Thierry Dubois is a freelance writer specializing in helicopters, business aviation and aerospace technology. He earned a degree in fluid dynamics from an engineering school in Toulouse, France in the mid-1990s. At an unexpected crossroads, he found his first job in journalism. In 1997, he started working for French aerospace weekly Air &amp; Cosmos in Paris. This lasted until 2000, when he moved south to Lyons. He then became a freelancer, working for various aerospace publications and has been part of the AIN team since late 2000. In addition to writing about business aviation, Thierry shares responsibility for the rotorcraft section. He also is a regular on-site writer for AIN’s daily editions at international airshows such as the Paris, Farnborough, Dubai and Singapore shows, as well as at EBACE in Geneva.
In 2007, he won the Honeywell award for “Best systems or technology submission” at the Aerospace journalist of the year awards. In 2013, he won an Aerospace Media Award for the "Best Safety, Training &amp; Simulation Submission."
In other activities, Thierry moderates international conferences on aviation technology topics. Thierry is married and has three children, who seem to begin enjoying the mountains–as their parents do.

Writer

Thierry Dubois

Simplex Manufacturing has upgraded its powerline washing system, increasing the maximum water pressure to 2,000 psi. According to CEO Steven Daniels, the upgrade boosts endurance from five to 20 minutes with the same tank. Powerline washing takes dirt off insulator strings, thus regaining up to 5 percent of efficiency and, according to Daniels, with the system upgrade, “per day, you can wash three times more insulator strings,” he told AIN. The most visible piece is the 22-foot spray boom. The boom has a lateral swing of zero degrees to 100 degrees from the aircraft’s nose. The vertical movement is zero degrees to 45 degrees down. The system’s total dry weight is just under 700 pounds. 
Water pressure can be set between 500 and 2,000 psi. The tank’s capacity is 120 U.S. gallons. Stevens said the types best suited to installation of the system are the Bell 407 and the AS 350B3 Ecureuil.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Simplex offers more efficient powerline washing

Simplex Manufacturing has upgraded its powerline washing system, increasing the maximum water pressure to 2,000 psi.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Key innovations and safety updates event highlights

European Rotors 2024 Focuses on Vertical Flight Future

Matt Thurber

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Preowned helicopter specialist is expanding its capabilities

Rotortrade Partners with Safran, Joins Mentor Program

Includes the sale of the 100th Bell 505 in Europe

Bell Logs Sales for 505 and 407GXi Helicopters

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Six accidents, two with fatalities, took place during calendar year 2023

FAA Releases 2023 Helo Air Ambulance Ops Data Summary

Charles Alcock

Both manufacturers announced new business during the European Rotors trade show

Helicopter Operators Sign Orders with Airbus and Leonardo

How a long-time fixed-wing pilot transitions to the rotary-wing world

Learning To Fly Helicopters in the Guimbal Cabri G2

Mark Huber

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

Jury awards $116 million for doors-off crash victim

FlyNYON Tragedy Results in Hefty Jury Award

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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