Chino-Based Threshold Technologies, Inc. to take part in NASA’S High Ice Water Content Flight Campaign

Chino, California (KCNO) - Threshold Technologies, Inc. (TTI) recently announced that they will provide a Gulfstream II (GII) aircraft to participate in NASA’s High Ice Water Content (HIWC) flight campaign. Threshold and sister company Aviation Maintenance Group (AMG) will also provide maintenance and support for the aircraft throughout the project.

“We are very excited and proud to be joining Flight Test Associates’ team on this project,” said Mark DiLullo, Threshold’s owner and CEO, who will also act as the program’s Chief Pilot. “Threshold has nearly two decades of experience with Gulfstream aircraft. This expertise combined with our full-service maintenance and inspection capabilities will allow us to contribute to this important aviation safety program.”

Threshold’s aircraft will be extensively modified into a highly sophisticated research platform capable of conducting over 200 of flight research. Modifications will include the instillation of six under-wing pylons, which will carry an array of test instruments; and the installation of fuselage instruments, advanced weather radar and communications equipment, as well as engine monitoring instruments. Flight Test Associates, Inc. (FTA) of Mohave, CA is the prime contractor for the project.

Flight data collected by the project will be used by NASA - along with research partners the Federal Aviation Administration, Environment Canada, Airbus and The Boeing Company - to define new parameters for developing and certifying aircraft engines, air data systems and weather radar systems. The research will also support development of weather forecasting tools to help pilots avoid potentially hazardous icing conditions as well as development of ground test facilities designed to simulate the high ice water content environment.

“High Ice Water Content” refers to atmospheric conditions consisting of high concentrations of ice crystals typically associated with deep-convection storms in the tropics and subtropics. It is believed that these conditions have contributed to more than 100 jet engine power loss events (in which ice formed inside the core areas of the engine, leading to temporary shutdowns because of surge, stall or flameout) since 1989.

For more information on NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, visit www.aeronautics.nasa.gov. For more information about NASA's Glenn Research Center, visit www.grc.nasa.gov.

About Threshold Technologies, Inc. (TTI)

TTI is a full service aviation company based in Chino, CA. Founded in 1990 by Mark and Lisa DiLullo, the company operates from a 136,000 square foot modern hanger complex on the Chino Airport (KCNO) in Southern California. Threshold provides maintenance and management services to a wide variety of operators in the private and corporate business jet community, including an in-house fleet of more than 30 Business Aircraft consisting of two Boeing B-727 and a B-737, multiple Gulfstream aircraft; including GIIs, GIIIs, GIVs and a G550, Falcon 10’s and 20’s, Hawker 700s and 800s as well as Cessna Citation Is and IIs.

Threshold’s FAA Part 145 Repair Station provides maintenance services on most business jets, including 72 Month Inspections on Gulfstream Aircraft. Threshold employs more than 40 full-time maintenance personnel operating in two shifts and has the capacity and capability to fulfill the most demanding maintenance requirements. Threshold also offers extensive interior design and completion services as well as avionics upgrades and aircraft painting.

Threshold’s FAA Part 135 Air Charter, a subsidiary company of Threshold Technologies, Inc., currently operates aircraft charter services for both domestic and international travel. Threshold’s growing charter fleet currently consists of several Gulfstream GIIs, GIIIs and GIV aircraft, along with several Citation IIs and a Falcon-10. Threshold also operates a full service FBO at Chino Airport (CNO) and recently expanded FBO operations and services at Auburn Municipal Airport (AUN) in Auburn, CA. Threshold’s FBOs are designed to give corporate aviation clients a viable alternative to Southern California’s congested airports, literally minutes away.

In 2007, Threshold was selected as a Clifford Development service center for the Cessna Citation II engine conversion program, which will re-engine Cessna Citation II (CE-550) aircraft with 3,000 lb. thrust Williams International FJ44-3 engines including integration of the FADEC (Full Authority Digital Control) system. Threshold was selected due in part to their expertise in engine installation and metal fabrication capabilities.