At this year's NBAA-BACE, Chris Kilgour and the team at C&L Aviation Group are highlighting ways to help operators address component obsolescence, reduce downtime, improve parts availability, and control maintenance costs. From digital procurement tools and avionics modernization programs to battery upgrades, PMA brake solutions, and global inventory support, the company's focus remains on helping operators keep aircraft flying efficiently and cost-effectively.

Addressing Avionics Obsolescence with ScioTeq

C&L recently announced a partnership with ScioTeq to develop an STC allowing operators of Citation Excel, Encore, Ultra, Bravo, and ERJ 135/145 aircraft to replace aging Honeywell DU-870 CRT displays with the current DU-875 NG Light LCD display. As the manufacturer of the current DU-875 NG display supplied to Honeywell, ScioTeq brings decades of display system expertise to the program, providing operators with a modern replacement solution backed by the company that developed the technology.

The upgrade offers significant advantages, including reduced weight, lower power consumption, improved reliability, minimal downtime, and no additional pilot training requirements. The DU-875 NG Light consumes only 34 watts compared to 138 watts for legacy DU-870 displays while offering a projected 8,800-hour MTBF.

For operators facing increasing supportability concerns with legacy cockpit displays, the program delivers a practical, cost-effective modernization solution that minimizes aircraft modifications while avoiding the expense of a full cockpit upgrade.

Reducing Maintenance with Securaplane Batteries

Battery technology remains a key opportunity for operators looking to reduce maintenance costs and improve reliability. As the largest distributor of Securaplane products, C&L helps operators transition from traditional Ni-Cad batteries to sealed lead-acid (SLA) alternatives. Operators making the switch will see maintenance cost savings of up to 50%, comprehensive 30-month warranties, non-hazmat shipping, longer storage life, deep-discharge recovery capabilities, and the elimination of thermal runaway concerns. 

Supporting Citation, Hawker, Beechjet, Challenger, Falcons, CRJs, and many others, C&L, provides battery solutions that help operators reduce total ownership costs while improving operational efficiency and reliability.

Supporting Citation Operators Worldwide

Through the acquisition and disassembly of more than 40 Citation aircraft, C&L has built a deep inventory of parts, reinforcing the company's long-standing commitment to Citation support. At the same time, C&L is continuing to develop independent repair capabilities and supply chain solutions to provide operators with comprehensive support options outside of the OEM. This combination allows operators to source difficult-to-find parts, extend component life, reduce costs, and minimize the impact of supply chain disruptions and obsolescence challenges.

With inventory strategically positioned across the United States, and Europe, C&L provides support for Citation Sovereign, XLS, Latitude, and other Citation aircraft. Available inventory includes avionics, APUs, engines, accessories, landing gear equipment, interiors, airframe components, wheels and brakes, and rotable assets.

The company's global inventory strategy is designed to place the right components in the right locations, helping operators reduce downtime and improve parts availability.

Improving Component Availability Through Strategic Partnerships

Parts availability remains one of the industry's most persistent challenges, particularly for aging aircraft platforms. Through its growing partnership with Héroux‑Devtek, C&L continues to expand support options for operators facing component availability concerns.

Most recently, the collaboration strengthened support for Hawker and Challenger hydraulic components while also expanding OEM-authorized repair capabilities. Earlier this year, C&L was named Héroux‑Devtek's factory-authorized repair station for flutter dampers installed on CRJ and Challenger aircraft, further expanding OEM-supported repair options for operators worldwide.

By working closely with OEM and aftermarket partners, C&L is helping preserve critical support programs while creating additional options for operators looking to reduce downtime and keep aircraft flying.

Expanding Brake Support Through PMA, Repair Development, and In-House Capabilities

Regional and business aircraft operators are increasingly evaluating alternatives to rising maintenance costs and limited parts availability.

C&L is expanding its brake support offerings through PMA carbon heat stacks, PMA piece parts used during overhaul, increased in-house brake repair and overhaul capabilities, and exchange brake programs. Today, FAA-certified DAC-EP carbon heat stacks are available for Saab, E190, and ERJ 135/145 aircraft.

Though PMA brake carbon development has historically been focused on the airline business, C&L is working hard to expand this to business jet markets. As new PMA programs are introduced, business jet operators will benefit from an expanding portfolio of carbon heat stack and brake piece-part solutions, providing greater flexibility, availability, and value during overhaul events. Combined with C&L's growing in-house brake capabilities, these solutions are designed to improve availability, reduce maintenance costs, shorten turnaround times, and help operators keep aircraft in service.

The PMA carbon heat stack technology utilizes modern carbon manufacturing processes and has demonstrated improved performance in both flight and dyno testing when compared directly against OEM carbon brakes. According to testing data, operators will realize benefits including faster brake cooling, improved turnaround times, quieter taxi performance, and reduced stopping distances. The FAA-certified PMA solutions will also be approved by EASA and TCCA.

Opening the Portal

While C&L continues to expand support solutions across avionics, batteries, component repair, inventory programs, OEM partnerships, and PMA development, the company is also focused on making those resources easier to access. The centerpiece at NBAA-BACE is the launch of the C&L Customer Parts Portal.

The portal provides operators with a streamlined way to search inventory, request quotes, preview pricing, buy parts, track activity, and access supporting documentation.

The objective is straightforward: reduce the time required to locate and procure aircraft parts so maintenance teams can spend less time searching and more time keeping aircraft operational.

More Than a Parts Supplier

While the Customer Parts Portal may be the newest tool in C&L’s portfolio, it reflects a broader strategy that has helped the company grow into one of the aviation aftermarket's most diversified support organizations.

Today, C&L Aviation Group supports operators worldwide through aircraft parts distribution, heavy maintenance, component repair, avionics services, engineering, interior refurbishment, aircraft sales, engine sales, landing gear overhaul, and global inventory solutions. The company specializes in a wide range of regional and business aircraft, including Citation, Challenger, Hawker, Beechjet, ERJ 135/145, E170/E190, ATR, Saab platforms, and more.

Rather than focusing on a single aspect of aircraft support, C&L provides operators with access to multiple services through a single organization. An operator may source a component through the portal, send a unit for repair, complete a maintenance event at C&L's maintenance and service headquarters in Bangor, Maine, modernize avionics through an STC program, refurbish an interior, or acquire an aircraft through the company's sales division.

This integrated approach is reflected in a diverse portfolio of growth initiatives, from the ScioTeq DU-875 NG Light and Securaplane battery product lines to expanded Citation inventory and the development of new PMA heat stacks and brake components for business aviation customers.

The Mission Continues

While visitors to Booth #1044 may encounter references to captains, engineering, portals and the occasional “highly illogical” ice cream, the underlying message is focused on operational readiness. 

Whether through avionics modernization programs, battery upgrades, OEM-authorized repair capabilities, brake maintenance solutions, global inventory resources, or the new Customer Parts Portal, C&L's goal remains the same: helping operators overcome the practical challenges of maintaining and supporting aircraft fleets in today's environment.

By helping operators find parts faster, address obsolescence, reduce maintenance costs, and improve aircraft availability, C&L continues to provide solutions that keep fleets flying and operations moving forward.

Live Long and Source Parts. 🖖