The business community in Summerside, PE, Canada recently recognized its brightest and best as the local chamber of commerce held its 21st Business Excellence Awards.

Programmers within Vector Aerospace’s Summerside facility developed a key piece of software called ‘Engine Tracking’. This application was developed in-house and is widely used by Vector Aerospace personnel to track a variety of data associated with each engine/component as it proceeds through the overhaul/repair process. The users are provided with real-time notifications and visibility of information for each engine. The benefit of this system is the availability of extensive and customizable reports presented in a concise and user friendly manner.

Vector’s E-Logbook was also developed internally. This software’s key function allows

Jeff Poirier, President, ES-A accepts Innovator of the Year Award

‘Innovator of the Year’ award

for the documentation of employee training electronically. Whether it is skill-based training with a mentor, theoretical training ina classroom, document reviews or training from an external source, the E-Logbook has the ability to support all aspects, including a reporting functionality. Data in the E-Logbook allows Vector to identify specific skill sets and areas of opportunity for additional training to strengthen capacity planning.

32 nominees took to the stage during the awards, and when the night was through seven were named as best in their class.

We compete worldwide for the business that comes to Summerside, to be successful, as we have been for over 25 years, is a tribute to and a testament to the great people that we have. It’s great to be able to call Summerside our headquarters.”

“

Vector Aerospace takes home Innovator of the Year Award

External: Volume 6 | January 2015 Q1

Take - OffWWW.VECTORAEROSPACE.COM

SETTING THE STANDARD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

We hope that the New Year proves to be a successful one for our customers and the aerospace sector in general, following a number of headwinds faced by the industry in 2014.

As always, our overriding focus here at Vector Aerospace during 2015 will be to delight our customers in everything we do. We will continue to focus on short turn times, on time delivery, market leading prices, excellent quality and a customer experience that will hopefully ensure Vector Aerospace remains your primary MRO provider of choice.

In line with our commitment to being in close proximity to our customers, Vector Aerospace will continue its global expansion with the opening of our recently completed facility in Singapore, which will formally take place early this year.

Our existing network of facilities, located on six continents across the world, will continue to provide the high level of service that you have come to expect from us, driven by the passion and integrity of our 2,700 employees.

Now at the beginning of 2015, I would like to express my gratitude to our valued customers who entrusted us with their business in 2014, and we look forward to seeing you during 2015, either at one of the 35+ tradeshows we will be attending during the year or at a Vector Aerospace location near you.

Declan O’Shea President & CEO, Vector Aerospace

Message from the President: Welcome to 2015

SECA: 2014 flight report

Vector Aerospace’s French subsidiary, SECA, continued to move forward with its restructuring activities under CEO Christian Venzal during 2014, and while ‘cruise altitude’ has not yet been reached, the division is making good progress.

SECA’s leading position in the regional MRO market was confirmed again during the year, both through existing customers continuing to put their trust in the company, and in terms of new business. During 2014, SECA secured business with new customers covering maintenance work on more than 90 Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW100 and PT6 engines over the next five years, with an associated expected turnover of US $88 million.

“We are proud to have been chosen by leading and emerging operators,” commented Christian. “We always work pro actively with our clients in order to

anticipate their needs. Airlines rely on our expertise, from aircraft acquisition to operational plan development. It is a win-win approach, whereby we help operators to increase productivity and they trust us to maintain their engines.”

These successes are essential in this transition period for SECA. The division’s Sales department increasingly relies on collaborative efforts with other Vector Aerospace entities in order to expand its services range and customer portfolio. SECA’s engine trading activity, undertaken in coordination with Vector Aerospace’s Engine Rental and Trading Team (ETT), has also enabled it to sell six engines and to reduce two others to spares, thus providing SECA’s customers with relevant and optimized solutions.

Buoyed by these achievements, SECA and its Commercial team are already looking ahead to more successes in 2015.

Helicopters operating in theatres of war need a large supporting cast, ensuring that they are ready and primed for their daily performance -a performance which must always be 100%. There can be no retakes, no second chances - this is it.

