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12/15/2020

ACD Newsletter 12/17/2020

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It's time for ACD's pre-holiday newsletter!
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​ACD Consultants was created to support the aviation community with experienced FAA certified consultants. It was built on the foundation of trusted individuals providing service to the aviation community for over 35 years.

​Merry Christmas!
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ACD Network Profile: B&D Design Services
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​In a nutshell, what does B&D Design Services offer? 
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B&D Design Services (BDDS) provides Engineering, Program Management, Fabrication Management, and Certification for aftermarket aircraft modifications. Our team of in-house and contract engineering provide support for all aspects of an aircraft modification from initial concept through aircraft re-delivery. We also leverage our industry network to provide a complete solution for your modification needs. the team at BDDS is particularly interested in understanding your company's needs to complete your project an provide the best options to get it done, no matter how big or how small the job.

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What are some current projects BDDS is involved with? 
BDDS is currently working on a diverse set of programs:                                                               
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On two VIP completions, we are providing engineering and fabrication services for a custom ACJ320neo headliner and Sidewall package. We are responsible for taking the initial program plan view and elevations from blank sheet to full aircraft installation. We are working with a completion center to develop the aesthetic requirements of the customer and turn those in to a fully certified aircraft installation.

  • On a VIP aircraft cabin management (CMS)/ inflight entertainment (IFE) upgrade. With many BBJ and ACJVIP aircraft reaching 15 to 20 years in service and CMS/IFE improving every year, these projects are now a standard for BDDS. 
  • On a single engine Part 23 aircraft we are providing engineering services for the development of a Main Wheel Fairing for drag reduction. We have provided design, structural substantiation, and manufacturing support for the development. 
  • On a Passenger-to-Freighter Conversion, we are providing engineering design, structural substantiation, and manufacturing support for the development of a Rigid Cargo Barrier and Main Deck Cargo Liner. In this program we are also coordinating the various allowables development for composite panels, flammability compliance, and coordination with all other mods for the conversion. 
  • On a late model Fighter Jet, we are providing engineering services, structural substantiation, electrical system modification and cooling upgrades for a new radar and other various item through the aircraft. 
  • Preliminary development of new concept aircraft that meets and exceeds the current single prop offerings on the market. More information to come on this project as the initial funding phase is underway. 
  • There is typically at least one aircraft livery paint and placard drawing package being completed at any time.
How have you seen COVID-19 impact or alter your company? 
​When COVID-19 hit the United States, BDDS was well positioned to deal with it. As an early adopter of a decentralized, collaborative, virtual work environment, it has been business as usual for us. Using this model since our inception in 2004 has worked well for many reasons, but specifically during the pandemic as we have maintained productivity while keeping our people safe. We scaled back client site visits early in the year but this did not hinder our ability to get things done. The biggest impact we've noticed has not been within our company ,but rather to our clients. As they've had to navigate new ways of communicating and working remotely, or in rotating shifts at their locations, our experience in this environment has allowed us to adapt as our customers needs have changed. 
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What is unique to BDDS?
BDDS comprises design/structural engineers, and a number of engineering contractors, with extensive knowledge in modification of aircraft structure and interiors. This knowledge stretched from military structural modifications to OEM design and certification to VIP aftermarket interiors. During our 16 years as a company, we have developed relationships throughout all aspects of the modification process and are able to provide anything from a turn-key modification solution to integrating into your current engineering structure to provide additional manpower in times of peak need. We pride ourselves on being able to provide a solution for any challenge that arises within a modification or in the event we can't find a solution, point you to someone else who can. One item that we find particularly unique is that all of our engineers would prefer to be on the aircraft working with production and quality personnel to incorporate our designs as opposed to tossing the design over the fence and moving on. We're not afraid to get our hands dirty and actually prefer it that way. We have enjoyed success by being transparent and diligent in our pursuit of providing a high-quality work product for a fair price. ​
​Partner contact: Ryan Curran (ryan@bdds.aero) or Brenden Blanchette (brenden @bdds.aero). 
Discover more at bdds.aero.
What does ACD's network offer? 
  • Civil military, and vintage aircraft engineering & design
  • Certification management (TC, STC, PMA)
  • Repair Specifications
  • Liaison & on-site support
  • Custom software development
  • Business consulting
  • Auditing & quality support
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​​Free Resource to Newsletter Subscribers

Introducing FAA2Web

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​
​DER Database:

