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The Duncan Download Blog: Business Aviation Advice & Observations

Cabin Experience: Unlike Any Other

Posted by Zack Beyers on Thu, Jun 21, 2018 @ 11:20 AM

For nearly 30 years, Duncan Aviation has led the industry with custom completions solutions for a large variety of business jet cabins. Our designers are experienced in creating stunning aircraft interiors that meet the needs of aircraft operators as well as the restrictions that are often placed on such small spaces. Beautiful designs are combined with expert production, innovation, and quality. The result is a cabin experience unlike any other.

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The modern aircraft cabin requires a combination of quality material with the latest technology and in-flight entertainment. When planning for your cabin experience, it’s important to keep in-mind things such as configuration, management systems, seat design, lighting, interior soft goods, connectivity, and so much more.

Aircraft cabins designed and customized by Duncan Aviation include a wide variety of features and benefits.

  • Wireless Bluetooth allows you to make the most of devices brought on-board.
  • LED lighting provides the most versatile aircraft lighting options.
  • Connectivity solutions provide Internet, VPN, and streaming access.
  • In the service galleys, ovens, microwaves, wine coolers, and coffee makers all combine into the beautiful design and functionality found in the cabin.
  • Aircraft noise is lessened by new technologies and insulation sound proofing packages.
  • Purposefully designed seating allows for better ergonomics
  • And gorgeous cabinetry provides elegance and functionality.

Your aircraft cabin should make you feel at home. Comfort, productivity, and identity are all key components of the perfect cabin experience. With Duncan Aviation, that dream can be realized.

Cabin Experience Brochure

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Tags: Interior Refurbishment, In-Flight Internet, Product Information, Duncan Aviation - Lincoln

Learjet 60: Proprietary Brushes Make Starter Generator More Reliable

Posted by Diane Heiserman on Thu, Jun 27, 2013 @ 08:20 AM

Contributed by Bob Tooker, Quality Control / Consignment Sales Rep

Lear60 StarterGenerator

The Safran Power UK & Safran Power USA starter generator is a direct STC/PMA replacement that is simple to install and requires no aircraft modification.

Safran Power UK & Safran Power USA has developed a more reliable replacement starter generator that replaces P/N 400SG138Q. This new starter generator, P/N 23091-009, is specifically designed for the Learjet 60 aircraft and is fitted with proprietary brushes that are non-impregnated and have a slanted core type design. This design is a much-improved over the straight core brushes that have been used for many years.

Some of the technical advances of the Safran Power UK & Safran Power USA slanted core brush, P/N 23080-1983, are:

The Base Carbon

The base carbon - the mechanical properties of the base carbon in the slanted core brushes have been enhanced slightly through minor changes in the processing without affecting its commutating properties. This provides an improvement in brush life at full rated load over a broader speed range.  However, because the basic materials of the brush have not changed, the basic characteristics of the brush such as RFI and voltage drop have also not changed.

Slanted Core Design

The Patented slanted core design of the brush helps reduce the commutator wear and prevents 'grooving,' which in turn maximizes commutator life.

Non-Impregnated

A non-impregnated brush has a lower brush drop resulting in a lower brush temperature and a lower minimum speed for regulation for the starter generator.

Safran Power UK & Safran Power USA has an excellent track record regarding reliability and maintenance resulting in reduced maintenance, aircraft downtime and operating costs. Duncan Aviation is the exclusive distributor and repair station of the Safran Power UK & Safran Power USA Starter Generator worldwide. For more information, download this Safran Power UK & Safran Power USA Starter Generator information sheet or call please call 800.228.1836, international +1 402-475-4125.

Bob Tooker is an aircraft parts consignment expert specializing in quality control and export documentation. His aviation career began in 1967.

Tags: Parts & Accessories, Product Information

What are Electrolytic Leveling Switches and Why Should You Care?

Posted by Diane Heiserman on Wed, Jun 26, 2013 @ 07:41 AM

Submitted byCurt Campbell, Avionics Tech Rep

Per the L-3 Communications Vertical Gyro (VG206D) Component Maintenance Manual the table below lists the components that must be replaced with the new OEM components to comprise a complete overhaul of the displacement gyroscope.

