A multi-engine, instrument rated pilot, James Wynbrandt has been an AIN and Business Jet Traveler contributor since 2003. His in-depth reporting and insightful features have won more than a dozen editorial honors, including two National Business Aviation Association Gold Wing Awards (2019; 2021), and his articles have also appeared in the New York Times, Barron’s, Fortune, Forbes, and Smithsonian Air &amp; Space. He has flown his Mooney M20K 252 on assignments throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. Wynbrandt is also the author of Flying High (Wiley &amp; Sons), a biography of Jet Blue founder David Neeleman, as well as histories, references works, and books on a variety of other topics from major publishers. He lives in New York City.

Contributor - Business Aviation

James Wynbrandt

Canadian MRO and completion specialist Flying Colours (Booth 1735) redelivered in early October its 100th major retrofit of a Bombardier Challenger 604. The design team at the company’s Peterborough, Ontario headquarters facility worked with the 604’s new owner and current operator to create an interior featuring a black and gold palette.

 


Six reclining seats adapted from Challenger 650-style seat frames with molded armrests are complemented by a three-place divan, all clad in black leather. The light trims, buckles, and control panels are in contrasting matte gold, and side ledges, panels, doors, and monuments are finished with a gloss anigre veneer. Flight Colours' dedicated paint shop applied a scheme echoing the internal colors, with a partial gold stripe sweeping along the fuselage.

 


The update also included Gogo Avance L3 connectivity and Rockwell Collins Venue cabin management system installations. Only minor maintenance was performed on the aircraft, as it had undergone a 96-month check at the facility about a year ago.

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.

Flying Colours Marks 100th Challenger Refurb

Canadian MRO and completion specialist overhauls new owner's Challenger 604, designs sleek gold and black interior.

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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 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 aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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.

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News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

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