The Duncan Download Blog: Business Aviation Advice & Observations

Contributed by Carol Hunt, International Parts Sales Rep

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.

Contributed by guest blogger Philip J Reed, Redstone College

With a degree in avionics, the most advanced aviation avionics technology is at your fingertips. Literally.

Aviation has a long history, and it’s a field that has only grown more sophisticated with time. If you catch yourself looking up every time an aircraft flies overhead and are fascinated with how fast technology is changing, it may be time to combine your passions and seek a career in aviation avionics. Here are some reasons people find the profession appealing.

Science & Technology Excite You

Aviation avionics technicians work with the most advanced and sophisticated technology today. Avionics systems aboard an aircraft include aircraft navigation and radio communications, weather radar systems and other instruments and computers that control flight, engine and other primary functions. The training to become a qualified in this field encompasses several subjects. In school, students will study radio communication theory, avionics systems line maintenance, and avionics system integration. Avionics students also benefit from an intensive study of math, physics, computer science, electronics, mechanical drawing and other similar disciplines because aircraft are complex machines.

You Thrive on Responsibility

Avionics technicians keep the world's aircraft flying safely and efficiently. Avionics systems are an integral part of aircraft design and newer technologies are continually integrated to increase an aircraft’s capability and safety. The expertise and training of an avionics technician keeps thousands of travelers safe in the air on a daily basis. Students completing electronics/avionics courses receive a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification.

Quality Schools Available

The 2010–2011 edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook notes that there are approximately 170 FAA-certified schools in the United States, and about one-third offer degrees in avionics, aviation maintenance management, or aviation technology. By law, certified mechanic schools must provide students with at least 1,900 class hours, which usually takes between one and two years to complete and also includes instruction in how to use tools relevant to the job.

Improving Your Job Prospects

While some avionics technicians are able to learn their skills through on-the-job training, most will find that they require formal avionics training to develop the skills necessary to be successful in their work. Technological advances have changed the face of avionics, and it’s important that new avionics professionals have relevant training to meet these demands.

Career Options

Because avionics is involved in everything aboard an aircraft, including engines and flight controls, the aviation industry needs skilled individuals with aircraft avionics training. Avionics technicians may find themselves involved in testing, calibrating, troubleshooting and repairing avionics instruments. Avionics jobs may also require candidates to inspect and maintain electrical systems as well as set up and perform bench tests, repairs and replace defective components such as tachometers, temperature gauges and altimeters, as well as read electrical wiring diagrams. Graduate and post-graduate degrees generally aren’t available in avionics, but some people choose to move on to earn an engineering degree.

If you’re a thorough person with the self-motivation and work ethic required to have a good career, you could be a good fit for work in avionics. Study hard, and keep learning to give yourself the best prospects possible.

Philip Reed works in affiliation with Redstone College, located in Denver, CO. He has two years experience working with online colleges and communications systems. Situated on the front range of the Colorado Rockies, Redstone College, is located in Broomfield, a small town between Denver and Boulder.

Contributed by Jewell Chambers, International Sales Representative

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.

Contributed by Don Heinlein, Domestic & International Parts Team Leader

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Contributed by Vince Cruickshank, Parts Inventory Manager

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.

In March of 2010, the first blog post for the Duncan Download was published. Today, in honor of our 100^th blog post and the success of all of Duncan Aviation, we are sharing with you a list of 100 achievements, milestones and down-right cool things to brag about that have occurred at Duncan Aviation since the first post.

Celebrate with us.

