This reimagined Falcon 900EX is highlighted by several modifications that dramatically transformed the interior and make the aircraft more practical. The new interior is welcoming, comfortable, and incorporates modern functionality and a timeless aesthetic.
The new exterior paint has a Matterhorn white base, highlighted with striking blue metallic stripes. The owner’s state flag was added as a personal touch. New API winglets were also added.
The owners, Billy and Rozanne Rosenthal, decided it was time to upgrade the early 2000s aircraft they’ve had for more than six years.
“I was always told if you want to upgrade your aircraft, do it during the C-Check,” says Billy. “When that time rolled around, I said ‘why not!’”
Billy says that Duncan Aviation came by recommendation from his aviation team.
“They said if you really want to get the best quality, go to Duncan Aviation,” he says. “Our top priority was getting a quality job. Many of my friends brought their aircraft to Duncan Aviation in the past, and they all had great things to say.”
There were several major modifications that made the aircraft more functional for the owners.
A point of concern brought forth from the couple was the lack of storage in the aircraft. To address this concern, the forward crew lavatory was removed and replaced with a storage cabinet that doubles as a closet.
“We find that a lot of operators will use the Falcon 900 roughly 90-95% of the time domestically for flights that last under four to five hours,” Tracey Boesch, Senior Sales Rep for Completions & Modifications, says. “Plus, if the owners have a good relationship with their pilots and don’t mind sharing the aft lavatory, it’s not an issue to remove the forward lav. The space creates an excellent storage compartment.”
The removed lavatory was tagged, crated and put into storage so when the owner goes to sell the aircraft, the new owner has an option to re-install the lavatory.
The mid-cabin dividers were removed to help the aircraft feel more open.
“The owners are very family-oriented, and wanted the interior to feel more open,” says Senior Lead Designer Stephanie Kuhn. “By removing the dividers, we were able to give them that open feeling.”
“Overall, from the reconfigurations, modifications and top-to-bottom refurbishment, the cabin just makes more sense,” Billy says.
One of the unusual modifications was sparked by a past project photo provided with Duncan Aviation’s proposal presentation packet, which showed aft divans in a berthed position.
This option gained further interest when Tracey learned about the owners’ family-oriented trips and explained that the new Falcon 900 divan could accommodate four belted positions if desired, not just the typical three. While seated space would be too narrow for four adults on the divan, it is ideal for smaller grandkids to sit four comfortably on the divan.
The divans can be made into a bed for longer trips, and also give the owners a separate location where they each can lay flat.
Duncan Aviation’s interior modifications team incorporated the Duncan Aviation-designed PSU Overlay panels and modernized the drinkrails to create an updated look that is also functional.
The updated drinkrails have a streamlined, thinner profile that modernizes the interior. The existing cupholders were relocated to fit the new lid that accommodates the CMS (cabin management system) switch panels underneath for an uncluttered look.
The new Duncan Aviation-designed One-Piece PSU Overlay panels integrate LED up and down wash lighting. They also allow for easy removal and reinstallation with a more secure fit than the former original three-piece valance panels.
Billy says he is glad they chose Duncan Aviation.
“Overall, the product is fantastic,” he says. “The aircraft looks absolutely gorgeous. It looks brand new. I feel… excited! It’s just gorgeous and turned out great. Everything matches and from top to bottom, it’s just beautiful,” he says. “The seats are even more comfortable than they were before!”
He went on to say that the Duncan Aviation team couldn’t have been nicer.
“They made us feel important,” says Billy. “I could tell there is a great culture in your organization. It’s something you should feel proud of. Everyone knew their role and was great. From picking out the different materials and colors, to discussing all the options we had, it was a blast.”
The Finer Details
In keeping with the overall theme of the aircraft’s upgrade, the owners selected the latest version of the Collins Aerospace CMS, Venue, for its enhanced features and expanded functionality.
The wool carpet has a subtle two tone that brings in warmth and comfort.
The seats are a beautiful, classic design with a headrest that sits proud. This took our team some slight modification. The team also modified the two forward-facing seats in the forward club to integrate new recliner leg rests for the primary VIP seats.
The galley tower was modified to include solid doors with veneer and removal of the typical see-through plex doors.
New satin antique nickel was the beautiful plated finish throughout the aircraft, perfectly complementing the rich tones of the veneer. Modern paddle latches were also installed, adding a sleek, contemporary touch.
The credenza was modified to remove the raised aft end, resulting in a single-height cabinet to create a better flow in the mid-cabin.
The aft lavatory was modified to remove the small angle on either side of the center mirror to provide a level upper vanity, smoothing out surfaces in the smaller lavatory space, making it feel slightly larger. This is further achieved by right-hand panel modification to create a new upwash valance light in conjunction with the cabin PSU overlay panels.
The lower sidewalls are upholstered in leather, accented by a vertical French stitch below each table centerline, adding a refined touch.
The new solid surface features a natural stone-like movement adding visual depth and elegance. Complementing the updated surfaces, new faucets were installed in both the galley and lavatory vanity.
Straight grain, new veneer throughout the aircraft with a greige-taupe warm undertone flows perfectly among the remainder of the materials.