Paul G. Allen Appoints Head of Artificial Intelligence Institute

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SEATTLE, Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vulcan Inc. Chairman Paul G. Allen announced today that Dr. Oren Etzioni has joined his family of organizations as the Executive Director of his artificial intelligence institute based in Seattle. Etzioni will be in charge of expanding the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence with new hires, and directing and developing a wide range of AI initiatives.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130904/SF73454)

Etzioni joins Allen's institute from the University of Washington's Computer Science Department, where he was the Washington Research Foundation Entrepreneurship Professor and Director of the Turing Center. His research has focused on solving fundamental problems in AI, with an emphasis on automatic learning of knowledge from text.

"Oren is exceptionally talented, and he shares my vision and enthusiasm for the exciting possibilities in the field of AI,including opportunities to help computers acquire knowledge and reason,"said Allen. "I've been very encouraged by the tremendous strides we've made in brain research at the Allen Institute for Brain Science over the past decade. With Oren's leadership, we will apply that same model to explore the critical questions in AI today."

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to launch a major AI research institute in Seattle," said Etzioni. "Our goal is to revolutionize the field, and with Paul's vision and support, the sky's the limit."

A faculty member at the University of Washington since 1991, Etzioni holds a bachelor's in computer science from Harvard University and Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University. He is a recipient of a National Young Investigator Award, a Robert S. Engelmore Memorial Award, and was selected as an Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence Fellow. In addition to working as a venture partner with Madrona Venture Group, he has founded several startup companies, including the shopping site Decide.com and the price prediction engine Farecast, acquired by Microsoft in 2008 to become the foundation for Bing Travel.

"Oren has a gift for imagining possibilities, which is key when you are working in these uncharted areas,"said Allan Jones, CEO of the Allen Institute for Brain Science. "I'm excited to see another Paul Allen institute take off, and look forward to finding ways for the Institute for Brain Science to collaborate with this one down the road."

Etzioni, who has assumed his new position this week, will immediately begin his search for talented AI scientists and staff to join the institute team.

About Paul G. Allen

Paul G. Allen is a leading investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist who has given more than $1.5 billion to charitable causes over his lifetime. He founded Vulcan Inc. in 1986 with Jody Allen to oversee his business and philanthropic activities. Today, that Seattle-based company oversees a wide range of Allen's investments and projects throughout the world. In 2003, Allen created the Allen Institute for Brain Science to accelerate understanding of the human brain in health and disease. The nonprofit pursues unprecedented large-scale research initiatives that result in knowledge, data and tools intended to fuel discovery throughout the broader scientific community. Using the Allen Institute for Brain Science as a model, Allen recently established the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Seattle to explore opportunities for development in the field of AI. Allen is the co-founder of the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, which has awarded over $469 million to non-profits in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, as well as the founder of the EMP Museum, the Flying Heritage Collection, and the Living Computer Museum.

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Paul G. Allen Appoints Head of Artificial Intelligence Institute

Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV N269HM Flynt Aviation Van Nuys Airport California – Video

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Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV N269HM Flynt Aviation Van Nuys Airport California
Recorded on August 31st 2013, this Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV N269HM (cn 1118) Registered to Flynt Aviation manufactured in 1989. Registration number N269HM (...

By: Ed Whisenant

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Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV N269HM Flynt Aviation Van Nuys Airport California - Video

Metro State University of Denver seeks to boost aerospace program

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Metropolitan State University of Denver plans to build a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics building on the Auraria campus. (Provided by Metro State)

Metropolitan State University of Denver wants to boost its aerospace program into a higher orbit by constructing a new $40 million to $50 million building.

The proposed 143,000-square-foot structure would be built adjacent to Metro's new Student Success Center. School officials hope to split the costs among Metro, private partnerships and the state. A proposal for funding has been made to the state's capital development committee, with a decision expected to be made next spring.

Metro president Stephen Jordan discussed the plans for the new Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) building Tuesday during a meeting with community and business leaders.

According to the state's Department of Economic Development, the aviation and aerospace industry is one of 14 key industries crucial to the state's economy; another is advanced manufacturing, which would also be part of Metro's program.

"The pie doesn't seem to have an end to it," said Joe Rice, the director of government relations for Lockheed Martin. "Colorado has the second-largest aerospace economy in the United States, so there's a huge need for young engineers to come through and fill the jobs we need in the state that's what's really booming."

