Duncan Aviation has delivered its first Challenger 300 7500-landing inspection. The project also included a full interior refurbishment, complete paint work, a connectivity installation, 192-month airframe, and landing gear overhaul. Duncan Aviation shared that the delivery followed two successful test flights with zero airframe squawks.
The 7500-landing inspection is a major undertaking. Every Duncan Aviation in-house backshop team had a hand in completing the project, including its non-destructive testing (NDT) team. Nearly US$500,000 was invested in purchasing new NDT standards and probes to gain access to inspect new areas of the aircraft and complete the inspection.
Preparation for this major inspection began months ahead of the aircraft’s arrival, with hundreds of hours of researching, quoting and planning. This in-depth planning turned into flow charts, milestones, ordering parts and acquiring tools.
“Preparation for this inspection was no different from others we’ve done. It was just larger,” said Todd Shriner, Bombardier tech rep at Duncan Aviation. “The airframe team, led by airframe team leader Nick Lovell, researched all the tasks, grouped them, and flowed the activities to determine timelines and milestones. They created a good plan and were prepared to react to anything that arose.”
Taking advantage of the extended downtime and open access, the Challenger aircraft had a complete interior refurbishment and new exterior paint. It was also outfitted with the Collins Aerospace Luxstream broadband internet satcom system for inflight satellite internet service around the world.
The inspected and refurbished Challenger 300 aircraft was delivered on 21 January 2023, and according to Duncan Aviation’s project manager Bill Collins, it continues to fly without issue.
The second Challenger 300 aircraft arrived for its 7500-landing inspection at Duncan Aviation’s MRO in Lincoln, Nebraska, on 31 January, and six more are scheduled through 2023 and into 2024.
Bombardier operators worldwide have trusted Duncan Aviation with airframe inspections for all Bombardier make/model aircraft. “They are looking for an MRO facility that can provide a competitive downtime with the tooling and experience to skilfully work through any discrepancies and concerns that may arise,” said Duncan Aviation airframe service sales rep Adam Lauderback. “They are finding it at Duncan Aviation.”
Duncan Aviation’s three full-service facilities (in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln; and Provo, Utah) are authorised service facilities, providing comprehensive sales and services with teams dedicated to Bombardier aircraft.
