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.
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.
Don't get grounded by confusing nose wheel vibrations! A true nose gear shimmy—that rapid, side-to-side oscillation—is a serious issue often linked to play in the torque links, requiring immediate mechanical attention. In contrast, a simple vertical shudder felt during taxi or initial climb is often just an easily corrected wheel imbalance. This quick guide details the key differences and the essential steps to accurately troubleshoot the condition, starting with a simple inspection of the nose gear scissors.
Is your aircraft compliant? Missing small inspections tied to STCs or life-limited parts can lead to costly downtime and mandatory replacements. Learn why detailed records research is essential.
Don't Let Your Spare Aircraft Batteries Go Flat! Keeping a stock of essential aircraft batteries is crucial for operational readiness, but did you know that improper storage can drastically cut their lifespan and capacity? While temperature affects performance in the air, the storage environment is key to minimizing self-discharge and maintenance needs. Discover how optimizing storage temperature—from the effects of higher heat to the benefits of cold storage—can save you money, extend battery life, and ensure your spares are ready to deliver maximum performance when you need them most.
Honeywell has issued two Category II Reliability Service Bulletins, TFE731-79-3070 R1 and TFE731-79-5120, for the installation of new instruction plate decals on oil tanks to help prevent oil over-servicing.
To continue conducting business, operators need to stay connected to their contacts on the ground while at any altitude, anywhere in the world. Here is a low-cost alternative.
We urge a thorough inspection of this specific area during all future maintenance, especially as part of a pre-purchase evaluation, to detect and address cracks early.