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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Honeywell issued Service Bulletin AS907-72-9094 that calls for the replacement of the #4 carbon seal on the HTF7000/AS907 series engines. We can do this as an engine-only event in as little as 4 days.
Are your aircraft's RVSM operations fully compliant? While FAA requirements shifted away from standalone approved programs, configuration control and height-monitoring standards remain strictly enforced. Learn the key differences between Section 9 and Section 3 pathways and Duncan Aviation’s role in keeping you airworthy.
As business travel demands grow, many owners of piston twins begin looking at turboprops for greater range, payload, reliability, and operational flexibility. But moving to turbine power involves more than buying a larger aircraft. From maintenance planning and pilot training to operating costs and regulatory requirements, a successful transition depends on carefully matching the aircraft to the mission. This article examines the key benefits, tradeoffs, and considerations to help buyers determine whether a turboprop is the right next step for their operation.
Most overhaul delays don't start in the shop. They start with the logbooks when the serial number stamped on a part doesn't match the one listed in the maintenance logs. Reconstructing that paper trail can ground an aircraft for weeks and force you to replace parts that are actually totally fine. Here's a quick breakdown of where Chapter 5 records often fall through the cracks and how to resolve discrepancies before your aircraft goes down.
While the FAA encourages the TCAS 7.1 upgrade, strict ICAO and EASA mandates make it a necessity for international operators. Learn how Version 7.1 improves flight safety, impacts your flight plans, and what certification path your aircraft requires.
Unscheduled avionics squawks are an operational nightmare, often grounding your aircraft at the worst possible moment. The challenge isn't just the repair—it's the downtime spent guessing if the fault lies in the unit or the airframe. Duncan Aviation’s Loaner Program solves this by providing immediate cross-diagnostic units, letting you verify the fix and return to service while your original hardware is on our bench.
For companies purchasing a business aircraft for the first time, the process often reveals a steep learning curve. While selecting an airplane can feel like the primary decision, acquisition specialists say the more critical factor is how well buyers understand the transaction before they ever make an offer.
Accurate airborne weather radar is a critical component of flight safety and operational efficiency. Convective activity, turbulence, hail, lightning, and windshear pose ongoing operational challenges, often resulting in delays, reroutes, structural damage, and increased maintenance costs. Advances in predictive radar technology are intended to improve detection accuracy, reduce crew workload, and enhance situational awareness in these environments.
Business aircraft operators with older audio systems often face challenges maintaining reliable communication and audio quality in the cockpit and cabin. For aircraft equipped with legacy Baker 1045 audio panels, the PS Engineering PAC37 offers a modern, plug-and-play replacement with enhanced flexibility and features.
There should never be a time during installation, testing, or adjustment when the potentiometer rods on the actuator are adjusted.
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.
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.