The Duncan Download Blog: Business Aviation Advice & Observations

Contributed by Jerry Cable, Accessory Tech Rep

Inherent with most business aircraft is the need to utilize engine bleed air. Whether it be for de-icing, cabin heat or system control; bleed air is vital to the aircraft operation. Leaks in the bleed air system are common and often neglected for one reason or another, but one thing is for certain; a leak never fixes itself.

High Bleed Air System Demands

While a small leak in the bleed air system is usually not a problem and is probably the reason we neglect fixing it; several small leaks can be a significant problem. The system has several components which control the volume and temperature of the air in different sections of the aircraft and these components self-regulate based on the demand for that air.

Unnecessary Removal of Suspect Components

The cabin may be in demand for warm air, the windshield needs defogged and the leading edges need de-iced. The demand for bleed air begins to climb, yet the cabin is still cold. This might lead to inadvertently removing suspected components, such as the cabin temperature controller or modulating valve, for repair. Sure they may need a reseal but the real problem lies in the leaks. The system is demanding more than what the system can supply due to the leaks.

Erroneous Temperature Sensor Readings

There are other situations where a bleed air leak could cause even more confusion. A bleed air leak in the area of a temperature sensor can cause erroneous readings. For example, if hot bleed air leaks next to an air-conditioning or de-ice temp senor, it can cause them to read temperatures not accurate to the duct they are installed in.

To avoid the unnecessary removal of components and ease in the trouble shooting process, it is always a good idea to spend the necessary time to fix the bleed air leaks when they are small. It may not seem like a big leak but every little bit helps.

For help in identifying, troubleshooting and fixing blead air leaks, contact Jerry Cable, Duncan Aviation's Accessory Tech Rep.

Now through the end of January 2013, save $100 on your next repair, overhaul or functional test on your electrical and pneumatic units. Download the details and coupon here. 

Jerry Cable is an Accessories Tech Rep located at Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln, Nebr., facility. He is a landing gear and accessory components and systems specialist. His aviation career began in 1991.

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 Dave Schiver, Airframe Tech Rep

Between now and July 6, 2012, a potential bottleneck and scheduling conflicts could occur as an unknown number of Learjet 40/45 gear sets come due for the 8-year gear inspection. This applies to the main struts and main landing gear (side stay) actuators.

This deadline is dictated by a note included when IRNs 3220018 and 3220111 were published. This note stated, “On A/C with over 6 years from C of A, perform inspection within 24-months of July 6, 2010.”  

There are a limited number of Heroux-Devtek Authorized Maintenance providers able to perform this inspection. At present the vendor is estimating a turntime of 15 calendar days. This does not include the added time necessary for the removal, shipping and reinstallation.  

Avoid The Last Minute Rush

You can avoid the last minute rush and scheduling conflicts by choosing to do your 8-year gear inspection early in combination with a larger Learjet maintenance inspection that requires a longer downtime.

I recommend you get this on your calendar soon. As the July 6, 2012, deadline approaches, I anticipate the turntime will only increase.

Gear Log Book

Upon completion of the 8-year gear inspection, you will receive a gear log book for each strut and actuator. If you have had any components replaced or had loaners installed (i.e. axles), providing any landing differentials upfront will ensure that you receive an accurate log book for your gear.

All of Duncan Aviation's full-service locations are Authorized Learjet Service Centers, and are able to provide comprehensive Learjet airframe services, inspections and technical support for all models.

Dave Schiver is an Airframe Technical Representative at Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln, Nebr. (LNK) facility. He specializes in Learjet aircraft. His aviation career began in 1981.

Contributed by Jerry Cable, Accessories Rep

One of the first calendar inspections for the Falcon 7X is the 48-Month Telescopic Duct Inspection. This inspection requires the leak testing, deflection-force testing and extension-force testing of the three telescoping tubes found in each wing of the 7X.

I was contacted recently by a Senior Aircraft Maintenance Manager for one of the first Falcon 7X aircraft registered in the United States seeking assistance in complying with this Chapter 5 requirement. Being a relatively new model aircraft, this was first time I had received a request of this type. Just like all new model aircraft, the tooling and capabilities aren't always available when the first aircraft comes off the line. Oftentimes, they are developed when operators' demands dictate it.

With help from Todd Hoffman, Phu Ngyun and Mark Lepkey of Duncan Aviation’s Machine Shop and Duncan Aviation Accessory Master Tech Rich Kastl, we have been successful in engineering the necessary tooling and test rigs using the Falcon 7X maintenance manual and a set of new 7X tubes.

Duncan Aviation facilities in Lincoln, NE, and Battle Creek, MI, are both Dassault Falcon Authorized Heavy Service Centers authorized to perform all major and minor aircraft inspections and repairs on all Falcon models.

Jerry Cable is an Accessory Tech Rep located at Duncan Aviation's Lincoln, Nebr., facility. He specializes in around the clock assistance with troubleshooting and accessory related technical questions. His aviation career began in 1991

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 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 Bob Tooker, Aircraft Parts Consignment Representative

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.

Contributed by Bob Tooker, Propeller Sales and Tech Rep

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.

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.