For the last five and a half years, some of those key roles have been undertaken by members of Vector Aerospace – UK’s Chinook Business Unit, working alongside Boeing personnel and the RAF to support the UK’s Chinook fleet in Afghanistan. This was in support of a contract known as CONDO (Contractors on Deployed Operations) which aimed to maximize the availability and serviceability of RAF Chinooks in theatre. Helicopters that needed urgent maintenance to enable them to carry out a wide range of operations, in many cases being the difference between life and death, were fully supported. The skills brought by the Vector Aerospace team, working with the RAF and Boeing, ensured that the aircraft were fully operational, able to transport forces safely and carry out medical evacuation when needed, thereby ensuring that the lives of allied forces personnel were being protected and saved on a daily basis.

As a thank you to this essential supporting cast, a dinner sponsored by Boeing and Vector Aerospace was held at the Spinnaker tower in Portsmouth in early November. The guests of honour were those who had been deployed, and they were joined by senior officers from the MoD and the mayor of Gosport, in a fitting recognition of a great performance.

The proposal for CONDO was requested from Boeing in October 2008. Training was provided to prepare the deploying personnel for the potential risks that they would face. Medical and dental checks were completed, vaccinations provided, briefings conducted and procedures put in place to manage and sustain this complex undertaking. The first team deployed by RAF transport in March 2009.

The teams each had eight personnel, consisting of one manager, one electrician and six mechanics. All of the teams spent time at RAF Odiham, the Chinook main operating base, prior to deploying, for familiarization, maintenance and operational training. This enabled the teams to build strong positive relationships with their RAF counterparts. The Vector Aerospace personnel deployed for four months and lived and worked alongside their uniformed colleagues. They were also accompanied by a Boeing field service engineer.

Over a period of five and a half years, Vector Aerospace teams delivered a truly professional managed service, carrying out Primary/Primary Star scheduled servicing/complex repairs and line maintenance. An in- theatre engine upgrade program was also undertaken, as well as a particularly complex deep repair on one aircraft that had sustained crash damage. This necessitated the team remaining in theatre for an extra month (five months in total) to complete the repair work.

An impressive total of 52 Vector Aerospace technicians served in theatre, covering 19 deployments; 70% of those 52 personnel deployed more than once, with one individual deploying five times and another four times. All who deployed were awarded UK MoD Operational Service Medals. CONDO crews supported operations across two principal operating bases, Kandahar and Bastion. For these teams, their daily routines were relatively repetitive yet exciting at the same time. The high work tempo meant that everyone was always busy.

The nature of the repairs and faults called on all of the professional skills and experience of the Vector Aerospace technicians, who contributed so much to successful operations. The location of the flight line meant that on a daily basis, the crews were often privileged to see the world’s largest air show! However, emotions and pulses raced hard with the sight of Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) aircraft departing to help those forces personnel injured in the line of duty on the front line. This really rammed home the importance of why everyone was there.

There is no doubt that the teams showcased their Depth maintenance skills and demonstrated partnered lean principles on the Front Line. Aircraft turnaround times were reduced to seven days for Primary and nine days for a Primary Star maintenance. The Vector Aerospace team not only worked with the RAF Chinook flight, but also partnered 1710 Naval Air Squadron, the Royal Navy’s Mobile Air Support Unit (MASU), which again contributed to the RAF’s in-theatre availability.

To sum up, the recent recognition of these CONDO teams was a fitting tribute, as the job they collectively faced was a hard one but one that was done extremely well. Their professionalism, determination and dedication contributed significantly to the success of the operation. They brought credit on themselves and Vector Aerospace, and we congratulate them on their outstanding achievements.

Recognition for Afghanistan CONDO teams

Aerway Leasing signs PW100 engine services agreement

U.S. aviation leasing, asset management and sales specialist Aerway Leasing, LLC has signed a Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW100 engine services agreement with Vector Aerospace.

