount, APCO Project 25 compliant transceiver. Designed for a single user, the NPX136D-070 is a stand-alone radio, capable of transmitting and receiving over the VHF band (136.000 - 173.9975 MHz) and can be programmed for wideband/narrowband/digital operation on a per-channel basis.

The lightweight compact design is perfect for the space and weight restriction of helicopters and light fixed wing aircraft. Based on NAT's proven, user-friendly Tac/Com operating format, the NPX136D-070 transceiver is simple to program and easy to use. Main volume control and a scan select switch are conveniently located beside the display. The squelch test, channel up/down, and display controls are easily identified under the LED display. A separate guard volume and guard transmit select switch is provided.

With no complex patterns or codes to memorize, the NPX136D-070's straight-forward controls and online "Help" screen insure intuitive operation. PC software is available for fast, convenient programming of complete channel information. The capability to upload and download NPX136D-070 channels allows users to store multiple sets of operating frequencies for quick transition between contract assignments. The NPX136D radio also has 'cloning' capability, allowing one radio's channel information to be loaded into another for fast and easy updates.

The compact radio incorporates solid chassis construction, user friendly controls and is tested to stringent aircraft environmental standards. An internal frequency agile, two channel, synthesized guard receiver and push button keypad are standard equipment. Operation is Digital P25 and conventional Analog Simplex or Semi-Duplex.

Whether the mission is forestry, law enforcement, business communications or other applications, the NPX136D-070 radio has the capabilities to satisfy the most demanding operational needs.

A Cobham Avionics and Surveillance company, NAT is a leader in communications equipment for special mission aircraft applications. Products include Audio and Radio Controllers, FM Radios, Intercoms, PA and Loudhailer Systems, Satellite Communication Systems and Data Interface Accessories.

Avcorp news
Avcorp Industries Inc. (AVP on the Toronto Stock Exchange) (the Company) today announced the award of a five-year contract extension with Boeing Commercial Airplanes (Boeing) to supply details, sub-assemblies and metal bonded components for Boeing 737, 747, 767 and 777 aircraft. The contract commences January 1, 2007 and runs to December 31, 2011.

In addition to this contract extension, the Company also supplies the 737 wheel-well fairing assembly, along with other assemblies and component, to Boeing Canada Technology for Boeing 737, 747, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft. Also, numerous bid opportunities for new work have been received from Boeing.

Avcorp has also announced that, further to requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) in connection with the Company's proposed private placement of up to $12,000,000 of 9.25% 5-year convertible preferred shares (Preferred Shares) announced on June 2, 2006, the Company has obtained the written consent of a majority of its shareholders to the terms of the placement prior to closing.

Avcorp also announced the appointment of three new directors to its board at its Annual General Meeting, who provide significant senior aerospace, political and customer experience.

Kees de Koning was appointed to the Board of Directors on November 2, 2005. Mr. de Koning has extensive knowledge and experience in the aerospace industry, serving until recently as president and CEO of Stork Aerospace Industries in The Netherlands. Mr. de Koning has a Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering from Delft University and serves or has served on many boards and advisory committees in aerospace, engineering and information technology.

Elizabeth Otis has 25 years of experience with The Boeing Company, serving as Executive in Resident at Boeing's Leadership Centre, as Vice President and General Manager of the Fabrication Division for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, as Vice President of Quality for Commercial Airplanes, and in a number of key positions in the 777 Program, including Director of Manufacturing, Director of Production and Tool Engineering, and Director of Boeing Support.

The Hon. John D. Reynolds, P.C. is currently a Senior Strategic Advisor at Lang Michener LLP, the Corporation's legal counsel, where he advises corporate and business clients on public policy advocacy, natural resource development and growth opportunities. Mr. Reynolds has nearly 40 years' experience at the highest levels of national and provincial governments, and in a diverse range of cross-border business enterprises, serving as Vice Chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's Executive Committee, Vice Chair of the Canada/UK Parliamentary Association's Executive Committee, as Official Opposition Whip and House Leader, as Leader of Her Majesty's Official Opposition, as Chair of Stephen Harper's Leadership Campaign, and Co-Chair of Prime Minister Harper's 2006 Election Campaign.

The elected board now includes Michael Scholz, Chairman, Earnest Beaudin, Kees de Koning, Eric Kohn TD, David Levi, Elizabeth Otis, and John Reynolds.

Conference Reports
Western Aerospace Alliance Conference
Wednesday, May 31 - Friday, June 02, 2006
Campbell River, British Columbia
Alliances As A Growth Strategy
Submitted by Jeffrey Gray Canadian Consulate General, Los Angeles and Jim Sheehan, Canadian Consulate General, Seattle

Summary

The Western Aerospace Alliance Conference rotates annually through the four Western provinces and is hosted by the provincial aerospace association, this year AIABC. It was an excellent program which included keynote speakers, panel sessions, workshops and great networking opportunities.

Conference proceedings are available at by clicking here.

Next year's conference will be hosted by Saskatchewan on October 24-26, 2007 in Saskatoon.

Dave Caddy, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Space Missions Group, MacDonald Dettwiler Associates presented the state of the industry address which highlighted the fact that the industry has turned itself around after a few tough years. He stressed its size and importance to Canada, while showcasing the Canadian Aerospace Partnership. The National Aerospace and Defence Strategic Framework was discussed with the comment that in the new political climate that it will be almost like starting over.

There is new capitalization for DND for aircraft programs, transport, search and rescue, and fighter planes will all surely be part of the mix. Regional distribution of industrial benefits may help the aerospace cluster in British Columbia, but more than ever, common sense must prevail. The AIAC and the industry is very hopeful that the CAP well be re-started and the Framework implemented.

Paul Labrosse, Director General Major Project Delivery, DND emphatically stated that there is a lot of potential business in DND procurement. At this time there is the largest defence procurement to come along in quite some time. There are billions of dollars on the table and with a policy of 100% offset, Canadian companies should be dealing directly with the OEM's and primes to learn about opportunities. DND will not be working directly with Canadian industry, they will be reducing the number of contracts and interactions with suppliers. Now, more than ever, procurement must be fair, open and transparent.

The Canadian Aerospace & Defence Capabilities Database was presented by Lucie Boily, Industry Canada and Rod Jones, Ontario Exports. (Aero-Canada) Designed to be the best aerospace capabilities database in the world, its objective is to provide a single window illuminating Canada's aerospace capabilities. http://aerospace2.hypernet.ca/main.cfm

Aero-Canada is the result of a national initiative undertake by representatives from national and provincial aerospace associations in cooperation with Industry Canada. It allows potential buyers easy access to the right information and the ability to determine which companies can meet their needs. It will help primes to identify specific capabilities, technologies, and processes to a level of detail that are rarely captured in other databases.

Boeing Technology Canada (Winnipeg) provided an update on their procurement program. Boeing has 393 firm orders for the Boeing 787. Boeing Technology Canada will be supplying the Wing to Body Faring, Vertical fin Faring, Main Landing Gear Door and the Pylon Farings for the 787. Coupled with their 737 and 777 work load, Boeing Canada is a very busy place. Russ Macsymetz, Procurement Manager indicated that their supplier reduction program has reduced the number of suppliers to seventy eight, down from two hundred, just two years ago.


Conclusion and Recommendations

Aerospace in British Columbia is growing. There was a discussion of the newly established companies and expansion of the traditional base of firms. Large and small companies alike are investing in plant and equipment in BC. The Western Aerospace Alliance is a great venue to learn about what is happening in aerospace in the west and to meet with colleagues. Trade Commissioners and industry would do well to continue support of this annual conference.

---------------------

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Submitted by Jeffrey Gray, Canadian Consulate General, Los Angeles
Executive Summary
This was the 8th Briefing to Industry which is held every other year in Pasadena. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center managed by the California Institute of Technology under a contract from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/about_JPL/
The welcome was given by Eugene Tattini, Deputy Director, JPL. He stated that they have enjoyed good mission success for the past 22 months since the last conference, but the budgets are shrinking. JPL has an annual operating budget of $1.5 billion of which 50% goes to industry.
On everyone's mind at JPL is the April 21st launch of CloudSat from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. CloudSat will be doing the first comprehensive three-dimensional study of clouds. It will gather data on their structure, frequency and volume, and will help improve our understanding of how they influence the weather. CloudSat was developed by NASA in partnership with the Canadian Space Agency. Canadian technology has found its way onto many of JPL's missions, but maintaining and growing this market has proven challenging. http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/satellites/cloudsat.asp

Report
The 8th Briefing to Industry took place at the Pasadena Conference Center. JPL brought in over 140 staff, including executives, program directors, project managers and laboratory technicians to meet one-on-one with the audience. Attendees were provided with the names, e-mail addresses and phone numbers of all the JPL personnel present. In addition, a comprehensive binder with all the presentations and organization charts in hard and soft copy was distributed.
Conference Highlights
Dr. Firouz Naderi (Associate Director for Project Strategy) titled his presentation Strategies for a Successful Partnership. He mentioned that there would be 16 plus one additional flights of the Space Shuttle to complete the International Space Station. Human space flight impacts the funding levels of the traditional robotic space missions that JPL undertakes for NASA. Many missions can only be accomplished robotically, with humans in the loop. Two years ago President Bush announced his New Vision for Space Exploration, which includes a human return to the moon.
David Lehman (Project Manger, Project Support Office) gave his presentation called Threads of Mission Success. He outlined the NASA/ JPL institutional requirements. He discussed flight project practices, design principles, planning, and life cycle management. Included in all of this is a very disciplined acquisition process.
Michael Sander (Manager, Exploration and Mission Systems Directorate) talked about Implementing the President's New Vision for Space Exploration. There are profound opportunities from the viewpoint of the science community, but the Laboratory is not involved greatly in human spaceflight. All 10 NASA centers will participate. There will be a union of the human and robotic elements and they will all pull together to achieve this vision. As an example surface exploration of the moon will require high robotic content, and JPL's capabilities will be heavily leveraged.
Project Constellation, as it is called, will embody the agency's latest reach for the stars and officials have begun by trying to speed up the normally slow-paced process of defining spaceship designs and issuing contracts to create them. Major Project Constellation elements will be space suits, launch vehicles, lunar surface access, lunar ascent, crew exploration vehicle, and support modules.
Phil Garrison ( Deputy Director for Engineering and Science Directorate) spoke about his Division's new focus. He outlined plans relating to industry including 1) the number of flight/instrument projects provide more work than be done in-house 2) strategic workforce issues influence on decisions to implement future projects and 3) increasing the number and technical depth of industry partners. There is a demand of between 100 to 200 new jobs to be filled for near term work. He presented the names of five prime contractors and the names and phone numbers of the subcontract managers.
Next up was Pete Theisinger (Mars Exploration Directorate) who listed the following near term opportunities, including 1) medium and low torque actuators 2) sample corer 3) parachutes 4) radar antenna 5) solar arrays and 6) pressure tanks. JPL has a very active Mars program including orbiters and surface spacecraft.
Jim Rinaldi, the Chief Information Officer is new to JPL. The campus has a very decentralized systems architecture and it is his task to implement a comprehensive approach to information management at the Laboratory. They have never had a CIO. There are literally hundreds of versions of operating systems running over thousands of computers. Data security is job number one. They will be setting up an office of IT Vendor Management. The timing may be right for software companies to be able to present solutions to this office. It is projected that establishing baselines and a timeline for refresh will be part of the mandate. It is not up and running yet, but will be in the next few weeks.

Implications for Canadians
Companies really have their work cut out for them to maintain position on the US civil space programs. JPL certainly has a lot of opportunity, with the best approach being to work with the prime and subcontracting community. Canada is well known at JPL and should leverage the past involvement to pursue new business development.
Attending this year were three companies from Canada, Naiad, ComDev and MacDonald Dettwiler. The comment from the Montreal division of MDA (formerly EMS Technologies) was " I am very encouraged by the opportunities and MDA has some unique capabilities that may find a home with NASA/JPL". Naiad, of Calgary, made many good contacts at JPL and even more importantly with the prime contracting community. Although not "officially" provided, the conference chair agreed to share the attendee list "government to government".
Dr. David Tralli (National Space Technology Applications Office) mentioned that JPL has won a project or group of projects in the Earth Observation arena. He invited the POST to visit JPL in regard to Canada's participation on the NEPTUNE program of the cabled underwater observatory. He sees some opportunities to work together, and wants to begin by sharing information. http://www.neptunecanada.ca/
Bob Recker, Sun Microsystems Corporation, El Segundo Office, invited the POST to their Executive Briefing Center in Northern California. He will be following up in the near future.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The 8th Briefing to Industry was an excellent venue for exchange of knowledge and networking. Canadian companies are encouraged to attend and meet with the key members of the industry. It is paramount that follow up be undertaken both by companies and government representatives. The next Briefing will be held in the Spring of 2008.

----------------------------

United States Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center
Industry Days, April 11-13, 2006
Long Beach, California
Submitted by Jeffrey Gray, Canadian Consulate General, Los Angeles

Executive Summary
The Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) is located at the Los Angeles Air Force Base, El Segundo, California.
This year's Industry Day was hosted by Lieutenant General, Michael A. Hamel, Commander, USAF. The meeting room was packed with senior level leaders from both the military and industry. In addition, there were civil servants representing the acquisition community. Given the resource constraints, there are still opportunities for new business development in the Southern California space industry. Partnerships with industry are key to success and the Air Force is encouraging more outreach by the prime contracting community.
Report
The California Space Authority (CSA) (www.californiaspaceauthority.org) hosted a kickoff luncheon that featured Debra Faktor Lepore, President of AirLaunch LLC. (www.airlaunch.com)
The working lunch was in a roundtable format and allowed for networking and making new contacts. The Honorable Andrea Seastrand, Executive Director of CSA, a good friend to Canada, participated in the Canadian Space Agency dinner held at the home of the Consul General. She is working with the Consulate to involve us in an effort at establishing a working group and an international roundtable at the upcoming International Satellite Communications Expo June 11-15. The focus of the lunch was to describe and discuss rapid prototyping and its role in transforming access to space. AirLaunch is developing the Quick Reach small satellite booster for the DARPA/ Air Force FALCON program. The objective is to deliver 1,000 pounds to low earth orbit for less than 5 million dollars with 24 hours notice. Lt. Col. John Anttonen, USAF, deputy program manager, presented the President's Vision for Operationally Responsive Space. He outlined the FALCON Program and explained that in order to develop this national security capability that rapid prototyping was the only approach. Key attendees at this intimate lunch were from the major prime contractor space companies in Southern California.
Debra Faktor Lepore, presented the AirLaunch approach which is to use a C-17 aircraft to launch the rocket and payload. Their process was based on "build a little, test a little".
Industry Days
Chief Executive Officers, Presidents and Vice Presidents from the prime contracting community were all in attendance to hear what the Air Force leaders and program managers had to say regarding current programs and future opportunities. This included: The Boeing Company, Raytheon, The Aerospace Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and others.
The objective of Industry Day is to reach a broader community of business and government to demonstrate what SMC is and does. This year's audience was the largest ever.
Assured access to space is paramount for delivering warfighting capability. The dependence on space assets has been created. The challenges to business are that it takes too long and costs too much. There is a definite need to revitalize space acquisition. The foundation of this will be to rebuild the workforce, restructure and re-establish processes, implement new business models, horizontal integration of capabilities across the enterprise, strengthening partnerships and specifications and standards. There is much more to consider than a simple buyer/ supplier mentality.
Air Force Space Command is facing challenges. They have gone from 600 thousand to 315 thousand people. With an active conflict in process, there is less funding for new programs. There is a need to recapitalize and upgrade aging systems. Space systems take on a higher value role in the Air Force, and at the same time the US Army is the largest user of space. The armed forces have to form partnerships and joint efforts in support of the warfighter. Satellite communications, early warning, responsive space, position and navigation are all key aspects, but logistics is the new driver.
A View from SPAWAR
The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command is the Science and Technology Field Activity for space. They have a high level of involvement in Operationally Responsive Space. They are the Naval center for space technology while SMC is the acquisition arm. The Navy participates in the tactical satellite program. The Program Executive Office, Space Systems is the lead for space in the US Navy. One of the programs of interest is MUOS (mobile user objective system) with Lockheed Martin as the prime contractor and systems engineering lead with Boeing providing payload support and General Dynamics the ground station element. Narrowband UHF follow on is also looking for more industry partners.
Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
AFRL is an organization of 5000 people, 25% of whom are PhD's and 40% hold Masters Degrees. Partnerships are needed in the laboratory. They retain only 30% of the work in-house and the rest is done with partnerships. Headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) was formed October 1997 from an organizational consolidation of four former Air Force laboratories AFRL's goal is to create a more efficient, effective organization to support the Air Force's global engagement vision. Their mission is to discover, integrate and deliver affordable technologies for improved warfighting by leading a partnership of government, industry, and academia. The laboratory is responsible for the Air Force's annual $1.2 billion science and technology program, including the full spectrum of Air Force basic research, exploratory development, and advanced development. AFRL employs more than 6,300 military and civilian personnel.
California Space Authority
Andrea Seastrand, Executive Director, California Space Authority spoke on the goals and mission of the CSA. She presented a few key economic and demographic statistics highlighting the industry's importance to California. She mentioned the WIRED project, Transforming Space Conference, and Space Day in Sacramento as events of note for the upcoming year. She had me contact Carl Williams at their Sacramento office to discuss memorandums of understanding that are being formed with key stakeholders in the international space community.
Industry Panel
Howard Chambers, Vice President, The Boeing Company; Joanne Maguire, Vice President, Lockheed Martin, Alexis Livanos, President, Northrop Grumman Space Technology; Carol Curry, Vice President, Raytheon; and Elon Musk, CEO, SpaceX delivered the blockbuster industry panel. It will be interesting to watch SpaceX undertake their first successful launch. Of note is that MacDonald Dettwiler has contracted for two launches with SpaceX.
Closing Remarks
General Hamel stated that the conference "exceeded his expectations for government industry dialogue". Industry has to regain some credibility, but there are some good success stories, increased candor and levels of interaction. Rigorous program management is essential. SMC has $40.5 billion in active contracts, with a full $25 billion going to Lockheed and $6 billion to Boeing. Their acquisition budget has doubled in the past ten years.
Conclusions and Recommendations
SMC Industry Days is an important venue for the industry. This is the one time each year that the industry and government come together in open forum. The networking opportunities were excellent, the key industry leaders were present. Although it may not be likely that a Canadian company will contract directly with USAF, the programs were outlined and specific areas of opportunity residing at the lower tiers were identified.

Jeffrey L. Gray
Trade Commissioner
Canadian Consulate General, Los Angeles
550 S. Hope Street, 9th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 346-2752
http://www.losangeles.gc.ca




==========================
JUNE 9, 2006

ITO status offers control over spending of $5 million for aerospace training
More than $5 million is available for aerospace related training to support BC aerospace companies. However, to secure these funds, the industry, through AIABC, must provide direction on the focus, type and models of training that will best benefit employers. This is one of the reasons AIABC is hosting an industry leadership session to seek direction as it updates the 2001 BC Aerospace Workforce Strategy.

This is a critical session for industry to identify and lend support to the industry's planned response to projected labour shortages that are currently hampering economic growth in our sector.
Date: June 23, 2006 09:00 - 14:00
Location: Best Western Richmond Inn, 7551 Westminster Hwy
All AIABC members are encouraged to attend. There is no cost to participate.
CLICK HERE TO RSVP.


Western Aerospace Alliance Conference
After almost a year of planning, the Western Aerospace Alliance conference took place last weekend. More than 140 people participated in the sold out event, from as far away as Prince Edward Island, Belgium and the southern United States. A great line-up of speakers (click here to see their presentations on-line) constituted the core of the event, which included a tremendous line-up networking opportunities. The fishing derby was a great success (congrats to Michael Scholz of Avcorp!) but unfortunately, the aerial demonstration which John Calderwood of Sealand Aviation put so much effort into was rained out!

Thanks to our major sponsors: Avcorp, BCIT, MDA, Kelowna Flightcraft, Bombardier, Cascade Aerospace, Viking and AcroHelipro Global Services. Thanks also to our steering committee, delegates, the staff at Painter's Lodge and April Point, DND Comox and RiverCorp, Campbell River's Economic Development agency. The next WAA conference will be held in Saskatoon, Oct 24-26, 2007.

