Subject: Bizav News Roundup February 2023 From: BizAv Media Ltd Date: 05/03/2023, 08:22 To: Reply-to: max@bizavltd.com Latest bizav news Priester Gogo West Star SmartSky and more View email in browser [ February 2023 News Roundup brought to you by Business Aviation Magazine Priester Aviation Grows Managed Aircraft Fleet In Q4 of 2022 and Q1 of 2023, Priester Aviation added five business jets to its growing fleet of managed aircraft, the company announced. Priester, a private aviation solutions provider, has established itself over its long history with the expertise, dedication and resources to make aircraft ownership easier. Now, more aircraft owners are turning to the family-owned company that offers personal connections and large-scale advantages for aircraft management services. The aircraft are based throughout the country, which reflects Priester’s ability to answer client needs anywhere. Since its acquisition of Mayo Aviation in late 2022, Priester offers a full range of services to clients nationally, with larger bases of operation in its Chicagoland home and the Rocky Mountain region. Priester will support the new aircraft for owner use (Part 91), facilitating administration, financial services, crewing and dispatch, and maintenance coordination for seamless flight operations. Some of the aircraft will also be entered into Priester’s highly-rated charter services (Part 135), which allows owners to lower operating expenses and generate revenue during times when the aircraft would otherwise sit idle. The new aircraft range from light to ultra-range jets, including: Nextant 400XT, based at Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK) Cessna Citation XLS, Chicago Executive Airport Embraer Phenom 300, Chicago Executive Airport Embraer Praetor 500, Chicago Executive Airport Bombardier Challenger 300, Dallas Love Field (KDAL) “Aircraft owners are discovering the advantages of Priester Aviation and how we’re able to help them achieve their aviation goals,” Priester Aviation President Rich Ropp said. “They receive the full support and capabilities of the biggest national operations, but they also receive the individual attention of a personal flight department. When there’s a question about the aircraft, they can talk to one person directly without getting lost in a massive, impersonal company.” Priester Aviation, one of the biggest independent operators in private aviation, now manages nearly 80 aircraft between two companies. Andy Priester recently took the helm as its third generation of Priester-family leadership since its founding in 1945. Priester Aviation is among the world's most experienced global private aviation companies, specializing in aircraft management and private travel solutions. With over 75 years of experience, Priester Aviation is among the elite private aircraft management companies that hold the highest safety accreditations including the ARGUS Platinum rating, Wyvern approval, IS-BAO Stage III and Air Charter Safety Foundation certifications. For more information, please contact Priester Marketing at 847-537-1133, or visit www.priesterav.com. Jessica Betjemann Promoted to Chief Financial Officer for Gogo Gogo Inc., the world’s largest provider of broadband connectivity services for the business aviation market, has announced the appointment of Jessica (Jessi) Betjemann will be promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Leigh Goldfine has been appointed Chief Accounting Officer. Both appointments become effective March 11 following current CFO Barry Rowan’s retirement on March 10. Rowan has served as Gogo’s CFO for nearly six years. As CFO, Betjemann will lead Gogo’s financial operations including financial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury, tax, and internal audit. She will directly report to Oakleigh Thorne, Gogo’s Chairman and CEO. “I’ve worked with Jessi for several years and am confident in her ability to lead the company financially, driving value for customers, shareholders and employees,” said Thorne. “I also want to thank Barry for his many years of dedicated service to Gogo. His vision and efforts transformed Gogo into a company with a strong balance sheet and a path for ongoing success.” Betjemann brings more than two decades of experience building financial value and managing investment decisions for a variety of companies. She previously served as Gogo’s Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer since August 2021, after joining the company as Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis in August 2016. Notably, Betjemann helped lead Gogo through the sale of its Commercial Aviation division to Intelsat in December 2020, transforming Gogo into a private aviation-centric business. Prior to joining Gogo in 2016, Betjemann served as Vice President of Strategic Business Planning at Nokia in 2016 and held several senior leadership roles in strategy and business operations at Alcatel-Lucent from 2007 to 2015. Prior to that, Betjemann held progressive strategy and finance roles at Lucent Technologies and AT&T. