The Duncan Download Blog: Business Aviation Advice & Observations

Dan Magnus, avionics instruments tech rep

Northern Airborne Technology Ltd (NAT), dba Cobham Avionics, designs and produces avionics communications equipment installed aboard helicopters. These units control the audio voice transmissions between the pilot and co-pilot and from the cockpit to the crew/cabin.

One of the more common failures that Duncan Aviation technicians have experienced with these units is intermittent audio squawks. The audio transmitted by these units passes through relays or electronic switches. As relays begin to lose conductivity causing poor contact, intermittent audio is the result. At this point the unit needs to be repaired or overhauled.

If you build it, they will come

Duncan Aviation has full overhaul and repair capabilities on many NAT units. These capabilities are continually growing as customers call and request to send their units to Duncan Aviation for repair or overhaul. If a request comes in and we don’t have a current test set capable of repairing their unit, we build it. And it doesn’t take as long as you might think. We are able to order the manual, build a test set, perform the repair or overhaul AND return the unit to the customer typically quicker than the OEM can do a repair.

Cobham (NAT) repair and overhaul capabilities

Duncan Aviation currently has a total of 12 test sets specifically built to troubleshoot and test hundreds of different Cobham (NAT) models and part numbers. Call a Duncan Aviation avionics tech rep to inquire about our repair and overhaul capabilities for your Cobham (NAT) unit.

Duncan Aviation provides comprehensive avionics and instrument overhaul and repair services, and we are an avionics and instrument authorized service center for more than 50 of the top equipment manufacturers. Our capabilities listings are available online in our inventory and capabilities search.

Dan Magnus is an avionics instrument technical representative located at Duncan Aviation's Lincoln, Neb., location. He specializes in ADF, Comms, Control Heads, CVR, DME Gables Control Heads, Receivers, Nav-Comm/Receivers, Radar Systems, GPS, GNS, Transponders and UNS Components and Systems Specialist. His aviation career began in 1976.

By Kevin Miesbach, Shop Manager-Avionics/Instruments

On Monday, June 3, Duncan Aviation consolidated its Shipping and Receiving operations with all shipments to Duncan Aviation-Lincoln now going to one new centralized receiving location. This move improves the efficiency of how packages are received and moved about the company, resulting in many customer benefits.

Consolidated Shipping Services

Customers will no longer have to ship their accessory or avionics units to different physical addresses at the Lincoln Airport to reach the Duncan Aviation shop performing the work or needing the parts. That means whether customers are shipping an accessory item for repair or overhaul, an avionics unit for repair or overhaul, or sending Duncan Aviation an inventory of parts for consignment, they will be able to use the same address.

FedEx Zip Code –68500

As part of consolidation, Duncan Aviation has obtained a special zip code for use in the FedEx shipping system. All packages addressed to this zip code are delivered by FedEx to Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln facility first thing in the morning.

When sending units to Duncan Aviation via FedEx, please use the following address and zip code:

Duncan Aviation, Inc.
Shipping and Receiving
4001 N Park Rd
Lincoln, NE  68500

Reduced Turntimes

The consolidated shipping, along with radio frequency scanning technology implemented in Duncan Aviation’s package receiving process, allows for more efficient shipment receiving and dissemination. Units make their way from the receiving dock to the repair shop and ultimately the workbench even quicker than before and are able to see real-time when an expected unit is received into the system. And customer paperwork is electronically attached to the work order for a more efficient process all-around. We look forward to our customers experiencing the financial and turntime benefits of the new receiving procedures.

No AOG Shipping Charges

All Duncan Aviation customers who need AOG services and use the special FedEx zip code of 68500 no longer need to mark and pay for the “EARLY AM” service from FedEx. Technicians have already been reporting AOG units arriving earlier than the previous “EARLY AM” shipments.

Other Carrier Shipping

When sending units to Duncan Aviation via any other shipping carrier, please use the following address and zip code:

For the most efficient service, it is best to use the shipping addresses as outlined above. However, we have been assured by our carriers that if you forget and use the old addresses, shipments will still make it to Duncan Aviation and the proper shops.

Duncan Aviation's Component Solutions offers extensive aircraft parts repair and overhaul services—including loaners and exchanges—for avionics, instruments, parts and accessories, at the same time maintaining a large inventory of aircraft parts for sale. Their streamlined services and competitive turntimes satisfy hundreds of requests throughout the world 24 hours a day, 7 seven days a week.