New Board of Directors
The association's annual general meeting was held during the conference. AIABC would like to thank Steve Peszel of CHC Global and Jacques Bonaventure of Asco Aerospace for their service over the past year. They have stepped down from the Board. Special thanks to Don Matthew of KPMG who has stepped down as Treasurer, having been transferred to Edmonton. Don has served AIABC for many years and his support is greatly appreciated. New board members this year include Rupert May, Grant Thornton; David Fox, International Water-Guard; Linda Wolstencroft, Aerospace BizDev; and Ed Merlo of Avcorp Industries. Once a new Executive is elected at the next board meeting, their contacts will be updated on the website.

Other AIABC Directors include: Stephen Ow, ACROHelipro Global Services Inc; Dale Hunt, Ad-Hoc Services; Linda Wolstencroft, Aerospace BizDev; Brian Burge, Air Canada; Kevin Russell, Asco Aerospace; Michael Coughlin, Cascade Aerospace; Jim Rogers, Kelowna Flightcraft; Nigel Evans, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates; Shaun Turner, Syncro Technical Services; Todd Sjerven, Viking Air Ltd.


Engineering requirements
A French engineering firm has been in contact with the provincial ministry of Economic Development looking for BC-based firms with engineering capabilities. It is not known what project the company is seeking partners for, or what specific capabilities they are seeking, except "aerospace and aeronautical engineering." If you wish to be put in contact with representatives from the firm, please send an e-mail to Miss Laurence Lemay at Laurence.Lemay@gov.bc.ca (Tel 604 775 2182).

=========================
MAY 9, 2006

Only 25 spaces left! Spousal program added!
Space at the Western Aerospace Alliance Conference is filling up fast! We've also added a spousal program due to popular demand. Click here to see our website. Conference begins on May 31, so act fast!

New member
ASAP Avionics is a Transport Canada approved maintenance organization (AMO 101-97) based at Campbell River Airport (YBL) Vancouver Island. Specialising in prebuild harnesses and kits to rewire whole aircraft and focused on the De Havilland range of aircraft. We also carry out maintenance and repair of all GA aircraft and helicopters around BC and Alaska. Currently developing several "Glass Cockpit" STC's for ourselves and the industry.
N. Mark Sylvester
President
Phone: (250) 2033241
Fax: (250) 9238893
2239-200 Jubilee Parkway
Campbell River Airport
Campbell River, BC Canada
V9W1T5
nmsylvester@asapavionics.com
http://asapavionics.com

AIABC member wins US Air Force deal
From today's Vancouver Sun:
"A small, private Abbotsford firm has won a contract to provide digital video recorders for U.S. Air Force gunships deployed around the world, including Iraq. Gatekeeper Systems Inc. was chosen by Boeing Aerospace late last month to supply high-resolution recorders for the air force's AC-130H/U gunships.

The Viperfish ASX recorders, designed and manufactured by Gatekeeper's Deep Development Corp. division, will be used to record the planes in action as they escort convoys, protect air bases and facilities, and carry out airstrikes. The recordings will help the air force review its operations. Doug Dyment, CEO and president of Gatekeeper, said the company will begin delivery this month. He declined to disclose the size and exact value of the contract, but said it is worth more than half a million dollars.

"It is a substantial deal," Dyment said, noting the company is now approved to supply equipment for other defence contractors, including aerospace firm Raytheon. It is also looking to supply digital video technology for other Boeing projects." Meet Deep Development at the Western Aerospace Alliance Conference in Campbell River from May 31 to June 2!

Messier-Dowty decides against BC
Messier-Dowty advised yesterday that it has decided to locate a new nosewheel assembly plant for the Boeing 787 in the Seattle area. Messier approached AIABC more than two years ago seeking introductions to relevant authorities in BC to discuss establishing this facility. Opportunities to attract major aerospace companies like Messier-Dowty to British Columbia do not come along very often and the loss of this opportunity is an unfortunate. AIABC will request a meeting with the government to review how BC can be made more competitive in these types of competitions.

Help available
Many of you know Donna Farqhuar from her days as General Manager at Aerospace North America. AIABC has used her services numerous times over the past couple years when we needed an extra hand for administration or event management. If you have a requirement for assistance, she comes highly recommended and can be contacted at 604 882 1261.

Help wanted
Asco Aerospace has an immediate need to fill the following positions:
CNC Machinist: Trade certificate required
CNC Machine Operators: Minimum 3 years CNC experience
Assembler: Must have airframe riveting experience
Helper/Labourer: Must be familiar with manufacturing environment
All positions will require alternate shift schedules. We offer competitive wages and excellent benefits. Please reply in writing to:
Asco Aerospace Canada Limited
8510 River Road, Delta, BC, V4G 1B5
Fax: 604-946-4671
kbohn@ascoaerospace.ca

Responses requested!
BC companies are still not responding to the AIAC survey!

Last year, the response rate from BC companies was so low that BC scored behind other Western provinces in the rankings. Less than half a dozen firms responded. The magnitude of BC's industry was very poorly represented.

Please take a few minutes right now to fill out this survey and send it back to the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada. It is very important and
your co-operation is appreciated! All the data you submit will be treated as business confidential information. Only aggregate data that does not give insight into the operations and performance of the individual firms will be
released. Please feel free to give me a call if you have any questions. Click here to download a copy of the survey.

Avcorp results
VANCOUVER: Avcorp Industries Inc. (AVP on the Toronto Stock Exchange) recently announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2006. Revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 was $26,833,000 compared to $17,783,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. The 51% increase in revenue is primarily from full rate production and catch-up on past due deliveries. Gross profit increased to 12.7% of revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 from (3.6)% for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. The improvement in gross margin resulted from operating efficiencies and increased utilization of plant capacity. As a percentage of revenue, administration and general expenses decreased from 8.9% for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 to 6.7%. Earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $1,726,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 compared to a loss of $(2,085,000) for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. The improvement in EBITDA, to its highest level in two years, is directly attributable to improvements in gross margin. Net Income for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 was $122,000 compared to a loss of $(3,319,000) for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, a $3,441,000 turnaround for the quarter. Cash provided from operating activities, before consideration of changes in non-cash items relating to operating activities, was $1,251,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 compared to cash utilization of $2,589,000 for the same quarter last year. The primary cause of the operating cash surplus during this quarter was cash generated from operations.

AIAC advocacy documents
Some interesting reading from AIAC on its current advocacy efforts is available here.


============================
APRIL 20, 2006

A special TLA (three-letter acronym) edition:

Western Aerospace Alliance Conference
Download the most up-to-date brochure... Click here! Registration is filling up fast and space is limited. Book now!

AIABC members signs Dassault contract
AIABC member International Water-Guard Industries Inc. (IWG) is pleased to announce that it has signed a long-term procurement contract for its potable water treatment equipment with business jet manufacturer Dassault Falcon Jet. Under the terms of the contract, IWG becomes an official supplier of its NPS-A4 water treatment unit as an option for the popular 900 and 2000 series of business jets, as well as the new Falcon 7X. The contract also covers procurement terms for the NPS-A4 at Dassault Group Service Centers and Completion Centers around the world. For more information, see the IWG website at www.water.aero

Selling to the US govt seminar
On May 3, The Canada Export Centre is hosting a seminar on how to sell to the US Government. For more information, call the Canada Export Centre at 604 685 7823, extension 101.

Workforce Strategy Update Sessions
AIABC is hosting two Industry Advantage Sessions (Richmond and Kelowna) to seek industry input into the updated Aerospace Workforce Strategy, training reference framework and expanded aerospace investment opportunities. This is a critical session for industry to identify and lend support to the industry’s planned response to projected labour shortages that are currently hampering economic growth in our sector. The advantage sessions will seek industry and stakeholder direction on:
- Industry statistics as they relate to the newest trends in projected labour shortages for the BC aerospace industry;
- The status of the 2001 10-Point Action Plan including a summary of industry feedback on success, challenges;
- Proposed new priorities for funding and programs; and
- How best to leverage BC’s investment in skilled labour development to encourage investment in BC

Kelowna: April 28, 2006 08:00 – 13:00 Location: Please call the AIABC office at 604 538 0071 for directions.
Richmond: May 4, 2006 08:00 – 13:00 Location: Best Western Richmond Inn, 7551 Westminster Hwy
To RSVP or for further information please contact the AIABC office at 604 538 0071 or click here to send us an e-mail.

New senior government staff announcements
The following changes to senior ranks of the Public Service were announced this week:
Suzanne Hurtubise, currently Deputy Minister Industry, becomes Deputy Minister of Public Safety, effective May 1, 2006.
Richard Dicerni, currently Partner at Mercer Delta Canada, becomes Deputy Minister of Industry, effective May 1, 2006.
Robert Fonberg, currently Deputy Minister of International Trade, becomes Senior Associate Secretary of the Treasury Board, effective immediately.
Marie-Lucie Morin, currently Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, becomes Deputy Minister of International Trade, effective immediately.
Margaret Bloodworth, currently Deputy Minister of Public Safety, becomes Associate Secretary to the Cabinet, effective May 1, 2006.
William J.S. Elliott, currently National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, becomes Associate Deputy Minister of Public Safety, effective May 1, 2006.

JSF Flightplan newsletter
Interested in JSF? Click here for the latest update.

============================
APRIL 17, 2006

Western Aerospace Alliance Conference
Download the latest brochure...click here! Registration is filling up fast and space is limited. Book now!

New ED for TPC
Jeff Moore has been appointed to the position of Executive Director, Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC), effective today. Previously, Jeff was the Executive Director of Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC), Operations Sector, Industry Canada. Jeff has also held executive positions at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Health Canada.

Farnborough 2006
Are you interested in attending the Farnborough Airshow? Even just thinking about it? Please get yourself into the loop by letting me know! Click here to send me an e-mail and I'll add you to our circulation list.

AIAC annual survey
Please let me take a moment to stress to you how important it is that BC companies provide a high-response rate to the attached survey from the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada. This survey is used by AIAC, governments, and other stakeholders as a barometer for the health of the Canadian aerospace industry. As you all know, after Ontario and Quebec, BC has the largest provincial industry in the country and we need to be recognized as a signficant market. This recognition attacts government policy decisions and programs that benefit the industry as a whole.

Last year, the response rate from BC companies was so low that BC scored behind other Western provinces in the rankings. Less than half a dozen firms responded. The magnitude of BC's industry was very poorly represented.

Please take a few minutes right now to fill out this survey and send it back to the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada. It is very important and
your co-operation is appreciated! All the data you submit will be treated as business confidential information. Only aggregate data that does not give insight into the operations and performance of the individual firms will be
released. Please feel free to give me a call if you have any questions. Click here to download a copy of the survey.



APRIL 10, 2006

New members
AIABC would like to welcome three new members to the association:

- Convergent Manufacturing Technologies www.convergent.ca
Convergent Manufacturing Technologies, Inc (CMT) is a world leading provider of composite process modelling software and services. Process modelling, or the 'Virtual Manufacturing' of composite structures is now a proven technology, and has been demonstrated as a valuable tool in the development of many commercial composite structures and processes.
Our flagship product, COMPRO, has been used by a number of the world's top aerospace companies and organizations, and applied to a wide variety of production hardware. We offer you an array of modelling tools from the simple to the sophisticated. In addition, we provide a full range of consulting and application support services to help you keep your competitive edge in composites manufacturing.
Contact: Anoush Poursartip, Director
2386 East Mall, Suite 101
Vancouver BC V6T 1Z3
604 822 9682
anoush@convergent.ca

- Elmec Engineering www.elmecengineering.com
Elmec Engineering Ltd is a leading innovator in custom Design and Development of Industrial Systems, including Gas Turbine Generators, chemical process, bulk material handling, conveyors, shiploaders, truck dumpers, and their related controls. From system design to complete project management and commissioning, no system or project is too small. Established in 1972, Elmec quickly gained a reputation for complete prototype development at reasonable costs to the client. We use the latest technologies to integrate all requisite disciplines and materials into every project.
Contact: Leo Vanderbyl
Project Manager
Elmec Engineering Ltd.
1410 Crown Street
North Vancouver BC V7J 1G5
(604) 985-4721
elmeceng@shaw.ca


- Aerospace BizDev
Former AIABC director Linda Wolstencroft has set out on her own as an independent consultant specializing in aerospace marketing and business development. She can be contacted at:
Linda Wolstencroft
Aerospace BizDev
5057 2A Avenue
Delta BC V4M 3N6
(604) 839-5504
lwolsten@telus.net

IRB Working Group
AIABC is currently participating in an IRB working group. Representatives from the Office of the Premier, Western Economic Diversification, Public Works (PWGSC), the Ministry of Economic Development and Industry Canada have met to discuss the role the province and regional organizations should take with respect to representing British Columbia as federal government procurement activities begin to ramp up. This is a very positive and encouraging move by the Province of BC and AIABC will stay involved with the process.

Dale Hunt Joins AIAC as Vice President, Supplier Development
Dale Hunt, a director and past president of AIABC, has joined the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada as Vice President, Supplier Development to lead Association initiatives aimed at assisting SME's in improving their global competitiveness and business growth prospects. Dale brings extensive industry knowledge, linkages, contacts and broad experience as a senior executive of several member companies to the Association. Dale's appointment is the first in a series of appointments that will implement a new AIAC senior staff structure which establishes three Vice President positions, each responsible for issue identification, management and policy development, and related activities in the Defence & Space and Commercial Aviation portfolios in addition to Supplier Development. Dale can be reached at dale.hunt@aiac.ca or (613)760-4550.

Farnborough Airshow
There is a lot of activity related to the upcoming Farnborough Airshow - if you are even thinking of attending, please let me know! This will ensure that I can help identify programs, networking events and other opportunities that may be of interest to BC companies....like this one:

The aerospace sector team from UK Trade and Investment will subsidize six Canadian companies to attend the Farnborough Airshow. UKTI will offer, to those companies selected, a package of assistance which would include:
- Up to 4 nights accommodation and tickets for entry to the show.
- Transport from London/Airport to Hotel
- 1 or 2 networking dinners
- Transport to and from the show each day.
- One-to-one meetings with UK companies or organisations.
To request an application for this program, please click here.

If you simply require some assistance in linking up and meeting with UK companies, please also forward your contact details to the AIABC office, as there will be numerous opportunities to get involved in networking and match-making activities

Western Aerospace Alliance Conference
Registration is well under way and we have a great program lined up. Held at beautiful Painter's Lodge and April Point, this will be one of the most spectacular conferences you have ever attended! Thanks to our platinum sponsors Avcorp Industries for their great support. We are also pleased to recognize our gold-level sponsors MDA, Kelowna Flightcraft and BCIT. Cascade Aerospace, Viking Air and ACROHelipro Global Services are contributing their support as Bronze-level sponsors. We are also pleased to have the support of RiverCorp, Ian Martin Limited, Rand North America and the University College of the Fraser Valley. If you are interested in joining this excellent group of organizations, please call the AIABC office at 604 538 0071. You can see the agenda and register on-line.

AIAC Annual Survey
The AIAC annual survey has been distributed to members AIABC that as listed as Primary Contacts in the membership database. I would like to underscore the importance of completing this survey! Due to a poor response rate last year, the size and scope of BC's aerospace industry was drastically underreported. This does not serve BC's interests well when we are discussing issues on a national or global stage. If you have received this survey, please take a few minutes to fill it out and send it back!

Industrial Security Programs
An 'Industrial Security Advisory Board' has been established to address issues impacting on Canadian companies arising from the policy frameworks and operations of both the Industrial Security Program and the Controlled Goods Program administered by PWGSC. The ISAB is also working to harmonize the requirements of all personnel and industrial security programs across the government with the aim of reducing the administration workload and costs that these programs impose on Canadian companies. One initiative being advanced is to implement a process to make security clearances granted to individuals transferable when they change companies - i.e. to eliminate the current need to re-apply, and to reduce the record keeping by companies in complying with the various programs. Working Groups are being created to address specific issues impacting on the ability of companies to conduct their business in a cost effective and market responsive manner. Volunteers are welcome! If you want to get involved or have current issues that need to be addressed, please send an e-mail to AIABC.

How the Boeing787 will re-establish Boeing's Leadership in Commercial Aviation
Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - Seattle, WA
Mike Bair is a Boeing Vice President and General Manager of the 787 program. The 787 is expected to have a major influence on Boeing and the Seattle community for the next decade. Mike will share with us an insider's view of the 787 program.
Previously, Bair spent 19 months as vice president/general manager for Commercial Aviation Services, with responsibility for the overall strategy and resources supporting the world's largest fleet of commercial jetliners.
Bair began his career with The Boeing Company in 1979 as an engineer. He then held a variety of leadership positions in design, marketing, and project management, while he moved through the 777, 767, and 757 programs. Bair was also involved in many other projects where their goals were to offer superior value to customers.
Admission will include hors d'ouvres and a free tour of the museum following the event.
Click here for more information.

New offices for new member
A new AIABC member has moved offices. Your contact is Rupert May, CA
Partner, Assurance and Business Advisory Services.
Grant Thornton LLP
Grant Thornton Place
Suite 1600 - 333 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 0A4
T (604) 687 - 2711
(604) 443 - 2165 (Direct)
F (604) 685 - 6569
E rmay@grantthornton.ca
www.grantthornton.ca

DND Procurement Briefing
Brigadier General Carl McCabe and Colonel Robert Foster will provide an update on the implementation of the OWSM initiative for procuring long-term in-service support for the Canadian Forces various aircraft fleets and address questions of companies. The presentation will take place at 1:30pm on April 12th the AIAC Office, Suite 1200, 60 Queen. Please confirm your intent to attend to the AIABC office at 604 538 0071. Colonel Foster will be presenting on Military procurement opportunities during the Western Aerospace Alliance Conference in Campbell River, May 31 - June 2.

PNAA Conference proceedings
The recent Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance Conference in Everett was a big success and the numerous presentations are now available on-line. You can view the summary at www.pnaa.net and click on the 2006 Conference button.

==============================
MARCH 22, 2006
Registration for the Western Aerospace Alliance conference has now opened. This is the largest aerospace gathering in Western Canada and will be held in gorgeous Campbell River, BC from May 31 to June 2, 2006. Click here to see the conference program.

===========================
MARCH 13, 2006

New AIABC member
AIABC welcomes its Grant Thornton LLP is a leading firm of chartered accountants, management consultants and other professional advisers serving entrepreneurial people and organizations Canada-wide. Together with Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton in Quebec, we have over 100 offices across the country. And as a member of Grant Thornton International with offices in more than 100 countries, we have the resources to advise you next door, nationwide and worldwide.

We are committed to providing accounting, financial advisory and consulting services to the clients we serve in the aerospace industry in BC through our offices in Vancouver, New West, Langley, Kelowna and Victoria.

Your AIABC contact at Grant Thornton is:
Rupert May, CA
Partner
Assurance and Business Advisory Services
Grant Thornton LLP
P.O. Box 11177, Royal Centre
Suite 2800 - 1055 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 4N3
T (604) 687 - 2711
(604) 443 - 2165 (Direct)
F (604) 685 - 6569
E rmay@GrantThornton.ca
W www.GrantThornton.ca

Stephen Ow joins AIABC Board
Stephen Ow has joined the board of AIABC to represent the seat currently occupied by ACROHelipro. Stephen is Director of Government Programs with ACROHelipro and has been with the company for more than six years.

His contacts are as follows:
Stephen Ow
Director, Government Programs
ACROHELIPRO Global Services
Tel: 604-276-7641
Fax: 604-276-7667
sow@acrohelipro.com


Contacts for West Coast WeldTech
West Coast Weld Tech has moved. Here are the new contact details:
Ray Keller
President
West Coast Weld Tech Inc.
27424 - 52nd Ave
Langley BC V4W 4B2
Tel: 604 856 4040
Fax: 604 856 4088
E-mail: skeller@westcoastweld.com

AIAC Strategy Meeting

AIABC, representing the Western Aerospace Alliance, took part in a strategy refresh session with the Board of Directors of the Aerospace Industry Association of Canada on March 1-2. AIABC is a member of the national organization and, therefore, takes a direct interest in the activities and priorities of the association.

The session agenda included a review of the AIAC's value proposition, the progress of the Canadian Aerospace Partnership, the relationship between AIAC and the provincial associations and AIAC's role in communicating and promoting the aerospace industry's key messages to the Canadian public.

AIAC's Value Proposition
AIAC's value proposition was discussed in detail but no substantive changes were made, with the exception of adding the word "space" to the following paragraph: The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada is the national voice of Canada's aerospace industry. AIAC speaks for companies with operations in Canada that provide advanced technology aerospace products and services to commercial, space and military customers worldwide. Public policy advocacy remains the primary role of AIAC and future efforts with the new Conservative Government will focus on the following three areas: Investment policy, procurement and export financing.