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and economics from Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., and a Master of Business Administration degree in finance, marketing and international business from the Stern School of Business at New York University. She resides in Naperville, Ill., with her husband and has two daughters currently attending college. Goldfine re-joined Gogo in October 2022 as Vice President, Corporate Controller after serving as Assistant Controller for Intelsat’s Commercial Aviation division since April 2021. He transferred to Intelsat following Gogo’s Commercial Aviation division sale in 2020. He had previously worked at Gogo beginning in May 2010 where he served in progressive leadership roles in corporate accounting. “Leigh has an impressive accounting background, and he knows Gogo very well,” Thorne said. “After working closely with him prior to his transition to Intelsat, and now with his return to Gogo, I believe he is the perfect person for this role.” Throughout his career, Goldfine’s held progressive leadership roles in corporate accounting. From November 2005 to May 2010, he was promoted from a senior accountant to a manager of financial reporting for Richardson Electronics in LaFox, Ill. Prior to his time at Richardson, he held accounting positions with Exelon Corporation and Trizec Properties after starting his career with accounting firm BDO Siedman in 2000. Goldfine is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration-accounting, and master’s degree in accounting, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He resides in Erie, Colo., with his family. About Gogo Gogo is the world’s largest provider of broadband connectivity services for the business aviation market. We offer a customizable suite of smart cabin systems for highly integrated connectivity, inflight entertainment and voice solutions. Gogo’s products and services are installed on thousands of business aircraft of all sizes and mission types from turboprops to the largest global jets, and are utilized by the largest fractional ownership operators, charter operators, corporate flight departments and individuals. As of Sept. 30, 2022, Gogo reported 3,079 business aircraft flying with Gogo’s AVANCE L5 or L3 system installed, 6,777 aircraft flying with its ATG systems onboard, and 4,484 aircraft with narrowband satellite connectivity installed. Connect with us at business.gogoair.com. Lux Air Jet Centers At KGYR welcomed Pro Football Fans With AVTRIP Promo Lux Air Jet Centers ran successful VIP charter services for the Superbowl showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, which took place on 12 February, at the University of Phoenix Stadium. The Eagles won one of the tightest Superbowl games ever, beating the Chiefs 35 – 38. Tim Berger, managing partner of Lux Air Jet Centre’s said that the energy had been building up in the greater Phoenix area for weeks prior to the game. “Lux Air was really excited to be a part of this. We really enjoyed catching up with existing customers, meeting first time guests and kicking off a super experience at Phoenix. Conveniently located for quick access to high-profile sports venues in greater Phoenix, Lux Air welcomed fans with first-class service and amenities plus 6 AVTRIP Points/gallon on all uplifts between February 5 – 13. Just 12 miles from State Farm Stadium, Lux Air is able to offer guests transient hangars for aircraft up to a G650, a red-carpet welcome, concierge customer care, flight planning and conference rooms, free Wi-Fi inside and on the ramp, luxury transportation rental and a 24/7 line department. To make a reservation or for more information on all that Lux Air Jet Centers have to offer, visit www.luxairjetcenters.com, email csrgyr@luxairjetcenters.com or call (623) 932-1200. New Bohlke International Aviation Facility, St. Croix FBO Re-built After 2017 Hurricanes Travelers headed to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, can now land at Bohlke International Aviation’s new premier FBO facility at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX/TISX), open as of January 11, 2023. “Three generations of my family, along with the support of a tremendously talented team, have built this company over the past 64 years. I am so proud to put the Bohlke International Aviation name on this new, modern facility on St. Croix,” says company president, William “Billy” Bohlke. Guests of the 4,200 square-foot FBO building will be greeted in a contemporary passenger lobby with relaxing, island-inspired accents. A pilot and crew suite offers comfortable lounge seating with a