The Duncan Intelligence is a free, technical newsletter for business aircraft owners and operators. Written in-house by Duncan Aviation's technical representatives, each edition includes technical tips and advice on topics and trends in business aviation. It is a free, monthly e-mail subscription for aviation enthusiasts around the world.
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Selecting the right business jet is a high-stakes investment, but the sheer volume of data can make narrowing your search feel overwhelming. Duncan Aviation has simplified this process with an updated Model/Market Summary that compares everything from hourly operating costs to full-seat range across the latest airframes. Check out how this tool can streamline your next acquisition and help you identify the perfect model for your mission.
Dive into our six comprehensive FAQs that break down the hidden environmental and handling factors that accelerate internal servo wear. Learn exactly what to expect from a master-certified inspection and how to determine if a repair or full replacement makes the most sense for your aircraft.
Collins Aerospace announced the discontinuance of the RTU-870 series Radio Tuning Units in 2014. While the upgrade path remains the primary long-term solution for many operators, it is not always the most practical or cost-effective option. Many operators seek alternatives to full system replacement.
It is believed that around 3,000 BCE., the Egyptian unit of length was established. The Royal Egyptian cubit was decreed to be equal to the length of the forearm from the bent elbow to the tip of the extended middle finger plus the width of the palm of the hand of the Pharaoh ruling at the time. The Royal Cubit Master was carved from a block of black granite to endure for all time (the equivalent of today’s primary standard).
Operators who have recently updated their Navigation Computers to NZ 6.1 (or later) software may notice unexpected flight behavior. These symptoms typically include the aircraft sequencing to the next waypoint as early as 20 miles out, shallow turns, and overshooting direct-to waypoints during departure. Although these issues may appear to be internal hardware faults or software bugs, the solution is a straightforward on-wing configuration adjustment.
Unscheduled avionics squawks are an operational nightmare, often grounding your aircraft at the worst possible moment. The challenge isn't just the repair—it's the downtime spent guessing if the fault lies in the unit or the airframe. Duncan Aviation’s Loaner Program solves this by providing immediate cross-diagnostic units, letting you verify the fix and return to service while your original hardware is on our bench.
For companies purchasing a business aircraft for the first time, the process often reveals a steep learning curve. While selecting an airplane can feel like the primary decision, acquisition specialists say the more critical factor is how well buyers understand the transaction before they ever make an offer.
Accurate airborne weather radar is a critical component of flight safety and operational efficiency. Convective activity, turbulence, hail, lightning, and windshear pose ongoing operational challenges, often resulting in delays, reroutes, structural damage, and increased maintenance costs. Advances in predictive radar technology are intended to improve detection accuracy, reduce crew workload, and enhance situational awareness in these environments.
Business aircraft operators with older audio systems often face challenges maintaining reliable communication and audio quality in the cockpit and cabin. For aircraft equipped with legacy Baker 1045 audio panels, the PS Engineering PAC37 offers a modern, plug-and-play replacement with enhanced flexibility and features.
There should never be a time during installation, testing, or adjustment when the potentiometer rods on the actuator are adjusted.
Sulfation of the plates and damaged terminal studs are common warranty claims that can be prevented or lessened by following simple operational and maintenance procedures.
Troubleshooting an autopilot altitude hold INOP squawk involves a complicated decision tree that includes several steps and scenarios. Here are three questions to get started.
Maintaining the integrity of your weather radar antenna is vital for accurate hazard detection and flight safety. From inspecting physical warpage to ensuring correct system strapping, precise maintenance prevents the false returns and signal smearing that can compromise a pilot’s view of the sky.
When valuing an aircraft, you either have complete, consecutive, and original logs or you do not. During a pre-purchase evaluation, the logbook plays a major role, and vague or incomplete statements can be troublesome and delay closing.
A fresh coat of paint is more than just a cosmetic upgrade—it’s a regulatory event that varies significantly by jurisdiction. While the FAA views painting as routine maintenance, authorities like EASA classify it as a design change requiring formal approval. Learn how understanding these regional nuances can help you avoid costly administrative delays and keep your aircraft compliant across international borders.