Month: June 2023

Greteman Group Adds Brand Manager

Owning an aircraft with her pilot husband, Jill Plumb knows her way around aviation. As head of marketing for a regional fractional aircraft provider and an international aircraft broker, Plumb also knows what it’s like to be on the client side of an agency relationship. In joining Greteman Group as a brand manager, she brings all of that knowledge and experience to the aviation-focused marketing agency.

“Jill sees the big picture in terms of strategy development, project organization and measurable performance,” says Ashley Bowen Cook, president. “Her insights, coming from the client side of marketing, are invaluable to our entire team. She’s a great advocate for their interests and helps us produce creative and campaigns that move the needle.”

Her background in marketing began with a degree from Missouri State University, eventually leading her to head communications, marketing and managing customer service specialists at a Kansas City-based fractional aircraft ownership company that helps businesses and individuals with private aviation solutions.

She went on to head marketing and sales management for an international aircraft broker, building strategic domestic and international marketing initiatives with business aircraft owners and operators. Taking phone calls and responding to queries regardless of whether it was business hours in California or Asia.

“Working with this marketing partner, I’ve seen firsthand the impactful work that Greteman Group has delivered over the years,” said Plumb. “Joining this team is such a natural fit to help other brands realize those benefits.”

Plumb is a Spouse Forum member of Kansas City Young Presidents Organization and has been active in National Business Aviation Association and International Aircraft Dealers Association activities and events.

Pimloc Announces a Strategic Partnership With m-View to Provide Australia’s Public Safety Sector With Automated Video Redaction

Pimloc Announces a Strategic Partnership With m-View to Provide Australia’s Public Safety Sector With Automated Video Redaction

Pimloc, an AI video privacy and analytics company and m-View Live Video, specialists in body-worn cameras, live video streaming and digital evidence management, announced a strategic partnership to provide Australia’s public safety sector with automated video redaction for body-worn cameras.

This will enhance the safety of Australian public safety sector agents, comply with Australia’s GIPA Act and Privacy Act, and help reassure the public. Pimloc’s Secure Redact video privacy and analytics platform is now integrated into digital evidence management systems and front-line body-worn cameras, including m-View’s latest 4G embedded body-worn camera.

The Secure Redact platform uses deep learning algorithms to ensure all personally identifying information (PII) is removed from captured or live video, essential for use in incident reports and data subject access requests (DSARs) which require anonymization.

Thanks to Pimloc’s secure APIs, the Secure Redact platform is seamlessly integrated into customers’ existing video workflows, platforms and applications, meaning organizations can deploy quick and accurate redaction at scale to save time, improve efficiency and stay compliant.

m-View are industry leaders in the way they think about keeping public safety employees safe,” Simon Randall, CEO at Pimloc, said. “This is the perfect partnership for Pimloc. m-View are industry leaders in the way they think about keeping public safety employees safe. Not only do they have a deep knowledge of the rules and regulations, but they also understand what it is to work on the front line.”

Simon Randall added, “They recognize how important it is that the public have confidence in state employees operating within the bounds of the law and have recourse to keep individuals and public spaces safe. m-View are at the forefront of video technology and innovation and are keeping Australian citizens and its state employees safer.”

Speaking of the partnership, Matt Cameron, CEO at m-View, commented, “We have long been looking for a partner to help us deliver best-in-class service to state public safety employees and Australian citizens, while remaining compliant to data privacy and security regulations. Working with the team at Pimloc has been a joy.” Cameron added, “They take their understanding of technology and regulation to an almost obsessive level, which gives us total confidence in both the tools that they have and the belief that we’re always one step ahead of emerging regulations. Importantly, Pimloc’s world-leading technology works in a way which is easily integrated to our video management systems, meaning we can deliver this at scale; saving thousands of man hours and keeping people safe, faster. We’re excited to see where the strategic partnership leads.”

NCC Group advises on U.K. Government’s Manual for Smart Streets

NCC Group collaborated with the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Transport Technology Forum (TTF) on the development of the Manual for Smart Streets (MfSS), a newly launched guide for local authorities and other key stakeholders in road infrastructure.

