Yingling Aviation Announces Expansion for McCauley Propeller Repair

July 31, 2007
Yingling Aviation has announced that it will add 9,000 square feet of hangar and office space to its existing facilities to make room for McCauley propeller overhaul and service.

Wichita, Kansas -- Yingling Aviation, a Cessna affiliated general aviation services provider located at Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport, has announced that it will add 9,000 square feet of hangar and office space to its existing facilities to make room for McCauley propeller overhaul and service. McCauley Propeller is a division of Cessna Aircraft Company. The $1.5 million addition, which is the first portion of a two-phase expansion, is expected to be completed by March 2008. Hutton Construction has been named the contractor for the project.

An authorized McCauley repair service center, Yingling indicated that the second phase, will accommodate repair services for composite propellers. Exact start dates have yet to be determined. However, ground in close proximity to Mid-Continent Airport has recently been purchased.

"Propeller technology is moving forward in close pace to new airframes being developed by many aircraft manufacturers," said Lynn Nichols, president of Yingling Aviation. "In anticipation of composite propellers becoming more commonplace in years ahead, we are taking the necessary steps now to position Yingling to provide state-of-the-art service and support for them.

"The first phase of the expansion we're launching today will greatly expand our traditional aluminum propeller repair and overhaul capabilities, making Yingling one of the most modern propeller services facility in the Midwest. And, we know it will create some new jobs in both the short and long term, as well," he added. "This expansion will go a long way towards maintaining Yingling's superior level of customer service for Cessna products," said Peter Wilkinson, vice president, McCauley.

Yingling is investing in the latest technology "to give us more direct control of the quality and timelines of the services we provide," Nichols explained. "For example, we currently use outside vendors to perform some of the analytical inspection processes that are part of a propeller overhaul. By expanding our facilities and bringing those processes in-house, we'll be able to exercise greater control, diminish the operational costs and provide faster turnarounds," he continued.

In addition to expanding its propeller service, the new additions will also allow Yingling's shipping and receiving departments, parts inventory and tool cribs to be centralized and enlarged, as well. A new expanded paint shop will be created, and two larger, segregated battery rooms for testing and charging will be added. Plans also call for the construction of a new employee lounge and the relocation of Yingling's line services office. A new garage for ground equipment will round out the improvements.

Both phases of the expansion will take place at the south end of Yingling's existing complex on the west side of Wichita Mid-Continent Airport's east side runway 1/19. "The original concrete t-hangars built in 1954 will also be razed to make room for more aircraft to park on our ramp and improve visibility for ramp safety," Nichols concluded.

"The Wichita Airport Authority is extremely pleased that Yingling has decided to move forward with this exciting project. This is further evidence of the continuing demand for top-notch aviation services by our customers and cements Wichita’s position as one of the premier aviation service locations in the country," said Victor White, Wichita’s Director of Airports.

Yingling Aviation is a full general aviation services provider at Mid-Continent Airport (ICT) in Wichita, KS. A Cessna and McCauley Propeller Authorized Service Center, and Cessna Pilot Center specializing in servicing piston, turbine and jet service. It is also the largest Cessna parts supplier in the world. Offering avionics, interiors and a variety of aircraft sales, charter, pilot training and management services, Yingling Aviation, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2006, can be reached by calling (316) 943-3246 or on the web at www.yinglingaviation.com.