Spirit Avionics Ltd. Wins Contract to Upgrade FAA Fleet

May 13, 2010
The contract, worth up to $6 million over the next five years, is expected to maintain and/or add up to 10 aerospace industry jobs in central Ohio and contribute millions of dollars to the local economy.

COLUMBUS, OH – Three central Ohio companies are working together to upgrade the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) national fleet, thanks to a new multi-million dollar contract. Spirit Avionics was awarded the contract as the Prime Contractor. Lane Aviation and Tritex Corporation will provide their services in direct support of contract to redesign the cockpit and interior layout of all 18 FAA flight inspection aircraft.

Working under the marketing umbrella MX Solutions Plus™, the companies will enhance the fleet’s interiors with an emphasis on acoustics, sound proofing, thermal insulation, cockpit and cabin seating, cockpit cooling systems, LED lighting design and aircraft weight reduction. Upon completion and approval of a prototype, the group will complete between three and seven aircraft per year in Lane Aviation’s facility.

The contract, worth up to $6 million over the next five years, is expected to maintain and/or add up to 10 aerospace industry jobs in central Ohio and contribute millions of dollars to the local economy.

“This contract is the culmination of a process we put into place five years ago to seamlessly handle workflow processes, communications and customer needs,” said Ben Sherman, aircraft service manager at Lane Aviation. “With MX Solutions Plus™, the FAA has all the benefits of a large company with the flexibility and quick response of a small company.”

“To have the industry regulator trust us to modify its airplanes is the highest vote of confidence,” says Rick Ochs, president of Spirit Avionics. “The FAA recognized the value of our engineering certification plan and they are confident our approach will cost the least amount of money and time.”

The FAA’s aircraft are used to conduct inspection flights for airport landing and air navigation systems. The fleet, which is at least 20 years old, is being reconditioned to modernize and enhance safety features found in newly purchased aircraft.

“This is a terrific opportunity for the MX Solutions Plus™ team to serve the FAA,” says Tom Pfaffenbach, president of Tritex Corporation. “This upgrade will improve the function and safety of the aviation industry.”

Spirit Avionics Ltd., an FAA Certified Radio Repair Station, provides avionics service, parts, upgrades and engineering/certification services for corporate and government aircraft operators.

Now in its 75th year of business, Lane Aviation is a full service Fixed Based Operator offering complete line and fueling services, aircraft parts and maintenance, aircraft sales, airline support services and on-demand air charter.

Tritex Corporation, an FAA Repair Station specializing in interior upholstery repair, provides professional upholstery, detailing and refurbishment services to the aviation, automotive and manufacturing industries.

For more information visit: www.SpiritAvionics.com