Metro has been reaching out to the industry, including Lockheed, to help determine the scope of the curriculum whether an advanced manufacturing program would include a business component, or perhaps even accounting.

The idea, said Joan Foster, dean of Metro's School of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and co-chair of the building committee, is to wed the critical thinking found in traditional education with training tailored towards specific jobs and skill sets.

"Someone may want to be in the field but not take a straight industrial track," she said, "and the technology is changing so much anyway that we need to train students to be able to adapt to whatever may come next in the field."

Metro's project is just one of a number of initiatives in the state.

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Metro State University of Denver seeks to boost aerospace program

UTC Aerospace Systems signs major contract with HeliDax SAS

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --UTC Aerospace Systems has signed a major contract with French company HeliDax SAS to provide aftermarket service for its fleet of helicopters the largest EC120 worldwide fleet in operation today. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corporation (UTX).

Actuation Systems will provide flight controls and hydraulic operational support based on flying hours including consignment stock at the HeliDax SAS facility to aid daily operations.

The French Ministry of Defense awarded a 22 year contract in January 2008 to HeliDax SAS for training military pilots.

HeliDax has to provide a maximum of 22,000 flying hours per year on their fleet of 36 EC120 helicopters renamed "Calliope" which are fitted with special training equipment such as auto pilot, glass cockpit systems and full night vision imaging systems (NVIS).

Training was previously performed by the French army with Gazelles.

Andreas Schell, president Actuation Systems said, "Helping customers to support their strategies and provide innovative solutions to manage their maintenance spending, asset requirements and repair needs more effectively is at the heart of the business. I am delighted that HeliDax SAS recognizes the value this agreement can provide in managing its fleet."

UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries.

http://www.utcaerospacesystems.com

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UTC Aerospace Systems signs major contract with HeliDax SAS

Vector Aerospace re-certified by Sikorsky

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Richmond, B.C. Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services Inc., a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) has recently been recertified as a Sikorsky authorized S-76 and S-61 Overhaul and Repair Center, and as a Sikorsky authorized Customer Support Center for the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter.

With the re-certification, Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services Inc. will continue to provide operators of Sikorsky helicopters with scheduled maintenance for the S-76 aircraft and repair, major overhaul and testing of certain components of the S-76 and S-61 aircraft. Recognized as a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, Vector and its predecessors have extensive experience with Sikorsky Aircraft and its products that spans over 50 years.

HSNA has made significant investments over the years to our test facilities, inventory, tooling, and training to provide superior levels of service for Sikorsky aircraft, said Paul Cockell, President, Helicopter Services North America. It is a pleasure to continue this well-established working relationship with Sikorsky. We look forward to many more years overhauling, maintaining and repairing S-76 and S-61 aircraft.

We welcome the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with a quality aviation specialist like Vector Aerospace. This re-certification is pivotal for enhancing our support capabilities in the region, said Steve Bohlman, Director of Global Service and Support for Sikorsky Aerospace Services.

About Sikorsky Aerospace Services

Sikorsky Aerospace Services, a Sikorsky company, provides comprehensive support to rotary and fixed wing operators around the world. It offers its military and commercial customers a full portfolio of support services, including material distribution, maintenance, overhaul & repair, aircraft modifications and life-cycle support. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. It is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., which is based in Hartford, Conn., and provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. http://www.sikorsky.com

About Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services Inc. Vector Aerospace is a global provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)services. Through facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France,Australia, South Africa, and Kenya Vector Aerospace provides services to commercial and military customers for gas turbine engines, components and helicopter airframes. Vectorscustomer-focused team includes over 2,700 motivated employees.

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Vector Aerospace re-certified by Sikorsky

Aerospace training pledge for 1,400

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3 September 2013 Last updated at 16:22 ET

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Aerospace is big business in Wales, employing 20,000 people across the country

The next generation of expert aerospace engineers are to be trained in south Wales after a global company launched a new UK business.

EADS, which owns Airbus in Flintshire, hopes to recruit school leavers to join Testia, which will be based in Newport.

The company has already invested 1.4m in the new venture and says it hopes to be training 1,400 students a year within six years.

It plans to meet the training needs of the aerospace industry worldwide.

Testia said it chose Newport because of its good road and rail links and because there were so many aerospace companies in and around Wales.

