While Duncan Aviation is well known for its MRO capabilities, the Nebraska-based company recently proved it can do more than just airplanes. It was approached by a local charity Foster Care Closet, which provides clothing for children and teens from broken homes throughout the state, and asked if it could refurbish an old school bus that would move through the community, allowing children to select and try on seasonal clothing in privacy.

“There are people in the Lincoln community who know we do incredible things with aircraft, and they wondered if we could do the same thing to a vehicle with wheels,” said Duncan price item technical specialist Jason Duhs.

Duncan’s vehicle maintenance department assessed the bus and found it to be roadworthy. Space was then allocated in one of its hangars for the work, which was done by company employees in their free time on evenings and weekends. Virtually all of the departments—from interiors to paint and upholstery—chipped in to remove the seats, remove windows and seal them off with sheet metal for dressing rooms, install a new floor and stairs, renew the driver's seat, install interior lighting and audio speakers, and paint the exterior in a custom scheme.

Funds for the project were donated by the Duncan Aviation Family Trust and employees throughout the company.