Darrell Cermak, Rotable Inventory Manager

Duncan Aviation Parts & Rotables Sales has built and maintained one of the largest business aircraft parts inventory in the industry. Our team of aviation professionals has the experience, contacts and connections to identify and secure some of the hardest to find business aircraft parts.

Because of our long history and experience with the Hawker aircraft, we know the most commonly exchanged parts and keep an inventory available to meet customer needs.

Below are some of the more commonly exchanged life-limited parts on a Hawker 125 airframe that have been known to not make the next Time Before Overhaul (TBO).

	Sequence Valves (AIR48540-1) Sequence valves are required Overhaul items and have to be overhauled at the required Chapter 5 Interval. However, sometimes they do not make the TBO due to seal failure and contamination of the hydraulic fluid, leading to internal slide and sleeve failure.
	Starter Generators (23080-005 & -064) Starter generators are exposed to a lot of abuse while operating in a constantly vibrating environment with lots of heat. These conditions over time take their toll, leading to problems, such as not coming on line, unable to be paralleled and premature brush wear.
	Maxarets (AC65216 & AC65218) The Hawker 125 series aircraft utilizes an axle-mounted Maxaret to control skid conditions. It is a required overhaul item and needs to be removed at the necessary intervals. It is not uncommon for valve wear and seal failure to cause leaking, requiring removal before TBO. When removing Maxarets, be sure to use the proper Maxaret extraction tool and procedures to avoid unnecessary damage and expensive overhaul costs.
	Valve Refrig Bypass (104968) The aircraft uses this bypass valve to regulate cabin temperature to the desired setting. Due to ever-changing cabin temperatures, this valve is always opening and closing. Failures such as inop, slow to operate and does not modulate result in unwanted cabin temperature ranges.
	Airbrake Actuator (AIR46520-2 & 21-2) Just like the sequence valves, the Airbrake Actuator is a hydraulic unit with many seals. These seals have been known to fail before the next required overhaul interval and may cause the unit to be exchanged earlier.

Parts & Exchanges

 Duncan Aviation is constantly adding to its inventory to ensure customers have a true one-stop shop when it comes to acquiring parts or exchange units. Search our on-line inventory for aircraft parts and inventory availability or chat live with a Parts & Rotables Sales Rep. Our international business aircraft components solutions experts are available 24/7/365 and can handle any business aircraft system problem with immediate parts exchanges.

Duncan Aviation is still a Hawker Service Center

 In light of the recent changes in the industry for Hawker operators, I want to remind you that Duncan Aviation continues to provide comprehensive Hawker aircraft service and support at all Duncan Aviaiton locations around the world. We are an industry leader in Hawker maintenance, structural repair, landing gear/component overhauls, engine MPIs, avionics upgrades, paint and interior. Our experience and capabilities are second to none. For more information about your options as a Hawker operator, contact any one of the many Duncan Aviation Hawker experts.

Darrell Cermak is a Rotable Inventory Manager located at Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln, Nebr., facility. He specializes in the Hawker 125 and Falcon airframes. His aviation career began in 1995.

Each industry has their own set of acronyms and abbreviations that often leave outsiders scratching their heads. There are nearly 3,000 identified aviation acronyms. However, in honor of the Duncan Download’s 200^thblog post, I asked our own experts to share 200 aviation-related acronyms that they use most during a normal work day. These overachievers sent me nearly 300.

Do you know them all?