L-3 Overhaul Components

L3 Part Number

Description

Quantity

Locations

571-9445-01

Bearing, Ball, Annual, Fanged, Double Row

1

Inner Axis

571-9412-01

Bearing, Ball, Radial Retainer Flanged

1

Inner Axis

571-9439-01

Bearing, Ball, Annual

1

Inner Axis (Mod 22)

571-9495-01

Bearing, Ball, Retainer, Flanged

1

Inner Axis (Mod 22)

571-9439-01

Bearing, Ball, Retainer

1

Outer Axis

571-9445-01

Bearing, Ball, Annual, Flanged, Double Row

1

Outer Axis

526-1058-04

Shouldered Shaft

2

Rotor

571-9437-01

Bearing, Ball, Annual

4

Rotor

567-1312-01

Hex Nut

2

Rotor

536-1248-02

Spiral Flex, PWB (A2)

1

Outer Axis

At Duncan Aviation we do more than what is required; we do the right thing.

During a VG206D overhaul, Duncan Aviation replaces all of the above components. If we were to stop there, the overhauls would be correct according to maintenance manual requirements and the vertical gyro could be returned to service with no issues. This is where most component service facilities stop when overhauling a vertical gyro. Duncan Aviation doesn’t stop here. Twelve additional components, such as the Electrolytic Leveling Switches, are replaced. We do these, not so we can charge more, but because it is necessary and the right additional steps to take.

Electrolytic Leveling Switches

Electrolytic Leveling Switch

Example of damage caused by a blown Electrolytic Leveling Switch. Click to view larger image.

There are two electrolytic leveling switches inside your L-3 Vertical Gyro. These gravity-sensitive switches are sealed glass tubes partially filled with electrolytic solution and three electrodes. They are attached to the inner axis assembly via a bracket. They detect movement; one about the roll axis, the other the pitch axis.

The life cycle of these switches varies and depends on many factors, such as how many times the gyro gets powered up and how long the flights are. But the big factor is how long and many times the pilot uses the gyro fast erect switch. The point is this: the life cycle cannot be predicted, but when they blow, and they will, they explode with such force that glass shrapnel is thrown everywhere, damaging anything in its path. I’ve seen fragments destroy brackets and cut synchro or torque motor windings. Some of the most damage caused by an exploding switch are to the pitch shaft assembly (list replacement cost $1,100), pitch torque motor ($800) and roll synchro ($600). The damage can only be repaired with a complete overhaul of the unit.

Because of our years of knowledge and experience repairing the damage after an electrolytic leveling switch blows, we included its replacement as part of our overhaul. Doing only what is required is not always doing what’s right.

These are the additional Duncan Aviation components that are replaced during overhaul.

L3 Part Number

Description

Quantity

Locations

561-1603-01

Switch, Electrolytic Leveling

1

Inner Axis

561-1601-02

Switch, Electrolytic Leveling

1

Inner Axis

MS16624-5018

Ring, Retaining

1

 

566-1103-01

Band, Sealing

1

 

573-1700-01

Tube, Evacuating

1

 

535-1508-01

Decal, Caution

1

 

535-1004-01

Decal, Instruction

1

 

S26100-01

Plate, Modification

1

 

S26100-02

Plate, Modification

1

Mod 22

535-1509-01

Decal, Direction

1

 

569-1307-01

Decal, Caution

1

 

535-1527-02

Label, Identification (J1)

1

 

These are overhaul components that we inspect for failure during an overhaul and will replace when necessary.

L3 Part Number

Description

Quantity

Locations

JAN1N4148

Diode

2

Inner Axis

M39003/01-2587

Capacitor, Fixed

1

Inner Axis

550-1403-07

Capacitor, Fixed

1

Inner Axis

566-1071-02

Clamp, Spiral Flex

1

Outer Axis

566-1072-02

Clamp, Spiral Flex

1

Outer  Axis

535-1591-01

Plate, Identification

1

 

If you have questions about the overhaul of your L-3 Vertical Gyro, do not hesitate to contact a Duncan Aviation Avionics Tech Rep. To schedule your next VG overhaul, contact a Duncan Aviation Customer Account Rep.

Curt Campbell is a Duncan Aviation Avionics Tech Reps. located in Lincoln, NE, specializing in troubleshooting squawks and offering tech support for business aircraft avionics and instruments. Curt's aviation career began in 1975.

Tags: Avionics & Instruments, Product Information

Critical Shipping Procedures For A Business Aircraft Gyroscope

Posted by Diane Heiserman on Mon, Apr 01, 2013 @ 11:43 AM

Contributed by Nic Evans, Avionics Team Leader

It wasn’t long ago that I wrote an article about how to properly handle your aircraft’s gyroscope and prevent it from being scrambled. To some, this advice may seem obvious and unnecessary, but it continues to amaze me how little thought and effort is given when a gyroscope is packaged and shipped to Duncan Aviation for repair and overhaul. The gyros that are sent in for repair or overhaul with improper packaging have shown a higher degree of damage as a result.

The following are common squawks that can and do occur when a gyroscope is not prepared properly for shipping.