CAP
The second major area of discussion was the Canadian Aerospace Partnership and the recently announced National Aerospace and Defence Strategic Framework. It is AIAC's position that industry and government developed and agreed upon the framework prior to the election and there is an expectation that the new government will respect this consensus-driven document. Reopening the document is not desired; rather starting to hand programs and policies on the various branches of this framework is the proper way to proceed. AIAC will quickly establish a meeting of CAP to ensure the vehicle remains a viable way to ensure that policies and programs to meet AIAC's public policy advocacy objectives are met.

Provincial-National Association relationships
There was considerable discussion about the nature of the relationship between AIAC and the provincial associations that now exist in all 10 provinces. While it is generally recognized that provincial and national mandates do not overlap to a great extent, provincial associations have expressed a desire to be involved in the national decision-making process, and the value that provincial representation brings to AIAC was asserted. Opinions varied on the urgency of reaching a consensus on how the relationship should be re-organized; the only clear consensus was that a problem existed and needed attention. AIAC will therefore provide a framework to provincial associations to enable a dialogue on the issue. No timeframe to deal with the issue was defined, but it is encouraging that the Board has acknowledged the issue and asked for proposals to address it.

Communications
Time ran short on this discussion. Previous board discussions ran into budgetary walls when expansive communications programs, including advertising and public relations components, proved unfundable. The Board's consensus was split on the issue of whether AIAC should have a significant role in attempting to improve the public image of the national aerospace industry, although my sense was that an affordable strategy would meet with approval depending on the key messages that were finally agreed upon. It is also my opinion that this is an important function for AIAC to perform and that many of the public policy advocacy objectives confirmed for AIAC would be more easily achieved if the general public in Canada had a deeper appreciation for the value created by a strong aerospace industry.

Removing Unnecessary Barriers to International Markets
There is a joint OECD/APEC project underway on the removal of impediments to Small and Medium sized enterprises (SMEs) access to international markets. (See the following website for further information: www.oecd.org/cfe/sme. As a member of both organizations, Canada would need your help in answering the questionnaire of this survey. It is extremely important to obtain as many responses as possible to achieve the aim of this survey, and therefore, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take the time to fill out the questionnaire. The survey contains 5 pages and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. The deadline for its reception is April 30, 2006.

Aim of the Project
----------------------------
The aim of the study is to gain a better understanding of the barriers to internationalising (defined as all those constraints that hinder the firm's ability to initiate, to develop, or to sustain business operations in overseas markets) faced by SMEs and to share knowledge of government interventions to reduce those barriers. The intended output of this study is to promote government action to mitigate those barriers.

Method
--------------
This survey, A Survey of SME Perceptions of Barriers to Exporting and Internationalisation, is designed to obtain from SMEs in each economy their perceptions of the most significant barriers to exporting and internationalising. It lists a number of known barriers and invites SMEs to rate the barriers according to which are the most or least significant factors they face in exporting/internationalising.

In addition, it is designed to uncover the perception of SMEs about whether those central government programmes their economy currently has in place to enable SMEs to overcome barriers to internationalisation are or are not working effectively and which ones have proven to be the most useful.

Asking for Co-operation in this Survey
----------------------------------------------------------
This survey is posted on a website which any SME can access and is designed for them to answer the questionnaire as easily as possible. You can access the survey directly at: www.oecd.org/cfe/sme/surveyintbarriers. If the survey is completed online, responses will be automatically captured by the software "Ultimate Survey" and do not need to be forwarded via email.

The Survey Results
-------------------------------
The final report of this survey, including findings and recommendations, will be launched at an OECD Global Conference on "Removing Barriers to SME Access to International Markets" to be held in Athens on 7-8 November 2006, hosted by the Greek Government. Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Serge Charbonneau
Trade Commissioner, International Trade Canada
125 Sussex, Ottawa, ON K1A-0G2
Tel: (613) 996-4785
serge.charbonneau@international.gc.ca


Training funding
The provincial budget released on February 21st saw an additional $13 million directed to the ITA for each of the next three fiscal years, increasing our annual budget to $90 million.

This is very good news for B.C. employers and those interested in pursuing training in the skilled trades. The increased investment in industry training reflects Government's confidence in the ITA and our progress to date, and recognition of the need to continue expanding industry training capacity to meet growing demand.

In the two years since the ITA's inception, the number of trainees/apprentices actively pursuing training in B.C. has risen 76%, to more than 25,000. Nearly 3,000 of these are youth in the successful ACE IT and SSA programs. Employer participation has also increased, by 26%, with more than 8,500 providing sponsorship to apprentices. The $90 million training tax credit announced in the recent budget is expected to increase employer participation even further.

I want to take this opportunity to draw your attention to the ITA's recently released Service Plan for the years 2006/07 to 2008/09. It is available on the ITA website at http://www.itabc.ca/whatsnew.php?ContentID=72 In addition to an organizational overview and a discussion of the strategic framework within which we operate, our Service Plan defines the key strategic imperatives we are pursuing, and attaches specific goals and performance targets to each. Performance against these goals is reported monthly in our Performance Measurement Report, available online at http://www.itabc.ca/documents/ITA%20Performance%20Measurement%20Report.pdf

I hope you will take some time to review this document, and I welcome your questions or feedback. On behalf of all the staff at the ITA, we look forward to the opportunity to continue working with you and your organization in the coming year.

Brian Clewes
CEO
Industry Training Authority
1223 - 13351 Commerce Parkway
Richmond, BC V6V 2X7

ABSTRACT
AIABC received this abstract the other day. Send me an e-mail to receive the complete document, including illustrations!

"This patent proposes new configurations for flying crafts in the form of saucers, and new methods for generating lift force through the inverted air flow, as it is sucked by the jet engine, over the flying saucer upper surface, and/or over circular wings mounted above the saucer, and/or over a set of radial wings mounted above the saucer. The lift force generated by this inverted air flow can be augmented by the high pressure created by the exhaust gases flow over the lower surface of the flying saucer or its flow through a lower set of radial wings. Aerodynamic controls can be provided through gates controlling the area of the annular air passage to the jet engine, or through varying the radial wings angle of incidence, thus providing for pitching and rolling control. In addition, the nozzle can be made to swivel to provide for yawing control."

Export Controls Seminar
The Export Controls Division, in cooperation with the Controlled Goods Directorate and the Canada Border Services Agency will offer a seminar in Vancouver on the following date:

Session VII
Vancouver - March 21, 2006


The seminar will cover the following topics:

¦ Canadian Export Controls Process

¦ New Export Controls On-Line (EXCOL) System
¦ Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
¦ Controlled Goods Program (CGP)
- Do I need to register for CGP?
- Registration procedure

Should you wish further information,
please do not hesitate to contact:

Cliff Smith (613) 996-0210
cliff.smith@international.gc.ca


Information/Consultation Sessions on Transport Canada's Proposed New Accountability Framework

AIAC will hold two sessions to develop industry consensus on its advocacy position for the CARAC Part V Working Group that is to be established to make recommendations on the proposed new Accountability Framework. The focus of these sessions will be on developing a common understanding of the current delegation system including its limitations and consensus on the nature and extent of the delegation needed by 2010.

The sessions will be open to participation by current holders of delegations under AWM 505 B, C, and E, including DARs and representatives of DAOs and AMOs.

Session dates and times:

March 23, 0800-1700, Pratt & Whitney Canada, 1801 Courtney Park Drive, Mississauga, ON

April 4, 0800-1700, MDA Corporation, 13,800 Commerce Parkway, Richmond, BC

A $35 (+GST) registration fee will be charged to offset meeting costs. You must pre-register to attend the meetings. Andrew Huige at 604 538 0071 to register.

Team Spartan
Signed up for the Mar 20 Team Spartan IRB program yet? Click here for details

WAA Conference registration
If you want a sneak peek at agenda for the most talked about conference in years (or if you want to test out our on-line registration system) you can see it by clicking here. The brochure is going to be ready in the next couple days, then we shall launch the conference registration period! Stand by!

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, so take a look at the program and decide soon whether you want to be part of the biggest aerospace gathering this side of Ontario. For a list of sponsorship opportunities, click here to send me an e-mail.

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FEBRUARY 24, 2006

More privileges for AIABC members at PNAA conference

In addition to the deeply discounted registration rate of US$100 (a US$315 savings!), Canadian companies will now have a display table available to them to place promotional material at the conference. Please bring your promo items and be sure to maximize your exposure at this important event in the heart of Washington State's aerospace industry.

The latest conference agenda can be viewed by clicking here

To register, please click here and look for the Register On-line link!

NOTE: You cannot receive the discounted rate if you do not register in advance! Please call Andrew at the AIABC office (604 538 0071) if you have any problems.

Funding for Canadian Group Stand - ILA 2006

ILA 2006 (Berlin, May 16-21) offers Canadian aerospace companies a pan-European marketing platform to showcase their capabilities. Participating companies include Airbus, Eurocopter, Eurofighter, EADS, Safran/Snecma and Thales as well as a large Russian contingent comprising Roskosmos, MiG, Sukhoi, Irkut, Beriev, Rosoboronexport, the engine manufacturers' association Assad, and the helicopter companies Kamov, Kazan, Rostvertol and Mil. Leading US firms will also be represented, among them, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, UTC, as well as Sikorsky and Bell Helicopter. Engine manufacturers include MTU Aero Engines, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce. Aircraft from all the leading makes such as Beechcraft, Bombardier, Embrear, Cessna, Cirrus, Diamond, Pilatus, Piper and Thielert will be in attendance.

ILA mirrors the key areas of the international aerospace market: Commercial Air Transport, Maintenance and Technical Services; Spaceflight and Applications; Military Aviation and Defense Technology; Equipment, Engines, Materials; General Aviation Business & Corporate Aviation. Over 100,000 trade visitors attended ILA 2004.

Taking advantage of the shared Canadian space in a dedicated North American Pavilion not only minimizes your costs, but also expands your visibility and opportunities. A special Canadian Group Stand rate has been negotiated with the Show organizers. For a US$3,000, exhibit fee, participating Canadian companies gain:

- a workstation with lockable cupboard, small counter space and space for a poster
- access to the services at the stand (general info booth, Embassy presence in helping to handle inquiries from customer reps) internet, meeting tables, storage
- access to the North American Lounge
- access to a conference room (with prior reservation) within the North America Pavilion
- 2 Exhibitor Passes
- Logo and company profile in Canada Group Stand Brochure to be distributed/mailed out prior to the Show
- Networking Reception at the Stand hosted by the Canadian Ambassador (tbc)
- Log on invitation to Reception

Participating companies will be able to access funding support to help defray airfare and per diem costs - Cdn $1,500

Dependent on interest of participating companies an extended program may be arranged to allow meetings with major German-based aerospace companies.

Confirm your participation to AIABC by Friday, March 3rd by sending an e-mail to info@aiabc.com.


==============================
FEBRUARY 22, 2006

The Canadian Consulate General-Los Angeles, Canadian Consulate-San Diego and Ontario Exports are planning to host a Canadian Pavilion at the upcoming 2007 Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association Exposition and Conference.

AFCEA West 2007 will be the largest event on the West Coast for communications, electronics, intelligence, information systems, imaging, military weapon systems, aviation, shipbuilding, and more. This important event has been held in San Diego for the past many years, has been growing in attendance and attracts an audience of both military and industry. It is a first rate conference, anchored by the presence of key US Prime Contractors and Government agencies. According to the show organizers, over 10,000 Military/Government/Industry decision makers visited the exhibit floor in 2006 during the three-day event. There were approximately 260 exhibitors, including a number of Canadian companies. For further information on AFCEA, visit: www.afcea.org

The Canadian Pavilion will offer a very effective and high impact opportunity for companies to display for a minimal cost. At the same time this simple, shared approach minimizes pre-show logistics, booth staffing requirements and permits a greater opportunity to walk the exhibit floor and network. Participants will receive:

1. Shared promotional space with company logo/signage and literature rack
2. Reception area with staff available to connect you with your potential customers
3. Entry in Showcase Directory
4. Opportunity to participate in networking functions

When: January 31 - February 2, 2007
Where: San Diego Convention Centre
San Diego, California
Web: www.afcea.org/events/west

We have reserved 400 square feet of exhibit space with the possibility to expand if demand requires it. We must commit to this Exposition and Conference by this March, and therefore would appreciate an expression of your interest in participation in the Canadian Pavilion no later then March 10th, 2006, so that we may plan accordingly. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding your participation at AFCEA West 2007.

Please Forward Expressions of Interest, ASAP to:

Sean Barr
Consul & Trade Commissioner
Canadian Consulate San Diego
Tel: 619-615-4284
Email: sean.barr@international.gc.ca


FEBRUARY 21, 2006

Last week for Seattle conference discount
The Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance conference in Washington State takes place next week. This is the Washington counterpart to AIABC, so it's a good chance to meet some US-based networking contacts at a very reasonable cost: the Seattle Consulate has joined forces with AIABC to offer members a deeply discounted rate of US$100 (a saving of $US$315!) Click here for more info and to register.

Don Cameron, RIP
It is with profound sadness that I inform the members of the BC Aviation Council of the passing of Don Cameron, a long serving member, BCAC President & Chairman, and member of the BCAC Senate. Don was also a retired RCAF Group Captain, member of the Air Force Officers' Association and was a former Commanding Officer of 442/443 Squadrons RCAF. There will be a memorial service held at 1100 hours on Saturday March 4th 2006 at St. Davids United Church, located on the NW corner of Taylor Way and the Upper Levels Highway, West Vancouver.
- Rollie Back, Acting President and CEO, BCAC


Export Controls Seminar 2006
The Export Controls Division, in cooperation with the Controlled Goods Directorate and the Canada Border Services Agency will offer a seminar in Vancouver on March 21, 2006.
The seminar will cover the following topics:
-Canadian Export Controls Process
-New Export Controls On-Line (EXCOL) System
-Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
-Controlled Goods Program (CGP)
- Do I need to register for CGP?
- Registration procedure
Please register for the seminar here: www.exportcontrols.gc.ca
* Please note the registration fee of $35.00 includes a buffet lunch.
Should you wish further information, please do not hesitate to contact:
Cliff Smith (613) 996-0210
cliff.smith@international.gc.ca

New Accountability Framework
The impact of the New Accountability Framework (NAF) on the delegated activities of member companies of AIABC is believed to be significant and following discussion at the last CARAC meeting, Transport Canada has formed a Working Group. To better prepare for this activity, the AIAC is holding two workshops to consolidate the Industry position. This is intended to provide a vision for what Industry needs for future delegation so as to remain competitive as delegations under the FAA and EASA jurisdictions develop. We invite you to participate in this session and to help prepare for the important discussions at the CARAC working group. This invitation open to anyone presently working with a Transport Canada delegation under AWM 505. The purpose of this meeting is to better understand the needs of other segments of industry and where there are common interests that support a common position. The day-long meeting takes place April 4 from 8 am to 5 pm. Please call the AIABC office at 604 538 0071 or send an e-mail to Andrew Huige info@aiabc.com for details and to register. Cost: $35.

2006 Aviation Hall of Fame Dinner
The 2006 Induction Ceremony and Dinner for Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame will be held at the Chateau Champlain Hotel, Montreal May 27, 2006, Montreal. Four people will be inducted as Members of The Hall: Dr. A. Ross Tilley (1904-1988), Robert B. McIntyre (1913-1985), Walter Chmela, of North York, Ontario, and Fern Villeneuve, of Carrying Place, Ontario. As well, The Hall’s ‘Belt of Orion’ Award for Excellence will be presented to the International Aviation Management Training Institute (IAMTI). For information and tickets, contact Mary Oswald, 780-469-3547 or e-mail oswaldm@shaw.ca, or contact Justin Cuffe, Curator of the Hall of Fame at 780-361-1351, ext 241, or e-mail cahf@telusplanet.net.

Airbus Mission
AIABC is promoting an AIAC mission to Toulouse, April 2-4, 2006. Here is some additional information on the project.
1. Presentations from Airbus Pre-Mission Information Session are posted on the AIAC website www.aiac.ca under the 'Calendar of Events' section.

2. For a preliminary agenda, hotel info and an updated list of attendees from the Information Session plese send an e-mail to: info@aiabc.com.

3. If you are interested in taking part of this Mission and have not already submitted your profile, please complete the form as soon as possible and return by email to Vlada Shilina at AIAC Vlada.shilina@aiac.ca by February 24th, 2006. As mentioned before, the purpose of this profile is to provide Airbus with a clear view and understanding of your company and the type of products and technologies you propose to introduce during this Mission. This will help us to identify the right counterparts for you to meet with within Airbus and to plan the proper activities for this event.

4. For your reference and background information, you may want to refer to the Airbus A350 Market Insight report (July 20, 2005). It is available on the Trade Commissioner's Internet site, Infoexport, at the following addresses: http://www. infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=54953

The Market Insight on the A350 provides a backgrounder on this commercial aircraft program, it's relation to the Airbus A330 and the Boeing 787, and contacts relevant to the A350 program. Should you want to read this report, you must complete the registration process for the Virtual Trade Commissioner (VTC) which would allow you to access all of the services provided by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service. Please note that the VTC is free for Canadian exporters.

AOG announces management changes
A.O.G. Air Support Inc., a leading provider of aerospace safety and performance modifications, today announced that Mr. Dave Barron will assume the position of President and that Gerald A. Stevenson will assume his new role as Chief Financial Officer within the organization effective immediately. Mr. Barron has held the position of CEO since 1997 and stepped down in his role as President to bring on Mr. Doug Kobayashi as President from October 2005 to Feb 14, 2006. Mr. Kobayashi joined our firm in January 2005 and implemented the Strategic Plan for the company while he worked in the capacity of Director of Business Development until he was appointed President in October 2005. It is of great regret that as of February 14, 2006 the company announces that Doug has resigned as President and as a Director on the Board and has moved on to future endeavors. Mr. Dave Barron will step back into the role of President and CEO for the corporation. Dave is our founding President and brings stability to the corporation with his strong leadership and guidance to management and strives to ensure that the company is governed to the highest independent standards. Dave leads our design team and was the founder and originating Patent holder of the " Baron Stol" which named after him brings both safety and performance to the Beaver and Otter aircraft.

Aerospace Dialogue with the New Government
With the swearing in of the new Government last week, AIABC, through its membership in the National association, is now engaged in seeking the commitment of Industry Minister Maxime Bernier and his Cabinet colleagues to support and participate in the CAP process, and to move forward quickly to implement the National Aerospace & Defence Strategic Framework. CAP Co-Chairs Alain Bellemare and Dave Caddey, and AIAC Chair Pierre Racine have requested early meetings with Industry Minister Bernier and several of his Cabinet colleagues to reinforce the importance of these initiatives, and to reiterate that the NADSF represents a national, non-partisan consensus on the policies and initiatives vital to industry competitiveness. The presence of former Industry Minister David Emerson in the new Cabinet provides some welcome and unanticipated continuity and leverage on CAP/NADSF. We'll also be engaging other members of CAP, especially Provincial Minister members, and the broader 'aerospace caucus' in Parliament (regardless of political affiliation) to press home our case on CAP and NADSF. Early implementation of the new A&D technology development program and rapid progress in the acquisition of new airlift assets for the CF, employing a fair and transparent process that maximizes opportunities for Canadian industrial participation and development, are key priorities for AIAC.

Trends in government funding for aerospace
Counterpoint Consultants have prepared a report entitled "Who pays, who wins - trends in government funding for aerospace". For an Executive summary of the report, please click here.

Regulatory update of the Export Control List
An updated Export Control List (ECL) Guide (2003) and corrigenda are now available. New E-links in English and French and the ECL 2003 are: www.exportcontrols.gc.ca. A paper copy of the Guide can be obtained from the Export Controls Division at (613) 996-2387.

Personal Information Protection Act
April 26, 27/2006, The Calgary Westin
"Customers, Employees, and Privacy: An Educational Forum for Businesses" is a two-day event during which some of North America's leading privacy experts will share their insights in plenary and breakout sessions. The focus is on practical, real-world problems and solutions. Delegates will be able to choose breakout sessions geared towards customers, employees and compliance in their areas of interest. This forum offers an excellent opportunity to hear from the regulators and from stakeholders about challenges they have faced and solutions they have created. We invite you and the members of your organization to join us for what we believe will be a highly informative, practical and engaging educational experience. The forum is priced to offer great value, at less than $500.00, including refreshment breaks, lunches and conference materials. For more information go to www.pipa2006 or call 888.814.8317

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FEBRUARY 14, 2006

Yes 2 it
A new program from the Industry Training Authority and the Ministry of Education offers funding to increase awareness of aerospace trades amongst students in grades 6 to 9, as well as their parents and influencers.