“NCC Group’s Transport Practice have been instrumental in supporting the Department for Transport with the development of the Manual for Smart Streets that has now been published through the Transport Technology Forum, by providing invaluable cyber security guidance that is embedded into the manual’s core use cases for digital service development,” said Darren Capes, ITS policy lead and TTF manager, traffic and technology division, Department for Transport.

Published online, the MfSS supports authorities who are conceiving, designing and implementing smart street systems. It has been created to provide guidance, examples and practical pointers, allowing authorities to make best use of technology and improve how we travel.

Local authorities are working towards the challenging goals of achieving net zero, making transport more accessible and revitalizing regional economies. This has led authorities to embrace new connected and automated road technologies, which come with new risks such as cybersecurity.

The MfSS is intended as working content that continues to evolve with emerging practice and technology. It aims to encourage engagement with the TTF and wider practitioner community, such as NCC Group, to further develop the content of this manual and best practices for smart streets.

Alexander Patton, a transport security specialist with NCC Group, led a six-month engagement with local authorities, suppliers and industry bodies across the U.K. before developing the MfSS Cyber Security Guidance. This includes an analysis of the current state of smart streets security, relevant case studies and guidance on managing security risk through the smart streets lifecycle.

Funded by the DfT and InnovateUK, the Transport Technology Forum exists to help meet the need for action to deliver the future of mobility by driving more effective and efficient management of existing and new road networks.

“The Manual for Smart Streets is a pivotal step for the smart transport sector. By providing guidance and examples on how to operate smart infrastructure, it empowers local authorities and stakeholders to make informed decisions and consider security from the design phase,” said Liz James, senior security consultant at NCC Group. “While not regulation, its impact is set to be far-reaching, as it emphasizes the need to prioritize security throughout the entire process. We’re proud to have contributed to this landmark piece of work that distils expert knowledge into a layman’s terms readable document, that can continually evolve and has application in the real world.”

Atlanta to Test Automated Vehicles at Airport

Atlanta to Test Automated Vehicles at Airport

Automated vehicles are to be tested at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Intl. Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. The Atlanta Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is planning to test automated vehicles able to carry six passengers around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

MARTA’s Planning and Capital Programs Committee reported that it will be sending a request for proposals from companies interested in helping launch such a test program for personal rapid transit. Up to $10 million could be spent on running small vehicles between five to 25 stations, according to Collie Greenwood, MARTA CEO. “We’re assessing speeds, capacity, costs and the ability of this emerging technology — which is clearly an improvement over previous generations — to address the changing needs in our communities,” said Greenwood at a conference this spring.

Biden Names Owens Border Patrol Chief

Biden Names Owens Border Patrol Chief

Jason Owens has been named as the new head of Customs Border Protection. Owens, a 20-year Border Patrol veteran, was formerly the leader of one of the busiest areas for illegal crossings into the United States, the Del Rio division in Texas. Owens succeeds Raul Ortiz, retiring after a 32-year career in the Border Patrol.

“I am proud to welcome Border Patrol Sector Chief Jason Owens as our 26th chief of the United States Border Patrol, said Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of Homeland Security. “Chief Owens is a talented, selfless, and inspiring leader who is dedicated to the Border Patrol’s law enforcement mission, the men and women who fulfill it, and the country that we all serve. I have worked with Chief Owens; I am inspired by his commitment to the mission, and am grateful to him for his continued service in this new leadership role.”

Cozaint Partners With WGS Group to Deliver BOBBY Surveillance Kiosks

Cozaint Partners With WGS Group to Deliver BOBBY Surveillance Kiosks

Surveillance solutions company Cozaint has been selected by WGS Group, a security guard services company with headquarters in Las Vegas, NV, and servicing California, Texas, Florida, and other states, to deliver the BOBBY physical security kiosk system to their customers. WGS Group is looking to augment its human security guard team with advanced intelligent surveillance technologies that offers video surveillance, access control, “smart” sensor alerts, and area monitoring capabilities all designed to create a safer environment for their end customers.