Under the agreement, signed in October, Vector will provide Waterford, WI-based Aerway Leasing with comprehensive engine repair and overhaul support for the PW100 series from its Summerside, PE, Canada facility. Aerway Leasing will also be supported by Vector’s North American service centers in Atlanta, GA, Calgary, AB, Dallas, TX and Pittsburgh, PA, and by its Mobile Repair Team (MRT) network.

Jeff Poirier (left), President of ES-A, and Stephen Kennicot, Managing Director or Aerway Leasing, LLC shake hands following an engine services agreement signing at NBAA 2014 in Orlando, FL.

Vector wins T56 engine MRO contract

Vector Aerospace – UK has expanded its global military business portfolio with a contract to provide Rolls-Royce T56 engine support to a major operator of the C-130 Hercules transport.

Vector has developed a global offering for the T56/501D series, comprising full overhaul, repair, modification and testing. This ‘Total Propulsion Solution’ offering includes Lockheed Martin quick engine change (QEC) nacelles and UTC Aerospace (Hamilton Sundstrand) 54H60 propellers, together with all fuel systems and engine accessories.

Vector Aerospace’s competitive position on the C-130 propulsion system is underpinned by a comprehensive range of in-house repair schemes for high-cost engine components, a key element of the company’s ‘repair over replace’ philosophy.

Vector Aerospace loads refurbished AB205s onto C-130 for delivery

In October Vector Aerospace received and assisted with the unloading of two damaged Bell AB205 helicopters that were delivered to Vancouver International Airport in a C-130 Hercules for extensive refurbishment at it’s Langley, BC facility.

Following the unloading, Vector assisted with the re-loading of two completed AB205 airframes that had been involved in it’s refurbishment and upgrade program for the past several months, for return overseas.

This latest success is a significant milestone in the growth of our international military business. An important factor is our ability to partner with local support organizations, and this is where our track record stands us in such good stead. ”“

Michael Tyrrell, Managing Director, Vector Aerospace - UK

Vector has been supporting the repair, refurbishment and upgrade of this military customer’s fleet of AB205/B205A1 aircraft since 2008, and has produced twelve completed airframes; including structural, electrical, avionics, engine and component work to date.

This customer has two more B205A1s and three more AB205s in their fleet that are also scheduled to be refurbished and upgraded by Vector Aerospace in 2015.

“We are very pleased with the confidence and trust demonstrated by Aerway Leasing, LLC to deliver to their exceptionally high standards of quality and customer service,” said Jeff Poirier, President of Vector Aerospace’s Engine Services – Atlantic facility. “We are confident that our years of experience and success in providing comprehensive engine and accessory repair, overhaul and test services will enable Vector to deliver superior value and benefit to Aerway Leasing, LLC and its customers”

The engine services agreement covers PW100 series repairs, hot section inspections, testing, modifications and overhaul services.

Vector Aerospace recently renewed its engine service agreement with Gander Aerospace Manufacturing, which operates as GFT Aerospace Group. The company’s subsidiaries include regional airline EVAS Air, based in Gander, NL.

Under the exclusive agreement, Vector will provide EVAS Air with repair and overhaul support for the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A engine from its facility in Summerside, PEI.

“Gander Aerospace Manufacturing/EVAS Air is pleased to sign this agreement,” said Pat White, president and CEO of Gander Aerospace Manufacturing. “Vector has been a highly valued supplier in support of EVAS Air’s fleet of ten Beechcraft 1900D aircraft. I am very pleased that our respective teams were able to come to a fair and full deal that continues the great long-standing relationship between our company and Vector.”

CommutAir renews PW123 engine services agreement Vector Aerospace recently renewed its Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW123 engine services agreement with U.S. regional airline CommutAir, based in Cleveland, Ohio.

Under the agreement, Vectorwill provide CommutAir with comprehensive engine repair and overhaul support for its fleet of 21 Bombardier Dash-8 regional turboprops, powered by the PW123. Vector will support CommutAir from its facility in Summerside, PEI, augmented by its North American service centers in Atlanta, Calgary, Dallas and Pittsburgh. Vector’s Mobile Repair Team (MRT) network will also provide full support.