Company

1. 55^th anniversary of company founding observed
2. 168,377 square feet of leather goods purchased for new aircraft interiors at BTL and LNK
3. 5,457 Component Solutions customers served worldwide
4. 7,259,089 gallons of Jet A fuel sold at Kalamazoo, MI (AZO), Battle Creek, MI (BTL) and Lincoln, NE (LNK)
5. 133,864 gallons of Avgas sold at AZO, BTL and LNK
6. 1,652 aircraft delivered out of maintenance at BTL, LNK and Provo, UT (PVU)
7. 615 business aircraft maintenance road trips to seven countries from all locations
8. 160 business aviation conventions and events attended by Duncan Aviation
9. 1,342 AOG engines returned to service in the field by Engine Rapid Response
10. 1,810 engines returned to service out of BTL and LNK
11. 204 TFE731 MPIs performed in LNK
12. 22 Pratt & Whitney Hot Sections performed in BTL
13. 126,077 Fed Ex packages shipped and received totaling 3,709,389 pounds
14. 258 aircraft interior refurbishments performed in BTL and LNK
15. 93 business aircraft painted at BTL
16. 141 aircraft Wi-Fi solutions installed per a STC at all locations; majority under a Duncan Aviation STC
17. 157 in-flight internet solutions installed. Duncan Aviation is the market leader
18. 30 WAAS/LPV systems installed at all locations
19. 25 Falcon winglets installed at BTL and LNK
20. 52 Falcon dry bay mods completed at BTL and LNK
21. 24 Gulfstream water line ribbon heaters upgrades (ASC 469/173) performed
22. 63 business aircraft prebuy evaluations performed in BTL, LNK and PVU
23. 624 aircraft landing gear legs overhauled
24. 1,851 aircraft batteries overhauled or reblocked
25. 13,710,410 aviation parts sold
26. 345,000 Component Solutions customer service calls
27. 11,360 aviation tools calibrated
28. 2,355 NDT inspections performed
29. Secured full contractual logistic support for the Mexican Navy Lear program 
30. 4 year F20 contract renewed with Royal Norwegian Air Force
31. 13,800 additional labor hours contracted with Offutt AFB in OMA
32. 1 year contract renewed with Egyptian Air Force
33. 2 L60 Flight Inspection Aircraft delivered to the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation
34. Signed contract for Egyptian Air Force G3 Hush Kit installation
35. 62 customer dinners at BTL and LNK
36. 10 customers serving on Duncan Aviation’s Customer Advisory Board
37. 10 members of Duncan Aviation’s Board of Advisors
38. 10 customers to serve on the new Duncan Aviation European Customer Advisory Board

Facilities

39. 25^th anniversary of Avionics Satellite Network observed
40. 10^th engine Rapid Response location opened in Seattle, WA
41. 4 new Satellite Avionics locations opened
42. 3^rd aircraft maintenance facility opened in Provo, UT, with Bombardier (Challenger/Learjet) Authorization
43. 1 new paint hangar construction project breaks ground at LNK
44. AHA Fit Friendly Platinum awarded to BTL and LNK
45. Regional Health Alliance Workplace Wellness Award presented to BTL
46. 2010 United Way Corporate Volunteer Company of the Year presented to BTL

Authorizations & Certifications

47. 30th anniversary of Honeywell Authorized TFE731 Major Service Center
48. 51 revisions approved for existing STCs
49. 8 type design amendments approved for existing STCs
50. 16 new STCs issued
51. 7 Wi-Fi STCs issued in seven airframes, including the first Wi-Fi STC in the Citation 750
52. 6 WAAS/LPV STCs issued, including the first Learjet 31A, the first Honeywell NZ-2000 FMS in a Falcon 900B and Challenger 601-3A
53. 6 foreign certificates renewed by audit
54. 5 PMA supplements added
55. 4 interior alteration STCs issued
56. 1 FIS STC issued
57. First iPad integration for Cabin Control in Falcon 900 certified, iCabin service mark earned
58. PVU named Embraer Authorized Service Facility for Phenom 100, 300
59. New authorizations added to China CAAC Repair Station Certificate
60. Named exclusive repair service provider for Avidyne Legacy Display System

Private Flight Services

61. Launched Safety Management System
62. 11 aircraft owned, managed and operated
63. 2,800 flight hours flown by 13 Duncan Aviation pilots
64. 1,000,000 miles flown by 13 Duncan Aviation pilot

Team members

65. 20^th anniversary of Duncan Aviation Project Manager Services
66. 10^th anniversary of Engine Rapid Response AOG Services
67. 475 military veterans serving at Duncan Aviation
68. 312 new Duncan Aviation employees hired
69. 230 technicians attended OEM factory training for 14 airframe or engine types
70. 12 Duncan Aviation employees retired
71. 217 employees volunteered for the 2010 National Special Olympic Games in Lincoln, NE
72. 35 Duncan Aviation employees employed at least 25 years inducted into Silver Wings Club
73. 77 babies born to Duncan Aviation families
74. 15 employees serving on business aviation industry boards
75. 13 employees qualified in or expanded responsibilities as Unit Members under ODA designation
76. 20 multilingual representatives located in 14 countries
77. 1 new European Regional Manager
78. 2,746 vacation hours donated to fellow coworkers in need
79. 2,327 items of food donated to local food programs
80. United Way Corporate Volunteer Company of the year for 2010 (BTL)
81. $177,981 raised for United Way at LNK, BTL and AZO
82. Generously supported many other local charities in every community  