If you perform Certification work, it can be useful to have a tool allowing you and your staff to quickly search for Designated Engineering Representatives. Search by ACO Region, name, and special delegations.
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Regulation Search:
Filter the FARs by Category, Part/Subpart, Amendment Level and Keywords. Direct link to FAA-RGL location.
​Articles we liked:
  • 737 MAX Ungrounded by FAA: https://airwaysmag.com/industry/boeing/saying-hello-to-the-skies-again-boeing-737-max-ungrounded/
  • Berlin's "new" airport has opened: https://www.mach-photos.com/single-post/opening-of-the-new-berlin-brandenburg-airport-ber
  • Airbus announces the Two Twenty corporate jet: https://www.acj.airbus.com/en/news-and-events/press-releases/2020/airbus-corporate-jets-launches-acj-twotwenty-business-jet.html
  • The final A380: https://airwaysmag.com/industry/airbus/final-a380-rolls-out-of-assembly/

#FLYSAFE


Connect With Us: 

LinkedIn ACD Conference: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acdconference

LinkedIn ACD Consultants: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acdconsultants

ACD Conference Website: http://www.acdconference.aero

ACD Consultants Website: http://www.acdc.aero

Email: info@acdconference.aero

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10/23/2020

ACD Newsletter 10/23/2020

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Earlier this month, ACD Conference held its first-ever virtual gathering, so we’d like to provide a summary of the presentations and panels from this aerospace engineering and compliance event!

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ACD Consultants was created to support the aviation community with experienced FAA certification consultants. It was built on the foundation of trusted individuals ​providing service to the aviation community for over 35 years.
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MRO Market Forecast presentation by Gary Weissel. Key Takeaways: The general MRO market is anticipated to return to pre-Covid levels around 2025. The extreme passenger downtrend is not just due to border restrictions and cabin air quality, but also airport queues and the entire home-to-destination exposure risks. ​
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Emerging Technologies presentation by DER Walt Mroch. Key Takeaways: While this technology is in its infancy, there are still lessons to be learned in its development, certification, and operation. Multiple mission profiles are being considered, which adds to the challenge of addressing this technology. ​
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FAA Panel with four ACO managers and engineers. Key Takeaways: The “AIR Transformation” has moved from realigning the organization to refining it by establishing functional divisions within the agency and other progressions. Allow patience for new personnel and the ACO’s developing training system. The FAA continues to value and support the current DER system. ​
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Additive Technologies presentation by DER John Robertson and PE Jaikp Mallory. Key Takeaways: There are developing FAA discussions on handling the application of this technology. Standards have been written concerning material specifications, raw material control, equipment, etc.
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Project & Certifications Management Tools overview and screen share with Jeff Smith and Daniel Sellers. Key Takeaways: While “work from home” tools are nearly endless, organizations must responsibly and effectively use data organization/storage, project management tools, and a vendor-supplier-applicant-regulator communication plan. A Free Trial of TheWise software tools is currently available.

#FLYSAFE

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Connect With Us!
LinkedIn ACD Conference: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acdconference
LinkedIn ACD Consultants: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acdconsultants
ACD Conference Website : http://www.acdconference.aero
ACD Consultants Website: http://www.acdc.aero
Email: info@acdconference.aero
​

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8/27/2020

ACD Newsletter 8/27/2020

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Hello everyone, I hope this finds you well. It is once again time for another ACD newsletter! We have a Couple of things we think you might enjoy.

ACD Consultants was created to support the aviation community with experienced FAA certification consultants. It was built on the foundation of trusted individuals ​providing service to the aviation community for over 35 years.

Announcing Virtual ACD Conference 2020
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 14 as we gather on a live, online conference rather than in-person due to COVID-19. The event will feature discipline-specific presentations, group Q&A’s, a market forecast, and networking. Attendees must register at: https://www.acdconference.aero/event-info.html

Additional events we’re supporting/attending
  • August 25-27, 2020 - Recovery in Aviation (virtual)
  • September 28-October 2, 2020 - NIAR HIRF Workshop (virtual)  
  • March 9-12, 2021 - ARSA Annual Conference in Arlington/DC
  • March 11-12, 2021 - PBExpo Aviation Tradeshow in Miami