“We have been working with Vector for the past seven years and we continue to be very pleased with their outstanding level of service and support,” said Joel Raymond, executive vice president at CommutAir. “It’s the superior quality, responsiveness and commitment provided by Vector that allows for CommutAir to provide safe, efficient and reliable air transportation for over 1.4 million passengers each year.”

Provincial Aerospace Ltd. extends relationship with Vector AerospaceVector Aerospace recently signed an engine services agreement with aerospace services provider Provincial Aerospace Ltd. (PAL), based in St. John’s, NL. PAL provides a range of services to civil and military operators, its subsidiaries including Provincial Airlines.

Under the terms of the one-year agreement, Vector will provide PAL with comprehensive engine repair and overhaul support for the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A and JT15D series engines from its facility in Summerside, PEI. ES-A’s Mobile Repair Team (MRT) network will also provide full support.

“Provincial Aerospace welcomes the opportunity to continue our long standing relationship with Vector,” said Cory Russell, director of maintenance at Provincial Aerospace. “We applaud Vector’s focus on quality workmanship and quick turn times, which ultimately benefits both Provincial Aerospace and our valued customers.”

Vector Aerospace recently renewed its network services agreement with Turboprop East, Inc., the largest independent King Air, Piaggio and Citation maintenance facility in the northeastern United States.

Under the agreement, Vector will provide North Adams, MA-based Turboprop East with comprehensive engine repair and overhaul support for the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A and JT15D series engines from its facility in Summerside, PEI. Turboprop East will also be support by Vector’s four North American service centers in Atlanta, Calgary, Dallas and Pittsburgh.

Commenting on the agreement, Turboprop East’s Director of Maintenance, Mark Candiloro said: “Since 1968, we have been offering a broad range of services including aircraft maintenance, avionics and fuel sales. With their extensive repair and overhaul experience on the PT6A and JT15D series engines, Vector is the ideal company to support Turboprop East, Inc. and its customers.”

Turboprop East renews network services agreement

EVAS Air renews PT6A engine services agreement

Vector Aerospace signs engine services agreement with Solenta Aviation Vector Aerospace has signed a new three-year engine services agreement to support the Solenta Aviation group of companies, based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Under the agreement, signed in October, Vector will provide comprehensive engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services for Solenta Aviation’s fleet of 27 Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6 and PW100 powered turboprop aircraft from its facilities in Summerside, Johannesburg, and Nairobi.

“Following nearly a decade of providing consistent MRO support for the Solenta Aviation Group’s turboprop engine fleet throughout Africa and other territories, we are very pleased to be signing this new three-year contract,” said Jeff Poirier, president of Vector. “Both Vector and the Solenta Aviation Group have enjoyed significant and successful growth in the African continent over the last 10 years, and we have complimented each other well in the process. We look forward to further enhancing our relationship with the Solenta Aviation Group over the next three years.”

Air Niugini Limited sign three-year engine maintenance agreement Vector Aerospace and Air Niugini Limited, based at Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea recently signed a three-year agreement for an engine maintenance program.

As per the terms of the three-year exclusive agreement, Vector provides comprehensive fixed-wing aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services to Air Niugini Limited’s fleet of PW123D/E powered Bombardier DHC-8-Q315/202 from its facilities in Summerside, PEI and Brisbane, Australia.

Air Niugini Limited operates throughout Papua New Guinea and the greater Pacific region as an airline providing many services including scheduled transportation of domestic and international passengers, carriage of freight (both dedicated and as part of its scheduled passenger service), ad hoc and regular aviation charter.

By acquiring another AS332L in off-shore configuration, VALS is now the largest leaser of AS332L Super Pumas and with the support of its sister MRO companies in Vancouver, Canada and Gosport, UK they have introduced a number of upgrades to their fleet to specifically target the Utility market. The most notable of these is the development and installation of HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Avoidance Warning System). This critical modification, which is a Vector Aerospace owned STC, had been incorporated into all VALS Utility aircraft as part of the standard offer.