television, shower facilities, and a separate room with three flight-planning stations. For business-on-the-go, a conference room with seating for eight and modern technology is available on-site. A modern kitchen complete with coffee and refreshments, ample seating, and appliances give guests space for a quick snack, a meal, or catering prep. The new facility proves just as welcoming for aircraft as it is for pilots and passengers. The 20,000-square-foot hangar with a 90-foot door can accommodate a variety of large cabin corporate jets. A 115,000 square-foot ramp offers plenty of parking while a 24/7 surveillance system ensures security around the clock. The St. Croix airport runway is 10,000 feet. For a little fun, the hangar also has a unique photo opportunity with the Bohlke wing so guests can commemorate their visit. The Bohlke team kept sustainability top-of-mind when designing its state-of-the-art FBO, including LED lighting and a water-capturing system for the building and hangar. Bohlke also plans to install a solar system that will supply approximately 70% of the FBO’s power. A local garden with bananas, coconuts and other tropical fruits borders the parking lot. Bohlke developed plans for its new St. Croix FBO facility after sustaining severe damage to the previous facility during Hurricane Maria in 2017. Amid the destruction, the company provided vital FBO and charter services for immediate relief efforts. Since then, the FBO continued to provide top-tier services out of a temporary facility, earning a top-five Caribbean FBO placement in the 2022 Professional Pilot magazine PRASE Survey. “A lot of planning went in to making our new facility hurricane proof,” says Bohlke. “You don't truly appreciate how important your place of business is until it’s gone. Our hardworking team and loyal customers deserve this new space, and we hope it’s here for a very long time.” Bohlke International Aviation is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with 24-hour on-call service. With a focus on safety, efficiency and cost-effective aircraft handling, Bohlke’s highly trained line team offers a complete suite of services, including: competitive rates on Jet A and Avgas; catering; ground power units (GPU); lavatory services; quick turns; freight handling; customs pre-clearance; passenger handling; aircraft detailing; concierge services; and rental cars and crew cars. As an Avfuel-branded FBO, Bohlke International Airways offers AVTRIP rewards and Avfuel Contract Fuel. Bohlke International Aviation has been providing aviation services in the Caribbean since 1959. We are a full-service, independent FBO with one of the largest charter jet fleets in the Caribbean. With a reputation for providing Caribbean hospitality along with world-class service, Bohlke proudly serves the U.S. military, along with corporate and private aviation. The company also has an air charter base in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and will soon be opening a facility in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. Contact: Renee Sweany, director of marketing, renee.sweany@bohlke.com, 317-538-5472. Dassault Aviation Returns to Avalon Australian Airshow Dassault Aviation is exhibiting its ultra-long-range, large-cabin Falcon 8X and super mid-size Falcon 2000LX at this year’s Avalon Australian International Airshow, which opens at Avalon Airport, near Melbourne, on February 28 and runs through March 5. “Avalon is Australia’s premier airshow and provides an ideal platform to meet with our Falcon customers,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman & CEO of Dassault Aviation. “The number of Falcons operating in and around Australia has continued to grow, and we anticipate this year’s event—the first since 2019—to be very active. We’re thrilled to be back.” Trappier noted that Falcons have always been very popular “Down Under” because of their advanced technology, military heritage, and unrivalled agility for better access. “With the arrival of the new, extra-widebody Falcon 6X and ultra-long range Falcon 10X—both of which are generating tremendous excitement—we expect the Falcon brand to be more popular than ever.” The 6X and 10X will feature a larger cabin-cross section than any other purpose-built business jet and set a new standard in passenger wellbeing and comfort. The 6X is due to enter service in the middle of this year and the 10X, in late 2025. The 6,450 nm/11,945 km Falcon 8X can fly non-stop from Melbourne and Sydney to any destination in Asia Pacific, or fly to London and Los Angeles in one hop. The 8X is offered with Dassault’s unique FalconEye head-up display (HUD), which combines synthetic vision with enhanced vision to provide pilots with better situational awareness at night and in poor weather conditions down to a decision height of 100 feet. The super midsize Falcon 2000LXS