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.
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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.
Dive into our six comprehensive FAQs that break down the hidden environmental and handling factors that accelerate internal servo wear. Learn exactly what to expect from a master-certified inspection and how to determine if a repair or full replacement makes the most sense for your aircraft.
Collins Aerospace announced the discontinuance of the RTU-870 series Radio Tuning Units in 2014. While the upgrade path remains the primary long-term solution for many operators, it is not always the most practical or cost-effective option. Many operators seek alternatives to full system replacement.
It is believed that around 3,000 BCE., the Egyptian unit of length was established. The Royal Egyptian cubit was decreed to be equal to the length of the forearm from the bent elbow to the tip of the extended middle finger plus the width of the palm of the hand of the Pharaoh ruling at the time. The Royal Cubit Master was carved from a block of black granite to endure for all time (the equivalent of today’s primary standard).
Operators who have recently updated their Navigation Computers to NZ 6.1 (or later) software may notice unexpected flight behavior. These symptoms typically include the aircraft sequencing to the next waypoint as early as 20 miles out, shallow turns, and overshooting direct-to waypoints during departure. Although these issues may appear to be internal hardware faults or software bugs, the solution is a straightforward on-wing configuration adjustment.
Insects on the windshield can be dealt with, but in the pitot static system they can be truly maddening. Bugs, like birds, can build a nest overnight.
Bombardier has issued a recommended SB 45-56-3 that calls for the inspection of the windshield coupe rails on all Learjet 45 models.
TCAS 7.1 is being offered as an upgrade by all of the major TCAS manufacturers and makes two important safety enhancements.
It was determined that the epoxy ramp installed to prevent water accumulation could deteriorate with time. A dry ice blasting machine removes the epoxy ramp efficiently without collateral damage.
Now, through a Securaplane STC, Citation 500, 550 and 560 operators are able to enjoy the benefits of the thin plate, pure lead (TPPL) technology that improves discharge and recharge capacity.
In an FAA Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) Notam dated March 9, 2011, operators of aircraft authorized to use RVSM airspace must conduct monitoring every two years or within 1,000 flight hours per aircraft, whichever period is longer.
In my experience as an Avionics Tech Rep, unless I am talking to the person who witnessed the squawk, I go under the assumption that there is always more to the story than what I am told.
Dassault requires that after discharge of a fire bottle, whether by accident or intention, the rubber silicone nipple must be replaced.
Duncan Aviation strongly recommends complying with Service Bulletin 196 or 024 to prevent the potential of severe corrosion of the Group 2 Fuel Tank.
How to troubleshoot both systems when the Flight Director (FD) computer and Autopilot computer are combined into one.