1. (°C) — Degrees Celsius
2. (°F) — Degrees Fahrenheit
3. (A/D) — Analog to Digital Converter
4. (A/I) — Anti-Icing
5. (ac) — Alternating Current
6. (A/C) — Aircraft
7. (ACO) — Administrative Contracting Officer
8. (AD) — Airworthiness Directive
9. (ADC) — Air Data Computer
10. (ADF) — Automatic Direction Finding
11. (ADI) — Attitude Indicator
12. (ADS-B) — Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast
13. (AES) — Automatic Export System
14. (AFIS) — Airborne Flight Information System
15. (AFM) — Aircraft Flight Manual
16. (AGB) — Accessory Gearbox
17. (AGC) — Automatic gain control
18. (AHRS) — Attitude Heading Reference System
19. (ALI) — Airworthiness Limitation Item
20. (AMM) — Aircraft Maintenance Manual
21. (AMS) — Aerospace Material Specification
22. (ANAC) — Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil
23. (AOG) — Aircraft on Ground
24. (APR) — Automatic Power Recovery
25. (APU) — Auxiliary Power Unit
26. (ARINC) — Aeronautical Radio Incorporated
27. (ASAP) — As Soon As Possible
28. (ASNT) — American Society of Nondestructive testing
29. (ASSY) — Assembly
30. (ATA) — Air Transportation Association
31. (ATC) — Air Traffic Control
32. (ATIS) — Automatic Terminal Information Service
33. (ATTCS) — Automatic Take Off Thrust Control System
34. (BAFO) — Best and Final Offer
35. (BER) — Beyond economical repair
36. (BIS) — Bureau of Industry and Security
37. (BIT) — Binary Digit
38. (BITE) — Built-in Test Equipment
39. (BOV) — Bleed-off Valve
40. (C/P) — Chief Pilot
41. (C12) — King Air
42. (C20) — Gulfstream
43. (C21) — Learjet
44. (CA) — Certificate of Airworthiness
45. (CAA) — Civil Aviation Agency
46. (CAC) — Common Access Card
47. (CAM) — Certified Aviation Manager
48. (CAMP) — Computerized Maintenance Program
49. (CANPASS) — Canadian Passenger Accelerated Service System
50. (CASP) — Corporate Aircraft Service Program
51. (CAV) — Commercial Asset Visibility
52. (CBP) — Customs and Border Patrol
53. (cc) — Cubic Centimeters
54. (CCW) — Counterclockwise
55. (CDP) — Compressor Discharge Pressure
56. (CDRL) — Contract Data Requirements List
57. (CDU) — VHF Radio Transceiver
58. (CFR) — Code of Federal Regulations
59. (CG) — Center of Gravity
60. (CIT) — Compressor Inlet Temperature
61. (CL) — Class
62. (CLS) — Contractor Logistics Support
63. (CMR) — Certification Maintenance Requirement
64. (CMS) — Cabin Management System
65. (COC) — Certificate of Calibration
66. (Comm) — Communication
67. (COMSEC) — Communications Security
68. (CONUS) — Continental United States
69. (COO) — Country of Origin
70. (COTR) — Contracting Officer's Technical Representative
71. (CPAR) — Contractors Performance Assessment Reporting System
72. (CPCP) — Corrosion Prevention Control Program
73. (CPDLC) — Controller Pilot Data Link Communication
74. (CPU) — Central Processing Unit
75. (CRM) — Crew Resource Management
76. (CRT) — Cathode Ray Tubes
77. (CSN) — Catalog Sequence Numbers - Cycles Since New
78. (CVR) — Cockpit Voice Recorder
79. (CW) — Clockwise
80. (CZI) — Compressor Zone Inspection
81. (CZR) — Compressor Zone Repair
82. (D/A) — Digital to Analogue Converter
83. (DAR) — Designated Airworthiness Representative
84. (DCAA) — Defense Contract Audit Agency
85. (DCMA) — Defense Contracting Management Agency
86. (DFAR) — Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations
87. (DFDR) — Digital Flight Data Recorder
88. (DH) — Decision Height
89. (DIA) — Diameter
90. (Dim.) — Dimension
91. (DME) — Distance Measuring Equipment
92. (DOD) — Domestic Object Damage
93. (D.O.D.) — Department of Defense
94. (DOM) — Director of Maintenance
95. (DOS) — Department of State
96. (DPHM) — Diagnostics, Prognostics and Health Management
97. (DSS) — Defense Security Service
98. (DUATS) — Direct User Access Terminal Service (weather/flight plan processing)
