Things at Baere have been moving quickly and it has been tough to keep up.  Four major job contracts carefully scheduled to fully support each without conflict.  Hmmm...  There is an oft misquoted saying "the best laid plans of mice and men", suggesting that we plan, we plan, and then we punt.  And things definitely piled up on us.  But we made it through to the other side and the clients at least did not SAY they were dissatisfied.  I'll take that as a win, because history says people are more likely to complain than praise.  If anyone was not happy, please let us know and we will do our best to make it right.

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It is going to be March before I take a breath, I know it.  Things are still busy and busy is good.  Ms. Thom is getting ready for back to back trips the first of March.  The first is the kick off meeting at the U.S. FAA Technical Center in Atlantic City, NJ.  We are finally ready to launch the process of getting Piston Aviation Fuel Initiative (PAFI) testing launched.  For those of you interested in the FAA PAFI unleaded aviation gasoline effort, you should check out www.FlyEAGLE.org.  There are a lot of details on the effort, not just the research and testing of which Baere is a part, but also the regulatory and the environmental efforts.  We are excited for testing to be underway.

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The second week of March, will find Ms. Thom in Cincinnati, OH at the SAE Aviation Lubricants semester meetings.  This is a meeting of the volunteers who update and maintain the SAE standards supporting the lubricants and greases used in aviation systems.  From jet engine turbine oils, to the piston engine break in oils, and the test methods to maintain them.  Baere provides support as a liaison member which means we contribute, review, and comment.  It has been particularly educational, and something we are excited to support.  Our latest contribution was a re-write of the standard for testing turbine oils with elastomers to maintain compatibility.  It is out for ballot even as I write this. If you are interested it is SAE ARP7355.

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ASTM D5001 is one of the latest 'big deals' for Baere.  This is the Ball on Cylinder Lubricity Evaluation or BOCLE.  It has traditionally been a sort of niche test on jet fuel with a relatively low use rate.  But the production of synthetic blending components (SBC's) has measurement of the SBCs' lubricity as a requirement.  This has meant there are a lot more people testing lubricity, more people interested in building test equipment, and more reference fluids being purchased.  This also means there is a lot more attention on the standard.  And yes, it is in need up an update.  Baere personnel are leading the working group taking on the challenge, and with the help of a great team, it is moving forward.

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And so, we say, stay warm in places it is cold, like the Midwest of the U.S., stay cool in places that are hot, like Australia, stay safe, and be kind.