Duncan Aviation Delivers 32-Year-Old Falcon 900B Looking Like New

Using a Duncan Aviation STC, the aircraft was modified for high-density, 16-passenger occupancy, including eight single seats and two 4-place divans that were foamed and upholstered to appear as if they were meant for three. Click image for high-res download.

LINCOLN, NEB — Duncan Aviation recently transformed a 32-year-old Falcon 900B into a personalized business jet that met the customer’s business and personal expectations. With nearly all preowned aircraft purchases, some form of paint, refurbishment, or installation work is often needed to personalize the jet for its new owners. This aircraft was no different.

Greg Hatcher, owner of The Hatcher Agency, in Little Rock, Ark., values the time-savings of a business aircraft and is willing to invest in customizing a pre-owned plane to meet his needs. “I purchased this aircraft, knowing it needed love and care. In the end, I flew away with an aircraft that looks better than the new one next to it on the ramp for a lot less money,” he said.

The project’s original workscope included a new paint scheme with a new logo and a complete interior transformation that included a floor plan modification.

Using a Duncan Aviation STC, the aircraft was modified for high-density, 16-passenger occupancy, including eight single seats and two 4-place divans that were foamed and upholstered to appear as if they were meant for three.

The seat leather is a light creamy color using a black welt cord as an accent to outline the features. The lower sidewall is black leather with an embossed pattern to give more dimensions and a contrasting stitch for added detail.

The galley counter was finished in a light solid surface with a subtle grain to contrast with the rich, dark, straight grain veneer applied vertically for a classic look.

The carpet is a simple plaid with shades of black, grey, and cream to coordinate with the seats and divan. A coordinating vinyl floor was selected for the galley for more durability and ease of maintenance.

The two items that had the most significant impact on the overall appearance were the modification of the drink rail design with a thinner profile and the Duncan Aviation-designed PSU to give it a modern and updated look. Blue, lighted cupholders were a must-have to incorporate the owner’s favorite color and provide an accent within the interior.

Hatcher stayed very involved with the project’s design decisions, wanting a modern look that would not quickly go out of style. “Mr. Hatcher is very visual and relied on our design department’s guidance and the input of his family members,” said Senior Designer Stephanie Kuhn. “We illustrated many interior and paint options and selections along the way to ensure that he understood the design and overall aesthetic intent and felt comfortable with his final decisions.” Kuhn credits Hatcher’s involvement and open communication for the project going very smoothly, without any surprises. 

Upon arrival at Duncan Aviation’s MRO in Lincoln, Nebraska, technicians installed a new Universal Avionics EFI-890R Full Cockpit retrofit with Future Aviation Navigation System (FANS), Honeywell Ovation Cabin Management System (CMS), and LED Cabin Lighting.

“The Universal EFI-890 retrofit gives the aircraft all of the modern enhancements as well as situation awareness compared to the aging avionics that lacked those capabilities,” said Avionics Modifications Sales Representative Jeff Simmons. “Along with the EFI, FANS will allow the customer to now fly worldwide without restriction.

“The new Cabin Management System from Honeywell brings state-of-the-art touchscreen controls and High Definintion Video. Paired with the new Alto Aviation Audio system, the cabin entertainment experience is like watching from the comfort of home,” said Simmons.

The new Honeywell Ovation Cabin Management System also answers the need for replacing the obsolete and unsupported CMS that was installed when the aircraft was new.

After arrival, the workscope evolved to include installing a Gogo Avance L5 Wi-Fi system and API winglets. With the complete workscope changing and growing, Hatcher wasn’t concerned with having to wait. “I never regret doing something right. I always regret cutting corners,” he said.

It was Duncan Aviation’s reputation that brought this work to Lincoln. “When it comes to reconfiguring the interior of a Falcon aircraft, no one has the quality and experience of Duncan Aviation,” Hatcher said. “The sales team was knowledgeable and able to answer all of my questions. The Duncan Aviation team took the time to work with me every step of the way. They made the process easy for me.”

Hatcher went on to add that everyone at Duncan Aviation was a professional and provided excellent service. If they found anything wrong, they made it right and made it safe. “It was remarkable to see this project come together. It is a true testament to Duncan Aviation’s commitment to their customers,” he added. 

About Duncan Aviation

Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider supporting the aviation needs of business aircraft operators, government agencies, and other aircraft service providers. Services include major and minor airframe inspections, engine maintenance, major retrofits for cabin and cockpit avionics systems, full paint and interior services, engineering and certification services, fabrication and manufacturing 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 Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah. We also have dozens of other facilities strategically located throughout the United States to provide customers with scheduled regional support and the quickest response possible to avionics, engine and airframe Aircraft On Ground (AOG) situations.

For more information about any of Duncan Aviation’s services, call +1 402.475.2611 or visit https://www.DuncanAviation.aero/services