Aero Engineers Australia
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aeronautical engineering, Aviation consultancy |
| Founded | 1 January 1978 in Perth, Australia |
| Founder | Graham Swannell |
| Headquarters | Adelaide , Australia |
Area served | Asia Pacific region |
Key people | Graham Swannell (founder) |
| Products | Aircraft modification design and certification, component repair and testing, aircraft parts manufacturing, flammability testing, systems integration, flight performance evaluations, aeronautical consultancy, aircraft designs (Explorer series, Eagle 150B) |
| Parent | Nova Defence Group (since 2010) |
| Website | www |
Aeronautical Engineers Australia (AEA) operates as an Australian consultancy specializing in aeronautical engineering and technical support for aircraft. Recognized as the largest civil aircraft design entity within the Asia Pacific region, its headquarters are situated in Adelaide.
History
Established in 1978 by Graham Swannell in Perth to mitigate the scarcity of authorised personnel for sanctioning aircraft repairs and modifications in Western Australia, AEA commenced with a modest setup at Jandakot Airport. The firm experienced growth, moving to 1 Eagle Drive in 1990. By 1995, it inaugurated a second branch at Parafield Airport in Adelaide to expand its clientele. A third location was launched at Sydney’s Bankstown Airport in 2000 through a partnership with HSJ Aviation. Subsequently, offices were added in Brisbane and Melbourne.
In 2003, an accident involving a Cessna 404 at Jandakot Airport was traced to a replacement bush within an engine fuel pump approved by AEA, which seized and led to engine failure. The pilot’s adept emergency handling ensured the survival of three passengers. Legal proceedings were initiated against both the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and AEA by the victims’ families and employers.
AEA became part of the Nova Defence Group in 2010, aiming to broaden Nova’s presence within the commercial aerospace industry.
Services
AEA delivers a variety of offerings to the general aviation market, encompassing aircraft modification design and certification, component repair and testing, as well as aircraft weight management services (including reweighs, trim sheets, and loading systems) compliant with Civil Aviation Order 100.7 (CAO 100.7). The company also engages in designing and manufacturing aircraft parts—such as cargo nets, replacement components, survey equipment mounts, structural frames, and skis—operating under a Production Certificate and Civil Aviation Safety Regulation Part 21 (CASR 21). Its expertise extends to flammability testing conforming to FAR/JAR25.853 standards, systems integration, flight performance evaluations, aeronautical consultancy, and design for both civil and military platforms.
To diversify its market presence, AEA operates subsidiaries: Airline Technical Services, which focuses on airline-specific solutions, and Swannell Racing, providing homologation services for roll cages within motorsport industries.
Major projects
- CASA 212 Skiplane developed for Skytraders
- Fokker 50 Hardened Cockpit Door produced for Skywest and Alliance Airlines
- Dornier 328 Inflight Opening Door designed for AeroRescue
- Grumman G-73 Turbo Mallard Conversion commissioned by Paspaley Pearling
- Pilatus PC-12 Aeromedical Conversion undertaken for the Royal Flying Doctor Service
- Cessna 441 Life Extension Program executed for TAE
Aircraft designs
From the 1980s onward, AEA has created multiple aircraft models including the Eagle 150B and the Explorer series.
The Explorer series is engineered as a robust utility aircraft with high performance tailored for demanding Australian terrains and unprepared runways. It features a cruise velocity of approximately 180 knots, an operational range close to 1000 nautical miles, and is designed for economical operation. Notable characteristics include a sophisticated aerofoil profile, carbon fibre fuselage construction, retractable landing gear, flat cabin flooring, and innovative manufacturing techniques that streamline assembly time. Initially launched as the piston-powered 350R model, the lineup has expanded to include turbine variants such as the 500T and the lengthened 750T.
AEA established Explorer Aircraft Australia Pty Ltd to oversee development and marketing of the Explorer family; this responsibility was subsequently transferred to Explorer Aircraft Inc. based in Houston, Texas. To date, financial backing sufficient to progress beyond development phases remains unacquired.
- Eagle Aircraft 150B (1997) – Two-seat single-engine civil utility plane featuring composite materials
- AEA Maverick (1987) – Single-seat single-engine sport aircraft constructed from composites
- Explorer 500R (1998) – High-wing single-engine piston transport aircraft
- Explorer 500T (2000) – Turboprop adaptation of the 500R model
- Explorer 750T – Extended turboprop variant derived from the 500T
Role
According to Civil Aviation Regulation 42U (CAR42U), any alteration or repair performed on an Australian-registered aircraft must adhere to 'approved data,' which is generally sourced from the manufacturer's documentation. When repairs or modifications extend beyond the scope of these manuals—such as for specialized operations like aerial firefighting or search and rescue missions—an aeronautical engineer is required to evaluate and authorize the design to maintain airworthiness. This process includes assessing the modification against airworthiness criteria through detailed analysis, testing, and practical experience. Designs that fulfill the standards outlined in Civil Aviation Regulation 35 (CAR35) are then recognized as 'approved data' under CAR42U.
Comparable regulations apply under CAR42V concerning maintenance practices, with any departures from approved maintenance information necessitating authorization under CAR36A.
Aeronautical Engineers Australia (AEA), along with other accredited professionals across the country, acts as an approved design authority in accordance with CAR35 and CAR36 for replacement parts. Furthermore, AEA holds recognition under Papua New Guinea Civil Aviation Rules Part 146, which aligns with CAR35 for aircraft registered in PNG.