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

Battelle has developed a robotic system to repair aircraft windows combining the company’s existing automated maintenance robot and a manual method of transparency restoration.


As a result of weathering and microfracturing, acrylic aircraft windows tend to craze within three to seven years, turning a clear surface into a milky, opaque one that can severely limit vision. The existing process of restoring windows to their original clarity requires technicians to hand buff out the scratches and crazing, a process that takes a significant amount of training, skill and time.


Battelle’s software and specialized parts, integrated with a Fanuc robotic arm, automate the process. The faster robotic system replaces two trained, skilled technicians who would spend up to 10 days polishing the windows. It also applies consistent sanding pressure to retain proper thickness of the material, making approval for flight operations easier to obtain.


The system, originally known as the multi-use robot system, was developed at Battelle to address corrosion in B-52 wing fuel tanks.

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.

New Robot Fixes Airplane Windows

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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.

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

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Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

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Purchase enables company to offer retail aircraft maintenance services in U.S. Southwest

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Work involved major disassembly of the airframe

Hartzell Lengthens Warranty on Props for Raisbeck King Airs

Extension goes to six years or 4,000 flight hours, whichever is first

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Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies

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Installation supports ISR and law enforcement missions

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