Industry Briefing
Gary Weissel, an ACD member, recently contributed to Bloombergs Intellegence briefing on Aircraft Interiors and Repairs in a Covid World. Listen here to this insightful interview:
https://bloomberg.cwebcast.com/ses/ozWuXuoIXFJXBPYWB__taA~~?ek=21fbb456-3231-41eb-a04a-c98e2b2e0894

Picture of the month

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737MAX Grounding: A sight so common in Houston, Tulsa, Victorville, and the PNW. The downstream impact of the production shutdown will be difficult to calculate, even more so with the COVID-19 pandemic. ​
#FLYSAFE
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Connect With Us
​
LinkedIn ACD Conference: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acdconference
LinkedIn ACD Consultants: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acdconsultants
ACD Conference Website : http://www.acdconference.aero
ACD Consultants Website: http://www.acdc.aero
Email: info@acdconference.aero

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8/3/2020

ACD Newsletter 8/3/2020

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Welcome to our fourth Newsletter.

ACD Consultants was created to support the aviation community with experienced FAA certification consultants. It was built on the foundation of trusted individuals ​providing service to the aviation community for over 35 years.

COVID-19 Update
As mentioned last quarter, we’re monitoring the pandemic daily and have increased communication with our providers and customers. We are actively pursuing and in conversations with others on New Technologies such as UV Light and Cabin design enhancements suited to address the risk of airborne diseases such as the Coronavirus. If you would like to be included in these New Technologies discussions or have a specific business support need during this uncertain time (to establish industry connections, remote work solutions, liaison support, etc.), just let us know.

What are your thoughts about HR5119 proposing the Safe Aircraft Maintenance Standards Act? 
Here’s differing views:
  • http://arsa.org/legislative/hr5119-actioncenter/
  • https://ttd.org/policy/letters-to-congress/vote-yes-on-the-safe-aircraft-maintenance-standards-act/

ACD Network Profile - Gary Weissel, Managing Officer, Tronos Aviation Consulting

Gary, what does Tronos offer?
Tronos Aviation Consulting provides a wide variety of strategic and tactical consulting in the aviation industry with a specialization in aircraft interiors. For airlines, we provide interior product benchmarking, competitive assessments, layout development, AC spec development, return on investment analysis for interior reconfigurations / upgrades, sourcing and management of interior upgrades for both new and used aircraft. For our supplier clients, we complete interior product and services forecasting, product and strategy growth consulting, and operational consulting, including product design, certification support (working with ACD members) and supply chain consulting. In addition to interiors, TAC also provides aircraft asset management services (trading, lease deliveries, pre-buy inspections, etc.). And given my extensive aviation experience, I regularly act as an expert witness for legal cases.

What are some current projects you are involved with? 
We just finished up a large project with a Latin American carrier on a full fleet interior upgrade analysis.  This included LOPA and product changes, ROI analysis, competitive benchmarking, etc.  We also have been active in lease delivery management and aircraft pre-buy inspections.  In response to the COVID-19 crisis we have used our engineering design and additive manufacturing capabilities in our sister company up in Canada to manufacture medical equipment in response to the crisis.  We have submitted for both US FDA and Canadian approval of our products.

What would you like others to know about Tronos? 
We are very unique in the interiors marketspace providing targeted strategy consulting. We’ve yet to run across any other firm with the specialization in this market that we have. We bring over 75 yrs of direct aviation interiors experience to bear in our core team. Our staff have worked for airlines, interior OEM’s and interior integrators.

Is there anything you’re looking forward to in the future? Any start-up, regulation or FAA guidance, or industry development you’re following?
Firstly, we are constantly following the trends in aircraft interiors and MRO as it affects our forecasting. We also are getting ready to start publishing and offering our interiors product forecast on an annual subscription. We are currently in the process of updating that forecast taking into consideration the crisis and recovery profiles from the crisis.  We hope to have that ready by mid-May for release. Secondly, with our sister firm up in Prince Edward Island, Canada, we have opened an aerospace (AS9100) certified metallic additive manufacturing machine shop. We are currently engaged in R&D with metallic additive manufacturing working with several universities and the focus of the study is improved NDT inspections for metallic additive manufactured parts. Currently the regulators really only recognize CAT scans for NDT of additive manufactured metallic parts, but CAT scans are slow, expensive and have their own size limitations. Our research and goal is to prove to the regulators (FAA included) that more standard techniques can also be used (ultrasound, HFEC, MPI, FPI, etc).