Informational Resources

83. Job status tracking launched for myDuncan.aero
84. ADS-B Straight Talk book published.
85. Field Guides published about business aircraft Issues
86. The Duncan Download Blog launched
87. “Understanding WAAS/LPV” Video Series launched
88. 73 Duncan Intelligence articles published
89. 72% increase in new visits to www.DuncanAviation.aero
90. Updated company logo designed and introduced
91. Company video, websites and brochure launched in five languages
92. Web directory expanded to include profiles of customer contacts
93. WAAS/LPV calculator launched to demonstrate technology value
94. Inflight internet system selection tool launched

Additional Service Offerings

95. Bombardier Global Service capabilities expanded
96. Phased Interior Maintenance program launched
97. Interior Program with 14-Day Downtime Guarantee launched for Learjet and Citation models
98. Chrome-free paint process launched
99. New avionics capabilities for Avidyne Flightmax indicators, ELTA and Socata ELTs
100. Earth-friendly interior materials selected for interior refurbishments

The autopilot is a vital component on an aircraft. When it isn’t functioning properly, there can be all kinds of problems. There aren’t many places where operators can find the autopilot knowledge, experience and technical expertise all in one place.

What if operators could create their own autopilot team? They would be able to troubleshoot the system in the aircraft more efficiently, ensure the right box or boxes are removed for repair, access autopilot loaners while equipment is in for repair and schedule appropriate turn times.

Here are three criteria to look for when selecting an autopilot support center.

1. Autopilot Technical Experts

Sometimes an experienced technical representative can ask questions to walk an operator through a series of troubleshooting steps over the phone. However, being able to troubleshoot an autopilot squawk over the phone requires an intimate knowledge of the system and how it works on all airframe models. Qualified autopilot tech reps are able to troubleshoot and isolate autopilot problems on aircraft over the phone and by utilizing test flights for the more intermittent glitches.

2. Autopilot Customer Account Support

Customer service is very important when an autopilot needs to be repaired. Account reps should be intimately familiar with scheduling and turn times associated with different types of autopilot equipment. They should also maintain good communication with avionics teams, and be knowledgeable about which technicians are most experienced with the autopilot specific to an operator’s aircraft. If the need arises, they should also be able to connect an operator directly to the avionics tech to clarify squawk information or quote options.

3. Skilled Autopilot Leaders

Managing a team of autopilot technicians, coordinating test equipment and ensuring downtimes are met has its challenges. Verifying a squawk for a simple function check can exceed eight hours on some a/p computers. A skilled autopilot team leader can use their resources effectively to repair and return an autopilot on time and on budget.

Duncan Aviation’s Component Solutions team includes autopilot technical experts with the expertise and capabilities to work on many aircraft models, including Learjet, Citation, Falcon, Challenger, Hawker, Westwind/Astra, King Air, Piper Cheyenne and Rockwell Commander. Search our aircraft parts and capabilities list to verify our expertise on your autopilot. For more information please call Duncan Aviation's Avionics Customer Account Reps or Technical Representatives.

Kevin Miesbach is the Avionics and Instruments Shop Manager for Duncan Aviation’s Component Solutions team located in Lincoln, Neb. His aviation career began in 1985.

Contributed by Don Fiedler, Manager of Component Solutions Business Development

Being aware of the circumstances surrounding any avionics component or system failure will save you time and expense.

Having the right information about the circumstances surrounding a squawk can save your avionics tech many hours of troubleshooting time (and yourself a considerable amount of money) for an avionics repair.

When a unit arrives at the shop for repair, sometimes the squawk is obvious; however, there are many times when it is not. Before sending in your unit for repair, be prepared with the answers to these two questions.

1. When does the squawk occur?

• Does the unit get too cold on the ramp (wintertime) or at altitude?
• Does the unit get too hot (summertime) or after the unit has been in operation for a while?
• Does the squawk occur intermittently?

2. What happens at the time of the squawk or its resolution?

• Is there vibration? Some aircraft produce more vibration than others.
• Is it overheating after long operation?
• Is there poor or no cooling to the unit?
• If the unit gets too cold at altitude and is located outside the cabin, what does the OAT indicate?
• Does the squawk occur in precipitation?

