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The Duncan Download Blog: Business Aviation Advice & Observations

How to Reduce Business Aircraft Battery Costs

Posted by Diane Heiserman on Tue, Sep 06, 2011 @ 06:00 AM

Contributed by Michael Craft, Parts & Components Sales Rep.

Securaplane SLA Main Ship Battery

Securaplance Batteries are a high power, long life and low mantenance alternative to conventional aircraft batteries.

Aircraft operators usually don’t think about how much aircraft battery costs add to their bottom line. They’re used to it. What surprises me is how many operators don’t know that a more cost effective solution is available, and performs as well as (if not better than) conventional aircraft batteries.

Most people are familiar with Ni-Cad and standard Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries. New Ni-Cad batteries last five years, are very expensive and involve recurring deep cycle inspections and cap check costs. Standard SLA batteries last about a year, are cheaper and are high maintenance.

The aircraft battery I recommend lasts five years, is a fraction of the cost of a new Ni-Cad battery and is a true no maintenance battery. It’s made by Securaplane, and I estimate it saves operators about $30,000 over a 10 year period (I break down the costs in this Aircraft Battery Comparison chart).

Securaplane’s Aircraft Batteries

I’ve been working with Securaplane’s aircraft batteries for several years now, and I recommend them to operators every chance I get. They’re a very cost effective and high-performance battery replacement. They hold their charge longer, have more cranking power in cold weather, and have a very high recharge capacity and discharge rate.

This aircraft battery is different from other SLAs because it uses very thin plate, pure lead, (TPPL) technology. Each cell can hold more plates, which makes the battery about four to five pounds heavier. However, this improves discharge and recharge capacity. It also reuses the Ni-Cad thermocouple (if installed) to prevent cockpit and wiring modifications, although the battery will never suffer from thermal runaway.

Battery Installation & Warranty

New Securaplane batteries come with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) documentation and a hardware kit with a few Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA) parts which are required for some installations, like battery trays and tie down rods (not all aircraft need the hardware kit). They also come with a 30 month non-prorated warranty that is renewed when the battery is reblocked, about once every three years.

A typical installation takes about an hour or less, and operators can do it themselves. Operators can also reblock the battery themselves (anyone with a wrench can change it), and the necessary capacity checks run on simple test equipment. They just do the installation, note it in their logbook and they’re good to go.

Duncan Aviation sells Securaplane batteries and reblocking kits which can be shipped worldwide, non-hazardous. Of the three Securaplane distributors in theUnited States, we are the only ones who can repair Securaplane emergency batteries. Our turn times average two to three days.

These batteries are great products, and can really save you a lot of money down the road. Please contact me, Michael Craft, for more information.

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.

Tags: Aircraft Parts

Saving Time & Money on Worldwide Aircraft Parts Transactions

Posted by Diane Heiserman on Fri, Sep 02, 2011 @ 06:00 AM

Contributed by Carol Hunt, International Parts Sales Rep

Managed Repairs Program

Managed Repairs Programs manage all aspects of aircraft parts repairs so you can focus on other important things.

An Aircraft Parts Managed Repairs Program helps operators to better manage their aircraft parts repair maintenance projects by streamlining the quote process, cutting through red tape and consolidating unit shipping. The program manages all aspects of aircraft parts repairs from quote to delivery, giving operators the freedom to focus on other important aspects of operating their aircraft.

Before you continue to ship multiple aircraft units to different locations, explore the advantages of an Aircraft Parts Managed Repairs Program. 

One Point of Contact

A Managed Repairs Program contacts all vendors and consolidates quotes into one proposal. No matter how many units you ship for repair, you only review and approve one contract. The program will manage all vendor warranties for each unit.

Advanced Customs Clearance

Providing part and serial numbers to program administrators in advance of shipping the units can save you as much as two weeks shipping time and high import fees. A Managed Repairs Program can assist with pre-clearance through U.S. Customs for all units sent into the U.S.for maintenance.