"Yes 2 it" - an acronym for Youth Exploring Skills to Industry Training, will provide up to $5,000 per approved school/activity program that broadens students understanding for trades occupations and pathways.

AIABC is looking for potential programs it can sponsor, so if you have ideas, or would like to collaborate with AIABC to develop programs, please click here to let me know.. For more information you can also visit the ITA website at www.itabc.ca

Aerospace in the news
AIABC contributed to the the story by Jim Jamieson of the Province, which ran Sunday Feb 12. 2006. Click here to read the story.

Helicopter controversy continues
From the Vancouver Sun a few days ago:
Stephen Harper's new government could face a $1-billion legal penalty after a European aerospace firm filed a claim for damages citing political interference by the Liberals during the 2004 purchase of naval helicopters.

Aerospace giant Agusta-Westland recently filed the $1-billion claim for damages in Federal Court, alleging its EH-101 helicopter didn't win the competition to provide Canada's military with a maritime chopper because of political interference by the Liberal government. The company is also asking for $1 million in punitive damages. Some Conservatives have privately voiced concerns their government will get stuck with the bill if the company wins its case.

Agusta-Westland contends the Liberals designed the $5-billion program to buy 28 maritime helicopters in such a way as to prevent the selection of its EH-101 chopper. The firm lost out to its American rival Sikorsky, which was awarded the contract in 2004 to provide a replacement for the military's aging Sea Kings.

Pierre Teotonio, a spokesman for Public Works and Government Services Canada, said the government has until Feb. 17 to file its defence in court. He declined further comment.

========================
FEBRUARY 10, 2006

Funds for workplace safety improvements
An opportunity exists to access funding for workplace safety improvements. This is a great opportunity for workers and employers to individually or collectively work towards researching, developing, designing and modifying workplaces or safety equipment that can be site specific or with an industry wide application.

If you have an idea for a workplace safety improvement project in your own firm or, better yet, one that is applicable across a range of aerospace companies, please call Andrew at AIABC (604 538 0071) or send me an e-mail by clicking here: info@aiabc.com. Depending on your project, notices of intent must be submitted between March 6 and April 3, 2006 with applications following shortly thereafter.

=======================
FEBRUARY 9, 2006

New members join AIABC

AIABC is pleased to welcome three new members to the Association. Please check out their profiles and say hi!

EPIC DATA
Epic Data is dedicated to the continuous advancement of integrated data capture, processing and dissemination solutions that provide real-time visibility to reduce waste and increase throughput in the manufacturing value stream. Epic Data’s products and solutions capture data from wired and wireless devices, fixed mount or mobile handheld terminals and integrate that information in real-time across local and wide area networks. They communicate seamlessly with host databases and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems including SAP, Oracle and Baan and integrate automated data capture with organizations' critical information systems. Some of the world’s leading manufacturers and Fortune 500 companies in aerospace & defense, machinery, automotive and high technolgy use Epic Data’s Enterprise Data Capture and Collaborative Manufacturing Execution solutions.
Contact: Sonny Sull. Product Marketing Specialist, (604) 207-7692, sonny_sull@epicdata.com

METAL ACTION MACHINING
Metal Action Machining Ltd. is a CNC machine shop offering one-stop manufacturing service, from rough idea to the final product. We offer an ultimate High-Speed, Multi-Axis CNC machining service with record-breaking fast turnaround time.
We do specialize in manufacturing of certified Aerospace Parts as well as designing and manufacturing of Aircraft Assembly / Maintenance Tools and Sheetmetal Hydroforming Formblocks.
Contact: Mark Ergetowski, General Manager, 604 519-0676,
mark@metalaction.ca

DEEP DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Deep Development manufactures rugged digital video recorders under the Viperfish name with the Viperfish ASX DVR being our aerospace model.
Contact: Ken Bower. Account Executive, Viperfish - Air Operations, 604 864-9671, kbower@deepdevelopmentcorp.com

AIABC discount for Washington state conference
AIABC memebers are eligible for a deeply discounted registration rate at the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance conference in Washington State. This is the Washington coutnerpart to AIABC, so it's a good chance to meet some US-based networking contacts at a very reasonable cost (US$100). Thanks to the Seattle Consulate for their assistance with this program. Click here for more info and to register.

A400M Supplier Registration forms
Are you interested in exposing your company to EADS? The parent company of Airbus and many other European aerospace companies was in town recently to host a seminar with AIABC to discuss IRB-related procurement opportunities in a broad range of its programs. Companies wishing to get into the EADS range of vision should click here to download this form. and sned it to the AIABC office (coordinate on the form). We'll forward it to EADS. Also, the presentations made at the event are also available. Request them by clicking here.

AIABC to meet with Boeing over future procurements
Given the new political environment in Canada, Boeing is meeting this month with AIABC to discuss opportunities for future military procurement programs. Make sure that you are part of this discussion by ensuring your company profile is up-to-date on the AIABC website so we can keep up to date on the capabilities of our members and refer OEMS like Boeing to you when they come looking!

Date change for mission to Airbus in Toulouse
The dates for the Airbus mission to Toulouse have changed. April 2nd - April 4th are now the projected dates. Currently, the company profile form is being refined and will be available here shortly The companies interested in participating in the Mission will be required to complete the form. The forms will be forwarded directly to Airbus. As well, AIAC and Industry Canada are developing the draft program for the mission. Stay tuned for more details!

Provincial working group on IRBs
AIABC is very pleased to have been approached by the Premier's Offfice to participate in a provincial government IRB working group. As members will know, Industrial Regional Benefits have long been a source of concern for BC aerospace companies and we are pleased to have been asked to provide some input to the province in how to best position BC to take advantage of this program. A number of other industrial and business associations, plus all levels of government have been approached to take part. No further details are available right now, but this is a very good step in the right direction.

AIABC workforce strategy update
Due to the PNAA conference in Seattle, the proposed workforce strategy dates in Vancouver and Kelowna were inconvenient, so we will push those dates forward a couple of weeks into March. Stay tuned for more details.

Regional roundup
Do you have a piece of news you would like to promote? Send it to AIABC and we'll post it on the website.

Front page story in the Province
Watch for a front page story on the front page of the Vancouver Province this weekend. AIABC has provided some input into an extensive profile of the BC aerospace industry byu reporter Jim Jamieson.

BCIT Video
Click here to check out an interesting new recruitment video by BCIT. The only thing they are missing is a fancy quote from AIABC! Just kidding. It's a nice product.

Member update: Boutilier Manufacturing Solutions
At BMSI we are making changes! The company is expanding and opening a warehouse under the name iCut Metal Centre in January, 2006. The vision for change is clear as we head into the New Year. iCut has purchased a CNC Plasma Table which can pierce 1 ¾” thick plate. Although our name has changed, one thing that hasn’t changed is the working relationship between iCut and Access Precision Machining; two companies committed to growth and customer service. Together we are looking forward to 2006 as it brings numerous changes for Access; location (brand new state of the art facility in Salmon Arm), new machine arrival (Mazak Nexus 250MY – CNC Lathe – 4 Axis/Live Tooling) and ISO 9001-2000. An updated Access Capabilities List in the AIABC website profile

BC Aviation Council
As many of you are aware, in addition to my duties with the Aerospace Industry Association, I have also been President of the BC Aviation Council for the past two years. After a period of intense restructuring during which we have made many great strides in revitalizing that organization, I have recently resigned from the Aviation Council. I wish them all the best in their endeavours and I am sure that they will succeed. Rollie Back, a former chair of BCAC and founding member of AIABC, will be acting president of BCAC until a new President is appointed. He can be reached at 604 278 9330 or bcac@telus.net. I remain with the Aerospace Industry Association, and I look forward to continuing to build on the past successes of the BC aerospace industry - Andrew Huige

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JANUARY 30, 2006

Conference Report: AFCEA West 2006

AFCEA West 2006
San Diego Convention Center
January 10-12, 2006

Submitted by Sean Barr and Jeffrey Gray

Summary

West 2006 is the largest event on the West Coast for communications, electronics, intelligence, information systems, imaging, military weapon systems, aviation, shipbuilding, and more. This is a one-of-a-kind forum featuring the people you need to hear from, the products and services you need to do your job, and informed discussion of the critical issues of today and tomorrow!

AFCEA stands for the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, but it encompasses more than just the military. AFCEA International is the premier non-profit association representing professionals in communications, electronics, intelligence and information systems. AFCEA provides a multi-faceted professional development forum, including courses, conferences, expositions, SIGNAL Magazine, and numerous networking opportunities. Both AFCEA and the US Naval Institute worked to co-sponsor this year’s West 2006.

The U.S. Naval Institute is the publisher of Proceedings and Naval History magazines and more than 900 professional books. It is a unique professional membership association that has served for more than 130 years as the only independent forum to advance the understanding of sea power and other issues critical to national defense.

This year’s AFCEA West 2006 was also significant in that it represented the first year that the Canadian Consulate in San Diego committed resources to providing assistance to Canadian Aerospace & Defense companies. AFCEA West 2006 proved to be an excellent venue to expand the Consulate’s network within the local market and further its presence in the San Diego Aerospace & Defense community.

Exposition

The Canadian Consulate General, Los Angeles and the Canadian Consulate Trade Office in San Diego partnered with Ontario Exports to host an exhibit at the show. According to the show organizers, over 10,000 Military/Government/Industry decision makers visited the exhibit floor during this three-day event. There were approximately 260 exhibitors. There were quite a few with a Canadian Connection.

J.Gray (LNGLS) and S.Barr (SNDGO) had the opportunity to meet LCol Georges Lislois, Section Head, RF, Microwave and SATCOM Telecommunications and Cable Plant, National Defense Headquarters and Capt. Claude Miville, Telecommunications in Radio Frequency and Microwave Systems Project Officer, National Defense Headquarters.

Companies from Canada that did exhibit and/or attend AFCEA West, to our knowledge, included the following:

Evans Consoles (Participating with System Spec)
Founded in 1980 and privately owned, Evans Consoles is the world leader in the design and manufacture of custom control room solutions for mission critical and other technology-intensive environments. Specializing in custom console, millwork and audio-visual enclosure solutions, Evans has built the reputation over the last 25 years of providing quality and service that continues to lead the industry.

ITS Electronics Inc.
The 18 year old mobile satellite communication technology company, holds ISO 9001:2000 and SAE AS9100 certification. ITS designs and builds High Power Solid State Transmitters and Transceivers for SOTMTM, SOTPTM , Fly-Away Airborne and Marine platforms in L, X , Ku, and K/Ka bands. ITS delivered the 90W Ka-Band SSPA.

Smart Technologies
Smart Technologies Inc. is the global market leader in group collaboration tools, including award-winning SMART Board™ interactive whiteboards, as well as interactive pen displays, interactive digital signage, wireless slates and software. Military institutions choose SMART products to access and relay information to effectively brief, strategize and train personnel.

Valcom Manufacturing Group
Valcom manufactures military antennas for use on sea,land and air. Antennas supplied are for LF, MF, HF and UHF applications. Valcom manufactures antennas for the U.S. Coast Guard as well as antennas for commercial AM Broadcast use. Valcom operates a Repair and Overhaul facility for most military communication equipment.

NovaTel Inc.
NovAtel Inc. is a leading provider of precise positioning and augmentation technologies targeted at original equipment manufacturers. The company's core technology is applied in numerous markets requiring robust positioning information, including unmanned systems. NovAtel is also the prime supplier of GPS ground reference receivers to national satellite-based augmentation systems worldwide.

Bluewave Antenna
Bluewave Antenna Systems Ltd. specializes in the design and manufacture of fixed base-station antennas for SCADA, land mobile radio, wireless industrial automation, and wireless local loop applications. Bluewave’s Marathon, Summit, Carrier and Guardian series antennas address a wide range of performance and economic requirements. Bluewave also designs custom solutions for specific applications and OEM requirements.

EMS Technologies
EMS Technologies develops advanced technology hardware for military, commercial and space applications, including critical systems and subsystems for airborne, terrestrial, and space-based communications, RADAR, electronic warfare systems and satellite-based broadband communications. EMS hardware supports the industry's most advanced surveillance, electronic counter-measures and secure communications capabilities.

TACO Communications
TACO manufactures High Quality communication ANTENNAS that are built for rugged use and reliable performance. TACO's wide range of antenna products have been engineered and designed to meet the demanding requirements of the Military, Defense Contractors and Air Traffic Control Systems worldwide. Omni, Helical and Yagi Antennas.

Nortel Government Solutions
Government Solutions combines Nortels leadership in networking technology and its expertise with leadership in government IT solutions and services. The newly formed U.S. company will engineer, deploy and manage mission-critical solutions for a growing number of government customers, particularly homeland security, criminal justice, intelligence, defense and federal civilian agencies.

StrataFLEX Corporation
For the past 25 years, StrataFLEX Corporation has provided flexible printed circuit and assembly solutions including single sided, double sided, multilayer, rigid-flex and sculptured flex, to aerospace, defence, medical, instrumentation, and industrial customers.

M/A-COM Private Radio Systems Canada Corp.
M/A-COM is recognized as a pioneer in microwave and radio frequency (RF) technology, and has established itself as an industry leading developer and high-volume manufacturer of RF, microwave and millimeter wave semiconductors, components and technologies. M/A-COM is part of the Tyco International group of companies, and is a unit of Tyco Electronics, the largest business unit of Tyco International.

Networking Events

International Trade Canada partnered with the local San Diego chapter of AFCEA to host the opening reception on the exhibit floor. We were provided with tables to meet with local contacts. Additional sponsorship was in support of the awards banquet.

Key Outcomes

As it turned out, our support of the banquet allowed us to have the Mayor of San Diego, Jerry Sanders, sit at our table for the entire dinner. He was keenly interested in working with Canada at next year’s AFCEA West to have a networking reception.

A few Canadian companies that were exhibiting on their own felt that it would make sense to have a Canadian pavilion and leverage their participation at West 2007.

With the help of Lt.Col Jamie Robertson, Canadian Embassy, and the materials provided by CanadianAlly.com, there was a strong advocacy message utilizing displays and fact sheets.

Conclusions and Recommendations
It is highly recommended that participation in West 2007, January 31st to February 2nd be undertaken. To that end 400 square feet of exhibit space has been reserved for International Trade Canada, Foreign Affairs Canada, Ontario Exports and those companies that wish to join us. . AFCEA is a premier networking event and will be leveraged as both International Business Development and Advocacy.

Payment of the deposit related to the exhibit space should be secured ASAP. The deposit for space is US $7,000.

“I really got a lot out of AFCEA West. This is an important event and I am more convinced than ever of its importance in furthering our A&D trade and advocacy objectives - not only in California but all across the United States. I was impressed on how many influential DoD types from the greater Washington D.C. area made the trip and attended the Conference/Expo.” John Bonar, International Trade Canada, North American Bureau.

Additional Notes
Visit and Tour of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Depot North Island

J. Gray (LNGLS), S. Barr (SNDGO) and G. Braoudakis (Ontario Exports Inc.) also had the opportunity after AFCEA West 2006 to visit the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Depot North Island, located in Coronado, CA.

The presentation and subsequent tour of their facilities provided by Mr. Walt Palmer, Director, Industrial Business Operations Department and Ms. Elaine Heller, F/A-18 Hornet Foreign Military Sales Team Leader, afforded the opportunity to understand NAVAIR’s mission. The depot’s 3,100 personnel specialize in the support of Navy and Marine Corps aircraft and related systems. Aircraft arrive at NAVAIR from around the world for scheduled maintenance, major modification and/or crash damage repair.

The tour and presentation focused on NAVAIR’s capabilities with respect to F/A-18 Hornet Center Barrel Replacement. A fixture of the NAVAIR depot, this capability helps avoid millions of dollars in aircraft replacement costs while significantly extending the service of life of the Navy’s primary strike aircraft.

The focus of this trip and visit primarily focused on advocating on behalf of Canadian business and government positions. The visit did not provide any insight into business development opportunities for Canadian clients. When asked about possible outsourcing potential, all of those in attendance responded by saying the vast majority of work is sourced from within the NAVAIR depot. The Consulate in San Diego and Consulate General in Los Angeles will continue to work with the NAVAIR depot to advocate for outsourcing opportunities and support of Canadian issues.

Many thanks to Maj. James Heebner, Detachment Commander (Canada), Department of Defense, NAVAIR Depot for his support in arranging and facilitating the tour, introductions and subsequent presentation.

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JANUARY 20, 2006

EADS Industrial Participation
If you missed the EADS seminar last week, please drop me an e-mail and I would be pleased to send you a copy of the Airbus A400M Supplier Information Form. EADS is collecting this information to source potential suppliers on a variety of EADS programs. Also, you can help by filling out your profile on www.aiabc.com. This is free for both members and non-members.

TPC Restructuring
The National Aerospace & Defence Strategic Framework announced at the end of November included a commitment to establsh a new A & D technology support program to replace the A&D component of TPC. TPC's existing financial authority runs out at the end of 2006 (it's probable that TPC will close the door on new applications by the end of March). The implications of next Monday's federal election outcome on the implementation of the new program remain to be seen. However, in the interim, AIAC has engaged Industry Canada on the mandate, scope, structure and terms & conditions of the new program. This week AIAC covened a meeting with industry members and IC officials to gain some initial insight on IC thinking on progam design and operations. For more information and briefing notes, please


AIAC Consultation Workshops on Transport Canada's Accountability Framework
Transport Canada has tabled a new Accountability Framework for Aeronautical Product Certification. It was a significant subject for discussion at the December CARAC Tech Committee V meeting. As proposed, this new framework will eliminate all Ministeral Delegates (DARs, DEOs and AEOs) and replace them with a new system of Approved Design Organizatons (ADOs) and Approved Design Individuals (ADIs). The implications of this proposal are significant, although not well understood by all. A number of industry members have expressed real concern over the change, and questioned its necessity. AIAC will organize two 1-day workshops to develop industry consensus on the implications of the new framework and prepare a response to Transport. The workshops will be held in Toronto on 23 March, and in Vancouver on 4 April. Details will follow in the next two weeks.

Joint Strike Fighter
A JSF Industry Day takes place next month. Click here for details

Airbus Mission to Toulouse
Interested in taking part in a trade mission to Toulouse? Click here for more info.

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DECEMBER 16, 2005

Supply Chain Performance Initiative
Dale Hunt, who many of you know from his long association with the aerospace industry, has been engaged by AIAC to assist with implementation of the new AIAC organizational structure approved earlier this fall.

The focus of Dale's work for AIAC will be on implementation of our new Supply Chain Performance initiative, and its broader implications for AIAC's overall value proposition.

Dale brings to this work a thorough knowledge of the industry, a strong background in marketing and communications, excellent linkages and contacts within the industry, and a long history with AIAC as a senior executive of several member companies. Most recently Dale was President and CEO of Aerospace North America.

Dale will be consulting extensively with AIAC members between now and mid-February to ensure our new organizational structure achieves its full potential to deliver value. Please provide Dale your full cooperation in the event he contacts you.

Dale can be reached at 613-760-4550 or dale.hunt@aiac.ca

IWG receives patent
International Water-Guard Industries Inc. (IWG) is pleased to announce that it has received a Canadian Patent (No. 2,345,995) on its Circulating Potable Water System (C-PWSTM).

IWG has retrofitted the C-PWS on four aircraft types to date - the Boeing Business Jet (a 737-700 variant) Bombardier Global Express, Airbus A310, and Gulfstream G-IV. IWG either holds U.S. and Canadian Supplemental Type Certificates (STC’s) for those installations or has them in progress.

“The issuance of a Canadian patent on our system is another important landmark for us,” said David Fox, IWG’s President and CEO. “Significant capital, both intellectual and financial, was invested in the development of this type of system, and we work to protect this investment and its downstream value in each of the world’s major aerospace markets. Canada, as the world’s third largest aerospace producer and our home base, is a large market for us. We are the world leader in aircraft potable water innovation, so building and maintaining global intellectual property protection is a key business strategy, and this latest patent grant is another step in that direction.”

Continual circulation prevents the water from freezing at high altitudes and does so while minimizing the electrical water line heaters required by traditional designs. It also replaces bulky pressurized water tanks with unpressurized tanks that can be configured to conform to the shape of the aircraft, thereby opening up space inside a crowded fuselage. IWG’s C-PWS also includes its ultraviolet water treatment units, which provide clean, disinfected water for passengers and crew. The result is a simple, light weight potable water system that incorporates its own ‘water treatment plant’.

Avcorp signs labour contract
Avcorp Industries Inc. (AVP on the Toronto Stock Exchange) announced that it has reached agreement with its union employees for a new four-year contract.

