Duncan Aviation has delivered its first complete Bombardier Challenger CL3500 paint job from its full-service MRO facility in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Project manager Doyle Garrett explains that all the aircraft in the customer's fleet had the same paint scheme, so once they took delivery of their new CL3500 they brought it straight in, as Duncan had provided paint services to them on all the other aircraft in their fleet.

"We had all the details from their previous schemes so it made for a rather smooth experience," says Garrett. "Our team was excited to work on this new airframe, and it made it even more rewarding for us that it was for a long-time Duncan Aviation customer."

The director of maintenance for this project has been bringing aircraft to Duncan Aviation since 1996: "When I brought the first aircraft, an LR55, to Duncan Aviation's facility in Lincoln for a 12 year inspection, there was freshly poured concrete in the lobby. None of the other hangars and buildings were there yet. I've enjoyed watching the company grow and expand over the years.

"As far as family-owned businesses go, the two are very similar. You don't just work on airplanes, you take care of the family as well. That's what kept me coming back. I always felt included and a part of the family. To this day when I walk the halls, people still recognise me and stop for a conversation. That makes me feel like they care about me, not just about the money the company is putting into the project. I will say, some of them have more grey hair since I first met them in 1996, but nonetheless I still enjoy seeing the same friendly faces every time I'm in Lincoln.

"I've always said that when you build a relationship, you build a bridge. And, when you build bridges, you can go places. Doyle was the first project manager we had, and ever since then, we clicked. We both knew when we could put on our business hats and get stuff done, and when we could put on the 'lets be friends' hat and have a good time. He was never out to get anything from me, nor I from him. It's something special when you have someone like that."

Garrett adds: "It starts with establishing a trust, that is developed by saying what you are going to do, and then doing what you said you were going to do. I believe it's building teamwork between Duncan Aviation and the customer to benefit both and deliver a superior product.

"The high point of all this is the engagement of the team and the can-do attitude that builds and facilitates the trust."

All of the aircraft in the customer's fleet have the same paint scheme. Back in 2017, Duncan's Lincoln paint department painted a Challenger CL300 for this customer, and although there are a few differences between the CL300 and CL3500, the team was able to take the same layout and stencils and apply it to this aircraft.

The director of maintenance adds that designer Mary Lee, paint master specialist Stacy Finch and paint team leaders Brandon Boyer and Brian Woolsey were great to work with: "They didn't just look at this project like it's just another aircraft to paint, let's do it the same way, but looked for ways to improve it. They discussed everything so no detail was overlooked and were able to learn from previous experiences. They found a way to make it even better."

The customer has been bringing a variety of aircraft to Duncan Aviation since 1996. Ranging from CL300s to LR55s and JetStars, Duncan Aviation has done full paint on four different aircraft, partial paint on one and maintenance on seven different aircraft for the company. They also have experience with Duncan Aviation's engine, interior, paint and avionics departments.