Lombardo covers business aviation maintenance-related issues. He is also a writer and on-air reporter for AINtv. He has over 3000 articles published and is the author of several books on aircraft systems for pilots and on the topic of flight simulation.
He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from the University of Illinois, has taught aviation for over 35 years in industry and as a university professor and academic dean at three different universities. He is also a frequent seminar and after-dinner motivational speaker.&nbsp;
Lombardo holds an A&amp;P Certificate, ATP, CFI and Ground Instructor ratings. He was a corporate pilot and was a research pilot and flight instructor at the University of Illinois. An FAA Safety Counselor for over 25 years, he was one of the original 13 Counselors appointed to the FAA’s Airworthiness Safety Program for maintenance technicians.&nbsp;

Contributor

David A. Lombardo

Smyrna Air Center, of Rutherford County Airport in Smyrna, Tenn., has delivered the world’s first <a href="http://ainonline.com/aviation-news/nbaa-convention-news/2012-10-31/smyrna-air-center-h80-engine-conversions-now-available">King Air C90 powered by General Electric’s new H80</a> 800-shp engines. The 1974 King Air C90 (LJ-627) was fitted with two new engines, two new Avia V510 five-blade quiet propellers, dual Garmin G600 MFD/PFD/AHRS, ADS-B compliant Garmin GTX-330ES mode-S transponder, Garmin GWX-70 color radar, Garmin 530W GPS and a GDL-69 satellite weather downlink. Already installed were Raisbeck wing lockers and Raisbeck dual aft body strakes.


Smyrna Air Center completed a Phase one through four inspection series.


The MRO works on customers’ aircraft and also buys aircraft for conversion and subsequent sale.


“What makes this different with the GE engines is cost of ownership. For example, GE engines have a computer start, eliminating the possibility of a hot start,” Blake Tumbleson, director of sales and marketing, told AIN. “With GE engines you essentially go from a brand-new engine to TBO because the GE H80 requires no fuel nozzle cleanings due to its unique slinger ring design, no hot section inspections, and 3,600 flight hours and 6,600 cycles between overhauls.”

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Smyrna Delivers First GE H80-powered King Air

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sarah Rose

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Increasing demand drove move to add technicians and another hangar

Thornton Aviation Expands Burbank Maintenance Services

Charles Alcock

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Enlarged and modernized Australian maintenance facility is set to open in early 2026

Textron Expands Asia Pac MRO Support at Melbourne Base

Matt Thurber

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Software helps aircraft operators manage the minimum equipment list process

TrustFlight Signs Heartland Aviation for MEL Manager

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

A new service center is expected to open in Dubai next year

Liebherr Expands Middle East Component Service Options

AmyWilder

New facility eliminates the need to fly aircraft to Europe for livery work

Satys Unveils New Aircraft Painting Facility in Dubai

Richard Pedicini

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Thornton Aviation Expands Burbank Maintenance Services

Increasing demand drove move to add technicians and another hangar

Textron Expands Asia Pac MRO Support at Melbourne Base

Enlarged and modernized Australian maintenance facility is set to open in early 2026

TrustFlight Signs Heartland Aviation for MEL Manager

Software helps aircraft operators manage the minimum equipment list process

Liebherr Expands Middle East Component Service Options

A new service center is expected to open in Dubai next year

Satys Unveils New Aircraft Painting Facility in Dubai

New facility eliminates the need to fly aircraft to Europe for livery work

Brazil’s Lider Pivots at Congonhas, Expands at Sorocaba

Business aircraft services company has to move from its longtime hangar at the São Paulo airport

Precision Aircraft Management Digitizes Records with Bluetail

Bluetail’s cloud-based solution streamlines operations and maintenance

Aviation Partners’ Winglet Installation Network Expands

Three MRO providers join the Aviation Partners network

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