Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Quiet Technology Aerospace has received FAA STC approval of its carbon-graphite inlet upgrade for the Gulfstream G200’s Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PW306A engines. The retrofit, which also received FAA STC approval last fall for the PW305-powered Bombardier Learjet 60, provides a solution to corrosion issues with the original aluminum honeycomb inner acoustic barrels in PW300-series engines.

 


According to Hollywood, Fla.-based QTA, a combination of materials and environmental effects—namely, rain and pollutants—causes corrosion and delamination in the bottom of the inner barrel. Even when not delaminated, the acoustic face sheet can become unbonded due to surface corrosion. Either defect requires replacement of the entire inner barrel with new parts. QTA said its design retains all of the other component parts of the nose cowl, replacing just the inner barrel to eliminate the corrosion problems.

 


Since receiving the STC for the Learjet 60 model late last year, QTA has ramped up manufacturing and production levels to satisfy market demand for its inlet upgrade program. There are more than 250 G200s and more than 400 Learjet 60/60XRs in service.

 


According to the company, there has been a strong response to its carbon-graphite inlet upgrade program for the Learjet 60. As of early this month, inlets in 19 Learjet 60s have been upgraded and placed in service. “Operators are both relieved of the corrosion problem that has plagued their inlets and impressed with the quality and simple, reasonably priced solution,” QTA said.

 


Meanwhile, QTA has implemented a low-cost inlet loaner and exchange program that prevents extended AOG conditions. The first set of loaner inlets became available this month.

 


“Our engineering and manufacturing team has worked very hard to bring this terminating solution and exchange program to affected G200 operators,” noted Martin Gardner, QTA’s vice president of engineering and customer support. “Aside from the permanent fix our graphite-composite inlets offer, we have throttled up our production. We currently have a production lead time not to exceed one month.”

 


The company is currently working on a similar STC for the PW305-powered Hawker 1000. Its carbon-graphite inner barrels come with a lifetime structural warranty.

 


QTA also holds 11 STCs for hush kits on airliners, military transports and business jets, the latter group including noise-reduction solutions for the Gulfstream III and Learjet 60. In addition, its FAA Part 145 aircraft repair station in South Florida provides support for composite and structural repairs, including GIV winglet attachment rework. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

QTA's Composite Inner Barrel STC'd for Gulfstream G200

Retrofit provides a solution to corrosion issues with the original aluminum honeycomb inner acoustic barrels in PW300-series engines.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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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Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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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 environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

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 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.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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