features exceptional agility and short field performance for an aircraft of its range and cabin size. From Melbourne, the 2000LXS can fly non-stop to anywhere in Australia, the neighbouring Pacific and even to Southeast Asian capitals like Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City or Manila. A long history in Australia Australia and Dassault Aviation share a long history. Avalon Airport was built in the early 1950s to accommodate final assembly, flight-testing and maintenance for Dassault Mirage fighters operated by the the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), which is a major supporter of the Avalon Airshow. The Mirage fighter was the mainstay of the RAAF fighter fleet through the 1960s, 1970s and much of the 1980s, and the Air Force went on to acquire more than 100 aircraft. The RAAF also operated three Falcon Mystere 20C VIP aircraft, from 1967 to 1989, and five Falcon 900 VIP units (which remained in service until 2002), and flies three Falcon 7X VIP aircraft today. “The RAAF was one of the very first Falcon Mystere 20 operators,” remarked Trappier. “And it’s worth noting that this year Dassault is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Falcon brand, which dates back to the first flight of the Mystere 20 on May 4, 1963.” Reinforced product support Dassault Aviation’s wholly-owned ExecuJet MRO Services unit, acquired in 2019, enables Falcon operators to benefit from a full line of product support services anywhere in Australia. It operates heavy maintenance centres in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney and provides routine support at a number of line stations across the country. At the end of the year, ExecuJet MRO will open a 144,000 sq. ft. facility in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia that will be equipped to handle line and heavy maintenance for the new Falcon 6X and Falcon 10X. Volocopter in Japan: Series E Investment and Regulatory Pathway Set Volocopter, a pioneer in urban air mobility (UAM), has announced that Sumitomo Corporation, a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest trading companies in the world, invested in the company’s Series E Funding round. Sumitomo Corporation will also become a key strategic partner for entry into service in the Japanese market, starting in 2025. Additionally, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has accepted Volocopter’s application for concurrent type certification (TC) of the VoloCity aircraft in Japan. To celebrate these milestones, Volocopter will showcase a full-scale VoloCity static model for the first time at the Grand Front Osaka from 8 to 12 March, to raise regional public awareness and acceptance of electric air taxis. Volocopter is committed to flying its VoloCity air taxi at the 2025 EXPO Osaka Kansai. Today, a major regulatory milestone was achieved to make this ambitious goal a reality: the European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) and JCAB announced that they have accepted Volocopter’s application process for concurrent TC of the fully electric VoloCity aircraft to fly commercially in Japan. Volocopter is currently pushing the envelope on flight testing and is on target to achieve certification for the VoloCity from EASA in 2024. As of now, the company is pursuing concurrent validation with three non-European civil aviation authorities: JCAB in Japan, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) in Singapore. The company’s dedication to Japan dates back to 2018, when the country became one of the first to announce its commitment to bringing UAM to life. This includes a clear roadmap outlining the steps it needs to take to educate the public, introduce regulations, and launch commercial services. As the frontrunner for a Japan-based UAM launch, Volocopter has both the experience and expertise to work with local authorities to create a UAM ecosystem that establishes a safe and sustainable environment for UAM. To further strengthen Volocopter’s local ties from a business perspective, Sumitomo Corporation became the latest Japanese investor and strategic partner in the company to join its list of partners, via the Series E funding round. Sumitomo Corporation possesses a keen understanding of the global business market, the energy and resource sectors, as well as Japanese market operations. This move diversifies Volocopter’s global partnerships to establish a UAM ecosystem. Christian Bauer, Volocopter's Chief Commercial Officer, says: “Committing to fly and enter a market is no small feat, but for Volocopter and Japan, who are both pioneers in the UAM space, it just makes sense. “Over the past few years, Volocopter has made significant progress toward becoming an integral part of the team that will bring UAM to life in Japan in 2025, thanks to partners like Sumitomo, EASA, and JCAB who share our