Consolidated Freight Charges

Operators utilizing an Aircraft Parts Managed Repairs program may ship all units scheduled for repair to one location, eliminating the hassle of managing multiple addresses and contacts.  After overhaul or repair, all units are returned in one shipment or according to operator’s requirements.

Advanced Shipping Notice & Control

As an operator, you are free to determine how and when your units are returned.

No Hidden Terms

With a Managed Repairs Program there are no hidden terms or fees. All payment terms are determined up front, prior to return shipment.

Duncan Aviation offers an Aircraft Parts Managed Repairs program, free to all operators who want to reduce paperwork, minimize freight costs and get faster results. They provided extensive repair and overhaul services—including exchanges—for business aircraft parts, avionics, instruments, accessories and propellers. We maintain a large inventory of business aircraft parts for sale. We also hold more than 70 manufacturer authorizations for avionics, instruments, accessories and propeller units.

Carol Hunt, International Parts Sales Repspecializes in locating aircraft parts in the international market and assisting operators in all countries through the maze of aircraft parts maintenance.  Her aviation career began in 1979.

Tags: Parts & Accessories, Avionics & Instruments, Aircraft Parts

Not All Aircraft Parts Consignment Programs are the Same

Posted by Diane Heiserman on Fri, Aug 19, 2011 @ 06:00 AM

Contributed by Bob Tooker, Aircraft Parts Consignment Representative

Turning spare parts into cash

Aircraft consignment programs can turn your spare aircraft parts into extra cash.

If you are an aircraft operator or DOM who’s been in the business for more than just a few years, you have storage shelves that have accumulated a necessary inventory of spare aircraft parts. If you’ve been in the business for even longer, then you may also have parts for aircraft you’ve traded in or traded up long ago.

Some legacy aircraft parts can quickly become scarce and hard to locate. And OEMs typically do not maintain an inventory of these parts due to suppliers being out of business or the high costs of continued manufacturing. However, there still remains a large number of older aircraft in operation, fueling the demand for those hard-to-find parts sitting on your shelves.

Selling Aircraft Parts

Although the world doesn’t seem quite so big with the internet and advanced technology, it is a daunting task to market your spare aircraft parts on your own and make a profit in the progress. I suggest you contact an aircraft parts consignment program that will market and advertise your aircraft parts inventory to a wider network of potential aviation parts buyers.

All consignment programs are basically run the same way. You send them your spare parts, they price and promote what they have available to a wider audience and send you payment based on the consignment agreement percentages. Here’s where they are different.

Up Front Costs

Some aircraft parts consignment programs have them, others don’t. Always ask what they are before you sign the contract.

Marketing Effort

The reason you choose to consign your aviation parts is because a consignment program has the resources to marketing your parts to a larger audience than you can do on your own. Always ask about their marketing plan and how many aircraft parts locator services will be used to promote your specific aviation parts.

Insurance

Typically, during consignment, aircraft parts are in the possession of the consigning service. If your aviation parts are damaged or lost, will your parts be insured for replacement?

Duncan Aviation has a network of operators, FBOs and flight departments around the world bringing surplus parts to our facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, to consolidate and market to the global industry. We market to buyers from government, military, corporate, international and regional airlines, as well as to MRO facilities worldwide

We actively seek additional parts consignment from FBOs and flight departments who have switched to different aircraft, leaving them with a surplus of unneeded parts.

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.

Tags: Parts & Accessories, Aircraft Parts

3 Consequences of Over-Greasing Aircraft Propellers

Posted by Diane Heiserman on Wed, Aug 10, 2011 @ 06:00 AM

Contributed by Bob Tooker, Propeller Sales and Tech Rep

Overgreased propeller blades

Example of a severely over-greased propeller.

As a part of regular maintenance, aircraft propellers require periodic greasing. The frequency depends on the propeller model and application.