With aircraft already in continued operation in South East Asia and the Middle East, VALS is now pre-positioning an aircraft on the African continent where response times and mobilization costs are critical to capture opportunities as they arise. The aircraft and associated support parts are ready to respond to any urgent operational requirement at a moment’s notice. This strategy of global disposition of the fleet under continued care and maintenance and deployment in as little as one month, with fully flexible and customizable support packages, will be the corner-stone of the responsiveness and flexibility principles on which the Vector Aerospace Super Puma program was developed.

Vector Aerospace Leasing Solutions (VALS) continues to expand its fleet and global reach.

Vector Aerospace showcases Super Puma capabilities at C1e demo

In November 2014, Vector Aerospace and Vector Aerospace Leasing Solutions (VALS) promoted its MRO and leasing capabilities at an exclusive AS332 C1e demo held by Airbus Helicopters. At the event, Vector showcased its existing AS332 C, L & L1 STCs: HEELS system, CVFDR, Dual Garmin with HTAWS capability and NVG system, along with two more STCs currently pending certification: auxiliary fuel tank and saltwater protection splash deck upgrades. VALS highlighted its short to medium term leasing program backed by full, flexible by-the-hour support programs to attendees. All-round this was a great event for Vector Aerospace and Airbus Helicopter’s key customers.

Vector Aerospace’s saltwater splash deck STC display (left), and auxiliary fuel tank STC display (right)

Vector Aerospace certifies HTAWS for AS332C, L & L1 Super Puma

Vector Aerospace has received FAA and EASA certification for development and installation of a Helicopter Terrain Awareness System (HTAWS) on the Airbus Helicopters AS332 C, L and L1 Super Puma.

The addition of HTAWS capabilities further compliments Vector’s growing list of Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) applicable to the AS332 C, L & L1 aircraft. Other modifications for the Super Puma recently developed by Vector Aerospace include NVGs, solid state CVFDR, Dual Garmin combined NAV/Com/GPS system, HEELS, and saltwater cabin protection.

Vector has included the HTAWS upgrade, along with its other modifications and upgrades, in its own fleet of AS332L Super Pumas available for lease through Vector Aerospace Leasing Solutions (VALS).

Vector Aerospace’s latest STC developments for the Super Puma are specifically designed to improve flight safety and meet operational requirements in demanding environments around the world. ”

“Elvis Moniz, VP Operations, Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services - North America

Taking Our Kids to WorkVector Aerospace recently held “Take Our Kids to Work” days at its Richmond, BC, Langley, BC and Summerside, PEI facilities. The kids toured the engine, components, structures and avionics MRO shops, enjoyed lunch with their parents, and had an opportunity to watch their parents work in the afternoon. A terrific experience was had by all!

Image courtesy of Airbus Helicopters

&(l-r) Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea, Vector Aerospace Director of Strategic Market Development Steven Stewart, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning Allen Roach and UPEI President Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz.

Vector Aerospace was recently on hand for an important announcement in PEI. On November 28, 2014, the PEI government committed $16 million to the new School of Sustainable Design Engineering at the University of Prince Edward Island. The new program will focus on mechatronics, bioresources and sustainable energy engineering, which is well aligned with the province’s strategic growth sectors of bioscience, IT, renewable energy and aerospace. These industry sectors have been steadily growing in PEI and there is a demand for skilled, qualified engineers.

Innovation advanced learning

Vector Aerosapce receives AS9110B Certification at its Richmond, B.C. facilityVector Aerospace is pleased to announce that its MRO facility in Richmond, BC has achieved AS9110B certification. AS9110B is the standard that was developed by aerospace professionals to meet the specific requirements of Aerospace Maintenance Organizations (AMO). AS9110B incorporates the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 and specifies additional requirements for a quality management system for an AMO that performs MRO for aerospace-related products.

This certification will increase Vector Aerospace’s business efficiencies while elevating it’s quality management system to the global standard adopted by the aerospace industry. AS9110B certification demonstrates Vector Aerospace’s commitment to deliver high quality products and services to it’s customers, and expands it’s current and prospective/future customer base while establishing a new competitive advantage in the marketplace.

