CLIMAX Aviation

A few days ago, Lilium, a company that was leading the way in #eVTOL technology, filed for bankruptcy. As someone who’s followed the eVTOL space for a long time, this news really saddens me. I may not be a finance expert or fully understand the market shifts in this industry, but it feels like a real loss. When I look at the many eVTOL projects out there, I always had a feeling some of them wouldn’t make it through the journey. It’s a tough race to push technology and development forward. But I also thought that, in the end, we’d see some of the strongest companies merging, teaming up, or getting taken over by others, so that just a few solid, future-proof players would remain. In my eyes, Lilium had what it took to be one of those. Lilium’s approach was quite unique, a fully electric model with micro-turbines, standing out among so many drone-like or tilt-rotor eVTOLs. They also had one of the strongest development and communication plans, or so it seemed to me as an aviation fan watching from the outside. So, seeing some of the hateful comments online about this news like “I knew it,” “ridiculous project,” “toys for the rich”, really disappointed me. It’s sad that many people today seem to feel the need to tear others down instead of having constructive discussions. It honestly makes me wonder if we’ll ever learn to disagree without aggression. But maybe that’s just today’s version of “free speech.” The way I see it, eVTOLs are a new part of the incredible aviation family. They’re proof that aviation is still driving innovation forward. Fifteen or twenty years ago, who could have imagined fully electric aircraft that can take-off and land vertically, taking people or goods over a certain distance without a single drop of fuel? Sure, I know that like electric cars, eVTOLs aren’t “perfect” when it comes to total emissions, especially when we factor in battery production, supply chain, and electricity generation. But it feels unfair to ignore all the progress just because it’s not flawless from day one. And this idea that eVTOLs are only for “the rich” doesn’t make sense to me. Technologies evolve and become more accessible with time, like mobile phones and computers once did. The criticism feels out of place. We should instead appreciate these projects (Lilium, Volocopter, Archer, Vertical Aerospace, etc.) for what they represent: the amazing things we humans can accomplish when we work together toward ambitious goals. Maybe this is also a chance to rethink how we support #innovation here in #Europe. We see billions being poured into armed conflicts and major non-EU trade programs, but maybe we should be backing our own projects a bit more. In the end, projects like Lilium’s may struggle or even fail, but they are important steps in building a future of sustainable air mobility. I think we sometimes forget how much creativity and talent it takes to get there. Let’s support that spirit rather than knock it down. Just my thoughts...

It was a real pleasure to attend the SAFE360 conference organised by EASA - European Union Aviation Safety Agency in Cologne! Huge thanks to John Franklin for hosting this event, and to Rowan Powel for moderating the panel discussion on the future of Occurence Reporting in aviation, where I was honoured to represent Business Aviation and defend the interests of this amazing industry, on behalf of European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) , together with wonderful aviation professionals and fellow safety-aficionados Scott Allan MSc FRAeS and Gerrit Neubauer, not to forget the solid support from Cate Brancart & General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Safety is about People, Innovation and Collaboration. Let’s keep it that way! #EASA #EBAA #Safety #SafetyConference #AviationSafety #SAFE360 #Collaboration #SafetyFirst #SafetyReporting #OccurrenceReporting #SafetyMindset #SafetyCulture #SafetyPromotion #StrongerTogether

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay, and I thought I'd share something (quite personal) about it. We all know how important it is to stay physically fit, but what about our mental health? Too often, we overlook it. At least that's my belief... Unlike a physical injury, mental health struggles aren’t something we can always see or recognize in ourselves. That’s what makes it so tricky and vicious, and yet so important to talk about, especially in aviation, where safety is everything. In this industry, mental health is still a bit of a taboo, but none of us are superhuman. We all face life’s challenges, whether it’s losing loved ones, feeling the weight of family or work stress, or just navigating the ups and downs of life. Some of us might be better at coping due to our personal backgrounds or education, but no one is immune. We should all be looking out for one another. After all, support is (or should be) in our DNA. I’ve had my own tough times, and it’s important to remember that what feels difficult is different for each of us. It’s easy to compare our struggles, but that’s not the point. What matters is how it feels to you. For me, I’ve been through a difficult separation from my son’s mother, lost family members, and survived a road accident that almost took my life. I’ve dealt with teasing and insults when I was younger because of my small size. These things affected me deeply. I like to think I’m mentally strong, thanks to the values instilled in me by my mom and grandparents, resilience has always been part of me. But even I have hit rock bottom, feeling profoundly distressed. If it weren’t for my wife, my family, and my close friends being there to listen, and I mean REALLY listen, I’m not sure I’d be the person I am today. Active listening is powerful, and that’s why peer support is critical, especially in our industry. Mental health is absolutely essential to safety, to happiness, to peace, and to our well-being as humans. So, let’s break the silence, break the taboo, and support each other. We live in a world filled with stress and anxiety, but together, we can make it more manageable. #MentalHealthMatters #PeerSupport #AviationSafety #Resilience #WorldMentalHealthDay #SafetyFirst #MentalHealth #BreakTheTaboo #PeerSupport #TalkAboutIt #NoShame #NoBlame Credit image: Business Airport International https://lnkd.in/eWynhb29