Before you begin to grease the propellers yourself, always review the manufacturer owner’s manual on proper procedures. If you aren’t familiar with these guidelines, it is easy to over-grease your propeller, potentially causing the following consequences.

1. Overspeed Propeller

In extreme situations, the propeller can rotate beyond its designed limit. Overspeed conditions can greatly reduce the life of your propeller and engine and in extreme cases lead to catastrophic failure.

2. Leaking Blade Seal

Over-greasing a propeller may cause grease to bypass the blade-to-hub seal or the clamp parting line gaskets, leading to excessive leaking.

3. Excessive Vibration

An over-greased propeller can become out-of-balance causing excessive vibration and unnecessary wear on the engine and propeller.

Duncan Aviation's propeller shop provides extensive propeller maintenance and overhaul services, and we hold OEM Authorizations for Raisbeck and Hartzell propellers. We also maintain a large inventory of business aircraft parts for sale.

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

Tags: Parts & Accessories, Aircraft Parts, Troubleshooting

16 Important Aircraft Parts Sales & Core Exchange Terms

Posted by Diane Heiserman on Tue, Aug 02, 2011 @ 10:58 AM

Contributed by Jewell Chambers, International Sales Representative

alphabet soup

The acronyms and terms used in aviation are an alphabet soup. It can be very confusing and seem like a foreign language.

Entering into an agreement without fully understanding the language in an aircraft parts sales or exchange quote can cause confusion, delays and customer frustration. Never enter into an agreement to purchase or exchange aircraft parts, before fully understanding the terms and conditions of the contract.

Below are 16 aviation acronyms and terms typically used in aviation parts sales and exchange quotes.

ARO —After Receipt of Order

Part order must be placed prior to part being shipped. An ARO quote is good for a limited time only.

AOG—Aircraft On Ground

AR—As Removed

The part is being sold in the condition it was in when removed from the aircraft.

Consignment Inventory

Parts are being sold on behalf of someone else. Consignment Inventory parts may not have traceability.

C—Core

Unit or part being returned from an exchange sale.

ETA— Estimated Time of Arrival

Estimated time when a part will arrive.

Exchange

A unit or part sold to a customer in exchange for the same core unit in return.

Late Fees

Additional charges for core returns being returned late. Most vendors give 14 or 21 days to return core units, after which, extended use fees, late fees and even outright billing may apply.

LT—Lead Time

Amount of time until the unit or part is available for shipment.

OEM—Original Equipment Manufacturer

Outright Sale

No core return is expected from the customer (i.e. not an exchange unit).

OHC—Overhauled

A unit or part repaired per an overhaul manual.

SVC—Serviceable

A unit repaired to satisfy a declared squawk only. It is not an overhauled unit.

Squawk

Explanation or description of why a unit has failed.

WOR—Work Out of Repair

Unit needs repair attention before available for sale.

Duncan Aviation provides extensive repair and overhaul services—including loaners and exchanges—for business aircraft parts, avionics, instruments, accessories and propellers. We maintain a large inventory of business aircraft parts for sale. We also hold more than 70 manufacturer authorizations for avionics, instruments, accessories and propeller units.

With more than 370,000 line items, including tens of millions of dollars in rotables, and a huge inventory of avionics, instruments, propellers, parts, components and consumables of all kinds, we can usually handle your aviation parts or core exchange needs from our current stock. For more information, visit www.DuncanAviation.aero/parts.

Jewell Chambers is an International Sales Representative for Duncan Aviation’s parts sales team, specializing in consignment contracts and avionics equipment. She began working in aviation in 1995.

Tags: Parts & Accessories, Avionics & Instruments, Aircraft Parts

How ITAR Could Delay International Aircraft Parts Shipments

Posted by Diane Heiserman on Thu, Jul 28, 2011 @ 01:27 PM

Contributed by Don Heinlein, Domestic & International Parts Team Leader

parts shipment

Proper documentation will get aircraft parts more easily approved by the U.S. Dept. of State to pass through U.S. Customs without delay.