CS-UK Almondbank: Lean and Green!Over the past nine months, Vector Aerospace’s Components Services – UK team in Almondbank has made dramatic changes in the management of its waste disposal methods, and has now been recognized for achieving zero waste to landfill. This is quite an incredible achievement, exceeding the targets of the both Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC and also Scotland’s Zero Waste Plan.

A comprehensive review of waste arrangements unearthed potential savings of around 40%. The review was driven by Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) permit requirements and the ‘Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012’ that came into force in January 2014. In order to simplify the waste disposal process, CS-UK Almondbank considered proposals received from a number of waste companies. Working with its selected vendor, CS-UK was able to achieve maximum benefits with minimum effort, and the assurances of legal compliance soon became apparent.

CS-UK’s new vendor was able to supply solutions which met all the exacting requirements, from dry waste to hazardous waste and everyday effluent disposal needs.

Early indications of the potential savings were seen when an emergency uplift of hazardous chemical waste from the electroplat-ing facility was carried out by the contractor. This resulted in a 70% saving (in the region of £18k) compared to quotes received from an original contractor. Within a month, the Almondbank facility had transitioned the way waste was collected internally, with central locations established for general and recyclable waste. Segregation was kept at its simplest, with minimal uplifts helping to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint.

Careful monitoring of the new arrangements now in operation show projected savings in the region of £35k in the first year. An environ-mental awareness day was held for associates to raise awareness of the services provided and also to show how the waste is processed. This enforced the ongoing support from the new contractors. Associates saw how even the non-hazardous sludge from chemical treatment is mixed with the ash from Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) to make bricks.

Dennis Barnes, Safety, Health, Environment and Fire (SHEF) advisor at CS-UK Almondbank, said of the presentation: “It was a bit of an eye opener to learn that we were in fact hitting the zero waste to landfill targets, and something we can be proud of. This is a good example of how working together can achieve positive results for all concerned. It was also encouraging to begin exploring ways of improving and maximizing the benefits from closer examination of our waste streams now that the new waste collection arrangements have bedded in.”

Vector Aerospace at the Regional Aviation Association of AustraliaA number of representatives from Vector Aerospace, including (l-r) Simon Wilks, Asia Pac regional sales and service manager; Matt Dennington, General Manager of the Vector’s Brisbane, QLD facility in Australia; Russell Williams, Customer Service Manager of the Brisbane facility; Paul Bland, Asia Pac Senior Regional Sales and Service Manager; and Malcolm Venturi, Asia Pac Regional Sales and Service Manager recently exhibited at the Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA) National Convention in Lovedale, NSW. This show is attended by aircraft operators and vendors from the Asia Pac region, including many of Vector Aerospace’s existing and prospective customers. Matt Dennington said “This was a really positive and worthwhile event. I believe we all took something from it and it was invaluable to meet customers and suppliers in one location

Vector Aerospace recently highlighted its broad range of business aviation engine services at the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) 67th Annual Convention and Tradeshow in Orlando, Florida. The well-attended tradeshow gave Vector’s sales professionals the opportunity to meet with operators to discuss how the Vector Aerospace team can support their specific engine repair and overhaul requirements with superior quality and unparalleled customer satisfaction.

This year’s show reflected the tentative optimism being seen in the business aviation market, with 1,100 exhibitors at the Orange County Convention Center displaying their wares to 26,000 attendees, a figure slightly up on last year’s convention. More than 100 aircraft were displayed in several locations, including a sold-out static display at Orlando Executive Airport.

Vector Aerospace showcases full range of service options at NBAA Convention

Vector Aerospace at the Pacific Northwest Aerial Applicators Association tradeshowDave Mires, field service and sales representative with Vector Aerospace, recently exhibited the Pacific Northwest Aerial Applicators Association Conference that was held in Court d’Alene, Idaho. This show is primarily attended by agriculture operators, with 250 owners/operators attending from the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Vector Aerospace attended the 19th Annual SpeedNews Regional and Business Aviation Industry Suppliers Conference in Scottsdale, AZ, where a number of industry experts, OEMs and MROs presented their outlook on various aerospace topics as well as their outlook for 2015 and beyond.

