The Duncan Intelligence is a free, technical newsletter for business aircraft owners and operators. Written in-house by Duncan Aviation's technical representatives, each edition includes technical tips and advice on topics and trends in business aviation. It is a free, monthly e-mail subscription for aviation enthusiasts around the world.
Subscribe now to receive the Duncan Intelligence in your inbox.
Is your aircraft's paint job a luxury or a structural necessity? While it certainly looks great on the ramp, your paint system is actually a critical maintenance component engineered to shield the airframe from corrosion, UV damage, and environmental stressors. Read our latest feature to learn why a proactive paint program is the key to preserving your jet’s safety, integrity, and long-term market value.
International aircraft transactions are complex, involving a delicate balance of FAA compliance, customs coordination, and airworthiness certification. As a Part 25 aircraft owner, you understand the strategic value of moving assets across borders, but the technical execution remains a high-stakes endeavor.
Offering superior integration and a wide array of safety-enhancing and self-monitoring features, the GFC 600 digital autopilot is a revolution in aftermarket flight control solutions.
The Bombardier Global 5000 continues to be a top choice for operators seeking a large-cabin, transcontinental jet without the investment required for newer flagship models. This market overview examines how its 5,200nm range and short-runway agility keep it competitive, while highlighting the importance of engine programs and avionics upgrades in maintaining the aircraft's long-term utility and resale appeal.
Behind every aircraft interior is a layer of critical safety work that most passengers will never see. Explore the essential role of Duncan Aviation’s Burn Lab, where materials undergo rigorous FAA-mandated testing, from Bunsen burner trials to flame containment, to ensure every component meets strict fire safety standards. Learn how proper burn testing prevents costly certification delays, protects long-term aircraft value, and, most importantly, keeps passengers and crew safe in the air.
Sulfation of the plates and damaged terminal studs are common warranty claims that can be prevented or lessened by following simple operational and maintenance procedures.
Troubleshooting an autopilot altitude hold INOP squawk involves a complicated decision tree that includes several steps and scenarios. Here are three questions to get started.
Maintaining the integrity of your weather radar antenna is vital for accurate hazard detection and flight safety. From inspecting physical warpage to ensuring correct system strapping, precise maintenance prevents the false returns and signal smearing that can compromise a pilot’s view of the sky.
When valuing an aircraft, you either have complete, consecutive, and original logs or you do not. During a pre-purchase evaluation, the logbook plays a major role, and vague or incomplete statements can be troublesome and delay closing.
Selecting the right business jet is a high-stakes investment, but the sheer volume of data can make narrowing your search feel overwhelming. Duncan Aviation has simplified this process with an updated Model/Market Summary that compares everything from hourly operating costs to full-seat range across the latest airframes. Check out how this tool can streamline your next acquisition and help you identify the perfect model for your mission.
A fresh coat of paint is more than just a cosmetic upgrade—it’s a regulatory event that varies significantly by jurisdiction. While the FAA views painting as routine maintenance, authorities like EASA classify it as a design change requiring formal approval. Learn how understanding these regional nuances can help you avoid costly administrative delays and keep your aircraft compliant across international borders.
As business aviation fleets modernize, many aircraft are still carrying the literal weight of the past. Removing obsolete avionics and legacy antennas can reduce maintenance burdens, improve performance, and boost resale value. This article explores why streamlining your aircraft’s configuration is a strategic investment in long-term operational efficiency.
Customers often assume failures can’t happen when they aren’t flying but talk to any of Duncan Aviation’s Satellite Shops, and we’ll confirm it’s a very common occurrence.
What can ground an aircraft faster than a failed component? Documentation. When you think about what keeps your aircraft airworthy, you usually think of tangible systems such as engines, avionics, landing gear, and flight controls. Rarely does paperwork top the list. It should.
As 2025 comes to an end, ACS Rep Rene Cardona reflects on what shaped this year’s preowned business jet market. The fourth quarter is always busy, but this year brought a unique level of intensity, driven by economic uncertainty early on and a surge of confident buyers later. Here’s his perspective on what we experienced in 2025—and what to expect as we head into 2026.