"The agreement underscores the commitment of the employees to support the Company by providing a long-term agreement, which positions Avcorp to take advantage of current opportunities," said Michael Scholz, Chairman.

Key features of the contract that covers approximately 485 skilled aerospace technicians represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW):
- 0%, 0%, 3% and 4% salary increases over the four-year contract;
- a one-time lump sum payment of 2.4% of each employee's base wage, an average of over $1,000, of which 50% is payable in June 2006 and 50% in March 2007 (employees may choose to take the payment in shares or in cash); and
- provisions for the Company to schedule a weekend shift, allowing the operation the ability to run 24/7.


DECEMBER 5, 2005

Going to MRO 2006 in Phoenix?
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Conference and Exhibition 2006 will be held in Phoenix, Arizona , from April 25 th to 27 st, 200 6 . For the fourth year in a row,Trade Team Canada - Aerospace and Defence (TTC-AD) will be organizing a networking event for Canadian companies that will be attending MRO 2006 .

The purpose of the networking event is to give Canadian MRO companies an opportunity to meet with current and potential business partners. Any Canadian MRO company that is attending MRO 2006 is welcome to participate in the networking event, provided they pre-register. A company does not have to be exhibiting at the show to participate in the the networking event. Pre-registration is important because the networking event is a company focused endeavour. The invitation list for the networking event will, in large part, be designed by the participating Canadian companies.

There will be an information session via conference call on Monday, December 12th, 2005 , at 8:00 Pacific Standard Time. The purpose of this conference call will be to discuss the general details (date, location, ect) of the Canadian Networking Event, answer questions, and to develop a working party of Canadian companies that will participate in the networking event.

If you would like to participate in the conference call, please send me your confirmation and telephone number no later than Wednesday, December 7th, 2005 . If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me:

Sheryl A. Crowhurst
Sector Development Officer
Aerospace and Automotive Branch
Industry Canada
Telephone: (613) 957-8775
Fax: (613) 952-8088
Email: Crowhurst.Sheryl@ic.gc.ca

Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command
8-10 November 2005 - Industry Conference
San Diego, California

"Delivering FORCEnet: Balancing Requirements, Resources and Acquisition"
Submitted by Sean Barr, Consulate of Canada in San Diego and Jeffrey Gray, Canadian Consulate General, Los Angeles

Executive Summary

The Industry Conference was hosted by the Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence and Space (PEO C4I and Space), SPAWAR and the San Diego Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) It is a major symposium for senior military, government and industry officials to share their visionary and strategic perspective on the requirements, resources, development and implementation of FORCEnet. The Industry Conference provides stage setting and senior leadership discussion that will provide direction for industry to shape business making-decisions. All are welcome to attend.

Currently, FORCENet is driving the Navy and Marine Corps transformation to a netcentric organization, improving the operations preparedness and warfare capabilities. The Navy sees it as a weapons system delivering information/decision making superiority.

As always the conference provided a forum for discussion of acquisition strategies and upcoming business opportunities for both large and small businesses. The event provided an excellent opportunity for networking with government officials and a broad spectrum of industry representatives. A complete roster of attendance was provided.

The overwhelming content of the presentations was delivered at a rapid fire pace . Senior officers from the local area as well as Washington DC all came together to give this all important briefing to industry. Presentations are made available on the SPAWAR website. http://enterprise.spawar.navy.mil/

Next Steps

SNDGO/Barr will meet with George Galdorisi, SPAWAR SSC San Diego to discuss the Tripartite Technology Cooperation Program (TTCP) between Canada, the US and Britain. The meeting will explore the opportunities available for Canadian companies through the TTCP. During the SPAWAR Conference Mr. Galdorisi made a presentation which was received very well. His presentation was focused on Networking the Coalition C4ISR Interoperability.

Canadian Opportunities

The SPAWAR team and the US Navy is working very hard at FORCEnet interoperability. There are upcoming Sea Trial exercises where coalition partners can join in and test new systems. The US Navy Third Fleet welcomes innovation and experimentation in Information Technology products and services to accomplish their missions.

Spirit Aerosystems
Spirit is the new company formed in Wichita, Kansas when Boeing sold their commercial ops to Onex in Toronto. As expected, I’m seeing reports that Spirit is bidding on work beyond Boeing to companies such as Airbus. ethan.benso@international.gc.ca

JSF FLightplan Newsletter
Click here for the latest edition.

Advice Of Procedural Change For Reporting Of Work-Based Training Hours

I am writing to make you aware of a planned change in our procedures for reporting work-based training of apprentices. As you are probably aware, the work-based training requirements of Red Seal and non Red Seal apprentice programs have long been expressed in terms of hours, whereas the information system employed by ITAC and the ITA tracks in years.

Effective January 1, 2006, reporting of apprentice workplace training time will convert to an hours-based system. The Industry Training Authority (ITA) is bringing the Apprenticeship Information Management System (AIMS) into line with existing training program standards and policies to track the work-based component of apprenticeship programs in hours. In order to ensure a smooth transition to the new reporting procedures, we request your comments on any implementation concerns which may affect your industry or employers.

A background paper which provides more specific information and procedural clarification for the new hours-based reporting system can be found on this link:

http://www.itabc.ca/documents/Hours-based_backgrounder.pdf

Please notify us if you have concerns regarding implementation of the above. If we do not hear from you by October 31, 2005, we will assume that you have no significant concerns or suggestions regarding a smooth transition to the new reporting procedure. If you do have feedback, please use the E-mail address below, or call me.

We thank you for any input you provide.

Sincerely,
Jeff Nugent,
Director of Policy and Research
E-mail: melanie@careerlinkbc.com for more information.


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NOVEMBER 25, 2005
British Columbia’s aerospace sector will benefit from a federal initiative aimed at further improving the competitiveness for Canadian aerospace companies globally and nationally.

Click here to see the government press release.

The framework announced today will enhance the ability of BC companies to compete for aerospace contracts internationally and also ensure BC-based aerospace companies have an equal opportunity to compete for Canadian government aerospace contracts.

“BC’s aerospace sector is the third largest in Canada,” said Kevin Russell, president of the Aerospace Industry Association of BC. “This framework will enable BC companies to better compete nationally and internationally in this highly competitive industry. An emphasis on skills development and on research and development will ensure that both BC’s and Canada’s aerospace sector has the knowledge and expertise to remain competitive into the future.”

The National Aerospace and Defence Strategic Framework (NADSF), announced today by federal Minister of Transport, Hon Jean-C. Lapierre, on behalf of the Minister of Industry, Hon David Emerson, is a comprehensive framework of programs and policies to support the growth of Canada’s aerospace and defence industry from coast to coast, and build on its strong, globally competitive position. The NADSF recognizes that both industry and government must consider new realities and develop a renewed framework for collaboration.


Facts about BC’s aerospace industry

· BC’s aerospace industry employs 10,000 people;
· Products and services provided by these companies range from maintenance, repair and overhaul to space missions, manufacturing, engineering and special processes;
· Among the customers of BC’s aerospace companies are global industry leaders including Boeing, Cessna, Bombardier, NASA, Bell Helicopter Textron, Sikorsky, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines
· Collectively, more than 200 aerospace companies in BC generate revenues of $1.25 billion annually
· BC’s aerospace sector is the third largest in Canada after Ontario and Quebec;
· More than 75% of BC's aerospace production is exported to countries around the world, making it a truly global industry.

NOVEMBER 21, 2005

AIABC hosts BC government caucus
AIABC hosted a meeting of the BC Government Caucus yesterday in Victoria and enjoyed an excellent opportunity to deliver the good news message of BC's aerospace industry to a large group of influential decisionmakers in the province.

More than half the Liberal caucus, including three cabinet ministers
Joined AIABC at the Victoria breakfast. The Powerpoint presentation that was made is available by clicking here. The key messages were.
- BC's aerospace industry is a good news story, valued at more than $1.25
billion annually and employing more than 10,000 people
- The industry is entering a period of renewed growth
- Current government policies have aided that growth
- Future growth can be encouraged by ramping up advocacy on issues with the federal government, including industrial regional benefits, immigration, skills development and supporting initiatives such as the Canadian Aerospace Partnership.

It is fair to say that many MLAs were not aware of the extent of the industry and the value it contributes to the BC economy and left with a broader understanding of the strategic importance of a strong provincial industry. Special thanks go to Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordon Hogg, chair of the BC Government Caucus, for facilitating the event, and Avcorp Industries for their great logistical support.

AIAC states a case for reform of defence procurement
Excerpts from comments by Peter Boag, President of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, to the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs, 1 Nov, 2005:

Thank you for the opportunity to appear to day and provide an industry perspective on defence procurement.

National Defence, Public Works and Government Services, Industry Canada and the central agencies all share responsibility for the shortcomings of the current defence procurement system.

Disassociating wider, whole of government objectives, industrial benefits for example, from defence procurement is not the solution. In fact, it would be pure folly. Political leaders will always be attentive to the jobs and economic stimulus that will flow from such spending.

Defence needs have to be better articulated and matched to realistic budget projections.

We need better and more transparent long term capital planning. The ability to lever strategic industrial benefits is also severely constrained by (a) piecemeal approach.

Industrial benefits. What are we talking about? In a globalizing industry investment and economic benefit is captured by those markets offering the best return. A favourable business and investment climate, an efficient regulatory environment and sensibly applied programs that help companies create business activities and exploit their technologies in the global marketplace are key drivers of a competitive investment business case.

The absence or minimal level of Canadian content required on many defence contracts is weakening the motivation of Canadian-based aerospace firms to maintain operations in Canada. This is accentuated by increasing pressures on them to relocate capability or establish operations in other countries as a necessary step to access these markets.

Canada needs to accelerate the adoption of new procurement approaches and business models that allow industry more flexibility and scope in bringing forwards innovative product ands service solutions that improve quality and reduce costs…This includes considering issues related to : greater use of performance specifications in SORS instead of SORS that outline hundreds of pages of detailed engineering specifications that often constitute questionable Canadianization: greater appetite for risk/reward sharing; industry teaming arrangement; criteria for assessing bids under a best value procurement methodology that more fully recognize " value for money

NOVEMBER 2, 2005

BC Govt Caucus meeting
The co-operation between the Government of British Columbia and the provincial aerospace industry is one of the BC economy’s good news stories. The Aerospace Industry Association of BC will brief the Government Caucus of British Columbia on recent aerospace success stories, and look ahead to future opportunities. All AIABC members are invited to participate in this briefing.
Date: 16 November, 2005
Time: 7:30 – 8:30 am
Location: Harbour Towers Hotel
West Harbour Ballroom
345 Quebec St, Victoria

Agenda
1 Introductions
2 Overview of the BC aerospace industry
3 Recent good news stories in BC aerospace
4 BC Aerospace Labour Market issues
5 Questions and Answers

Please RSVP directly to the AIABC office at 604 538 0071 or via e-mail at info@aiabc.com. There is no cost to register. If you RSVP and do not show up, you will be invoiced $125.00.

All AIABC members are encouraged to attend!

2006 Edition of AIAC Guide being readied
This is one of the most widely-used promotional tools for the Canadian aerospace industry - as an AIABC member you have the privilige of appearing in this guide. For information, please click here to send me an e-mail. (AIAC will not accept your ad directly.) DEADLINE IS NOV 15, 2005.

UCFV seeking university status
You be aware that UCFV is campaigning for full university
status. Your voice will help. Please take a moment to follow the link:
www.ucfv.ca/universitypetition and complete the online petition. The results of the petition will be forwarded to Minister of Advanced Education, Murray Coell, to all the MLAs in the UCFV region, and to the UCFV Board of Governors.
Submitted by: Dawn Patterson, UCFV.

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OCTOBER 25, 2005

Team Spartan visit postponed
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Alenia and Team Spartan have had to postpone their visit to BC. A new date will be announced in the near future.

Cascade win is a sign of provincial competitiveness
Cascade Aerospace has scored the second huge government aerospace contract for BC this year. Following closely (at least in terms of government defence procurement) on the heels of Kelowna Flightcraft's Portage la Prairie win, Cascade and its partners will provide program management, engineering, maintenance, materiel and information systems support for Canada’s fleet of 32 C-130 Hercules aircraft. That will result in some 200 jobs over the next six years. The total value of the program is in excess of $423 million.

These two wins are significant for British Columbia, which is one of the fastest growing aerospace centres of excellence in Canada. These contract confirm what we in BC have long known: BC companies are capable of competing against the best in the industry, because we are among them. A strong training system, a competitive environment, and a global perspective - coupled with a supportive provincial government means that BC has the chance to continue this growth as we move into the future.

AIAC Israel mission
AIAC is organizing The Follow-on Mission to Israel (November 28th - 30th). There are a number of opportunities for Canadian companies in Israel, including: passenger-to-cargo airliner conversions; new Gulfstream models that are now being rolled out by IAI; new UAV projects in UK Watchkeeper program; upgrades of combat aircraft and helicopters; avionics; and supplying of composite materials. Israel's aerospace and defence industry comprises 150 firms with an estimated revenue of over $4 billion dollars. The Canada/Israeli 'Aerospace Industry Networking Event' held in conjunction with the recent Paris Air Show underscored that Canadian and Israeli Aerospace companies are well positioned to become long-term partners.

The goal of this Mission is to learn and get an overview and better understanding of the Israeli aerospace industry and its capabilities, with specific focus on business potential cooperation. The program will include:
1. Israeli Aerospace Industry Overview outlining market specifics and areas of specialization;
2. Site Visits to major Israeli Aerospace Companies.
If you have any further questions or require more information about the Missions, please do not hesitate to contact me,
Vlada Shilina, Industry Analyst
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
vlada.shilina@aiac.ca
Tel: (613) 760-4554
Fax: (613) 232-1142

AOG to sign new agreement
A.O.G. Air Support Inc. (TSX Venture: ASP) is pleased to announce that Seagull Aviation/Premier Conversion (Seagull) of Clintonville, Wisconsin, USA has agreed to form an alliance together in order to take advantage of the skills and expertise of both companies. AOG will contract Seagull as a "Dealer and Installation Center" for the new Cessna Caravan Hot Wings modification, which AOG plans to bring to market early in 2006. Seagull Aviation recognizes the vast engine expertise that AOG has along with its strategic location in Canada, which warrants Seagull appointing AOG as the premier "Installation Center" in Canada for their King Air C90/E90, and 100/A100’s STC engine conversions. To date, Seagull has completed 7 King Air Turbine Engine Conversions: 4 King Air C90’s, 1 King Air 100 and 2 King Air A100’s. AOG has completed over 10 different turbine engine conversions at their facility in Kelowna for the DeHavilland Otter and Cessna Caravan aircraft and is recognized as a leader in the aviation field, specializing in aircraft modification, manufacture & marketing of "leading edge" technology for the aerospace industry globally. Company updates can be found at the web site: www.aogair.com
For Further information, please contact: Mr. Doug Kobayashi, President, at 1-800-506-9488

Avcorp announces Change in Terms of Private Placement
On Oct 25 2005, Avcorp Industries has announced changes in the terms of a non-brokered Private Placement announced on August 29, 2005. Gross proceeds of up to $3,375,000 will be raised at a price of $0.90 per unit, for a total of 3,750,000 units.

Each unit of the Private Placement will consist of one common share and one-half non-transferable share purchase warrant. One share purchase warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at $1.00 per share for a 12-month period, from the closing date. The proceeds of the financing will be used for general working capital purposes. Certain Insiders, Directors and Officers may subscribe for a portion of this placement. The financing is subject to regulatory approval.

New e-mail address for Pyrotek Heat Treating
Ted Croft of Pyrotek has changed his e-mail address: tcroft@telus.net.
All other contact info remains the same.

Updated your AIABC profile recently?
Have you checked the AIABC website recently? Many members have not! I know this because a number of member profiles are out of date. We get thousands of hits per month on the AIABC website; don't miss an opportunity! Click here to update your profile

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OCTOBER 12, 2005

Dubai Airshow
AIAC is currently organizing Showcase at Dubai and follow-on Mission to Israel. The Dubai International Air Show/Exhibition will be held from November 20 to 24th, followed by 3 days in Israel. The Dubai International Air Show attracts over 450 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors. A Canadian Pavilion is being organized to showcase the leading-edge aerospace solutions offered by Canadian companies. The cost to participate in the Canadian pavilion at Dubai is estimated at C$1,250.00 per square metre.

The Canada/Israeli 'Aerospace Industry Networking Event' held in conjunction with the recent Paris Air Show underscored that Canadian and Israeli Aerospace companies are well positioned to become long-term partners. There are a number of opportunities for Canadian companies in Israel, including: passenger-to-cargo airliner conversions; new Gulfstream models that are now being rolled out by IAI; new UAV projects in UK Watchkeeper program; upgrades of combat aircraft and helicopters; avionics; and supplying of composite materials. Israel's aerospace and defence industry comprises 150 firms with an estimated revenue of over $4 billion dollars. Companies interested in participating should contact:
Vlada Shilina, Industry Analyst
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
Tel: (613) 760-4554, Fax: (613) 232-1142
Email: vlada.shilina@aiac.ca

BC Astronaut honoured
BC Innovation Council is pleased to announce Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Dr. Bjarni Tryggvason as a special guest speaker at its 2005 gala Awards Dinner recognizing BC's leading innovators. The 2005 BC Innovation Council Awards Dinner will be held on October 17th at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. A former BC resident, Dr. Tryggvason attended high school in Richmond and completed his undergraduate studies with a Bachelor's of Applied Science in Engineering Physics at UBC. One of the original six Canadian astronauts selected in December 1983, Dr. Tryggvason's career highlights include flying as a payload specialist aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on Mission STS-85. Specializing in applied mathematics and fluid physics, he acts as a technical consultant for the Microgravity Vibration Isolation Subsystem which the CSA is developing for use in the European Space Agency Fluid Science Laboratory on the International Space Station. From mid 2001 to 2003 he worked in the private sector while on leave from the CSA. He returned to the CSA in 2004 and currently works at the CSA in St. Hubert, Quebec. He has written more than fifty published papers and holds three patents. Dr. Tryggvason will address some 750 innovation leaders who will gather to recognize the 2005 BC Innovation Council Award Winners. He will also provide inspiration to more than 50 student science fair winners from across the province who will attend the event as part of an annual two-day Student Career Development program sponsored by BC Innovation Council and University of Victoria.

Industry Training Authority changes
The work-based training requirements of Red Seal and non Red Seal apprentice programs have long been expressed in terms of hours, whereas the information system employed by ITAC and the ITA tracks in years. Effective January 1, 2006, reporting of apprentice workplace training time will convert to an hours-based system. The Industry Training Authority (ITA) is bringing the Apprenticeship Information Management System (AIMS) into line with existing training program standards and policies to track the work-based component of apprenticeship programs in hours. In order to ensure a smooth transition to the new reporting procedures, we request your comments on any implementation concerns which may affect your industry or employers.

A background paper which provides more specific information and procedural clarification for the new hours-based reporting system can be found by
clicking here.

Please notify us if you have concerns regarding implementation of the above. If we do not hear from you by October 31, 2005, we will assume that you have no significant concerns or suggestions regarding a smooth transition to the new reporting procedure. If you do have feedback, please use the E-mail address below, or call me. We thank you for any input you provide.
Jeff Nugent,Director of Policy and Research
E-mail: feedback@itabc.ca Tel: (604) 214-8712


Doing business in the USA
What: Full Day Seminar/Workshop - "Doing Business in the USA"
Where: Burnaby, BC
When: Thursday, November 3, 2005
Cost: $195 per person, pre-registered, $145 each for 2 or more,
deduct $25 per person if registered before October 28
Info: See below, or visit www.ucantrade.com.

Seminar offers guidelines for USA sales, shipping and business transactions

A group of veteran Canada/USA trade professionals will provide practical guidelines to British Columbia entrepreneurs and professionals at an upcoming seminar/workshop entitled, Doing Business in the USA. This one-day seminar is designed to give manufacturers, distributors, agents and other business professionals the tools they need to easily expand their business interests across the border.

Key topics include: (1) dealing with "border issues", such as US immigration planning, US customs clearance,business planning, taxation, and legal considerations; (2) understanding "logistics issues", such as establishing a USA business identity, warehousing, transportation, fulfillment, and handling of returned goods; and (3) "sales/marketing strategies", including market overview, using dealers and agents, and attending tradeshows.

In addition, the seminar will feature "resource introductions", including Team Canada Inc and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, who provide federal government programs and services at more than 15 US trade offices.