99. (e-APIS) — Electronic Advanced Passenger Information System
100. (EAR) — Export Administration Regulations
101. (EASA) — European Aviation Safety Agency
102. (ECCN) — Export Commodity Control Number
103. (ECS) — Environment Control System
104. (ECTM) — Engine Condition Trend Monitoring
105. (EDS) — Engine Diagnostic System
106. (EDU) — Engine Diagnostic Unit
107. (EEC) — Electronic Engine Control
108. (EEI) — Electronic Export Information
109. (EERM) — Electrically Erasable Read Only Memory
110. (EFB) — Electronic Flight Bag
111. (EFD) — Electronic Flight Display
112. (EFIS) — Electronic Flight Instrument System
113. (EGWS) — Enhance Ground Proximity Warning System
114. (EGT) — Exhaust Gas Temperature
115. (EICAS) — Engine Indication and Crew Alert
116. (ELT) — Emergency Locator Transmitter
117. (EPR) — Engine Pressure Ratio
118. (ESO) — Electronic Sign Off (somewhat unique to Duncan Aviation)
119. (ESP) — Engine Service Plan
120. (ET) — Eddy Current Testing
121. (ETD/(A)/(E) — Estimated Time of Departure/(Arrival)/(Enroute)
122. (F & C) — Fits and Clearances
123. (FAA) — Federal Aviation Administration
124. (FADEC) — Full Authority Digital Electronic Control
125. (FANS) — Future Air Navigation System
126. (FAR) — Federal Aviation Regulation
127. (FBO) — Fixed Base Operation
128. (FCPA) — Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
129. (FCS) — Flight Control System
130. (FCU) — Fuel Control Unit
131. (FET) — Federal Excise Tax
132. (FI) — Flight Idle
133. (FIR) — Full Indicator Reading
134. (FIS) — Flight Inspection System
135. (FMC) — Flight Management Computer
136. (FMS) — Flight Management System
137. (FOB) — Fuel On Board
138. (FOD) — Foreign Object Damage
139. (FSDO) — Flight Standards District Office
140. (FSO) — Facility Security Officer
141. (FSOV) — Fuel Shut-off Valve
142. (FT) — Function Test
143. (FTR) — Federal Trade Regulations
144. (FWD) — Forward
145. (GBS) — Ground Based Software
146. (GEAE) — GE Aircraft Engines
147. (GFP) — Government Furnished Property
148. (GI) — Ground Idle
149. (GND) — Ground
150. (GOM) — General Operations Manual
151. (GPS) — Global Positioning System
152. (GPWS) — Ground Proximity Warning System
153. (H/W) — Hardware
154. (HIRL) — High Intensity Runway Lighting
155. (HP) — High Pressure
156. (HPT) — High Pressure Turbine
157. (HR.) — Hour
158. (HSD) — High Speed Data
159. (HSI) — Hot Section Inspection
160. (HSI) — Horizontal Situation Indicator
161. (HSR) — Hot Section Refurbishment
162. (HTS) — Harmonized Tariff System
163. (Hz) — Hertz
164. (I) — Incident
165. (IAW) — In Accordance With
166. (ICA) — Instructions for Continued Airworthiness
167. (ICAO) — International Civil Aviation Organization
168. (ID) — Inside Diameter
169. (IDG) — Integrated Drive Generator
170. (IETM) — Interactive Engine Technical Manual
171. (IFR) — Instrument Flight Rules
172. (IGV) — Inlet Guide Vane
173. (ILS) — Instrument Landing System
174. (in.) — Inch
175. (INBD) — Inboard
176. (IPC) — Illustrated Parts Catalog
177. (ISO) — International Standards Organization
178. (ITAR) — International Traffic and Arms Regulations
179. (ITT) — Interturbine Temperature
180. (JAR OPS) — Joint Aviation Requirement for Operation (Europe)
181. (JPAS) — Joint Personnel Adjudication System
182. (JTR) — Joint Travel Regulations
183. (kg.) — Kilogram
184. (kPa) — Kilopascals
185. (L/HIRF) — Lightning/High Intensity Radiated Field
186. (lb.) — Pound
187. (LOI) — Letter of Intent
188. (LPT) — Low Pressure Turbine
189. (LPV) — Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance
190. (LRM) — Line Replaceable Module
191. (LRU) — Line Replaceable Unit
192. (M/N) — Model Number
193. (Max) — Maximum
194. (MDA) — Minimum Descent Altitude
195. (MEL) — Minimum Equipment List
196. (MFC) — Main Fuel Control
197. (MFD) — Multi-Function Display
198. (Min) — Minimum