🛫Join the business aviation community at BASIC 2024, happening November 12-13, 2024, in Cologne. ✈️ This year, we’re excited to partner with EASA and GAMA to deliver an innovative and engaging experience for all participants. 📽️Hear from Maxime Wauters, Senior Manager Safety & Regulatory Affairs at EBAA, John Franklin, Head of Safety Promotion at EASA - European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and Cate Brancart, Director of European Safety & Sustainable Development at General Aviation Manufacturers Association, on what’s in store for you in Cologne! Don't forget to register and secure your spot👇 https://lnkd.in/dugSm-BM Find the programme in the comments below👇

Excited to be a part of BASIC 2024 in Cologne on behalf of European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) ! It’s a fantastic opportunity to dive into the latest in safety and regulatory affairs alongside great minds like John Franklin from EASA - European Union Aviation Safety Agency and Cate Brancart from General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Looking forward to thought-provoking discussions and sharing insights on how we can continue shaping the future of business aviation together! See you there! #BASIC2024 #AviationSafety #Innovation #BusinessAviation #EBAA #EASA #GAMA #SafetyThroughCollaboration #SafetyFirst #SafetyConference

The other day, while reading the latest issue of Harvard Business Review on the train (which, oh surprise, was late again!... No comment... Those who take the train in Belgium know... :-P), I came across this article with a title that really caught my eye: “Safety should be a performance driver. It’s MORE than just a compliance issue.” Even though the article isn’t about aviation, this message really resonates with me. In aviation (and in almost any industry), safety shouldn’t just be about ticking boxes or following protocols because we HAVE TO. Safety is a mindset. It’s a part of a company’s culture. It’s how we do business. Too often, safety gets treated like a “necessary evil,” something buried under complex management systems and regulations. But I see it differently. Safety drives performance, it strengthens teams, and it helps us grow. When safety becomes part of who we are, it’s no longer just something we comply with, it’s how we thrive. And honestly, this doesn’t just apply to aviation, it’s a mindset every company could benefit from. This is exactly what we’ll be discussing at the upcoming European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) "BASIC" conference, where safety will be central to how we shape the future of our industry. https://lnkd.in/eU9gYTtW What are your thoughts? How does safety shape performance in your industry? #SafetyFirst #PerformanceDriven #AviationSafety #BusinessAviation #SafetyCulture #Leadership #MindsetMatters #Aviation #ContinuousImprovement #CompanyCulture #SafetyLeadership #RegulatoryCompliance #PeopleFirst #SafetyManagement #EBAA #SafetyPerformance

We’ve just published a new blog post on the CLIMAX Aviation website, reflecting on the EASA 2024 Annual Safety Review. This comprehensive review underscores the importance of collaboration and vigilance in aviation safety. While we celebrate improvements, we must also address the growing risks and systemic challenges that lie ahead. Safety is a collective responsibility, and it’s crucial that we work together to ensure the highest standards for everyone involved. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/exgtbMNX #AviationSafety #EASA #SafetyFirst #AviationIndustry #SafetyManagement #AviationProfessionals #AirSafety #AviationRisk #AviationRegulation #SafetyCollaboration #HumanFactors #SafetyCulture #AviationPerformance #AviationChallenges

Thrilled to have just delivered a keynote presentation at Web Manuals #GODIGITAL conference in Sweden! Speaking to 150+ aviation professionals, I (tried to) explore the crucial partnership between human expertise and digital tools in enhancing aviation safety. It was an honour to represent both CLIMAX Aviation and the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) in this important discussion. I delved into how we can leverage technology while maintaining the irreplaceable human element in aviation safety bringing some (hopefully) humorous anecdotes and personal examples. A big thank you to Web Manuals for this incredible opportunity and to all the attendees for their engaging reactions. #AviationSafety #Digitalization #BusinessAviation #EBAA #HumanFactors #ContinuousLearning #AviationInnovation