vision. I cannot wait to see the public reaction to the VoloCity air taxi being unveiled in Osaka for the first time.” Patrick Ky, Executive Director of EASA, commented: “This is an important milestone in the development of relations between Japan and Europe in the field of new aviation technologies. EASA is proud partnering with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and support the development of the UAM industry in Japan and share with JCAB its experience with its SC-VTOL regulations in the certification process of VoloCity.” To increase public awareness and acceptance of electric takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) in Japan, Volocopter is showcasing its VoloCity full-scale static model for the first time from 8 to 12 March. The showcase event will take place at the Grand Front Osaka, a shopping mall with high footfall and ideally located adjacent to the Osaka Umeda station, which sees 2.3 million passengers passing through every day. Since late 2022, Volocopter has been hosting UAM knowledge sessions for elementary school children in selected Osaka city wards, as part of its obligation to the Prefectural Government grant and will continue to involve the future generation of UAM passengers by offering VoloCity tours at the showcase event. GAMA Releases 2022 Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has released the 2022 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report, during its annual State of the Industry Press Conference. Overall, when compared to 2021, all aircraft segments saw increases in shipments and preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at $26.8 billion, an increase of 6.0%. Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO commented: “The general aviation manufacturing industry continues to show increasing strength despite workforce and supply chain challenges across our industry. Our product development across the spectrum of fixed wing, rotorcraft and Advanced Air Mobility vehicles is spurred by the recognition that our industry is the safety and sustainability technology incubator for global civil aviation. “These safety, performance and sustainability efforts are built upon progress with lighter weight materials, new structural and wing designs, fly-by-wire control replacing heavy hydraulic systems, additive manufacturing reducing the number of parts, lighter weight and more reliable avionics, and engines and airframes that can fly on a 100% sustainable aviation fuel blend. “Of course, the impressive list of progress doesn’t even begin to touch on the revolution of electric, hybrid and hydrogen propulsion our companies are developing. As we look towards FAA authorization in the U.S., we will be looking for Congress to focus the FAA on improving their processes to facilitate the certification of new technologies as well as support their validation efforts globally to deliver safety, performance and sustainability benefits.” Airplane shipments in 2022, when compared to 2021, saw piston airplane deliveries increase 8.2%, with 1,524 units; turboprop airplane deliveries increase 10.4%, with 582 units; and business jet deliveries increase to 712 units from 710. The value of airplane deliveries for 2022 was $22.9 billion, an increase of approximately 5.8%. Piston helicopter deliveries for 2022, when compared to 2021, saw an increase of 7.2%, with 194 units; and preliminary civil-commercial turbine helicopter increase 7.6%, with 682 units. The preliminary value of helicopter deliveries for 2022 was $4.0 billion, an increase of approximately 6.8%. West Star Aviation Awarded 2022 FAA Diamond Award of Excellence at All Locations West Star is pleased to announce that each of their locations have been awarded the FAA Diamond Award of Excellence for 2022. The Diamond Award is the FAA’s highest achievement for technicians and employers that initiate and sustain the highly effective training programs. To qualify for this award, 100% of the 1,041 AMTs had to participate in specialized training that included safety, technical knowledge, aircraft systems, aviation regulations and FAA rules. Additionally, the technicians completed a minimum of 12 hours of structured FAA training, earning each of them individual awards as well. “Each year the qualifications of this program become more rigorous to achieve, but our technicians have met those challenges and it’s an honor to recognize their continued hard work and overall accomplishments,” said Jim Rankin, CEO. “This award also lets our customers know that West Star employs quality aircraft technicians that take pride in their work and achievements,” Rankin continued. As an industry leading MRO provider, West Star is proud to have been voted the #1 Preferred MRO for eight consecutive years from 2014-2021 in Professional Pilot Magazine's annual PRASE Survey. West Star Aviation specializes in the repair and maintenance of airframes, engines and APUs, avionics installations and repair, major modifications, interior refurbishment, exterior paint, accessory services and parts. In addition to its primary facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; and Perryville, MO, West Star Aviation also maintains satellite facilities at Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL; Centennial Airport in Denver, CO; Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport in Houston, TX; and Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport in Minneapolis, MN. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its East Alton and Grand Junction facilities, as well as AOG/MRT services nationwide. West Star Aviation is an industry leader in technical experience and expertise while providing world-class customer services in all the organization’s divisions. For more information visit www.weststaraviation.com or call 800-922-2421. SmartSky Expands Patent Portfolio to Protect Industry Leading Innovations SmartSky Networks, LLC has asked the U.S. District Court in Delaware to add two recently issued patents to its 2022 infringement lawsuit (C.A. No. 22-266-GBW) against Gogo Business Aviation, LLC, and Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO). The newly amended complaint alleges that Gogo has been illegally selling and offering to sell its “5G,” air-to-ground (ATG) internet connectivity product in violation of SmartSky’s patented inventions. While SmartSky is confident Gogo infringes each of the six patents SmartSky is asserting, the two new patents are related to patents included in the original complaint and directly negate several of Gogo’s non-infringement arguments. “We believe the patent system fosters innovation. These new patents further protect our inventions from illegal use and make our infringement claims against Gogo even clearer for the court,” said SmartSky Networks President & Founder Ryan Stone. “Gogo hasn’t yet been able to get its ‘5G’ system fully operational due to manufacturing and other issues, but their selling and offering to sell this product based on our inventions is an obvious violation of the law.” The new patents SmartSky asked to add to the suit include U.S. Patent Nos. 11,558,108 (“the ‘108 Patent”) and 11,533,639 (“the ‘639 Patent”) issued to SmartSky by the U.S. Patent & Trademark office on Jan. 17, 2023, and Dec. 20, 2022, respectively. The ‘108 Patent is part of a family of patents from inventor Donald Alcorn previously asserted in the lawsuit. The claimed invention enables the “handoff” of a data communications link between an aircraft and a network of ground base stations. The patent family covers both “soft,” known as make-before-break, and “hard,” or break-before-make, handoffs between base stations. Gogo’s planned “5G” product will use hard, “break-before-make” handoffs that infringe on SmartSky technology, refuting this portion of Gogo’s non-infringement argument. “Regardless of whether Gogo’s system uses a ‘soft’ or ‘hard’ handoff, it is still in violation of SmartSky’s patents,” said Stone. “The ‘108 Patent is one of several SmartSky patents that cover both types of handoffs. Drawing any distinction between the type of handoff is simply a diversionary tactic by Gogo.” The second new patent, the ‘639 Patent, is part of a family of patents from inventor Douglas Hyslop that together cover how base stations are arrayed in a wedge-shaped architecture in broadband, ATG wireless communications systems. By mimicking SmartSky, Gogo’s system violates the ‘639 Patent, in part, because of the way its base stations, with their directional radiation coverage pattern, coordinate with each other in order to enable communication using licensed and unlicensed spectrum as the aircraft travels across base stations. “For years Gogo has been trying to deliver internet to business jets through the licensed spectrum with what we believe are poor results,” said David Helfgott, SmartSky’s CEO. “Now, SmartSky’s technological breakthroughs allow for a new way to provide faster and better connectivity and have redefined the premium inflight experience. It’s no surprise that others want to copy what we are doing.” The amended complaint increases the number of patents at issue in the lawsuit from 4 to 6. If the Court finds infringement of any one claim of any one patent, SmartSky would effectively win the case and Gogo could be permanently blocked from selling and operating its 5G system, which may include blocking the sale or use of the required Avance L5 system component, as well. While the case proceeds, a separate panel of three federal appeals court judges are considering SmartSky’s motion for preliminary injunction that could immediately bar Gogo from selling its “5G” system. Their decision could come as soon as late Spring of