Operators are sometimes unaware that parts or units listed on the United States Munitions List (military items) must meet specific requirements to be shipped to the U.S. Without proper authorization, shipments can be delayed at the border for months. Here’s what you need to know to avoid delays.

The United States Government has International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) pertaining to the import and export of parts or units on the United States Munitions List.

ITAR items shipped to theU.S.are not allowed into the country unless the company or person shipping the item (shipper) has registered with the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and has obtained an import license, or that the shipment qualifies for a license exemption.

If items are shipped to the U.S.without this prior-authorization, they maybe held at the border for up to 60 days while the DOS decides whether to approve their admittance into the U.S. 

To prevent days and weeks of delays, I highly recommend you notify your U.S.aircraft parts service provider prior to shipping any aircraft parts for repairs or exchange cores. They should be able to identify if the part is ITAR controlled and provide the proper language required for the commercial shipping invoice.

If your chosen aviation parts service provider is not knowledgeable of U.S. ITAR, is not capable of pre-clearing your shipment or is not able to provide the necessary language and paperwork for your shipment to enter the U.S., stop and find one that is.

Duncan Aviation screens all incoming shipments for ITAR-controlled items and provides our broker with the proper information for U.S. Customs so the parts are easily approved by the DOS and pass through U.S. Customs without delay. We monitor all shipments as they go through this process and will swiftly deal with any delays in a timely manor.

To ship parts to Duncan Aviation, please complete a shipping notice form.

Duncan Aviation provides extensive repair and overhaul services—including loaners and exchanges—for business aircraft parts, avionics, instruments, accessories and propellers. We maintain a large inventory of aircraft parts for sale. We also hold more than 70 manufacturer authorizations for avionics, instruments, accessories and propeller units.

Don Heinlein serves as the Domestic & International Parts Team Leader at Duncan Aviation, specializing in parts requests. He began working in aviation in 1977.

Tags: Parts & Accessories, Avionics & Instruments, Regulations, Aircraft Parts, International Considerations

How Not To Ship Business Aviation Core Returns

Posted by Diane Heiserman on Thu, Jul 07, 2011 @ 02:07 PM

Contributed by Stephen Narciso, International Parts Sales Rep.

I shake my head in amazement every time a box arrives at Duncan Aviation returning units from a core exchange with no thought or care taken to ensure the units are not damaged during shipping. Aviation core returns are often worth tens of thousands of dollars and extra steps are necessary to carefully pack them for shipping.

Any damage sustained during the shipping process due to poor packing is not paid for by the shipping companies or insurance. This expense is the responsibility of the customer.

Below are photos of a recent shipment received by Duncan Aviation and an excellent example of how not to ship aviation parts.

bad core exchange packing

Too small

This small box is barely large enough for just the parts and doesn’t leave any room for padding.

poor core return packaging

Too weak

Weak boxes provide no protection for units inside. This one might as well have been shipped in a paper sack.

poor core return packing

Too much

Packing all these units into this small box cost this customer more money than it would have if he would have shipped them separately.

crushed indicators

Crushed

Cellophane wrapping does NOT provide protective padding. Both indicators have been crushed.

cracked cabin indicator

Cracked

Three units were wedged together in one box resulting in the front glass bezel of this Cabin Indicator to be cracked.

starter generator shipping damage

KO’d

This starter generator has taken a brutal beating. The rear housing, rear-end piece, studs and vent tube are severely dented, crushed or bent. In addition, several pieces of the terminal block have broken off. 

This customer could have avoided the estimated $15,000 replacement cost with a little more time and effort put into making sure these units were securely protected for shipment. Unbelievable, isn’t it? However, this happens more often than you might imagine.

It is pretty simple to avoid these types of shipping problems.