Many times the problem is related to other aspects of the flight or external conditions and may only fail on the bench when these conditions can be recreated. Taking note of the conditions when the component or system fails, is essential to the effective and timely resolution of the problem.

It’s also important to communicate this information when you ship the unit in for repair. It’s always a good idea to include a printed copy with the unit, and to follow-up a phone conversation with an e-mail of the critical details.

To find out more about Duncan Aviation's avionics repair services, contact an Avionics/Instruments Customer Service Representative.

Don Fiedler manages business development for Duncan Aviation’s Component Solutions program in Lincoln, Neb. He specializes in working with OEMs and vendors to expand Duncan's avionics service capabilities. He began working in aviation in 1962.

Contributed by Erin Hart, Duncan Aviation Apprentice

Duncan Aviation provides emergency AOG support to grounded aircraft nearly anywhere in the world, making hundreds of service trips a year. In 2010, team members traveled to some of the most exotic locales including such places as Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Guayaquil, Ecuador; Merida, Mexico; Cairo, Egypt and St. George, Bermuda. While providing the most-needed AOG services to our customers at their location, team members also took in some local culture, food and sites.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

In the spring of 2010, avionics tech Gene Dannenberger flew from the Duncan Aviation avionics satellite shop in Sacramento, Cal., to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to install a Duncan Aviation repaired radar system in a Jetstar. While there, Gene took advantage of the wonderful weather to become a sightseer at many of the local tourist spots including downtown Puerto Vallarta, the marina and of course, the beach.

While performing this routine maintenance, he was entertained throughout the day with music playing in some nearby trees and was visited by a couple of armed airport guards who came out to watch the radar change.

Guayquil, Ecuador

A quick trip to Ecuador for one Duncan Aviation Engine Rapid Response Team (RRT) technician turned out to be more than expected one day in July. After arriving, Karl Johnson, Rapid Response Team Leader from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. went to work troubleshooting the squawk and quickly discovered a faulty oil pump. James Holmes, an engine tech also from the Fort Lauderdale RRT, hand-delivered the part in order to complete the project on time for the customer. Together they completed the maintenance and headed back to Florida, arriving at 6 a.m. the next morning.

In reflection, Karl admitted that the trip was too short and had he been able to stay longer would have visited a local establishment known for having great steaks.  

Merida, Mexico

Karl's trip to Central America didn’t end in Ecuador. He took three separate trips to Merida, Mexico in a span of about two months. What began as a fuel control change turned into troubleshooting for a compressor stall. Finally, the project came full circle with an engine change two weeks later.

This trip, even with the short time and busy schedule, Karl did find time to enjoy the nice people and good food of Merida, Mexico. “I didn’t have the extra time to learn about the area and culture, but I now know how to drink a Mexican beer the right way.”

If he ever gets the opportunity to return, Karl hopes to visit the Mayan Pyramids.

Cairo, Egypt

Shane Heier, an Engine Tech Rep out of Lincoln, Neb. traveled over 4,000 miles to Cairo, Egypt not once, but twice in 2010. For six days in the heart of the Arabian Desert, Shane’s first trip provided the Egyptian Air Force LRU training for the Honeywell TFE731-5BR engine on their Falcon 20.

Taking advantage of his time in Egypt, he and his wife Katie stayed an extra couple days traveling the region and exploring a land rich in history. Their adventures took them to the Pyramids of Giza, the Cairo Museum, a church in Coptic Cairo and a visit to the Alexandria Library of Alexandria located along the Mediterranean Sea.

A month later, Shane got the chance to visit Cairo again and was accompanied this time by Jeff Sikes, RRT engine tech from Scottsdale, Ariz. Duncan Aviation's Rapid Response Teams support AOG engine emergencies in addition to most scheduled and unscheduled events, including engine changes and that is exactly what brought the two to Cairo. They were dispatched to change an engine for a Dassault Falcon 20 aircraft onsite.

Shane’s time in Egypt was an experience he will not forget and remarks that he would visit again if given the chance.

St. George, Bermuda

A quick trip to change an igniter box meant a short get away for Engine Line lead technician, Eric Perez. Eric was dispatched from Lincoln to St. George for work on a Falcon 50EX.

The trip was short, not allowing much time for sight seeing, but Eric enjoyed his stay at Grotto Bay Beach Resort and the chance to experience the beauty of Bermuda.

Erin Hart is a Duncan Aviation Apprentice working in the Marketing Communications department at the Lincoln Nebraska facility. She began working in aviation in 2007.