Cozaint’s BOBBY platform of physical security kiosks provides 24/7 situational awareness for organizations of all sizes. The Cozaint BOBBY stationary robot also has a 15” interactive display that highlights information about client’s activities as well as allowing for visitors to activate a “Panic Button” if they feel threaten. The BOBBY kiosk can be connected to the client’s own security department, WGS Group’s team of monitoring agents, or to Cozaint’s team of monitoring agents.

The BOBBY kiosks have two-way audio and video capabilities where officers can see and speak with the kiosk visitor to determine if an emergency exists and how best to respond to a visitor’s needs.

“For our team of highly trained security professionals, adding in the BOBBY surveillance capabilities brings another level of service and sophistication to our clients,” said Marcus Skeen, president of WGS Group. “Implementing the BOBBY surveillance systems will enhance our team’s ability to provide the best security services to our clients.”

With 180-degree video surveillance coverage and 24/7 video recording, the BOBBY kiosk delivers the peace of mind the WGS Group can provide to its client when they are looking to increase the security level within an organization.

“Our BOBBY kiosks are an ideal community safe zone security platform, where users can rest assured that their environment is being monitored for safety and security reasons when dealing within a client’s property,” stated Jay Jason Bartlett, CEO, Cozaint. “Augmenting WGS Group’s guard services and capabilities by delivering additional eyes and ears will enhance their team’s ability to respond and secure a client’s property quickly and efficiently.”

The BOBBY kiosk’s 15 inch touchscreen display also presents local community information as well as current events, helping to keep the client’s community up to date on what is happening within that organization.

Teledyne FLIR Introduces Premium E8 Pro Edition for Point-and-Shoot Thermography Inspection

Teledyne FLIR Introduces Premium E8 Pro Edition for Point-and-Shoot Thermography Inspection

Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, announced the FLIR E8 Pro, providing a larger 3.5-inch touchscreen with FLIR Ignite cloud connectivity within the same pistol-grip form factor as legacy E8 series thermal cameras. Through the touchscreen, users can share captured images with colleagues, partners, and clients over Wi-Fi, including with on-screen annotations to highlight findings. Images can then be loaded straight to the FLIR Ignite cloud for improved efficiency and a smoother workflow.

“As part of effective predictive maintenance and condition monitoring programs, thermography inspectors require easy-to-use and cloud-connected handheld thermal cameras to quickly locate issues and effortlessly share that data with colleagues and clients for further analysis,” said Rob Milner, global business development director, Teledyne FLIR. “The FLIR E8 Pro answers the call with a larger touchscreen and improved 640 × 480 screen resolution. It also features FLIR Ignite cloud connectivity for instant documentation to provide inspectors with a familiar, yet superior, handheld thermal imaging camera to get the job done quickly and efficiently.”

Teledyne says the FLIR E8 Pro offers crisp thermal and visual detail at an affordable price by pairing a 5 MP digital camera with a powerful thermal camera via the FLIR patented Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX) capability. MSX overlays the edge detail of the visible camera upon the thermal image, providing significantly greater detail and contextual awareness without sacrificing any thermal data. The tool also includes a built-in LED lamp to capture critical details via MSX in low-light scenarios for improved decision support.

When connected to Wi-Fi, the FLIR E8 Pro can automatically sync with the FLIR Ignite application (now available with an additional 10 GB storage for only $30 per year), accessible from anywhere on mobile devices, a web browser, or a desktop, eliminating the need to carry extra USB flash drives, card storage, or cables. Images and videos shared via FLIR Ignite can then be accessed through FLIR Thermal Studio software so inspectors, colleagues and clients can instantly review, edit, analyze, and report findings.

Built to handle the harshest of industrial and outdoor environments, the FLIR E8 Pro is drop-tested up to two meters (6.5 ft). The ruggedized design also features a 25G-shock and 2G vibration test rating along with built-in lens protection. The FLIR E8 Pro also offers up to four hours of continuous operation on one battery, which can be quickly swapped out and recharged for all-day use.

The FLIR E8 Pro is currently available to buy. The purchase also includes two removable and rechargeable batteries, a hard-carrying case, a battery charger and a USB cable power supply.