As in previous years, Vector Aerospace sponsored this important event and was prominently featured on wall banners.

Vector Aerospace sponsors SpeedNews regional & bizav conference

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Vector Aerospace helps those in needThe Coats for Kids Campaign was a big success in Summerside, PE this year, in large part due to the support of Engine Service – Atlantic, the Summerside Tax Centre and Hemphill GM. ES-A employees donated over 50 coats which will go to needy families in the Summerside area.

The annual Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards celebrates all aspects of the local business world, highlighting real “stars” across leading business sectors in the area. This includes recognizing the value of emerging talent and individuals who have proved outstanding in their particular sector, both of which have a chance to shine in the Apprentice of the Year and Employee of the Year categories.

This year, Vector Aerospace’s Component Services – UK business in Almondbank nominated associates in both categories, with Kirsty Burns nominated for Apprentice of the Year and John Harvey for Employee of the Year. The nominations consisted of 750 word statements of their achieve-ments through the year. Neither John nor Kirsty knew they were being nominated until the submissions had been made; a week later honoured when they found out Component Services – UK was advised that Kirsty and John had both been shortlisted to the final four in their categories.

On announcing the shortlists, Chamber Chief Executive Vicki Unite said: “The standard this year was exceptional and the judges’ task extraordinarily difficult; any of the finalists could be our ultimate winners. Finalists will now have to deliver a sharp impressive presentation to judges, matching the high standard of their entry, and backed by a stand-out profiling of their business as they bid to secure the judges’ vote.”

Vector Aerospace – UK has been supporting the Scottish Charity “Take Off” and its Perth-based flying scholarship program since its inception in January 2013. The scholarship program provides basic flying training to young, aspiring pilots in the Perth area. Working in partnership with Perth and Kinross Education Authority, “Take Off” provides flying opportunities to students from local schools and also carries out its own flying scholarship program through the Scottish Aero Club (SAC) Young Members scheme.

Each year, Vector Aerospace – UK funds one full scholarship place-ment which provides ten hours of dual flight training. In 2013, Vector Aerospace’s donation was awarded to Michael Rose, now a second year undergraduate studying Mechanical Engineering at the Univer-sity of Dundee. Michael carried out his first solo flight after just eight hours of dual instruction and went on to gain his National Private Pilot’s Licence for microlight category aeroplanes.

As if flying solo in such a short time and gaining a full licence at the age of nineteen was not enough, Michael also joined SAC Chairman, Dave McElroy, for the final achieved more than many recreational pilots do in a lifetime of flying, and he seems set to succeed in what-ever he decides to pursue. Michael says that he has hopes of flying in the military, but also sees a career in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.

Vector Aerospace helps engineering undergraduate take-off!

John’s panel of judges came to interview him at Almondbank. They quizzed him on his role at Almondbank and the people he works with. They were interested to learn how he came to work and the reasons for him remaining there for the past 28 years.

Kirsty was asked to go along to the Chamber of Commerce’s offices, where she delivered an overview of the breadth of processes and activity carried out at Almondbank. Using examples of the work she is involved in, Kirsty spoke to them about what she did in her day to day and her ambitions for the future.

The final decisions on all categories were announced at an ‘Oscar-like’ award ceremony on November 21st. We are delighted to report that Kirsty and John were both declared worthy winners in their respective categories, in what was described as an extremely high standard of entries and a very tough competition.

Vector CS-UK associates win Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Awards

Editorial Board:

Raj Rawana Colin MacDonald

- Toronto, Canada - Summerside, Canada

Magali Braumann Alex Youngs

- Paris, France- Summerside, Canada

Artwork & design: Laura Wood

Chelsie AichelbergerKen Doig

- Langley, Canada- Fleetlands, UK