Duncan Aviation Hosts First Aircraft Paint Industry Benchmark Forum

Oct. 16, 2014
In an effort to collectively raise the industry benchmark, reduce corrosion and improve painter safety, a group of aircraft paint team members gathered to share tips and tricks of the trade at Duncan Aviation's Lincoln, NE, facility.

LINCOLN, NEB. — When it comes to aircraft paint, the products and processes are constantly changing and improving. To keep up with trends, industry representatives have been collaborating—sharing ideas and solutions. In an effort to collectively raise the industry benchmark, reduce corrosion and improve painter safety, a group of aircraft paint team members gathered to share tips and tricks of the trade.

Duncan Aviation Paint Manager Doug Bohac and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Lake hosted the first Industry Benchmark Forum: Aircraft Paint gathering at the company’s Lincoln, Nebraska, facility.

Paint industry representatives from Bombardier Learjet, Dassault Falcon Jet, Gulfstream, Elliott Aviation and Standard Aero gathered to discuss the current state of the aircraft paint industry, discuss processes and products currently being utilized to minimize and mitigate corrosion’s negative impact on the aircraft and the industry in general, as well as tour Duncan Aviation’s paint facilities.

The group also considered current and future work processes and paint products in an attempt to collaborate and find paint systems that are best for our customers’ aircraft, as well as our employees.

“We also addressed the shift to chrome-free paint. Some of us having been using these products for years while others plan to reduce the amount of chromate products they use,” says Doug. “We all realize the shift to chrome-free will happen in the next few years in Europe and the United States will likely follow suit.”

Chrome-free paint product expert Tom Chubb of AkzoNobel gave a presentation on the research and rigorous testing process of products currently available and those that might hit the market in the next few years.

All the attendees agreed the forum was mutually beneficial for the paint managers, shops and customers.

The group will meet again in April at another paint facility location to continue to build on this collective knowledge.

For more information, visit Duncan Aviation at booth #208 at NBAA 2014 held Oct. 21-23 in Orlando.

About Duncan Aviation (www.DuncanAviation.aero)
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 and interior services and preowned aircraft sales and acquisitions. Duncan Aviation also has international aircraft components solutions experts available 24/7/365 at +1 402.475.4125 who can handle any aircraft system problem with immediate exchanges, rotables, loaners or avionics/instrument/accessory repairs and overhauls. Complete service facilities are located in Lincoln, Neb., and Battle Creek, Mich. Additional locations include Provo, Utah, and 27 other facilities strategically located throughout the United States to provide customers with local support and the quickest response to avionics, engine and airframe Aircraft On Ground (AOG) situations.