Duncan Aviation’s paint team at its headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska, have completed custom paint work for American rapper and record executive Rick Ross, on his newly acquired Gulfstream G550.
From the initial conversation with Ross, senior completions and modifications sales rep Jeff Beaudette, senior lead designer Mary Lee, and associate designer Hannah Caulkins, knew this aircraft would be all about ramp presence.
“He wanted a very unique, personalised design that makes a statement,” said Lee. “He wanted to incorporate his name on the plane and requested to use another colour aside from white for the overall base.”
From there, Caulkins and Lee researched Ross to ensure they had a clear understanding of his brand. “Purchasing this aircraft was a huge accomplishment for him and we recognised that,” explained Lee. “We wanted to make sure the paint scheme was reflective of this accomplishment. Throughout the entire process, he was super excited and easy to work with, all while being very complimentary of our work.”
Caulkins said she enjoyed the opportunity to create such a specialised scheme, and knowing how thrilled he was with their final design concept was truly rewarding.
The details
The Gloss Black and Pearl Gold two-tone base became the backdrop for ‘Rick Ross’ lettering that was strategically placed along the fuselage. The design team worked with the paint shop to create a custom, high-reflective gold for the lettering to achieve the desired high-impact effect.
Beaudette suggested taking advantage of the view from the tail camera and adding ‘Biggest Boss’ to the back of the engines. Duncan Aviation paint team leader Brian Woolsey said no one knows the additional lettering is there until you see it displayed on the monitors from inside the aircraft. “It adds a unique element to the paint scheme,” explained Woolsey.
Duncan Aviation paint detail team leader Adam Barry said he is proud of the hard work and extra time his team put into this project, as it was not a typical paint application. “We strive to make sure every aircraft that comes through Duncan Aviation exceeds our quality standards,” said Barry. “This was no exception.”
Delivery day
Duncan Aviation project manager Mason Minchow said Ross was elated when he saw his aircraft for the first time, as he spent a great deal of time in front of the aircraft documenting the experience to his social media platforms. “You could tell by his expressions how excited he was and how much this meant to him,” explained Minchow.
On his Instagram page, Ross said: “This is my first jet I ever bought, so I said if I’m gonna do it, I’m gonna do it right! Duncan Aviation I appreciate the love.”
He went on to say, “When you want to do it big, come to Duncan Aviation!”