Aerospace Design Expo 2006
Aerospace Design Expo 2006 North America will take place from November 14th-16th at the Anaheim Convention Centre California. The expo is dedicated to companies involved in all aspects of civil, military and space design from concept & innovation to design and development. Sectors represented will include Aerospace design tools, Design Software, Rapid Prototyping, Simulation & Modelling, Avionics Design, Component Design, Airframe and Propulsion Design, Design Consultants, Materials, and Specialist Development Partners.

There will be 250-300 exhibitors taking over 150,000 sq ft of gross exhibition stand space. An event of this scale and focus will be a "must attend" for its target audience. 25% of the US aerospace industry is located in California. Anaheim is therefore the perfect location for this event

Based on industry and government statistics; combined with our proven recruitment programme we anticipate attracting 4,000 highly targeted attendees over 3 days. Aerospace design & development engineers, managers and VPs working in airframe & related subsystems and component level will form our key visitor audience. The key manufacturers will all be represented - Alcoa, BAE, Boeing, Bombardier, Eaton, Embraer, Aerojet, General Dynamics, GE Engines, Goodrich, Harris Corp, Honeywell Aerospace, ITT, Kaman, L-3, Lockheed Martin, Loral Space, Northrop Grumman, Orbital, Parker Hannifin, Raytheon, Rockwell Collins, Rolls Royce, Smiths Aerospace, Textron, Hamilton Sundstrand, Sikorsky, Pratt & Whitney etc

The show will run alongside its sister event, Aerospace Testing Expo, creating a comprehensive and unique developmental engineering event for the North American Aerospace industry. For more information: www.aerospacedesign-expo.com

Berlin Airshow
Here is some marketing encouragement from the organisers of the Berline Airshow:
Why Canadians should come to the Berlin Airshow:
-Discover Europe: Aerospace corporations are Canada's leading advanced technology exporters. But till today, most of it's output is still shipped into the U. S.
-European and especially German as well Central and Eastern Europe's business opportunities seem to be barely used. Europe offers more business opportunities, than traditional good contacts into the UK may show
-New partnerships with European or German aerospace corporations and programs may help the Canadian aerospace industry to secure again sustainable growth as the international market shares of e. g. Airbus or Eurocopter easily explain
-Germany itself has been an outstanding market for Canadian aerospace products, e. g. regional aircraft (Bombardier), business and corporate aviation (Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney Canada), helicopters (Bell), simulation and training systems (CAE), ATC and ATM equipment, satellite based communications etc.
-German and other European airlines require new regional aircraft (100+seats); there is no better place to promote new aircraft like the CSeries than the Berlin Air Show, where the corner-stone for the Star Alliance was laid some years ago with a first cooperative agreement between United and Lufthansa

German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI)
ATRIUM Friedrichstr. 60
10117 Berlin, Germany
Phone: 30-20 61 40-13
Fax: 30-20 61 40 -23

E-mail:info@bdli.de
Website:www.ila-berlin.com

============================
OCTOBER 4, 2005

Abbotsford event gets some press
The recent event Pacific Northwest Aerospace Cluster development event held during the Abbotsford Airshow has created a mood of positive cooperation in Washington State. Click here to see an article circulated by the Snohomish County Economic Development Commission.

CAMC Forum
Who: Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council (CAMC)
What: 14th Annual Forum “Ramping Up for Growth”
Where: Delta Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec
When: October 12 – 14, 2005
Why: The annual convergence of delegates from the Canadian aviation and aerospace industry to its foremost event to witness a significant industry launch, hear from the “best in the business”, exchange human resources knowledge, network and acknowledge the exceptional contributions made by fellow colleagues.
Forum Highlights
-Launch of 5 national occupational standards in aircraft maintenance
and manufacturing
-Presentations by:
*Basil Papayoti, Air Canada Technical Services’ VP and Chief Commercial Officer
*Sylvain Bédard, President of L-3 Communications (MAS) Canada
*Robin Wohnsigl, President and COO of Airbus North America Customer Services, Inc.
To register or for more information, please visit www.camc.ca

================================
SEPTEMBER 29, 2005

AIAC AGM
I am just back from the AIAC AGM in Toronto and it was a good opportunity to maintain AIABC's connections with other key aerospace personalities across the country. AIABC is well represented on the AIAC Board of Directors these days. As chair of the Western Aerospace Alliance, AIABC – represented by me (Andrew Huige) – has an ex-officio seat. In addition, Jacques Bonaventure, whose appointment was announced on this page earlier, has joined. David Schellenberg of Cascade Aerospace and Paul Kalil of Avcorp are also onboard. Dave Caddey of MDA is now past chair of AIAC, but remains very active.

Farnborough
I know it seems a long way off, but if you are interested in attending Farnborough in 2006, you need to express your interest soon! Click here to send me an e-mail - no commitments required!


DFAIT cancels reception
Due to Hurricane Katrina, the Canadian networking reception scheduled during NBAA has been cancelled. The change of venue from New Orleans to Orlando, the accelerated event dates (November 15-17 to November 9-11), and existing Hurricane Rita have all contributed to a planning/logistics situation that warrants this decision. This comes after detailed consultation between the Consulate General (Dallas) and Consulate General (Miami) offices and both organizations are in agreement that this is the appropriate decision. We appreciate everyone's understanding in this matter. As the Consulate General, Miami office has geographic responsibility for Orlando, please contact Justin Tarrants for further information regarding NBAA 2005.


UBC Super Heavy Lift student engineering team
On April 24th the UBC Super Heavy Lift student engineering team achieved victory in their class of the SAE Aero Design West competition. The competition challenges undergraduate engineering students to design and build a remote control aircraft with the goal being to lift as large a payload from a 200’ strip while not weighing more than 10lbs empty. The UBC team lifted a 48.8lb payload with their nearest competitor scoring 35.3lbs and the victors in the eastern division only achieving 22.4lbs. At this point the team is almost entirely funded through campus resources but with the desire to stay way out in front of the competition the team is submitting a call for sponsors from industry. Getting involved with the team is a great way to meet eager students with great hands on skills in the aero field. Not only that, we are able to issue a tax receipt for your donation. If you are interested in assisting UBC’s Super Heavy Lift Aero Design team, please contact the 2005 captain Adrian Black at adrian.black@gmail.com or by phone at (604) 763-4667.

JSF
In our continuing effort to make F-35 JSF program information more available, the attached "Flight Plan", has been cleared for public use and is provided to keep you up-to-date. Click here to see the report The report is prepared by the F-35 Communications team in concert with the the Joint Program Office and other appropriate program organizations. It is intended that the report be available on the second Monday of each month.
Michael Piersdorff PEng., MBA
Senior Sector Development Officer (Aerospace)
Joint Strike Fighter Project, Aerospace, Defence and Marine Branch, Industry Canada
Voice: 1-613-954-3151 piersdorff.michael@ic.gc.ca

New engine technology
ACROHelipro has won a $3.5-million investment to develop new methods for maintaining and repairing helicopter engines and other aircraft components over their life cycle. Click here to see the press release.

Cross-border co-operation
Cascade Aircraft Solutions to offer commercial and technical services to aircraft lessors, owners, operators, financiers and manufacturers. Click here to see the press release.

The Canadian Aerospace Partnership Update
The Canadian Aerospace Partnership (CAP) held its third meeting last week in Ottawa. CAP members, including Federal Industry Minister David Emerson, Québec Minister of Economic Development Claude Béchard, Ontario Economic Development Minister Joe Cordiano, and Nova Scotia Minister of Economic Development Ernie Fage, (all participated in the meeting), received and discussed findings and recommendations from 4 CAP Working Groups.

The Vision WG proposed a Strategic Vision for 2025 in which "Canada will be home to a growing, innovative and diversified industry, recognized as a leader in serving global aerospace markets, and preferred location for aerospace investment". Sector goals essential to realizing this vision included: 1) a critical mass of top tier platform OEMs, each with a world leading position in its respective market segment; 2) robust design and systems integration capabilities throughout the supply chain; 3) above average annual compound growth rate, and above average return on investment; and, 4) a level of domestic value-added commensurate with that of its principal competitors. The Critical Enablers for achieving these goals reflected findings and recommendations emanating from the CAP issue Working Groups.

The Major Platforms WG highlighted the importance of Canadian leadership/participation in international aerospace programs for industry growth, and the need for a coherent, coordinated strategy to fully capture the value of leadership/participation. It noted that Canada has an inconsistent track record employing these kinds of strategies, and risks capturing a declining share of new international programs, if corrective action is not taken. It recommended the development and implementation of an evaluation framework and investment capacity that would permit early and decisive action in this area, and identified potential prioirty platforms.

The Technology Development & Commercialization WG identified deficiencies in the overall level of aerospace technology development and commercialization investment in Canada, including an acute 'mid-spectrum' technology development gap. With an R&D intensity level of only 5% compared to international 'norms' of 15%, Canada's aerospace technology relevance and competitiveness is at risk. It recommended the establishment of a Canadian Aerospace Technology Network to engage industry stakeholders from industry and governments to set out thematic based technology investment priorities, to better connect the technology investments of governments, the private sector and universities, and to develop a 3-year investment plan to increase Canada's aerospace R&D intensity to 10%.

The Public Procurement WG found that Government of Canada procurement policy is largely sound, but that there is a disconnect between its goal of leveraging procurement spending to attain industrial development and the outcomes being achieved. It's recommendations included a call for a clear policy statement on how defence and national security procurements are to leveraged to develop domestic industrial and technology capabilities, greater use of Canada's rights to exempt selected high value defence procurements from trade agreement disciplines, eliminating restrictions imposed in the Agreement on Internal Trade on the government's ability to use procurements to develop the domestic technology and industrial base, accelerating the adoption of approaches and business models that allow industry to bring forward innovative service delivery proposals, and creating a government/SME consultation group to ensue that the needs of small companies are fully reflected in changes to procurement policies, approaches and processes.

Reports tabled by the working groups are attached. Please note that these reports are internal CAP/AIAC documents and are not for public distribution.

The reports and recommendations were generally well received by CAP members - although there is a significant degree of industry/government difference of opinion on the issues identified and corresponding recommendations contained in the Procurement WG report. Minister Emerson acknowledged the reports and recommendations as important input to his ongoing Aerospace Policy Framework development, but cautioned that major new program expenditures cannot be assumed. We anticipate that he will be taking a Memorandum to Cabinet forward in early October. That said, any new financial commitments will likely have to await the Federal Budget in late winter/spring of 2006. Working Group Chairs and the CAP Secretariat were tasked with refining a number of recommendations, resolving outstanding issues, and developing implementation plans for consideration at the next CAP meeting scheduled for 27 October.

CAP also established two new Working Groups - 1) People & Skills, 2) and Market Access & Development.

The mandate of the People & Skills WG is to develop and recommend strategies and actions to address the people and skills challenges facing the Canadian aerospace sector. David Schellenberg, President of Cascade Aerospace, is the WG Chair. The first meeting/teleconference of the People & Skills WG will be held on Wednesday, 21 September, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EDT. The location of the meeting is yet to be determined, but will likely be in Montreal. The focus of this first meeting will be on:

- confirming the scope of the WG mandate
- developing an inventory of recent work and documentation on issues relevant to the WG's mandate
- gaining an understanding of current initiatives/actions underway
- achieving consensus on the a short-list (4-5) of priority issues facing the sector

A second meeting/teleconference will be scheduled for the following week (potentially in conjunction with the AIAC AGM & Conference in Toronto), to further discuss these priorities and implications for an aerospace strategy - we hope to be able to provide Federal Industry Minister David Emerson some initial guidance on the HR issues that need to be addressed in an aerospace strategy by the end of the month.

The mandate of the Market Access and Development WG is to develop a framework and enabling mechanisms for better access to foreign markets and propose market development strategies and actions for established and emerging markets. Don Campbell, President Military Simulation, CAE and Charlene Arje, President, Honeywell Canada are the WG Co-Chairs. The first meeting/teleconference of the Market Access & Development WG will be held on Monday, 19 September from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at CAE, Montreal. This first meeting will focus on confirming the scope of the WG mandate developing an 'inventory' of current market access issues, with emphasis on the US market (export controls, protectionism, instruments in place like DPSA & DDSA, etc) understanding the current 'state of play' vis-à-vis Canada/US relations and their impact on access to the US market, and current strategies and approaches being pursued by the federal government achieving consensus on a short list (4-5) of priority issues/objectives A second meeting/teleconference is scheduled for Oct 12th, from 9:30-12:00, at Honeywell, Mississauga.

CAP welcomes/encourages the involvement of your firm in these WGs. Please let me know by return email if you or members of your staff wish to participate in either or both of these Working Groups, and plan to attend/participate in the initial meetings.
Regards,
Peter Boag
President & CEO
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada

Conference Report – Space 2005
Jeffery Gray of the Canadian Consulate in LA provides the following Executive Summary of his attendance at SPACE 2005. Click here to see the whole report.
This year’s AIAA Space 2005 had a theme of “Expanding the Envelope”. The welcoming remarks were made by Jack Kelble, Raytheon Sensors and Airborne Systems, El Segundo. The Industry Keynote was delivered by Bill Swanson, Chairman and CEO, Raytheon Company, with sales of $20 billion and 80,000 employees. Chairman Swanson began by talking about his booklet entitled "Swanson's Unwritten Rules of Management" He was recently interviewed by Business 2.0 and copies of the book and the interview can be found at www.raytheon.com

Space 2005 is a small focused conference that delivers hundreds of technical papers, has industry and government leaders on the plenaries and keynotes and hosts an exposition. Much discussion was held on the absolute criticality of the US space program for military, civilian and commercial use. Dr. Charles Elachi, Director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory elaborated on the many program successes of the recent past to highlight progress in spaceflight, communications, remote sensing and modeling.

In 2004, President George W. Bush gave the nation a new Vision for Space Exploration. Even as he was doing so, the Mars rover Spirit was beginning its journey across the Red Planet. Ultimately, Spirit and its companion rover, Opportunity, confirmed that open water had once existed on the surface of Mars, raising the question of whether life may have developed there. Answering that kind of fundamental question is the core of the Vision for Space Exploration. In 2005, NASA brought the vision to reality by returning the Space Shuttle safely to flight, sending another spacecraft to Mars and developing the tools needed to further explore the Earth, the moon, Mars and beyond.

Human capital is the largest issue, not technology. The supply side is in trouble. The demand side is growing four times faster. In 2008 there are projected to be 6 million job openings for engineers, scientists and technicians.. Secondary schools will need an additional 260 thousand teachers.

A Commitment to America’s Future; Responding to the Crisis in Mathematics & Science Education

How can business, higher education, and policy leaders contribute to the improvement of the mathematics and science competency of all of America’s students? In A Commitment to America’s Future; Responding to the Crisis in Mathematics & Science Education, the BHEF Mathematics and Science Initiative outlines a plan-of-action, to be undertaken in each state by a coalition of education, business, and policy leaders, which focuses on system-wide improvement of the teaching and learning of mathematics and science. It also calls for national and state-specific public information programs that make mathematics and science education a public priority.

A.O.G. Air Support appoints new President
A.O.G. Air Support Inc., a world leader in aerospace safety and performance enhancement products, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Doug Kobayashi as President, effective October 1, 2005. The outgoing President,
Mr. Dave Barron, will continue in his role as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Barron states "Mr. Kobayashi came to AOG with a wealth of experience in the aerospace industry and we are very pleased that he has accepted this role and position. Mr. Kobayashi is a Professional Engineer; graduating from the Royal Military College of Canada and has a Master of Science in Aircraft Design from the College of Aeronautics in Cranfield, UK. He has also completed the University of Virginia's Darden Graduate School of Business Administration Executive Management Program. Mr. Kobayashi has worked as an executive of several major aerospace firms and his industry knowledge, vision and energy has injected AOG with an awareness of the opportunity that lies ahead."

Mr. Kobayashi joined AOG in February 2005 and arrives with a decade of experience at the highest levels in the aerospace manufacturing and service sector. Most recently he was VP & General Manager (Western Operations) at L-3 Communications, Spar Aerospace; prior to that he successfully served in several high-profile positions including President & CEO of Dee Howard Aircraft, VP Technical Services/VP Business Development at Conair Aviation, and VP Engineering at CAE Aviation.

Mr. Kobayashi states "AOG is poised on the leading edge of a revolutionary change in the small-aircraft industry. In an age of ever increasing aviation fuel and maintenance costs, sharpening corporate vigilance about safety and the escalating prices for new aircraft, AOG will develop a product, which will fundamentally change performance efficiencies. The future for this company is very bright."


AUGUST 26, 2005

Federal procurement loosening up?
The federal government is contemplating a change in its procurement policies to give Canadian companies more of an edge when competing for government business, says Public Works Minister Scott Brison.
Under trade deals signed by Canada, the government cannot discriminate against non-Canadian companies when doling out contracts. However, Mr. Brison says Canada's reading of those trade rules up until now may have been too generous toward non-Canadian firms.
"When we observe the trade practices and the procurement practices of our trading partners, it's clear that when they play within the lines of national treatment and their trade obligations, they play much closer to the line sometimes than we do," he explained, adding a number of policies in other countries favour domestic manufacturers.
"So there is potentially room for us to pursue a procurement strategy as a government that does do more to foster economic growth and opportunity here in Canada as part of our overall industrial strategy. We are certainly having that discussion."
Mr. Brison is the second cabinet minister in as many days to say the federal government should change its rules to do more to help Canadian businesses sell to the government.
"We would like to see Canada's procurement policy be a little more friendly to Canadian products and certainly Bombardier is a Canadian company," Industry Minister David Emerson said in an interview with the Montreal Gazette.
Mr. Brison agreed aerospace is one area that stands to benefit from the kinds of changes the government is contemplating.
"In Canada, we do have, in terms of the areas of defence and aerospace procurement there is some room for a greater level of advantage for domestic manufacturing."
It's also an area in which purchases by the Canadian government can help a company increase its exports as well.
"(It) does help validate that company's products and good in the aerospace industry internationally."

Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Centre
The official opening of the National Research Council's Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Centre, located at the University of Montreal, takes place at 3 pm on 28 September. If you would like to attend, please drop me a line and I'll pass along the AIABC invitation (regrettably, I am unable to attend.)


AUGUST 24, 2005

Farnborough Airshow 2006
Given that it is only August, it seems early to be making plans for the Farnborough Airshow (July 17-23, 2006), but I am here to assure you that it is NOT too early! I am solicting interest in organizing some participation on behalf of AIABC. At the last show in 2004, a surprisingly large number of BC companies attended, yet we did not have a visible presence there. If you will consider attending, please let me know by clicking here. If you indicate your interest, AIABC can facilitiate a number of value-added programs that will otherwise not be available to you: subsidized space, networking events, advance publicity, on-site services such as meeting or storage space, transportation, logistics, shipping, airshow passes and more. However, you have to let me know NOW! If you have ever attended an airshow, you know that your credibility rises dramatically when you can say the simple phrase "Drop by my booth..." Costs will depend on the number of participants we have, but it's a lot cheaper than doing it yourself. Please let me know that you are going, even if you have no interest in an AIABC-facilitated program.

Abbotsford Airshow networking event
Mark your calendars for August 11, 2006! Due to the overwhelming success of the event last week at the Abbotsford Airshow, the City of Abbotsford has agreed to work with AIABC once again to produce this event for 2006! This is great news and I look forward to an even better event next time around.

San Diego networking event
The Canadian Consulate General, Los Angeles will be hosting an information booth at the upcoming Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association Exposition and Conference held January 10-12, 2006. The location is the San Diego Convention Center. This important event has been held in San Diego for the past many years, has been growing in attendance and attracts an audience of both military and industry. It is a first rate conference and the exposition is anchored by the key US Prime Contractors and Government agencies. The show website can be found at http://www.afcea.org/events/west For more information, pleae contact Jeffrey Gray, Trade Commissioner, Canadian Consulate General, Los Angeles. (213) 346-2752 or e-mail: Jeffrey.Gray@international.gc.ca

Avcorp announces credit facility and contract extensions
Avcorp Industries Inc. (AVP on the Toronto Stock Exchange) today announced that the Company secured a CAD$10 million operating credit facility with HSBC Bank Canada to replace the Company's existing CAD$5.5 million facility with the Bank of Montreal. The new credit facility is secured by a General Security Agreement from the Company and by limited guarantees from the Export Development Corporation (EDC) and from a related party. The credit facility will be used to repay any outstanding amounts on the existing operating line and for ongoing working capital purposes. The Company is also pleased to announce contract extensions and renewals with Boeing. Boeing Commercial Airplanes has exercised an extension to its existing contract with Avcorp to the end of 2006. Boeing Canada Technology has renewed its contract to the end of 2006. The products supplied by the Company under these agreements include miscellaneous sheet metal details and assemblies for the Boeing 737, 747 and 777 airplanes.