199. (MLG) — Main Landing Gear
200. (MM) — Maintenance Manual
201. (MOA) — Military Operations Area
202. (MPA) — Maximum Power Assurance
203. (MPD) — Maintenance Planning Document
204. (MPI) — Major Periodic Inspection
205. (MPU) — Multifunction Processor Unit
206. (MRA) — Major Repair/Alteration
207. (MRB-R) — Maintenance Review Board Report
208. (MSG-3) — Maintenance Steering Group 3rd Task Force Aircraft Maintenance Program
209. (MSP) — Maintenance Service Plan
210. (MT) — Magnetic Particle Testing
211. (MU) — Measurement Uncertainty
212. (MUR) — Measurement Uncertainty Ratio
213. (N2 -) — Nitrogen
214. (NAA) — National Aviation Agency
215. (NATO) — North Atlantic Treaty Organization
216. (NAV) — Navigation
217. (NBAA) — National Business Aviation Association
218. (NDB) — Non-Directional Beacon
219. (NDT) — Non-Destructive Testing
220. (NextGen) — Next Generation Air Transportation System
221. (NFF) — No Fault Found
222. (NICAD) — Nickel Cadmium
223. (NIST) — National Institute of Standards & Technology
224. (NLG) — Nose landing gear
225. (NOTAM) — Notice to Airmen
226. (O2) — Oxygen
227. (OC) — On condition
228. (OCONUS) — Outside Continental United States
229. (ODA) — Organization Delegation Authorization
230. (OH) — Overhaul
231. (OIML) — International Organization for Legal Metrology
232. (OOT) — Out of Tolerance
233. (OUTBD) — Outboard
234. (P/N) — Part Number
235. (PAMA) — Professional Aviation Maintenance Association
236. (PAR) — Previous Authorization Required
237. (PCO) — Procuring Contracting Officer
238. (PIC) — Pilot In Command
239. (PIREP) — Pilot Reports
240. (PM) — Program Manager
241. (PMA) — Parts Manufacturer Approval
242. (POA) — Power of Attorney
243. (PSE) — Primary Structural Element
244. (PSU) — Passenger service unit
245. (PT) — Penetrant testing
246. (PWS) — Performance Work Statement
247. (QA) — Quality Assurance 
248. (QAR) — Quality Assurance Representative
249. (QCM) — Quality Control Manual
250. (QT) — Quick Turn
251. (RAAS) — Runway Awareness and Advisory System
252. (RAD) — ALT Radio Altimeter
253. (RAT) — Ram Air Turbine
254. (RFI) — Request for Information
255. (RFM) — Removed From Market
256. (RFQ) — Request for Quote
257. (RNAV) — Area Navigation
258. (RNP) — Required Navigation Performance
259. (ROM) — Rough order of magnitude
260. (RSGOM) — Repair Station General Operating Manual
261. (RSM) — Repair Station Manual
262. (RTS) — Return To Service
263. (RTU) — Radio Tuning Unit
264. (RVSM) — Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums
265. (S/N) — Serial Number
266. (SATCOM) — Satellite Communications
267. (SB) — Service Bulletin
268. (SBB) — Swiftbroadband
269. (SELCAL) — Selective Calling
270. (SHOT) — Since Hot Section Overhaul
271. (SIC) — Second In Command
272. (SMOH) — Since Major Overhaul (Engines)
273. (SMS) — Safety Management System
274. (SOP) — Standard Operating Procedure
275. (SOW) — Statement of Work
276. (STC) — Supplemental Type Certificate
277. (TAF) — Terminal Area Forecast
278. (TAP) — Total Assurance Program
279. (TAR) — Test Accuracy Ratio
280. (TAWS) — Terrain Awareness Warning System
281. (TBO) — Time Between Overhaul
282. (TCAS) — Traffic Collision Avoidance System
283. (TCAS MOPS 7.1) — Minimum Operation Performance Specification 7.1
284. (TCH) — Threshold Crossing Height
285. (TFR) — Temporary Flight Restriction
286. (TSA) — Transportation Security Administration
287. (TSH) — Time Since Hot (Engines)
288. (TSN) — Time Since New
289. (TSO) — Time Since Overhaul
290. (TTSN) — Total Time Since New
291. (TUR) — Test Uncertainty Ratio
292. (UC) — Under Contract
293. (USCG) — United States Coast Guard
294. (UT) — Ultrasonic Testing
295. (VFR) — Visual Flight Rules
296. (VSI) — Vertical Speed Indicator
297. (WAAS) — Wide Area Augmentation System
298. (Wi-Fi) — Wireless Fidelity

Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider supporting the aviation needs of government and business operators and other service providers. Services include major and minor airframe inspections, engine maintenance, major retrofits for cabin and cockpit systems, full paint, interior and modification services and pre-owned aircraft sales and acquisitions. Duncan Aviation also has aircraft components and parts solutions experts available 24/7/365 at 800.228.1836 or 402.475.4125 (international) who can handle any aircraft system problem with immediate exchanges, rotables, loaners or avionics/instrument/accessory/propeller repairs and overhauls.

Complete service facilities are located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Battle Creek, Michigan. Additional locations include a maintenance facility in Provo, Utah, more than 20 satellite avionics facilities and eight engine Rapid Response Team launch offices strategically located for worldwide support.   

For more information about any of Duncan Aviation’s services, contact us at 402.475.2611 or 800.228.4277. Or visit us on the web at www.DuncanAviation.aero.

Contributed by Leo Sawatzki, Engine Parts / Engine Sales Manager

In the past, when the economy was strong, aircraft operating budgets were larger and everyone requested new parts be put in their engines during major inspections. As the economy began to slow, operators scrambled to find lower-cost alternatives. Now, although we have experienced some recovery from the downturn, people haven’t forgotten and continue to seek the best value available.

That value can be found in reclaimed aircraft engine parts. Below are four reasons why you should consider reclaimed parts at your next major engine inspection.

1. Same Quality Performance

Reclaimed engine parts provide the same reliable operating service as new parts at a lower cost. They have been inspected, overhauled or repaired and then re-inspected. And finally, the parts that are declared viable for operation are tagged with an FAA 8130 dual release tag, accepted by both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and put into inventory. 

2. Lower Cost

New aircraft engine parts are made out of rare and exotic metals that are becoming more difficult to find. These metals are a dwindling resource and are becoming more difficult to find; causing the cost of new engine parts to rise significantly. During a major engine inspection, many parts are replaced. Using reclaimed parts will keep inspection costs down without sacrificing quality or safety.

3. Increased Aircraft Life

As an aircraft ages, the cost associated with operation and maintenance of older engines begin to represent a larger portion of the aircraft’s overall cost of operation. Reclaimed parts are a lower-cost alternative that allows aircraft to continue to provide valuable flight services to their operating companies for longer periods of time.

4. Reduced Environmental Impact

The entire aviation industry (commercial, business and general aviation) relies upon rare exotic metal alloys such as titanium, waspaloy, hastelloy and inconel to manufacture new aircraft engine parts because of their ability to withstand high heat and their strength-to-weight ratio that is necessary for flight. Reclaiming good, used engine parts and reintroducing them back into service is recycling at its very best. No more precious metals are taken out of the earth and very little, if any, machining or chemical applications are necessary in order to return these parts to service in another engine.

As an authorized OEM facility, Duncan has been buying, selling and exchanging engines and APUs for more than 20 years and is the only Honeywell-authorized facility to offer this lower-cost alternative. Learn more about using reclaimed engine parts as a low-cost alternative.

Leo Sawatzki is Duncan Aviation’s Engine Parts Sales Manager located in Lincoln, NE. He specializes in locating hard to find aircraft engine parts. His aviation career began in 1968.

Contributed by aircraft parts consignment experts, Bob Tooker and Susan Masek.

Managing an excess of ­aircraft parts can be a challenge for any operator. You want to sell the surplus, but simply can’t find the space, man-power or the time. Partnering with the right aircraft parts consignment program is very important. Remember these tips as you search for the best match.

1. Ensure Your Parts Are Protected

The aircraft parts consignment program you select should operate in the interest of you and your assets. If parts are to be physically stored with the consignor, ensure that the inventory is stored in an environmentally-controlled space, that you will be protected from purchaser default during transactions and that the consignor holds appropriate insurance against casualty and subsequent loss.

2. Look for Proactive Marketing & Sales Efforts

An effective aircraft parts consignment program will be proactive in marketing and selling your assets. Inquire about the program’s customer base, marketing strategies and consignment history. Ask questions like; what parts locator services will list my inventory? How often are these lists updated? And how many years have you been consigning aircraft parts and components?

3. Physical Maintenance of Parts Inventory

You want your chosen aircraft parts consignment program to be responsive to customer requests. The need for aircraft parts does not wait for normal business hours. Therefore, you want to select a consignment company who physically maintains their inventory of consignment parts; allowing for quick value assessment and overnight delivery services.

Everything from accessories to avionics, instruments to propellers or even consumables, the consignment experts at Duncan Aviation help operators convert surplus aircraft parts to cash and help free up some much needed storage space. Read the Duncan Debrief to see what many Duncan Aviation’s customers have to say about the Duncan Aviation aircraft parts consignment program.

If you have a surplus of unneeded aircraft parts and would like to turn them into much needed cash, contact Duncan Aviation’s Consignment experts, Susan Masek or Bob Tooker.

Bob Tooker is an aircraft parts consignment expert specializing in quality control and export documentation. His aviation career began in 1967. Susan Masek is an aircraft parts sales expert specializing in the acquisition and consignment of aircraft parts. Her aviation career began in 1996.

Contributed by Jason Duhs and Dennis VanStrien, Airframe Service Sales Reps.

Aircraft aftermarket programs offer some very real advantages to business aircraft operators, especially when it comes to budgeting. Many of these programs are purchased after the manufacturer warranty expires for the aircraft. While it’s unlikely that an aftermarket program would be overlooked by a service provider, it’s always a good idea to talk about which programs apply to your aircraft and your parts ordering preferences.