What is important for Wales is that this investment is recognition that the country has a significant aerospace industry.

There are 20,000 people working across aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul as well as support services.

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Aerospace training pledge for 1,400

Harper Government Launches Key Aerospace and Defence Program

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sep 4, 2013) - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, today announced the launch of the new Technology Demonstration Program, a key Economic Action Plan 2013 commitment. This program will fund large-scale technology demonstration projects that typically require the integration of several different technologies and the coordination of activities of many partners.

"Canada's aerospace and defence industries make important contributions to our economy, support high-skilled jobs across the country, and are leading investors in research and development," said Minister Moore. "Our government is proud to launch this new program that will support large-scale technology demonstration projects with strong commercialization potential and that will promote cross-industry collaboration."

"Technology demonstration is a vital part of bringing innovation to market, but it is very complex and involves high levels of risk," said Jim Quick, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada. "The program announced today will help our companies to develop and produce the kinds of cutting-edge products that are at the heart of what makes Canadian aerospace companies the best in the world. We are very pleased with this announcement and thank Minister Moore and the government for their ongoing support of this important industry."

Demonstration activities involve moving new technologies out of the laboratory and testing them in real-world settings to ensure they fulfill their intended use in a safe and efficient manner. Companies often find it difficult to finance this step in the technology development process, limiting the speed and scale with which innovation is advanced.

"This event honours the government's commitment in Budget 2013 to support innovation in Canada's defence industries," said Tim Page, President of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries. "We believe that this program will help to create knowledge-based jobs in the defence and security sector and strengthen the ability of Canadian industry to support Canada's Armed Forces with world-class capability across the land, sea and air domains. It will also contribute to greater Canadian success in export markets around the world."

Today's announcement kicks off the initial call for project proposals, with statements of interest for the first intake into this new program due by December 6, 2013. Approved projects will be announced by fall 2014. There will be yearly calls for applications.

Projects must be led by an original equipment manufacturer or a Tier 1 integrator. Lead companies will bring together small and medium-sized Canadian-based companies to promote the development of supply chains as well as accredited Canadian universities and colleges or their affiliated research institutes to promote knowledge transfer.

Minister Moore noted that the government is continuing to study the findings and recommendations of the Review of Aerospace and Space Programs and Policies, which were released last fall. Among the proposed recommendations were improvements to the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative, which is receiving an injection of close to $1 billion over five years as announced in Economic Action Plan 2013.

The Technology Demonstration Program will cover up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, including equipment located in broadly accessible hubs to fuel innovation. The maximum funding that may be allocated in each application cycle is $54 million. For more information on the Technology Demonstration Program, please visit the Industrial Technologies Office website (http://ito.ic.gc.ca).

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Harper Government Launches Key Aerospace and Defence Program

LMI Aerospace Announces Company to Present at 2013 RBC Capital Markets' Global Industrials Conference

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ST. LOUIS, Sept. 4, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LMI Aerospace, Inc. (LMIA), a leading provider of design engineering services and supplier of structural assemblies, kits and components to the aerospace and defense markets, announced today it will present and hold investor meetings at the RBC Capital Markets' Global Industrials Conference, which will be held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, September 10 and 11, 2013.

LMI Chief Executive Officer Ronald S. Saks will present for the company on Wednesday, September 11, 2013, at 9:45 a.m., Pacific Daylight Time.

The presentation will be streamed live and can be accessed via the LMI web site http://ir.lmiaerospace.com. A copy of the presentation will be available on the LMI web site.

LMI Aerospace, Inc. (LMI) is a leading supplier of structural assemblies, kits and components and provider of design engineering services to the aerospace and defense markets. Through its Aerostructures segment, the company primarily fabricates machines, finishes, integrates, assembles and kits machined and formed close tolerance aluminum, specialty alloy and composite components and higher level assemblies for use by the aerospace and defense industries. It manufactures more than 40,000 products for integration into a variety of aircraft platforms manufactured by leading original equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 aerospace suppliers. Through its Engineering Services segment, the company provides a complete range of design, engineering and program management services, supporting aircraft product lifecycles from conceptual design, analysis and certification through production support, fleet support and service life extensions via a complete turnkey engineering solution.

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LMI Aerospace Announces Company to Present at 2013 RBC Capital Markets' Global Industrials Conference