Operation Lone Star Deploys New Border Security Deterrence Strategies

Operation Lone Star Deploys New Border Security Deterrence Strategies

Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard are working together to secure the border, stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons and people into Texas. They hope to prevent, detect and interdict transnational criminal behavior between ports of entry.

In conjunction with Operation Lone Star, Governor Abbott announced the deployment of new marine floating barriers to deter illegal crossings in hotspots along the Rio Grande River. The administration says this strategy will proactively prevent illegal crossings between ports of entry by making it more difficult to cross the Rio Grande and reach the Texas side of the southern border. The first 1,000 feet of the marine floating barrier will be deployed near Eagle Pass.

HM Coastguard Winch Paramedic Receives Trophy for Lifesaving Efforts on the Slopes of Ben Nevis

HM Coastguard Winch Paramedic Receives Trophy for Lifesaving Efforts on the Slopes of Ben Nevis

The Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy and an inscribed Breitling watch was presented by Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence at the Air League’s Annual Reception Ceremony at the House of Commons, London, on 14 June 2023. The award is sponsored by Bristow Helicopters and Breitling (U.K).

The 2023 award for rescues carried out in 2022 has been made to winch paramedic Duncan Tripp of the Inverness search and rescue Helicopter base in Scotland. Duncan is a winch paramedic with Bristow Group who deliver helicopter Search and Rescue services throughout the U.K. on behalf of His Majesty’s Coastguard.

Award citation states: “On March 8, 2023, Duncan rescued trapped climbers from Ben Nevis, in appalling weather conditions of near zero visibility, freezing temperatures and storm force winds. At an altitude of 3,600 feet the mountain was covered in ice and snow making the paths treacherous. He operated on foot, carrying 30 kg of lifesaving equipment, as the weather was too bad for the rescue helicopter to fly to the site. He was separated from the aircraft for six hours. At great personal risk his leadership, sheer determination, energy sapping physical effort and courage ensured the safety of 24 people, some of whom faced life-threatening situations.”

George Rawlinson MBE, Award Committee chair commended Tripp by saying, “This incredibly demanding rescue was completed in extreme weather conditions. Facing a multiple casualty situation, Duncan demonstrated the highest levels of leadership, fortitude and bravery. Leaving the rescue helicopter to strike out on his own up the mountain in storm force freezing weather is testament to his personal qualities, skill and courage. His decision making, selfless acts at great personal risk during those six hours on Ben Nevis contributed to the safe recovery of 24 people and most notably two trapped climbers in Red Burn Gulley.”

All Nippon Airways Enhances Travel Safety with Integration of MedAire Security Solutions

All Nippon Airways Enhances Travel Safety with Integration of MedAire Security Solutions

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has announced a partnership with international medical and security services company, MedAire, to provide travel threat and security intelligence to its passengers and crew.

MedAire, a leader in aviation security solutions, will work closely with ANA’s security team to identify, assess and understand risks to flights, both in the air and on the ground. The MedAire Portal provides advanced travel risk management resources and tools for aviation security departments to help assess and mitigate travel and safety risks. With more than 35 years of experience vetting threat data, MedAire delivers actionable advice in response to threats impacting operations.

The MedAire Portal has a map-based interface showing 360 degrees of analysis, including near real-time threat and aviation alerts, flight route visualization, fleet tracking, airport risk assessment, airspace analysis, country and city guides and security consulting. With comprehensive security information, MedAire supports organizations with bespoke risk assessments, gap analyses and emergency response reviews.

“We are proud to be chosen as ANA’s partner to provide world-class aviation security intelligence,” Bill Dolny, MedAire CEO said. “Our team of experts, with military and government aviation experience, is well-equipped to guide ANA through any unanticipated risks and threats. Our goal is to deliver intel and advice in critical moments, allowing ANA to make informed decisions for their flights and passengers.”

Haru Kajiki, vice president, aviation security of ANA added, “Ensuring the safety and security of our operations is the foundation of our business. Our partnership with MedAire will allow us to continue to gather the latest intelligence, data and expertise to proactively address emerging risks, and will enhance the safety and peace of mind of our customers as we expand our network.” This collaboration showcases ANA’s commitment to providing the highest level of service to its customers and maintaining the highest standards in aviation safety, the two companies say.