1. Identify Maintenance Programs

Always provide a list of aftermarket programs that apply to your aircraft. Service providers should always research or request aircraft program information before asking for your signature on a maintenance service agreement. However, in cases where service sales representatives might be out of the office, this step might be overlooked by well-intentioned support staff.

Providing a list of applicable programs will help a service center coordinate services appropriately. Providing access to the aircraft’s maintenance tracking service and logbooks beforehand will also help a service provider identify service bulletins or other services that might be required for your aircraft.

2. Ask About Warranty Coverage for Avionics Retrofits

Ask about the material, equipment and workmanship warranties that cover an avionics retrofit. Some equipment is warranted for one year, others for five years. If you opt for serviceable equipment (used equipment) to be installed, there’s no equipment warranty.

It’s easy to forget when an avionics equipment warranty will expire. When it does expire, operators may want to consider an avionics service plan like the Honeywell Avionics Protection Plan (HAPP) or Rockwell Collins’ Corporate Aircraft Service Program (CASP), depending on what system was installed.

Depending on the service provider, workmanship can be warranted for as long as three years. For example, Duncan Aviation provides a three year / 1500 hour warranty on avionics installations.

3. Clarify Parts Ordering Preferences

Tell your service provider how you want to handle parts ordering. This helps ensure that any covered parts are ordered by the right people, through the correct venues. Some operators prefer to order their own parts, others leave it to their service center. Make sure your sales representative and lead technician understand your preferences before work begins on your aircraft.

Duncan Aviation provides support for several aftermarket programs for business aircraft. Engine programs we support include Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), Honeywell’s Maintenance Service Plan (MSP) and MSP Gold, Pratt & Whitney Canada’s Eagle Service™ Plan (ESP®), Cessna’s Power Advantage and Williams’ Total Assurance Program (TAP). Avionics programs we support include HAPP and CASP. Parts and consumables programs include Cessna’s ProParts (part of Power Advantage) and Bombardier’s Smart Parts and Smart Parts Plus. We also support Embraer Executive Care (EEC) and Raytheon’s Support Plus.

Please contact a Duncan Aviation rep. for more information about the aircraft aftermarket programs we support.

Jason Duhs serves as an Airframe Service Sales Rep. at Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln, Neb. (LNK) facility, specializing in Citations and King Airs. He began his aviation career in 1996. Dennis VanStrien serves as an Airframe Service Sales Rep. at Duncan Aviation’s Battle Creek, Mich. (MI) facility, specializing in Citations. His career in aviation began in 1976.

Contributed by Bob Tooker, Propeller Sales & Tech Rep

On a trip to Iowa Western Community College last year, I learned from Eugene Jedlicka, Aviation Department Chair, that the Test Club propellers, used on aircraft engines the students rebuild as a part of their studies, were old and not very safe.

When I returned back to my office, I consulted with Scott Lau, Team Leader of Duncan Aviation’s prop shop. We decided we were in a position to help out Western Community College and all future A&P students. After looking through our own inventory and reaching out to other propeller shops, we collected all the necessary parts to complete the project.

The Duncan Aviation propeller shop assembled all the pieces and sent the completed prop to a local airbrush art studio for a custom paint job. The finished product made the blades look riveted together with the logos of both Iowa Western Community College and Duncan Aviation on the blades. Thanks to Duncan Aviation propeller shop for final assembly.

On January 12th, I traveled to Iowa Western Community College to deliver a two-blade and a three-blade propeller to their program. I know that the propellers will benefit many students and our donation was much appreciated.

"We here at Iowa Western greatly appreciate the donation of the two propellers from Duncan Aviation," said Jedlicka. "One will replace an old propeller on one of our engine run up stands while the other will help complete a new engine run up stand that is going to be turbo charged. That is something Iowa Western has never had before. Again we thank the hard working people at Duncan Aviation for taking the time to make these two props appear."

Duncan Aviation's FAA Approved Propeller Repair Station provides extensive aircraft propeller maintenance and overhaul services and we are a leading Raisbeck Dealer, a McCauley Service Center and a Hartzell Top Prop Dealer. We maintaing a large inventory of overhauled turbine propellers for outright exchange sales.

Now through June 30, 2012, get get a free dynamic balancing with each propeller overhaul. Weather restrictions may apply. Click here for more information.

Contributed by James L. Ferguson, ODA PMA Administrator

Aircraft service providers that hold aircraft Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) authority under ODA have a significant advantage in FAA approval response times. These service providers are able to respond almost immediately to any issues in the application and/or certification of new PMA parts. However, the pathway to PMA authority isn’t easy.