this year. More information on the ongoing suit is available on SmartSky’s website at https://smartskynetworks.com/patentlawsuit/ Duncan Aviation Paints First PC-24 Outside Pilatus Production Facility Duncan Aviation is excited to announce that the company recently painted the first PC-24 outside of a Pilatus production facility. The aircraft was brought to Duncan Aviation’s full-service facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, to be repainted to better meet the style of the owner. “As the leader in painting business jet aircraft, we often take on the challenge to be the first to provide paint services on newer business jet models,” says Duncan Aviation Completions & Modifications Sales Rep Adam Beach. “It requires a trusted team to perform the additional research and planning on the front end to make sure all of the requirements for the aircraft are met.” Partnering with the Owner The owner was understanding with the extra time required to plan for the PC-24 as it was the first to be repainted in the aftermarket. “He gave us his full trust to complete the project and provide him with a design and quality paint completion to meet his expectations,” says Beach. “He was a great partner throughout the entire process.” Duncan Aviation Paint Team Leader Brandon Mares says having an open-minded customer who is willing to assist makes these situations much easier. The customer knew he wanted Duncan Aviation to paint his aircraft, and had confidence the extra planning would pay off. Duncan Aviation Paint Team Leader Cody Hasse walked through and detailed the entire paint process with the owner, giving a clear definition of what Duncan Aviation’s paint process included and what the expectations would be, setting the foundation for the customer’s confidence. During the planning and research, Duncan Aviation noted guidance in the maintenance manual that chemical stripper could not be used. To adjust to the manufacturer’s requirements, the decision was made to mechanically sand off the old paint by hand. The Paint team came together in a positive way, and they were proud of themselves when the project was completed exactly how the customer expected. Mares described this project as a true team effort. “We had open communication and navigated together throughout the entire process,” explains Mares. “Every team member brought their A-Game. Weeks before the aircraft arrived, we had already started chipping away, asking the right questions and getting the information we needed to properly plan for the work. We took great care making sure everyone was on the same page.” Mares says this project shows the commitment, knowledge, and experience that Duncan Aviation team members have, and that each team member can take a little pride knowing they were behind the success of this project. There are a lot of projects that come through Duncan Aviation’s doors, but this one truly stood out to the team. It showed how team members rallied within the different departments to overcome hurdles and ensure a satisfied customer. Duncan Aviation Project Manager Janet Beazley says she kept calm and worked through each challenge as it arose. “WE did this as a team. It’s not just one person. We all had to rely on one another to bounce ideas off one another,” says Beazley. “It was a fun and challenging project, and I’m glad we could deliver the aircraft to a happy customer as he understood all the challenges involved!” Hardy Hay, the Director of Maintenance/Chief Pilot with Det 9 Aviation, was more than pleased at the time of delivery. “Being a new design aircraft to the industry with very little history, this turned out to be a challenging project,” he says. “Janet (Beazley) and her team took the responsibility very seriously, preparing and finishing the aircraft. I've had other aircraft painted by other companies in the past, but the professional service I received from the hospitality suite, fuel, maintenance, project coordination and all the way until delivery was impeccable. Janet and her team went above and beyond coordinating with Pilatus service centers, Pilatus in Switzerland and Pilatus North America in Colorado to ensure every process was done according to the Pilatus aircraft specifications. I will only use Duncan Aviation to paint my aircraft from this point forward.” In January 2021, BAM initiated our monthly newsletter blast going out to over 150,000 executives across the business aviation industry. If you would like to have your latest press release considered for inclusion (we limit the NL to 10 - 14 releases) please get in touch with our publisher and CEO, Max Raja, at max@bizavltd.com or on +44 (0)203 865 3736 The monthly newsletter represents a great branding opportunity and Max will be happy to discuss pricing for advertising in the newsletter. 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