Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

During a 4C inspection at Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln, Nebraska headquarters, the owners of a Falcon 50 decided to also have the airplane repainted and the interior and avionics updated. The jet showed corrosion and other age-related issues that needed attention, in addition to the “massive” 4C inspection that included landing gear overhaul, restoration of flight controls, and a detailed inspection of the entire aircraft that required removal of the cabin interior.
It turned out the airplane’s interior was in good shape, so the existing seats and headliner didn’t require a rehab or replacement. The owners did, however, elect to replace carpeting and countertops—and reupholster the lower sidewalls and divan. In addition, Duncan technicians went to work to make the cabinets look like new, courtesy of a complete hydrographic finish. They also installed a Gogo Avance L5 air-to-ground connectivity system.
It took more than 231 Duncan team members to revitalize the Falcon 50. “That only captures the efforts put in by people directly working on this project and doesn’t represent the efforts put forth by our supporting teams like the line team, facilities, and parts runners who keep the planes moving and the facility safe and clean for these projects to even happen,” said project manager Jennifer Morrill. “Regardless, this project was a team effort and could not have been possible without the entire team at Duncan Aviation.”

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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The Falcon 50 owners elected to replace carpet and countertops and reupholster the lower sidewalls and divan.

Duncan Aviation Rehabs a Falcon 50

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In this article

Falcon 50/50EX

Duncan Aviation

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