Duncan Aviation recently received approval through the FAA’s Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) to add PMA to its revised Organizational Designated Authority (ODA). FAA order 8100.15 details the many steps we navigated through to prove we had the capabilities, processes and aviation professionals in place even to be considered.

PMA aircraft parts applicants must qualify, make application and be granted this approval by the FAA Organizational Management Team (OMT). 

Qualification

In order to be considered for PMA aircraft parts authority under ODA, applicants must already hold PMA authority through their local Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO). At the time PMA authority is being considered under ODA, the PMA holder must show the FAA that they meet the required qualifications for delegation as identified in FAA Order 8100.15.

Application

An application is submitted by the ODA holder documenting how the requirements are met along with procedures on how the ODA PMA will function.  These procedures are documented in the ODA Procedures manual.

Review Process

After application, the OMT reviews the history of the PMA parts applicant, qualifications and the procedures manual. The OMT includes the applicant’s local ACO, Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), MIDO and Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG). All must give approval during review, which includes on-site visits as necessary.

Delegation

Once delegation is received, PMA becomes a part of the applicant’s ODA. There is usually very little impact to production since the procedures, experience, and training already in place for previous PMA delegation are still applicable. The most significant change comes in how new PMA supplements (granting authority to produce new articles under PMA) are added and the maintenance of current PMA supplements.

Under ODA PMA, delegates no longer submit application to the FAA for approval in the way that they did previously. The ODA on-site now reviews the applications for each supplement or supplement addition and grants approval. This is where the advantage in response time is realized.

PMA Response Times

Since the application and approval process is accomplished internally, in coordination with the FAA when applicable, Duncan Aviation is able to respond almost immediately to any issues in the application and/or certification of new PMA parts that may be vital to the maintenance of a customer’s aircraft. It makes the process much simpler and more easily managed.

Since 1981, Duncan Aviation has been manufacturing aircraft parts under its PMA authority with the FAA’s approval. In 2011, Duncan Aviation added ODA PMA authority. 

For more information about aircraft parts manufacturing and other Duncan Aviation ODA services, contact Stacy Carnahan in ODA Engineering Sales.

James L. Ferguson is Duncan Aviation’s ODA PMA Administrator. He has been an Aviation Professional with Duncan Aviation since 1979.

 Contributed by Michael Craft, Parts & Components Sales Rep.

Securaplane Hawker Main Ship Batteries offer significant performance enhancements compared to other sealed lead acid and Ni-Cad batteries.

The strongest and most trusted form of advertising isn’t a slick campaign or flashy website. It’s one satisfied customer telling another about his or her consumer experience. Here are two Directors of Maintenance (DOMs) who feel strongly about which aircraft batteries get to fly in their fleets.

Arthur (Skip) Pieplow, DOM for AirMed International / AirMed Asia

If you are considering changing the brand of batteries that are installed in your business aircraft, I can’t recommend Securaplane highly enough.

For the last five years, AirMed International’s fleet of Hawker 800s and Beechjets, have been flying solely using the Securaplane Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) main ship batteries. In our business we fly hard and expect nothing but the highest performance and reliability from our aircraft batteries.

Securaplane batteries deliver.

Andy Bajc, DOM for Duncan Aviation's Flight Operations

Duncan Aviation has a diversified fleet of aircraft. We started using Securaplane’s Hawker lead acid batteries six years ago with excellent results.

The first Securaplane Hawker battery in the Duncan fleet was installed in a King Air C90. It lasted 6 ½ years, well past the warranty period! Since then, we have installed them in all of our owned or managed Learjets, Citation 560 and 650s and a Beechjet 400A. As of today, there are 12 Hawker batteries in service within the Duncan Aviation fleet.

On the rare occasion when battery issues occurred, we have always experienced proper warranty support from Securaplane.

Securaplane Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Main Ship Batteries have technology that beats NiCad, Lead-Calcium and Lead-Antimony in every category of performance. They can ultimately save operators hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars annually.

Duncan Aviation is the only authorized Securaplane Battery distributor in the United States who can also repair Securaplane emergency batteries with a turn time averaging two to three days. For more information about the benefits of Securaplane batteries, contact Michael Craft.

Michael Craft serves as Customer Focus Sales Rep. for Duncan Aviation’s Parts, Avionics, Instruments, Accessories and Propeller team in Lincoln, NE (LNK). He began working in aviation in 2000.