Get ready as we have a bunch of partners to present that will be attending GO DIGITAL Sweden in less than two weeks!  Time to Navigate for Safety Intelligence Together with: ⭐ ASQS specializes in web-based, integrated safety and quality management solutions, revolutionizing how aviation operators approach safety and quality management. ⭐ 54jets consulting eG offers specialized aviation consulting services, including drafting operating manuals, project management, and building compliant flight departments. ⭐ CLIMAX Aviation is a leading consultancy specializing in aviation safety, sustainability, and project management. ⭐ onelead aviation provides aviation consulting services, dedicated to enhancing safety, ensuring regulatory compliance, and streamlining operations for our clients. ⭐ marQonform provides services related to Safety & Compliance Management pragmatically and efficiently. Based on a foundation of broad knowledge and experience. ⭐ REDiFly offers a flexible Electronic Technical Logbook tailored for air operators of all sizes, enhancing safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. ⭐ Logipad Aero is known for its flexibility in terms of third-party tool integration, its high degree of customization and its EFF/Briefing service with unique features such as real-time device-to-device synchronization. ⭐ IFS - International Flight Support offers EFBOne, the most customizable Electronic Flight Bag on the market. Their product empowers EFB admins, helping airlines transition to paperless cockpits while enhancing efficiency and adapting to each airline's specific needs. ⭐ Nordic Flight Department delivers exceptional service rooted in Nordic values, advancing aviation excellence. ⭐ QD³S Aviation Consulting specializes in EASA-approved manuals for aviation professionals. QD³S has years of experience in Operations (AOC, NCC, SPO), Training (ATO, DTO, MTO), and Airworthiness (CAMO, MO). ⭐ kunz aviation is a consulting company with more than a decade of aviation experience providing services for operators for certification processes (AOC, SPO, NCC, SPA, CAMO), flight operation documentation, including training and typerating manuals for ATOs and management system outsourcing (safety and compliance management). ⭐ Time to Fly specializes in compliance and SMS (Safety Management System) support for airlines, operators, and airports. Their expertise solidifies their reputation in the aviation industry. ⭐ JETPUBS Inc. is an aviation services company that specializes in delivering tailored solutions for training materials and manual management.

The Final Report of the GPS Spoofing WorkGroup is out! It's an in-depth analysis of the GPS Spoofing problem, and the combined work of 950 people that took part in the WorkGroup over the last 6 weeks or so: an astonishing turnout, and an amazing community project. You can download directly via this link: https://lnkd.in/g5KCqCMj Congratulations - and a big thank you - to the entire WorkGroup for such a concerted effort. For six weeks, they worked days, weekends and late nights, and no stone remained unturned. The energy, drive, and commitment of so many to solve this many-headed Hydra never faded. 👏👏👏 The WorkGroup would like to recognize and thank in particular the following people for their support, expertise, enthusiasm, and drive: Ramsey Faragher (Royal Institute of Navigation), Bulent A. (Turkish Airlines), Jeremy Bennington (Spirent), Matt Berthet (Corsair), Agustin Boehler (Copa Airlines), Benjamin van der Sanden and Philippe DOMOGALA (IFATCA), Martin Laplante (Bombardier), Gerhard Berz (Eurocontrol), Capt. Hovav Ben-david (El Al), Aleks Kowalski (BALPA), Maxime Wauters (EBAA), Agata Burek (SkyTaxi), Werner Heumann FRAeS, Sajeel Akhtar (Avion Express), Andriy Kostyuk, (Azerbaijan Airlines), George Chiotis (Etihad), Nikola Cojic (IFATSEA), Dominic Waeckerlin (SwissAvTech), Timothy Morton, CAM, James Pyne (Embraer), Gian Andrea Bandieri (EASA), Paul Martin (Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore), Jacob Young (NATS UK), Angelina Jacobson (FAA), Raoul van Mil (ECA/IFALPA), Daniel Aisen (Turkish Airlines), Ken Alexander (FAA), Tom Gooch (Omni Air), Evangelos Antonopoulos (DCA Cyprus), Thomas Kirkhope (UK CAA), Mitch Narins (Strategic Synergies, LLC), Steve Thorpe, CAM (NBAA IOC), Stéphane De Wolf (IBAC), Jake Zettwoch (UPS), Steve Hammack (Honeywell), Nikolay (Nik) Dimitrov (Air Canada), John Foley (Garmin), and especially the team at Zurich University of Applied Sciences and SkAI Data Services: Benoit Figuet, Michael Felux and Raphael Monstein.