All the “AviationPros” will be heading to Las Vegas next week for the Cygnus Aviation Expo, March 7-9. I’ll be glad to meet everyone I can so stop by our booth No. 408 for a visit.
In the meantime, here’s a recap of some events presented for Ground Support Worldwide readers.
Green GSE Seminars
March 8 in the Exhibit Hall Theater
Going Green At US Airways Express
1:30-2:30 p.m.
US Airways Express/Piedmont Airlines has used electric GSE at many of its locations for years, in particular at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and the Philadelphia International Airport. In fact, electricity powers a major portion of its baggage tractors and belt loaders at these busy airports.
The seminar promises to share cost savings using electric GSE and candidly discuss important daily performance issues. While VALE grants are a popular way to purchase electric GSE, the speakers will share other sources of funding that you may not have considered.
Speakers: Brian Wemple, Manager, Customer Service Support, Piedmont Airlines, and Fred Maslow, GSE Allocation Analyst, US Airways Express.
Taking A Different Road To Green GSE
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Rechargeable lead-acid batteries for GSE aren't the only way to save on fuel and cut down on emissions. Two companies are using power sources that aren't necessarily new, but can be considered unconventional ways to go green.
Corvus Energy will discuss lithium power. Can-Am Modev will discuss hydrogen power.
Speakers: Brent Perry, CEO, President and one of the founders of Corvus Energy. Claude Pepin, President, Can-Am Modev H2 R&D Inc.
Making The Switch From Diesel GSE To Electric GSE
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Certainly plenty of airlines and ground support operators are incorporating electric GSE into their traditional fossil-fueled lines of equipment. The switch isn't always as easy as most of us would think. What do you say to personnel used to the tried-and-true versions of GSE? What can go wrong along the way to getting it right? How can you ensure the best outcome? Learn the first-hand lessons one OEM has learned from many of his aviation customers. Also, the presentation will take a look at what's next for rechargeable batteries and charger technology.
Todd Allen, President, Allen Energy.
Outdoor Demos
We’ve also expanded our outdoor demo area to be large enough so you can actually drive and test equipment. You’ll also be able to stop by “garages” for the companies that demo equipment. Finally, we’ve also included outdoor booths so you can really come and kick the tires and see the equipment in action. Here are the exhibitors you can expect to see outside:
- AERO Specialties with Eagle Tugs
- Corvus Energy Ltd.
- Genie
- Harlan Global Manufacturing
- JLG Industries Inc.
Ground Support Leaders of the Year
Here are our three Ground Support Leaders of the Year, which we will officially bestow at the Attendee and Networking Party, Thursday, March 8, from 5-6:30 p.m. Please come and celebrate and congratulate the winners for the 2012 Awards. This event also features our popular truck give-a-way.
Lifetime Achievement: William "Bill" Jacob with the United Parcel Service Inc. This award recognizes a person who has demonstrated commitment to the industry through numerous years of dedicated service. Jacob has more than 40 years of GSE experience with Eastern Airlines and UPS. Jacob, Vice President of the UPS Ground Support Division, is directly responsible for almost 32,000 pieces of powered and nonpowered GSE.
Team Leader: Gregory McDermott with the United States Coast Guard. This award recognizes an individual who has taken a leadership role with personnel. McDermott, Chief Warrant Officer – Four, leads an aviation ground support team with a $12 million budget at the Coast Guard's only Aviation Logistics Center. McDermott's work supports 26 Coast Guard air stations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
Product/Service Leader: Flightcom for its development of a hands-free wireless system for ground support communication. New this year, this award celebrates the products, services and manufacturers making a difference in the industry.