AQA dinner
The Quebec Aerospace Association has invited AIABC members to attend a dinner which will take place at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Tuesday, the 13th of September. The principal speakers will be Jean Houde, President of Investissement Québec and Jacques St-Laurent, President of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada. For more information, please click here.

WCB changes
The WCB is proposing changes to employer reporting requirements.Section 45 of the Workers Compensation Act requires employers to report injuries to the WCB within 3 days of its occurrence. The issue is the late reporting by employers. The WCB is proposing a new enforcement strategy that may include education, increased penalties or a tiered penalty system. For full viewing of the proposed changes, please access the discussion paper at www.worksafebc.com, under “News & Events”, click Employer's Report of Injury. Please forward your comments to Policy Division before deadline of September 14, 2005

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AUGUST 18, 2005

Pacific Northwest Cluster Development Networking Event – Aug 12, 2005
After a number of years or relatively modest Member Appreciation Days at the former Van Isle Avionics facility at Abbotsford, this year AIABC, the City of Abbotsford, Cascade Aerospace, the Canadian Consulate in Seattle, UCFV, and corporate sponsors DoALL, AON, Aviall, and BCIT worked together to pull off one of the best cross-border aerospace networking events in a number of years. The support of the International Trade Centre, the Snohomish County Economic Development Commission and the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance was also critical to our success. AIABC would like to recognize the generous support of Western Economic Diversification in ensuring the success of the event.

We convened on the mezzanine of Cascade Aerospace's hangar for some words of introduction from AIABC, Cascade Aerospace, Abbotsford Mayor Mary Reeves, MLA Mike deJong, and Canadian Consul-General in Seattle, Jeffrey Parker. The group then embarked on some tours of Helitech, Cascade and the UCFV campus. We reconvened for lunch at the City of Abbotsford chalet, which was crowded to capacity on a brilliant, hot and perfect Abbotsford Airshow day. More than 160 people took part, including a bus-load of delegates from Washington State. More than 80 percent of the group that returned evaluation forms indicated they rated the chance of new business arising from the event three out of five, or better. I am aware of a number of firm meetings that were established. I hope you will put this in your calendar for next year (Friday, Aug 11, 2006). You might want to put it in your budgets too… our corporate sponsors got some great visibility. My sincere thanks goes out the planning team (Jim Sheehan of the Seattle Consulate, Michael Coughlin, Lorna Thomasssen and Juanita Brown of Cascade Aerospace, Dawn Patterson of UCFV, Jay Techirob and Tracy Klassen of the City of Abbotsford, and numerous others that helped out along the way!)

Fourth BC representative joins AIAC board
Jacques Bonaventure, VP Marketing for Asco Aerospace of Delta has been elected to the AIAC board of Directors. Jacques is also a director of AIABC. He joins three other BC-based directors on the AIAC board: Dave Caddey of MDA, David Schellenberg of Cascade Aerospace, Paul Kalil of Avcorp Industries. All of the companies are members of AIABC.

PNAA procurement event
The Pacific Northwest Aerospace Association of Washington State has invited AIABC members to participate in a meeting with Airbus North America procurement quality director Jacques Duplouy on Sept 15, 2005. Click here for more information..

Boeing AS 9100
All Boeing suppliers MUST get AS9100 certifification between June 2006 and June 2007. Should any AIABC members need assistance, TAG Aerospace, has an AS9100 certification team to help them.

Promote yourself
Do you have a product or service you want to promote to AIABC members? Send me a blurb via e-mail.

Avcorp results
Revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 was $18,077,000 (2004: $18,111,000), remaining constant from the quarter ended June 30, 2004. Most of the Company's growth in revenue during the current quarter relative to the quarter ended June 30, 2004 is from new programs with Cessna. New program sales accounted for $2,995,000, 48.6% of the production revenues from this customer (2004: $1,124,000, 34.9%). Deliveries to Boeing continue to increase and have increased from the same quarter in the immediately preceding year. As anticipated, the Company saw a decrease in Bombardier sales from regional jet product lines and it is expected that deliveries to Bombardier will decrease slightly in the third quarter due to their summer shut down, before increasing in the fourth quarter. The increase in the operating loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 is attributable to new program start-up costs which were expensed during the period. For the full press release, click here.

LMI Survey
AIABC's Labour Market Information update continues. If you have not filled out the survey, please did through your inbox and find it! If you have any problems, please send an e-mail to our consultant and suggest a good time for him to call you, Jamie, and he will contact you.

Angel forum
Angel Forum is where 30+ pre-screened technology, service and manufacturing companies seeking equity funding of $100,000 to $1 million, present to 60+ pre-screened private equity investors (80 registered for last Forum). This unique event has been held semi-annually since 1997 and includes companies exhibiting their products & services during networking breaks and at the closing wine reception. Open to all is the popular Investor Ready 101 "How to Raise Equity" seminar on Sept 26 in Vancouver (Sept 29 on Vancouver Island). Information and Registration at http://www.ANGELforum.org. Questions? Send an e-mail to Bob@ANGELforum.org

Canadian Defence Industries Association
Interested in the activites of the Canadian Defence Industries Association? Read their newsletter here.

Farnborough exhibition space
Interested in taking space at the Canadian exhibit in Farnborough? I need to get indications of interest before the end of the month. Please drop me a line to let me know. Costs start at about $1475/sq ft, plus travel costs.

Linked to AIABC?
Is your website linked to the Aerospace Industry Association of BC? It’s an easy, no-cost way to help promote aviation in British Columbia. Search engines like Google rank websites by measuring how many other websites are linked to them – the logic being that if it’s a good site, lots of people will want to link to it. Support your Council by placing a link to us on your links page. Click here and we’ll send you the HTML code you require.

AIABC blog
Keep up to date on AIABC news by checking out our web log on a regular basis.

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AUGUST 5, 2005

Canadian Aerospace Partnership
The next meeting of CAP has been confirmed for 7 September, in Vancouver.
The principle agenda items will be discussion and decision on the strategy recommendations emanating from the Working Groups on Technology Development & Commercialization, Major Platforms, and Public Procurement. The agenda will also include discussion on a long term vision and goals for the industry, the formation of additional CAP Working Groups to address People & Skills, Market Access and Productivity challenges, and further discussion on the public profile/perception of the industry. This is a private meeting.

Air Canada in black
ACE Aviation Holdings, parent of Air Canada, yesterday reported net income of C$168 million ($138.5 million) for the second quarter ended June 30, which included a dilution gain of C$190 million and a tax provision of C$28 million related to an Aeroplan transaction offset by a $29 million charge related to the extinguishment of its credit facility with GE Capital Corp.This compares to a C$510 million net loss in the prior-year period, which included reorganization and restructuring items of C$426 million. "Following the significant milestones achieved in the implementation of ACE's business plan throughout the quarter, these operating results further confirm the potential of ACE going forward," Chairman, President and CEO Robert Milton said. The company also confirmed that it intends to spin off its wholly owned Regional subsidiary Jazz through an IPO while retaining a majority interest in the airline. Reflecting a 13.9% increase in passenger revenue, total operating revenue rose 10.7% to C$246 billion while total operating expenses climbed 4.7% to C$2.28 billion on a C$156 million jump in fuel expense year-over-year. As a result, operating income totaled C$177 million, a significant improvement over income of C$22 million in the 2004 period.

Boeing tests nosewheel innovation on AC 767
Air Canada provided the aircraft on which Boeing tested a new nosewheel motor that may assist airports and airlines in reducing costs, emmissions and speeding turnaround times. Read about it in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer by clicking here.

Canada Export Centre A350 Market Report
Learn more about Airbus Industrie's next major commercial aircraft platform, the A350, in this Market Report by the Canada Export Centre by clicking here.

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AUGUST 4, 2005

Abbotsford networking event is full!
More than 150 people, including almost 50 from Washington State and another 20 from across Canada and Europe, have RSVP'd for AIABC's networking event at the Abbotsford Airshow on August 12. Unfortunately, we have had to close the event because we cannot accomodate any more delegates.

Boeing sells Canadian facility
ATW reports that Boeing reached a deal to sell its operations in Arnprior, Canada, to Arnprior Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Industries. Boeing said the Arnprior facility, part of Boeing Canada Technology, a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, supplies precision-machined metal detail parts and sheet metal subassemblies including complete electrical and electronic tray and shelf rack assemblies for all Boeing jets. The company did not disclose terms of the sale but said the transaction will include a long-term, single-source supply agreement for all parts and assemblies currently produced at the Arnprior site for Boeing. The sale is expected to close sometime in the third quarter.

Showcasing Canada in Dubai
AIAC, as part of its market promotion activities on behalf of Canadian aerospace firms is considering showcasing Canadian aerospace capabilities at Dubai 2005 and through a follow-on Mission to Israel. The Dubai International Air Show is a premiere venue that attracts over 450 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors. Dubai 2005 will be held November 20-24th. A Canadian Pavilion is being organized to showcase the leading-edge aerospace solutions offered by Canadain companies. The cost to participate in the Canadian pavilion at Dubai is estimated at C$1,250.00 per square metre. Israeli aerospace companies are growing their participation in the global aerospace supply chain and getting their leading-edge capabilities onboard new aerospace development platforms. The Canada/Israeli ‘Aerospace Industry Networking Event’ held in conjunction with the recent Paris Air Show underscored that Canadian and Israeli aerospace companies are well positioned to become partners of choice in developing the aerospace solutions being demanded by customers around the world. Should your company have an interest in participating in such a Mission, please contact AIAC prior to August 19th:
Contact: Sandra Sutcliffe at (613) 760-4553 or yolanda.cui@sauder.ubc.ca

Quotable...
"Aerospace is an extremely competitive and safety-conscious industry and we rely on highly skilled people to maintain our edge and our standards. That makes effective skills essential. And that's why we're working with University College of the Fraser Valley, BCIT and others to encourage innovative training approaches and long-term skills-development plans."
- Michael Coughlin, Executive VP, Cascade Aerospace, quoted in the Industry Training Authority's 2005 Annual Report.

Pacific Northwest Aerospace Cluster Development
If you are an AIABC member and have not already RSVP'd, please do so by clicking here...the spots are filling up quickly! If you have not received an invite, please click here and I'll let you know if it went to someone else in your company. Response has been excellent and we're pleased to announce that AON Reed Stenhouse has joined the list of sponsors and supporters that includes: DoALL, Aviall, BCIT, UCFV, Cascade Aerospace, City of Abbotsford, Canadian Consulate General Seattle, and the International Trade Centre.

Change of Address
International Water-Guard has moved:
International Water-Guard Industries Inc
#1-3771 North Fraser Way
Burnaby, BC, Canada V5J 5G5
Telephone (604 255-5555) and fax numbers (604 255-5685) remain unchanged.

KPMG Aerospace and Defence newsletter
AIABC member KPMG publishes a regular newsletter. You can read it here. Call Don Matthew at KPMG (604 646-6383) or send him an e-mail if you require any further info.

LMI survey
We still need companies to respond to the AIABC LMI survey...please search your inbox for the e-mail and complete the survey today! Or else, contact Jamie Vann Struth at 604 762 6901 or by e-mail at jamie@vannstruth.com for more information.

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JULY 22, 2005
Poor response rate to LMI survey
So far, only 9 companies have replied to AIABC's LMI survey. For an industry that lists skills shortages as the number one constraint to growth in the foreseeable future, this number needs to be much higher! If you have not seen the survey, please contact Jamie Vann Struth at 604 762 6901 or by e-mail at jamie@vannstruth.com

Homeland Defence Symposium
The National Homeland Defence Foundation, along with NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, are the official sponsors of the Homeland Defence Symposium, the premiere national-level conference addressing the range of homeland defence and security issues. The 2005 Symposium will be held at the Broadmoor Hotel Events Center Complex in Colorado Springs, CO, October 24-27, 2005. The Symposium is a must event for all those with a professional interest in Homeland Defence (HLD), Homeland Security (HLS), Civil Support, Emergency Response, and the mission areas of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command. Canadian Consulate General – Denver has booths reserved for a Canada Pavilion and is also considering having a hospitality suite in the evening of the Oct 25th.
Please contact:
Nathalie Couture
Consul and Trade Commissioner, Canadian Consulate General
Suite 2600 - 1625 Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80202
Tel. (303) 626-0640, Fax. (303) 572-1159
nathalie.couture@international.gc.ca
or Johanna Malamen (303-626-0660) or Johanna.Malamen@international.gc.ca

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JULY 21, 2005

Let your AIABC membership save you some money
Earlybird registration closes on August 3 for the AIAC Annual General Meeting, Sept 26-27, at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. If you want to save $110 on the fee for this top-notch aerospace networking event, be sure to register ASAP!
You can register on-line by clicking here. AIABC members qualify for the AIAC member rate – a further savings for you!

JSF Newsletter
For the latest newsletter from Lockheed Martin about JSF milestones, click here.

Historical research
Deidre Brocklehurst of BCIT writes: “I am researching the history of aircraft maintenance training in BC. I have read Phillip Raphael's article in "60 Years of Aviation History in BC" published by the BCAC. I am having trouble locating records for this type of training prior to the BC Vocational School in 1960. I have been told that the Brisbane Flying School (circa 1930s on) provided such training. I have located photographs of the school in the City of Richmond Archives but can find no other information on them. Any information on this subject, names of people I could research connected to the topic would be most appreciated.
Deidre Brocklehurst, MA, MAS
BCIT Archivist, BCIT Library, Room 206
604-431-4990
E-mail: deidre_brocklehurst@bcit.ca

Workers Compensation Board
The Workers Compensation Board’s Board of Directors will travel around the province, send out a series of surveys and host a Workplace Health and Safety Symposium in Vancouver on Oct 13 -14, 2005 to seek ideas and opinions about safety and health issues. This is a great opportunity for employers from all types of industries to meet with and communicate your ideas and concerns about workplace health and safety with the governing body of the WCB. To get involved and receive survey information register at www.worksafebc.com.
(click) Board of Directors (click) Contact Information or telephone Board of Directors project coordinator at 604-276-3055 or toll free 1-866-469-3055


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JULY 20, 2005

BC aerospace looks bad in AIAC survey

BC comes off looking less than stellar in the annual survey conducted by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada. Despite the fact that in 2002, Industry Canada estimated that BC had sales revenues of more than $1.2 billion, and by all accounts the industry has rebounded well beyond 2001 levels, the AIAC survey lists BC as the fourth largest provincial aerospace industry in the country, with only half the revenues and employment of Manitoba – and ONE-THIRD the sales revenues of IC’s 2002 estimates.

Why? The last time I spoke to Ron Kane about AIAC’s survey, he indicated that only a handful of BC companies had replied to the survey. Ron was not available today to discuss response rates, but I’d be surprised if more than 10 of the more than 250 companies in BC replied to the survey. Therefore, rather than using this survey as an opportunity to re-inforce BC’s pre-eminence in areas such as MRO, we are now in the unfortunate position of having to clarify these results for the next year until an update is produced. In the meantime, a National Aerospace Policy will have been drafted using data of this nature. It is reasonable to conclude that this policy will be used to promote the aerospace industry in areas where it is thriving and growing – which is not the impression these statistics create about BC.

AIABC has just launched a labour market information (LMI) update, which will provide us with some homegrown numbers relating to employment and sales revenues that will allow us to defend the info in the AIAC survey. If you have been asked to fill out AIABC’s LMI survey and have not yet done so, PLEASE DO IT TODAY!

Here are a couple links with more info on the AIAC survey:
Click here to see the full press release from AIAC
Click here to see a backgrounder with more detailed survey statistics


Can you do aluminum alloy etching?
AIABC has received an urgent request from Rolls-Royce North America based on a new requirement related to the JSF and the F135 & F136 engines. They are looking for Canadian company with capability to perform a chemical procedure for etching aluminum alloys prior to penetrant inspection. It is an etch process using sodium hydroxide. Industry Canada advised that this is a very significant opportunity. The contact person for this request is Mr. Bruce Lennie Rolls-Royce North America Director Gov't. Affairs (613) 237-0421.
For more information you can also contact Jim Castellano, Analyst, Aerospace & Automotive Branch, Industry Canada, Tel: (613) 954-3747, E-mail:castellano.jim@ic.gc.ca

Meeting report with Immigration Minister Joe Volpe
On the recommendation of Industry Minister David Emerson and his executive assistant Dale Flood, Michael Coughlin of Cascade Aerospace attended a breakfast meeting with Immigration Minister Joe Volpe in Vancouver. Other attendees included:
-Andrew Turner – VP at Telus
-Tak Nam Foo – CEO S.U.C.C.E.S.S
-John Winter – CEO BC Chamber
-Editor in Chief – Vancouver Sun
-VP – Electronic Arts (EA) Canada
-Mat Wilcox – Wilcox Group (PR/Communications)
-Stephen Heckbert - (Volpe Communications Director)
-Dale Flood – Minister Emerson’s Assistant
Some of the key messages communicated included:
- Aerospace is a growth industry but choked by lack of experienced people – getting worse Industry is hiring and training apprentices, but the real need is for skilled people
- Immigration is a key for the long term – both temporary workers and permanent. Asked for his support of the Foreign Worker application and the BC Provincial Nominee Program.
- Linked the issue of skills development and immigration to the Canadian Aerospace Partnership with AIAC; emphasized that Skills Shortages is the next big area of focus.
- Talked about the problem of recognition of foreign credentials and the need to work this with Transport Canada. We need qualified people to be licensed quickly by TC.

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JULY 18, 2005

Phone Scam
Just in case anyone out there receives a call from someone purporting to be with the “National On-line Directory”, do yourself a favour and hang up. These scam artists tried to swindle $299 out of AIABC for a listing on a fake internet directory. They did not succeed, and they have been reported to the police. If something like this happens to you, call Phonebusters at 1-888-495-8501.

Note from TPC rep, Richard Annis
Just a quick note to let you all know that I'm preparing to move on to new challenges upon retirement from the Public Service of Canada, my last day 'on the job' being September 15. I wanted to let you all know that I've thoroughly enjoyed working with you and trying to help companies to grow and achieve their potential. It's been a slice. If anyone needs to get in touch with TPC about a possible project or an active file during the next few months, please call Roch Chouinard at 613-948-2678 or Martin Gordon at 613-954-2782. My personal email is richard_annis@yahoo.ca should anyone be interested.

Aerospace Procurement UK
There is an interesting procurement networking event taking place in Manchester, England on September 21 – and the UK government picks up the tab. From the brochure:
The support of the UK Government means we are able to provide you with a generous flight subsidy, free entrance to the event, quality hotel accommodation, attendance at a Gala Dinner and full interpreting facilities (if needed). For more information, click here.

Just got back from Paris?
AIAC will soon be asking you to identify your interest in participating in the 2006 edition of the Farnborough Air Show. Overall space commitments must be made to the organizers by September 2, 2005. In order to be able to accommodate all potential participants you are encouraged to identify your space needs early to Sandra Sutcliffe at sandra.sutcliffe@aiac.ca. To avoid disappointment, and to assist in the budgeting and organizing process, you are encouraged to identify your intentions early.

Aviation Alberta update
For an update on what happened at the Aviation Alberta AGM in Edmonton from May 10-12, click here.

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JULY 17, 2005

AIABC is committed to developing long-term solutions to the aerospace industry’s need for skilled workers. But first we must understand the current and projected demand for various types of workers. AIABC is conducting a Labour Market Information survey in partnership with the City of Richmond, City of Surrey, and Vancouver Economic Development Commission. These organizations are interested in expanding aerospace investment and therefore require current information on availability, wages, and future demand for aerospace workers. They too want to ensure that the industry’s current and future need for skilled workers is met. If you are personally interested in the survey results, you may choose at the end of the survey to have the summarized results sent to you. If you have any questions, please contact our market researchers Celine Cassidy at (778) 883-2535 or Jamie Vann Struth at (604) 762-6901, or send me an e-mail. You can also give me a call with any questions or concerns at 604 538 0071.