Partner contact: Gary Weissel @ 678.439.9545 / gweissel@tronosjet.com / /www.tronosaviationconsulting.com/

Around The Web
  • United’s new (but-not-really) regional jet: https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/united-crj-550-cabin/
  • TSA Passenger Screening Numbers showing COVID-19 impact:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aftYi5WOzuJReuD33UHyMenDgbv_WwQjT2gsqzPS28M/edit#gid=0
  • Aviation Week article on use of PMA & DER parts:
https://aviationweek.com/mro/supply-chain/are-some-airlines-likely-revisit-use-pma-der-parts

#FLYSAFE

Connect With Us!
LinkedIn ACD Conference: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acdconference
LinkedIn ACD Consultants: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acdconsultants
ACD Conference Website : http://www.acdconference.aero
ACD Consultants Website: http://www.acdc.aero
Email: info@acdconference.aero

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3/24/2020

ACD Newsletter 3/24/2020

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Welcome to our third Newsletter!

ACD Consultants was created to support the aviation community with experienced FAA certification consultants. It was built on the foundation of trusted individuals ​providing service to the aviation community for over 35 years.

Conference Postponed
ACD Conference 2020 originally scheduled for May has been postponed based on the health recommendations and travel restrictions due to COVID-19. We can either issue refunds OR keep your place for our event we are planning for the fall. Email acdc@acdconference.aero to let us know what you would like to do. In the coming months we will be in contact with you about the conference and additional resources during this developing situation.

IAMA Introduction
Last quarter engineering staff and all ACD directors spoke by teleconference with IAMA, the Independent Aircraft Modifier Alliance, which is a MRO conglomeration organizing to promote common standards for the documentation and quality of STCs and improve documentation and communication between customers and owners. Soon they will release and walkthrough their “Rulebook”. With ACD’s vast aircraft modification and VIP aircraft overhaul knowledge, our team introduced our distinct DER, STC, and software capabilities, and will continue high level conversations in the next months
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Around the Web
  • Letter to those new to aviation: https://crankyflier.com/2020/03/16/a-letter-to-new-airline-employees-about-this-industry-we-love/
  • Airline capacity: cuts: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cRgtHZ4sRPj4BdcJa2y09SKaG8SRrLLtntHSegfmmoU/htmlview?sle=true#gid=1072793355
  • Early retirement of KLM’s 747-400 due to the sudden market: drop: https://www.officerwayfinder.com/blog/klm747
  • AA stating crisis is worse than 9/11 aftermath: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/19/american-airlines-ceo-says-the-coronavirus-crisis-is-worse-than-911-for-the-industry.html

#FLYSAFE

Connect With Us!
LinkedIn ACD Conference: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acdconference
LinkedIn ACD Consultants: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acdconsultants
ACD Conference Website : http://www.acdconference.aero
ACD Consultants Website: http://www.acdc.aero
Email: info@acdconference.aero

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3/2/2020

ACD Newsletter 3/2/2020

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Picture of the month:

Welcome to our second Newsletter.

ACD Consultants was created to support the aviation community with experienced FAA certification consultants. It was built on the foundation of trusted individuals ​providing service to the aviation community for over 35 years.

ACD Network Profile - Walter Mroch, FAA-DER, MROTechnologies

Walt, how did you get your start in aviation? What attracted you to the field?
My father started one of the first FAA Specialized Service Repair Stations called Tibon Plating back in the late 1960s for hard chrome on aluminum and titanium. I spent a lot of summers helping out with masking and eventually plating parts. The company my dad largely built through unique repairs is now Aviation Repair Solutions. My uncle was a shipbuilder at the Lockheed Shipyards and was well connected with upper management and got my brother and I a tour of the Lockheed L1011 production line. I was always fascinated with repairing things since I was young.

In a nutshell, what does MROTechnologies offer? 
Aviation business guidance and solutions in reverse engineering, major repair development, major alteration support, repair specifications (RS-DER), STCs, PMAs, SFAR88, AMOCs, position papers, major alterations, etc. for 14CFR Parts 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 33, and 35. Specializing in Systems and Equipment Mechanical, Powerplant Engine Buildup Unit Mechanical, Wheels and Brakes Mechanical, Engine Non-rotating Mechanical, Rotorcraft Gears and Transmissions Mechanical, and Propeller Mechanical - all Major Repairs/RS-DER.