  • Use boxes large enough
  • Use boxes strong enough
  • Always use plenty of the right type of packing material
  • NEVER ship heavy items and fragile items in the same box

For shipping information when shipping parts, avionics, instruments or accessories to Duncan Aviation (whether domestic or international) visit www.DuncanAviation.aero/parts.

Duncan Aviation provides extensive repair and overhaul services—including loaners and exchanges—for business aircraft parts, avionics, instruments, accessories and propellers. We maintain a large inventory of business aircraft parts for sale. We also hold more than 70 manufacturer authorizations for avionics, instruments, accessories and propeller units.

Stephen Narciso serves as an International Parts Sales Rep. at Duncan Aviation, specializing in consignment contracts and parts requests. He began working in aviation in 1982.

Tags: Parts & Accessories, Avionics & Instruments, Aircraft Parts

How to Avoid Common Costly Business Aviation Exchange Core Issues

Posted by Diane Heiserman on Tue, Jun 28, 2011 @ 05:00 PM

Contributed by Stephen Narciso, International Part Sales Rep.

Bendix-Honeywell Starter for a Learjet Starter

The Bendix-Honeywell Starter is a common unit for business aircraft parts exchange transactions.

Often the best option for an operator who is AOG or in critical need of a part is an exchange. Exchanges typically cost more, but offer rapid replacement of a unit rather than the downtime necessary for a repair or overhaul. To avoid additional vendor fees to your core exchange, follow the guidelines below. 

1. Return your exchange core on time

Most vendors give 14 or 21 days to return your core. After this period of time, extended use fees, late fees and even outright billing may apply. Avoid shipping delays by staying in contact with your vendor and providing the proper documentation.

2. Do your exchange before a catastrophic breakdown

Exchange cores not in normal run-out condition are subject to additional billing and even BER (beyond economical repair) billing. Common causes of additional billing include defective stators, fields, armatures, rotors, commutators, shafts, endbells, housings, terminal blocks, fans, solenoids, circuit boards, pistons, etc.

3. Carefully pack exchange core for shipping

Cores are often worth tens of thousands of dollars. If damaged due to poor packing, shippers and insurance will not pay for the damage. This expense falls to the customer.

Duncan Aviation provides extensive repair and overhaul services—including loaners and exchanges—for business aircraft parts, avionics, instruments, accessories and propellers. We maintain a large inventory of business aircraft parts for sale. We also hold more than 70 manufacturer authorizations for avionics, instruments, accessories and propeller units.

For more information about Duncan Aviation’s core exchange service, contact Component Solutions Parts Sales.

Stephen Narciso, serves as an International Part Sales Rep. at Duncan Aviation, specializing in consignment contracts and parts requests. He began working in aviation in 1982.

Tags: Parts & Accessories, Aircraft Parts, AOG

Aircraft Parts: Exchange or Repair?

Posted by Diane Heiserman on Thu, Jun 16, 2011 @ 09:47 AM

Contributed by Vince Cruickshank, Parts Inventory Manager

Balancing time and money

Deciding to exchange or repair aircraft parts boils down to time and money. And how much you have of each.

Your aircraft’s main landing gear is in need of service. Do you exchange it or have it repaired?

This question is always on the minds of aircraft owners, operators and Director of Maintenance and applies to any aircraft part, avionics, instrument, accessory or propeller unit in need of service. 

There are several issues that may cause you to lean one way or the other. But it basically boils down to two key factors: time and money and how much you have of each.

1. Is a longer downtime acceptable?

The more cost-effective way to have your unit serviced is to send it in to a qualified avionics, instruments, accessory or propeller repair facility to have the maintenance performed. It will require a longer downtime, but the unit will be returned in serviceable condition.

2. Is the part needed as soon as possible?

If time is not on your side and you need to meet a tight flight schedule, you will want to consider exchanging your unit for one already in serviceable or overhauled condition. Although this option will cost you a little more, the exchange unit can be shipped the same day to get your aircraft back in the air with minimum downtime. One additional advantage is that a door to door carrier service can usually get the exchange unit to you the same day you order it.