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JULY 13, 2005

Minister of Industry meets with aviation and aerospace
Hon David Emerson, spent more than an hour on Tuesday chatting with a group of 50 representatives from the BC aerospace and aviation industry. The event, hosted by the Aerospace Industry Association of BC, offered industry execs an opportunity to highlight directly to the Minister a range of issues, from the squeeze that a lack of skilled workers will put on economic growth, to changes needed in government procurement and industrial regional benefit policy. And although many have congratulated the Minister on airport rent reductions, he actually turned the tables and congratulated the industry on working diligently with government to find a compromise solution that, with luck, can be improved upon in the future. The Minister re-iterated his previously stated positions on the importance of establishing new aircraft platforms in Canada, such as the Bombardier C-Series, and stressed that aviation and aerospace are national industries – not regional industries – and therefore a national aerospace policy was essential to the longterm growth of the industry. That policy is currently in development. A consultation period – the results of which will be fed into the national policy – was held after the Minister’s remarks and provoked some spirited debate on what the “game-changing” issues for Canadian aerospace will be in the next decade.

Changed Product Rule #1
The simultaneous implementation by Canada, the US and European authorities of the Changed Product Rule in June 2003 presented challenges in achieving consistent application of the rule. As a result, the Continuous Improvement Team (CIT) was established with the purpose of monitoring international issues affecting the implementation, standardization and continued harmonization of the Changed Product Rule. The CIT and has now issued its first annual report. If you would like a copy, contact Mark Zappa, Transport Canada or call (613) 941 6041.

Changed Product Rule #2
The final Canadian meeting of the Changed Product Rule Continuous Improvement Team is being held Aug 30- Sept 2 at ICAO headquarters in Montreal. As with previous CIT meetings, an industry session is being held for industry members who may be interested in sharing or presenting their CPR experiences or concerns with CIT. The meeting is open to everyone, but seating is limited, so advance registration is required. For more information, contact Eric Lucas, Transport Canada or call (613) 952-0212.

PEMD
Three aviation and aerospace associations were among 55 industry associations that received more than $3 million in federal assistance from the Program for Export Development, which promoting Canadian exports to overseas markets. The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC), the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC), and the Canadian Airports Council (CAC) all received funding. Good news, although rumours are circulating that this federal program is about to die.

CAR 303
Earlier this year, Transport Canada committed to review the full range of emergency response services at all airports in Canada. It was determined that revising CAR 303 and rescinding CAR 308 was the best approach. In a letter, Transport Canada advises that “merging the two levels of aircraft firefighting service into one regulation will provide comprehensive emergency response for air travellers while, at the same time, removing the financial burden of CAR 303 and CAR 308 from less busy airports.” CAR 303 will now apply when the total number of pax emplaned and deplaned exceeds 180,000/year, and will also include a clause that allows airports to apply to the Minister to terminate the service under certain conditions. These regulatory changes will be gazetted during the Fall of 2005.

Conair donation
The most recent edition of the Coastal Pacific Aviation newsletter advises that Conair of Abbotsford has donated $100,000 to the University College of the Fraser Valley to establish the Conair Group endowment fund to support four annual scholarships. Scholarships of $1500 will now be available in the following programs: Aircraft Structures Technician; Aviation Diploma Technician, Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation. Just a reminder that the deadline for BCAC Scholarship and Bursary funds applications is August 1, 2005. Click here for more information.

Movements
Jake van Laar, a former AIABC member, is leaving Coastal Pacific and moving to Transport Canada.

Civil Aviation Issue Reporting System
CAIRS, which is shorthand for Civil Aviation Issue Reporting System is an evolution of the former complaint process that now allows external stakeholders to make suggestions, include concerns, comments and other ideas for improvement to the Transport Canada Civil Aviation organisation. Merlin Preuss, Director General Civil Aviation writes in a recent letter that “CAIRS aims to resolve issues informally and at the lowest possible level in our organization.” For more information on CAIRS, click here.

BC Business Magazine
Intrigued by a cover teaser shouting “The most hated man in business”, I flipped the magazine open and was dismayed to find a big picture of Kelowna Flightcraft’s Barry Lapointe. I quickly realized I was on the wrong page – in fact the article about Barry was a well-deserved pat on the back for the BC-based company’s triumph over Bombardier in the bid for the $1.7 billion contract to run the DND training facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Phew!

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JUNE 29, 2005

AIABC Executive elected
At yesterday's board meeting the AIABC board of directors elected the following executive members:
*President: Kevin Russell - Avcorp Industries
*Vice President: Linda Wolstencroft - AcroHelipro Global Services
*Secretary Treasurer: Don Matthew - KPMG
Other board members include:
*Jacques Bonaventure - Asco Aerospace
*Brian Burge - Air Canada
*Michael Coughlin - Cascade Aerospace
*Nigel Evans - MacDonald Dettwiler
*Dale Hunt - Ad Hoc Services
*Stephen Peszel - CHC Global
*Jim Rogers - Kelowna Flightcraft
*Todd Sjerven - Viking Air
*Shaun Turner - EarthTech

Labour Market update
AIABC, in association with the Province of BC, is undertaking an update of BC aerospace labour market demographics. To collect the required data, AIABC companies will be contacted in the coming weeks to answer some brief questions about their workforce. Please co-operate! This is important information for AIABC to provide to training institutions and other government agencies as we work to ensure appropriate funding for a steady supply of properly skilled labour to the BC industry. More info on this project will be available in the near future.
The timing will be as follows:
Week of July 4 - confirmation of contacts and programming of online survey
Week of July 11 - Launch of online survey by email
Week of July 18 - Email followup
Week of July 25 (and following 1-2 weeks) - Telephone survey (including
up to 3 calls for each company)
And then still allowing a month following that to wrap up the results
and produce the report for a completion date of Sep 15.

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JUNE 27, 2005

Abbotsford airshow
With the City of Abbotsford and the Seattle Consulate, AIABC is organizing an invitation-only networking day with Washington State companies at the Abbotsford Airshow.
Is there a contact in Washington State you would like AIABC to invite? Please send me an e-mail with contact names and numbers, or even a description of the type of contacts you would like to see there. If you would like to make a splash with Washington state companies, please call me to discuss how you can increase your visibility. Also, if any members have give-away items that we can put in a "goody-bag" for our Washington friends, please let me know!

Board meeting tomorrow
AIABC's Board of Directors meet tomorrow. Thanks to AcroHelipro for hosting this meeting! This is a closed meeting for directors only.

New mailing address for Viking Air
Viking Air has moved buildings and the new mailing address is:
9574 Hampden Rd. Sidney, BC, Canada V8L 5V5. Main phone and fax numbers remain the same.

Report from Maritime Domain Awareness/US Coast Guard Innovation Expo
Click here for a full report on this conference, by Canada's man in Los Angeles, Jeffery Gray.

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JUNE 24, 2005

Aerospace Testing Expo Call for Papers
CALL FOR PAPERS...DO YOU WISH TO MAKE A TECHNICAL PRESENTATION?
The CALL FOR PAPERS for all parallel forums has been extended to Thursday 30th June.
This includes:
* Open Technology Forum – A multidisciplinary 3-day program presenting the latest testing technologies, techniques and strategies across the aerospace sector (this includes a special ‘SpaceTest’ session focusing on testing technologies relevant to the satellite and space community)
* AeroNDT Technology Forum – A dedicated 2-day program of presentations on the very latest in NDT/NDE & NDI for aerospace applications
* Flight Testing Seminar – a one-day seminar organised by the Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE) & the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) - keynote speech provided by Doug Shane (President SETP and VP & Chief Test Pilot at Scaled Composites)
Contact Ian Stone on +44 (0)1306 743744 or email to secure your opportunity to show your expertise....


Abbotsford News
Those of you in the Abbotsford area can keep an eye out for an article in the next edition of the Abbotsford News reporting on Cascade Aerospace and some comments from AIABC on the positive signs the provincial aerospace industry is showing.
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JUNE 23, 2005

Hiring blitz
Cascade Aerospace will hire up to 120 employees over the next few months to keep up with the increased demand for aircraft maintenance and modification services. The company will recruit experienced aircraft maintenance engineers, avionics technicians, interior technicians, cleaners, and support personnel, as well as a number of apprentices who are recent graduates from BCIT and UCFV. In addition, the company will increase its internal training programs by over 30% in the next year.

Meeting with David Emerson
Minority parliament politics are creating challenges for AIABC and the office of Industry Minister David Emerson. His office has been working very hard to find a slot in his calendar when he can meet AIABC members, but the potential 3-week extension of the current session of Parliament is wreaking havoc with his schedule. Stand by for a date!

Labour Standards Review
The mandate of the Federal Labour Standards Review Commission is to conduct a comprehensive review of Part III of the Canada Labour Code which sets out labour standards for workers and employers under federal jurisdiction. Federal Labour Standards currently address such issues as hours of work, minimum wage, unjust dismissals and annual vacation. The Commission hopes to hear a broad range of views on various workplace issues related to its mandate. The Commission will be holding public hearings in the fall of 2005 in 14 cities across Canada. Dates of these hearings are now posted on the Federal Labour Standards Review website (www.fls-ntf.gc.ca). Those who would like to voice their opinions at a public hearing must register at least 3 weeks before the hearing at which they wish to appear. The registration form can be found on the commission website. A written submission should also be sent within that timeframe.
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JUNE 22, 2005

Strategy session
Industry Canada's Aerospace and Defence branch huddles in Ottawa this week to plan their strategy for the next year. Priorities for BC have been re-iterated to IC ensure that West Coast perspectives are part of the process. The list will sound familiar: revision of IRB policy, national aerospace strategy development, skilled labour development, border security and program assistance for new technology.

AIAC Aerospace and Defence Industrial issues
Companies with interests in this area that are not direct members of AIAC may wish to get a copy of this document. It is a summary of the letters AIAC has written to various ministers and bureaucrats in recent months highlighting aerospace perspectives on these issues. It makes a great songsheet for those of you echoing AIAC's concerns in your own communication with government. If you would like a copy, drop me a line. At the moment I only have a hardcopy, so I may not be able to respond immediately.

Joint Strike Fighter Newsletter
The JSF office circulates Lockheed's regular JSF newsletter. Download a copy here. You can add your name to the distribution list by contacting:
Michael Piersdorff PEng., MBA
Senior Sector Development Officer (Aerospace)
Joint Strike Fighter Project
Aerospace and Automotive Branch
Industry Canada
235 Queen Street, Ottawa ON K1A 0H5
Voice: 1-613-954-3151
Fax: 1-613-952-8088
e-mail: Michael Piersdorff

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JUNE 21, 2005

Happy summer solstice!

China market
The June 2005 e-issue of China Civil Aviation Report is now available online! Visit to check it out.

And while you're visiting our website, be sure to read about the upcoming China Airport Forum 2005 event, to be held in Hangzhou China, August 24-25. Held in one of China's most beautiful and historically rich cities, many of China's airport operators, authorities, and local governments will be gathered together under one roof to meet with international airport operators and service/equipment providers to discuss business and critical airport issues in China.

Industry Minister highlights importance of aviation
In a speech to the BC Chamber of Commerce on 27 May, 2006, Hon David Emerson, Minister of Industry said, "in an age of integrated supply chains there is more opportunity for cost reduction and margin improvement up and down the supply chain than inside the typical manufacturing operation...the ability to manage and optimize transportation and logistics is critical for economic success. From an investment perspective, the ability to tap into a sophisticated global transportation system will be essential to attract the investments of tomorrow."

Industry Minister highlights importance of clusters
In a speech to the BC Chamber of Commerce on 27 May, 2006, Hon David Emerson, Minister of Industry said, "The role of cities and communities have become essential to success in winning the battle for capital. In spite of the the "death of distance", there continues to be massive economic efficiencies created by economic agglomerations of activity...proximity is a tremendous advantage. Clusters drive efficiency and competitiveness; that is, clusters of companies in complimentary businesses and clusters of researchers can cross-pollenate. Clusters can create substantial locational value, innovation potential, competitive edge and, ulitmately, profitability that is far greater than the simple sum of the individual parts.

Develop Foreign Markets With Your Virtual Trade Commissioner (VTC) Account
Industry Canada research indicates that eight out of ten VTC Clients have an immediate international business need that could be met through their account with the Virtual Trade Commissioner!
Please join us in this no-cost, 90 minute course in a small group setting, which will provide you with the most effective ways to use your VTC account to save you time and money and help you find new international business connections.
Course Location & Time:
Canada Export Centre (see map attached)
602 W. Hastings St. - 4th floor Board Room
Vancouver, BC
2 p.m. - Monday, June 27th
RSVP by Thursday June 23rd:
Carol Howell-Jones
Export Program Coodinator
International Trade Canada
Vancouver, BC
604-666-0006 or howelljones.carol@ic.gc.ca

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JUNE 20, 2005

Air Canada order cancelled
From today's Globe and Mail: Shares of Air Canada's parent company fell about 3 per cent Monday after the airline disclosed late Saturday that a pilots union vote forced cancellation of a $6-billion order for as many as 96 Boeing jetliners. Shares in ACE Aviation Holdings were down $1.27 to $41.13 on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Air Canada's revival plans suffered a major setback Saturday after a simmering dispute over seniority rights for pilots forced the airline to cancel a $6-billion (U.S.) order for 32 new planes. Members of the Air Canada Pilots Association ignored their negotiating team's recommendation to accept the airline's offer on wages and working conditions for flying new Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners.

Martin agrees to share airline pax details
Prime Minister Paul Martin and visiting European Union leaders reached agreement this weekend on sharing airline passenger information to improve security. "We've agreed to share airline passenger information in a way that balances security needs and the protection of individual rights," said Martin.

Float plane safety questioned
In the Vancouver Sun today, new calls for mods to Beaver aircraft equipped with floats. 37 people have died in accidents with these aircraft over the past 20 years, and a Transportation Safety Board official says that they ought to be modified to allow easier egress in case of emergencies. Sounds expensive - and probably not economically viable for many owners/operators. Considering the long and venerable history of the aircraft, it's quite clear they work pretty well when operated correctly. So why not focus more energy on getting people to use the floats, instead of the emergency exits?

Promotional opportunity at Turin Olympics
The Province of BC and the federal government have approached AIABC participating in "BC House" at the Turin Olympics from Jan 2006- March 2006. My understanding is that this will be an Expo 86-style pavilion which will be open to the general public, near the main Olympic site. It is a one-of-a-kind pavilion; it is there because BC is the next Olympic host. A number of technology and industry associations will be exhibiting there. The House will also be available for receptions, meetings or other tie-in events that BC companies may wish to organise. While space in the House is provided by the government, exhibits/receptions/meetings etc are not funded - at least by BC House. If you are interested in using the Turin Olympics to promote BC aerospace, drop me a line and let me know!


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JUNE 17, 2005

Cabinet shuffle
The new appointments of the provincial cabinet yesterday - and the re-organizing of several ministries - means it will take a while to figure out where aerospace's door to government policy is now located. The Ministry of Employment and Investment disappeared after the NDP left office and became the Ministry of Competition, Science and Enterprise (or CSE). Then Small Business and Economic Development evolved last year with John Les at the helm. Now, Rick Thorpe, who took over the CSE portfolio in the early stages of the first Liberal term is back in the driver's seat with another ministry name change and, it appears, a very different mandate. Based on the BC Government website, the newly named Ministry of Small Business and Revenue now appears to be the government's main tax collection instrument, an unfortunate juxtaposition. That means the other appointment of interest is former Finance Minister Colin Hansen to the post of Minister of Economic Development. This ministry's responsibilities include: Economic development policy, International and internal trade policy, Export market development, Business climate, Community venture capital program, Business immigration programs, Labour market policy and strategy, BC Olympic Games Secretariat. Interestingly, the Ministry of Advanced Education - where Ida Chong remains as Minister - has lost the Industry Training Authority to Colin Hansen's ministry. That should provoke a few interesting discussions as Advanced Education loses a $77 million part of their budget.

New magazine feature
Wings Magazine is starting to develop a new feature tentatively called Regional Roundup that would contain news/issues/recent developments in aerospace in the various provinces and regions across Canada. New products, processes, technologies, new firms coming in, expansion of facilities, employment, anything affecting the industry in the province is of interest to the editors. If you have any story ideas about your company, send me an e-mail and I'll pass it along, or you can contact Talbot Boggs at Wings directly Tel: 416-421-8607.

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We are trying a new experiment on the AIABC website for the next few weeks. I get a lot of tidbits of info that I can’t always manage to circulate via newsletter in a timely fashion. So we’ll use technology to our advantage and I’ve started this on-line blog. Whenever I get a piece of interesting news, I’ll post it here. I’ll send reminders occasionally to help you remember to check it out.

JUNE 16, 2005

Aerospace not part of province's "Leading Edge" portfolio
It looks like BC may loose the opportunity to become home to a major assembly facility for a Boeing supplier.
After many months of discussion with the province, municipalities and the federal government, there seems to be little interest in competing with offers from other jurisdictions. Attractive as BC is due to its reformed tax strucutre, proximity to Boeing and its skilled labour supply, the so-called "level-playing field" is still not enough to compete with some of the major financial incentives that other locations regularly put on the table. The province has identified five ironically named <a href="http://www.leadingedgebc.ca/clusters.php<" leading edge" industries it is working with to invest in BC: Biotechnology/Life Sciences; Energy Technologies; Information & Communications Technology (ICT); New Media; Sustainability Technologies; Wireless Cluster. Aerospace did not make this list of technology industries and investment opportunities are being lost as a result.

Paris Airshow
Paris is a good lead-generation venue for aerospace investment. However, did you know that every province except BC, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland sent either Ministers, Deputy Ministers or specialist aerospace investment officials to the Paris Airshow?

JUNE 15, 2005

Western Aerospace Alliance
Members of the Western Aerospace Alliance got together recently to discuss priorities for the next year. AIABC is the host association for 2005/2006 and, in addition to chairing the Alliance, we will also be hosting the WAA Conference in Campbell River from May 31 - June 2, 2006. This year’s event in Winnipeg continued to build the tradition of the conference and was, by all measures, an unqualified success. Priorities identified for WAA in the next 12 months are:
* Monitoring the Canadian Aerospace Partnership’s People and Skills Working Group. WAA has been very concerned with HR issues for a number of years and we will be working to ensure that the messages emanating from this group reflect Western Canadian issues.
*Industrial regional benefits: The lessons learned from the unfortunate regional distribution of work from the recently announced MHP project are clear – industry must continue to pressure Western Economic Diversification to immerse itself in the IRB development and oversight process. Other regional governments are doing so, and their regions are succeeding.

AIAC Annual General Meeting
Earlybird registration is open right now and AIABC members can register at the AIAC member rate. Please visit the AIAC website for registration info.

Industry Canada Survey
This survey will determine the nature and extent of government’s role in e-business standards development and implementation. The project is being undertaken by the Richard Ivey School of Business in collaboration with Industry Canada. The survey is available here
It requires a username and password for access:
Username: estandards
Password: survey
One important part of this is the role of standards that businesses choose to adopt to insure interoperability with suppliers and customers. If properly implemented and used, standards should lead to reduced costs and increased flexibility. Confusion or lack of knowledge related to standards can lead to loss of business, while multiple applications can lead to problems in their implementation. Companies need to be able to conduct effective electronic commerce, including ensuring security and integrity in electronic transactions, efficient coordination with clients and suppliers, and satisfaction of legal requirements. This study is investigating the motivators for the development and adoption of these standards, and examining the environment in which they are set as it relates to inter-organisational integration. The results of this study will be used to help develop policy in this area on an industry sector by sector basis with the aim to help Canadian firms to become more competitive.

Job postings
Sounds like another major hiring blitz is expected in BC shortly – watch this space for an announcement. In the meantime, here is one position:
Senior Stress Engineer, Delta, BC
Our client is a world leader in the manufacture of complex structural aircraft components and assemblies, made from titanium or high strength steels. The company is in full expansion.
* Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering with minimum 5 years of experience in stress work in an Aerospace Design and Engineering office or equivalent through experience. Experience in FEM tools (Nastran/Patran) used in conjunction with design in CATIA V5
* Will need to work in close liaison with other company plant locations such as one in Europe stress section and its ISO 9001 approved procedures
* Will need to operationally supervise the work of contract stress analysts and organize appropriate infrastructure for team expansions
* Will support evaluation and design iteration of customer provided design concepts in early development, develop appropriate models and may have to develop own analysis methods in new situations
* Able to define required information for analysis, including requirements and selected load cases, from broad range of sources. Good knowledge of certification basis for the company product functions required
* During concept development and detail design can perform the validation of drawings and assemblies by finite element analysis or manual calculations
* Support detail design with static, fatigue, and damage tolerance stress analysis for customer provided load cases and margins
* Produce stress reports for certification
* Investigation and disposal of non conformity reports
* Likely the only permanent stress engineering position in Vancouver
Experience with aircraft parts similar to the product portfolio of the client, the properties and standards for the relevant materials and the design constraints of the related production processes (high performance CNC machining) is very important.
French language is an asset, excellent English is essential. Please send your resume to if you have the required skills.