MRO provider Constant Aviation has completed a 7,500-cycle inspection on its 17th Bombardier Challenger 300 series business jet, noting that many more of them—nearly 800 of the type have been delivered since 2004—will be coming due for the milestone inspection and maintenance event. “There have been fewer than twenty 7,500-cycle [Challenger 300] inspections completed worldwide to date,” noted Constant CEO David Davies. “With every inspection, we have gained knowledge and found ways to make the process more efficient.”

More than 8,000-man-hours are required to complete the super-midsize jet’s midlife inspection, which includes removal of the horizontal stabilizer, engines, interior, APU, windshields, landing gear, flaps, winglets, and baggage door. Once those and other components are removed, they along with the airframe are inspected for corrosion, cracks, and other defects.

Inlets, landing gear, thrust reverser doors, interior finishes, and avionics are among the components most susceptible to corrosion and wear, according to Constant. Additional inspections are performed during reassembly and the entire process can take between two and three months. Constant performs these inspections at its facilities in Cleveland, Ohio, and Orlando, Florida.