What are some current projects you’re involved in? 
I am involved in everything from legacy aircraft, regional aircraft, business jets, commercial aircraft/rotorcraft and ex-military rotorcraft major repairs. DC-3, C-130, UH-60A, CH-46D a few among them. Involved in some EVTOL aircraft projects and an FAA repair station including repair logistics. Major repairs of engine components using cold spray and other technologies seems to be an area where I see a lot of activity. A growing segment of consulting is major repairs or wheel and brake components which will extend into PMAs as well.

Any areas you’re looking forward to in the future of aerospace?
Creating more synergy among key players identified as logical sources for teaming for aircraft component repairs. Looking to see how the FAA and OEMs support all the ex-military aircraft in restricted category operations like firefighting. Continuing to support new technology injection into repairs via our channel partners.

Partner contact: Walter Mroch @ 714.323.0710 / walter.mroch@acdc.aero / www.mrotechnologies.com
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Four ACD members manned a booth for TheWise at the Christian Business Conference & Expo in Fort Lauderdale in January. TheWise is the name under ACD with the goal of developing “Aviation Brain Power” software tools to facilitate the “concept > product” process in a dynamic FAA world. More than 1000 engineers, sales people, and executives attended, including aerospace professionals.
We’re reaching out to those who showed interest in ACD’s software capabilities. You can access the Free Trial here: https://www.thewise.aero/faa2web.html

ACD Conference 2020
In case you didn’t notice our announcement last week inviting you to our fifth annual conference, see here: https://www.acdconference.aero/event-info.html

We are open to your suggestions and input for future group emails, so please let us know if you have feedback. And if you would like to opt out of future newsletters, simply reply to this email with “unsubscribe” or follow the link at the bottom of the email received.

#FLYSAFE

Connect With Us!
LinkedIn ACD Conference: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acdconference
LinkedIn ACD Consultants: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acdconsultants
ACD Conference Website : http://www.acdconference.aero
ACD Consultants Website: http://www.acdc.aero
Email: info@acdconference.aero

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1/2/2020

ACD Newsletter 1/2/2020

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Hello everyone,

You are receiving this email because you’ve attended an ACD Conference or otherwise connected with ACD Consultants in the past. As of now, you can expect a similar newsletter a few times per year, including content such as a brief update on ACD projects, event information, and team-member or business profiles.

What Is ACD?
Simply stated, ACD Consultants was created to support the aviation community with experienced FAA certification consultants. It was built on a foundation of trusted individuals ​providing service to the aviation community for decades.

ARSA Collaboration
Last month, seven ACD members met with Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) in Alexandria, VA, to discuss future potential collaboration and training opportunities. We will continue discussions next quarter.

Introducing - TheWise.Aero
TheWise.Aero is a centralized software tool maker, affiliated with ACD Consultants, intended to develop and offer software tools to facilitate the concept to product process in a dynamic FAA world.
Our first offering is FAA2Web, which was released earlier this year. It aids flight crews, engineering teams, and quality personnel, along with any other professionals who need quick, web-based access to a current and efficient database of FAA regulations and DERs. Screenshots and more information are available here.

If you would like a free-use subscription, please let us know here.

Future STC Projects
In the last few months, we’ve submitted many proposals on potential STC projects. These range in scope and application and have the potential to incorporate almost all disciplines the ACD team offers. And since you’re part of the team, we will always consider you to be potential project partners and will notify you when projects come to fruition.

Coming Up
Several software and engineering team members will participate in the Christian Business Conference & Expo in Fort Lauderdale on January 11, 2020. Meant to build partnerships and network with other businesses/employees, ACD Consultants and TheWise will have a booth to showcase our group’s capabilities. If you are in the area, let us know.

We are also looking into exhibiting at the PBExpo in March, so stay tuned.


Mark Your Calendar!
The fifth ACD Conference will be held on May 13-14, 2020, in Atlanta. As usual, this conference will feature industry speakers, discussion on regulatory news and issues, and a social/networking event. More than 25 companies were represented at last year’s conference. You will receive the registration link soon.

We are open to your suggestions and input for future group emails, so please let us know if you have feedback. And if you would like to opt out of future newsletters, simply reply to this email with “unsubscribe” or follow the link at the bottom of the email received.

#FLYSAFE

Connect With Us!
LinkedIn ACD Conference: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acdconference
LinkedIn ACD Consultants: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acdconsultants
ACD Conference Website : http://www.acdconference.aero
ACD Consultants Website: http://www.acdc.aero
Email: info@acdconference.aero

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