Duncan Aviation provides extensive repair and overhaul services—including loaners and exchanges—for business aircraft parts, avionics, instruments, accessories and propellers. We maintain a large inventory of business aircraft parts and consumables of all kinds. Find the part you are looking for by searching Duncan Aviation’s Inventory of parts and capabilities

Vince Cruickshank is the Parts Inventory Manager for Duncan Aviation, specializing in landing gear and Gulfstream aircraft. He began working in aviation in 1983.

Tags: Parts & Accessories, Avionics & Instruments, Aircraft Parts

4 Paths to Gaining FAA Aircraft Parts Manufacturing Approval

Posted by Diane Heiserman on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 @ 07:00 AM

Contributed by Jim Ferguson, PMA Administrator

PMA part: Center Instrument Panel

A PMA aircraft center insturment panel milled from a 3" single piece of aluminum.

Nearly 30 years ago, Duncan Aviation was given its first aircraft Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) authorization by the FAA, allowing us to manufacture aviation-related parts intended for installation on an aircraft. These aircraft parts are typically no longer available, extremely hard to find or one-of-a-kind items.

A PMA is not just an approval of the aircraft parts manufacturing process itself. It is the FAA’s approval to manufacture specific aviation-related parts. It is issued for the production of modification or replacement parts, which includes materials, parts, processes and appliances.

Gaining the FAA’s approval is not that simple. In all cases, we must first prove we have the capabilities to produce the aircraft part and have a quality system in place to consistently produce these parts to the design specifications and airworthiness requirements. This includes ensuring traceability of each part throughout the entire process.

There are four paths to seeking FAA approval and ultimately gaining a PMA aircraft parts approval.

1. Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)

Typically, approval of major changes in type design of an aircraft is obtained in the form of a STC. To gain PMA through a Duncan Aviation-owned STC is the path of least resistance. Since parts are already designed and approved, we just verify our manufacturing capabilities to produce these parts to the FAA-approved design certificate. But what if we don’t own the STC?

2. Licensing Agreement

On occasion, we obtain a PMA using the design data from another company who owns an STC for the part we want to manufacture. We enter into a license agreement to manufacture the parts with our PMA capabilities in accordance to their design.

3. Identicality

On occasion, the original design data may not be available to produce the part. If we can design a replacement part and show that our design and manufacturing capabilities will produce the part identical to the original approved part, we can obtain PMA based on Identicality.

Our efforts through Identicality must prove our design and produced parts are identical in all aspects, including function, dimensions, materials, etc. The advantage to PMA by Identicality is that the certification and approval process is much less involved than by Test and Computation, but in most instances it is difficult to prove identicality.

4. Test & Computation

If we are unable to show Identicality, we can still obtain PMA by Test and Computation. In this case, we are creating and presenting new design data similar to, but not exact or identical to, the original design. We must substantiate our design through test and/or computation methods, similar to an STC.

To test parts, they are put through the paces under different conditions to show the new design data is airworthy and in compliance to the regulations. Computation is accomplished through examination of the design through research and statistical analysis.

Duncan Aviation provides quick-turn aircraft parts manufacturing solutions to OEMs, government agencies and aircraft operators worldwide, offering full support from concept through engineering, fabrication, inspection and delivery.

Duncan Aviation holds many FAA pma part approvals, specializing in rare, discontinued and one-of-a-kind business aircraft parts. For a complete list of parts available through Duncan Aviation’s PMA authorization, consult the FAA’s Regulatory & Guidance Library, or call me at 402.479.1541.

Jim Ferguson, Duncan Aviation's PMA Administrator at the Lincoln, NE, location, oversees and coordinates all PMA activities and approvals working directly with the FAA. His aviation career began in 1979. 

Tags: Aircraft Parts

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