Samantha Cartaino

The FAA recently awarded Constant Aviation with contracts for strip and paint maintenance for four Challenger 601/604s and ADS-B Out installation on a 604, the latter of which will be completed through a joint venture with sister company Nextant Aerospace. At the same time, the FAA also awarded Nextant with an STC for True Blue Power installation as a replacement for the 24-volt DC sealed lead-acid batteries on its Beechjet 400A/XPs.

 


Constant Aviation has already begun work on the first of four Challenger 601/604 strip and paint events at its Sanford, Florida facility. The strip and paint contract allows the company to complete a full strip and paint service with other repairs as needed for three Challenger 601s and one Challenger 604 in the FAA’s fleet, while the ADS-B Out contract upgrades the 604 with a Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 system. Constant has previously received government contracts to provide aircraft strip and paint for Bombardier Global Expresses in the U.S. Air Force.

 


“Unlike the business and private jet industry, the government contract sector has a much longer and more complicated business development and request for proposals regimen,” said Stephen Maiden, Constant Aviation president and CEO. “It requires a deep understanding of proposal specifications, the ability to craft detailed proposal responses, and the experience to navigate the protocol and qualifications for the competitive government bidding process. As such, the efforts of our government programs department, led by retired USAF Colonel Robert Leonard, are designed to tailor solutions that are best-in-class, competitively priced, and meet technically acceptable criteria to comply with the requirements of the contracts.”

 


Meanwhile, Nextant Aerospace’s STC allows it to replace existing sealed lead-acid batteries on the Beechjet 400A/Hawker 400XP.&nbsp; The TS835 True Blue Power model offers 24.5-volt DC power for critical or standby equipment in case of aircraft power failure. Other features include lighter weight, improved 10-year life expectancy, and reduced maintenance.

 


“We are proud to reach this STC milestone, and even more delighted to be able to offer this replacement option to Beechjet and Nextant aircraft owners,” said Derek Morris, Nextant Aerospace engineering manager. “The installation of the True Blue Power model is a great solution that does not require any wiring changes, so it is an easy change-out and can reduce downtime for scheduled maintenance.”

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.

FAA Contracts Constant Aviation, Nextant

Nextant Aerospace will help Constant Aviation complete ADS-B Out installation on a Challenger 604 in the FAA's fleet. 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

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.

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.

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Kerry Lynch

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

Executives share their experience with system

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Executives share their experience with system

Australian Regulator Approves Textron Service Centers

Textron operates service centers in Melbourne, Perth, and Gold Coast

C&L Aerospace Tapped for Challenger Flutter Damper Mx

The company was selected by OEM Héroux-Devtek

Avcon Delivers Aerial Weapon in Florida Mosquito Fight

The Kansas-based company specializes in modifying airframes

Duncan Aviation Authorized for Honeywell APU Repairs

MRO’s Lincoln facility expects to bring work online in early 2027

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN