Duncan Aviation Invests in Dry Ice Technology For Bombardier Service Bulletin

Oct. 8, 2012
This move was in response to a recent Bombardier Service Bulletin affecting Challenger 600 Series operators.

LINCOLN, NEB. — Duncan Aviation has invested in and began using dry ice blasting machine technology to safely remove epoxy, corrosion and other materials without damaging existing aircraft surfaces. This move was in response to a recent Bombardier Service Bulletin affecting Challenger 600 Series operators.

Challenger Service Bulletin (SB) ATA 55-11, titled “Special Check/Modification – Passenger Door-Epoxy Ramp Removal and Corrosion Prevention,” calls for, in part, the removal of the epoxy ramp in the passenger door to prevent further corrosion. The SB recommends dry ice technology to achieve maximum results. After arranging for a product demonstration, Scott Shefke, Duncan Aviation’s Challenger Airframe Tech Rep, knew that a dry ice blasting machine was what Duncan Aviation needed to provide the best solution for Challenger 600 Series operators performing this SB.  

“Duncan Aviation has an empowered workforce that is encouraged to proactively seek new, more efficient and technically advanced methods to improve or enhance how they approach their work and care for customers and their aircraft,” says Aaron Hilkemann, Duncan Aviation’s President. “Scott took the initiative to learn more about dry ice technology and concluded that this tool was needed to perform this Service Bulletin effectively and efficiently. We listened and, within a couple of weeks, all three Duncan Aviation maintenance facilities (Lincoln, Nebraska; Battle Creek, Michigan; and Provo, Utah) were provided a cold jet Aero 40 Series dry ice blasting machine. Our willingness to listen closely to those with technological skill and knowledge and to respond quickly on things of this nature are what sets Duncan Aviation apart.”

The dry ice blasting machine is integral in removing the epoxy ramp in an efficient manner while insuring no collateral damage occurs to the existing door structure. Duncan Aviation has successfully completed this service bulletin in-the-field with several more scheduled through the remainder of 2012. Further research is being conducted to identify other applications for this technology.

Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider supporting the aviation needs of government and business operators and other service providers. Services include major and minor airframe inspections, engine maintenance, major retrofits for cabin and cockpit systems, full paint, interior and modification services and pre-owned aircraft sales and acquisitions. Duncan Aviation also has aircraft components and parts solutions experts available 24/7/365 at 800.228.1836 or 402.475.4125 (international) who can handle any aircraft system problem with immediate exchanges, rotables, loaners or avionics/instrument/accessory/propeller repairs and overhauls.

Complete service facilities are located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Battle Creek, Michigan. Additional locations include a maintenance facility in Provo, Utah, more than 20 satellite avionics facilities and eight engine Rapid Response Team launch offices strategically located for worldwide support.  

For more information about any of Duncan Aviation’s services, call 1.402.475.2611 or visit www.DuncanAviation.aero.