  1. Rocky Bearings – The bearings within a gyro work together to keep the unit balanced. A rocky bearing occurs when a unit is jostled and causes these bearings to misshapen and stick. This can cause your gyro to be slow to slave or slow to erect.
  2. Out of balance – A gyro becomes out of balance when the weights within the unit shift or slide.
  3. Catastrophic failure – There are stops inside a gyro that are in place to prevent a catastrophic failure of a unit. However, a seemingly innocent drop during shipping can break those stops and render the unit inoperable. Just because the box isn’t damaged doesn’t mean the unit inside isn’t.

The best way to ship a gyro is in the same box and packing material it was received in from the manufacturer. However, if that box is long gone, your efforts to prepare your gyro for shipment should be equal to or better than the manufacturer’s packaging. If you take shortcuts when shipping a gyro, you run the risk of voiding all applicable warranties.

packing a gyroscope

packing a gyroscope

packing a gyroscope

Two Box Shipping Method

When the original packing boxes and materials are long gone, the best way to pack a gyroscope for shipping is to use a two-box method. This will ensure that unit is packed securely and more protected against inappropriate handling during transportation.

Step One: Box #1

Place the gyro in a box that is just large enough to hold the unit and enough Styrofoam or other soft packing material to line all sides, including top and bottom. Be sure to include enough packing material so the gyroscope will not shift in the box during shipping. It is better to use too much than not enough.

Step Two: Box #2

After the box containing the unit has been closed and sealed, pack it into a larger box with additional packing material. Do not skimp on the size of the box #2 or the amount of packing materials. The second box must be large enough to fit Box #1 and still allow for at least two inches of packing material between any point of the box and the inside walls of the carton. Make sure that Box #1 will not shift or the packing material to become compressed during shipment.

I cannot stress enough how fragile and delicate of an instrument a gyroscope is. You invest a lot of money keeping gyros airworthy. Duncan Aviation does not want to see your money and effort wasted because of improper shipping, handling and procedures.

Gyro Overhaul

As an Authorized Honeywell Service Center, Duncan Aviation is able to overhaul most Honeywell gyroscopes. If you ship your gyro directly to Duncan aviation for overhaul, you will receive it back within five days using Duncan Aviation's AOG service.

Duncan Aviation has four Avionics Tech Reps at your service to answer your questions or assist in troubleshooting your avionics units, including the gyro.

Nic Evans is an avionics team leader located at Duncan Aviation's Lincoln, Nebraska, facility. He leads a team that specializes in the gyroscope. His aviation career began in 1999.

Tags: Avionics & Instruments, Product Information

Honeywell RM-855 RMU Upgrade

Posted by Diane Heiserman on Thu, Dec 06, 2012 @ 08:00 AM

Contributed by Scott McKenzie, Avionics Tech Rep

RM-855 Pricing Incentives

Duncan Aviation is able to install new RM-855 units without the the use and expense of an OEM Service Bulletin or STC.

Since 2006, there has been no production or support for the Honeywell RM-850 RMU and replacement parts are extinct. Honeywell is offering the RM-855 as a form, fit and function replacement unit for the discontinued RM-850 RMU. It has been manufactured for several years, and offers greater reliability and functionality.

To upgrade the units, the existing RM-850 connector must be adapted to the new 855. Duncan Aviation is able to install these units without the use and expense of an OEM Service Bulletin or STC. Each unit requires very little labor, and Duncan Aviation's engineering and certification members can approve the modifications through the company's Organization Designation Authorization (ODA). Aircraft downtime is less than a day if parts are ordered in advance.

Affected Aircraft

The following aircraft will most likely have the RM-850 RMUs currently installed:

  • Lear 45
  • Jetstream 41
  • Sikorsky S-76B
  • Global 5000
  • Falcon 2000
  • Hawker 800A / XP
  • Hawker 900XP
  • Hawker 1000
  • Citation 560 Ultra and Excel
  • Citation 650
  • Challenger 601

Duncan Aviation Upgrade Locations

RM-855 upgrades can be performed at any of Duncan Aviation's avionics satellite shops located across the United States. In the case of an RM-850 AOG failure, unit replacement can be performed in the field by an experienced Duncan Aviation avionics technician.

Each installed RM-855 will be covered by a two-year Honeywell warranty, if installed by an Authorized Honeywell dealer.

Scott McKenzie is an avionics tech rep located in Duncan Aviation's Lincoln, Nebraska, facility. He specializes in troubleshooting the latest in avionics systems installed on aircraft today. His aviation career began in 1995.

Tags: Avionics & Instruments, Product Information

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