Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems recently received U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approval to perform periodic and required testing on hydrostatic cylinders at its Nashville, Tennessee location. In addition, approvals to perform testing on nitrogen and fire-suppression cylinders are expected soon.

The company states that by having DOT approval to perform these critical tests in-house, it can provide recertification much faster than sending the cylinders to a third-party testing facility, lowering downtime for aircraft operator customers.

“This is a huge benefit for our customers as they can now get in and out faster when they are coming in for smaller inspections that could only take a day or two, rather than waiting on an outside source and being subject to variable shipping times,” said Kenyon Blacker, general manager at Stevens’ Smyrna, Tennesee facility.

The DOT approvals cover aviation-related equipment and services for public and private sector entities needing equipment recertification for emergency oxygen, as well as other related items used by fire departments, first responder groups, and scuba diving professionals.