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Global Express Operators: Important Update to 180-Month (15-Year) Interior Inspection Requirements

Global Express Operators
Global Express Operators

West Star Aviation is advising Bombardier Global Express operators of an important update affecting long-term maintenance planning—specifically related to interior removal requirements during the 180-month (15-year) inspection.

For operators of Global Express Classic, 5000, XRS, 5000 Vision, 6000, 5500, and 6500 aircraft, this update has the potential to significantly reduce labor, and overall inspection costs—if properly planned.

Background: Interior Removal and Inspection Access

Historically, operators have aimed to minimize the frequency of interior removal, particularly for major inspections where access to floor structure is required. Interior removal – galley, lavatory, sidewalls, and headliners – can add substantial time, cost, and complexity to a maintenance event.

The primary task related to this requirement is comprised of the following:

  • TLMC Task 53-20-00-212
  • AMM Task 53-20-00-220-812
  • Detailed Inspection of Internal Structure Below WL71.50 (FS 281.00 to FS 381.00)

This inspection focuses on structural areas typically located beneath the galley, forward lavatory, and crew rest compartments, requiring significant interior access.

Under previous guidance, this task:

  • Initiated at the 120-month inspection, and
  • Repeated every 60 months thereafter, often driving interior removal again at the 180-month event

What’s Changed: Bombardier Advisory Wire AW700-53-0979

Bombardier has now issued Advisory Wire AW700-53-0979, addressing long-standing operator concerns regarding repeated interior removal.

The inspection interval for this task is being revised from120-month threshold / 60-month repeat to 120-month threshold / 120-month repeat

What This Means for Operators:

If the applicable TLMC tasks are properly accomplished during the 120-month inspection, operators may avoid interior removal at the 180-month inspection for this specific requirement.

This represents a meaningful improvement in:

  • Maintenance planning flexibility
  • Reduced downtime
  • Lower labor and reinstallation costs
  • Improved aircraft availability

Important Timing Considerations

Bombardier intends to formally incorporate this change into the Maintenance Review Board (MRB) / TLMC manuals in a future revision, expected by the end of 2026.

If Your Aircraft Is Due Before the Revision, Operators will need to obtain approval through:

  • Service Request for Product Support Action (SRPSA)

This step is required to apply the revised interval prior to official manual publication.

West Star Aviation: Proactive Planning for Complex Inspections

West Star Aviation has been actively communicating this requirement to operators during 180-month inspection planning and quoting, in order to help customers make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary interior removals.

Our teams bring deep experience in Bombardier Global Express airframe inspections, interior integration, and structural access planning, allowing us to:

  • Identify opportunities to streamline maintenance events
  • Coordinate inspections to reduce downtime
  • Ensure compliance with evolving OEM guidance
  • Support SRPSA coordination when required

Plan Ahead, Reduce Downtime

This update highlights the importance of forward-looking maintenance planning, particularly at the 120-month inspection milestone. Completing the appropriate tasks at the right time can eliminate significant work later in the aircraft’s lifecycle.

If your aircraft is approaching a 120-month or 180-month inspection, now is the time to evaluate your maintenance strategy.

Please contact any of the West Star Aviation Specialists below for more information on:

  • Applicability of AW700-53-0979
  • Inspection planning and task alignment
  • Interior removal avoidance strategies
  • Scheduling and downtime optimization
  • West Star’s full range of Global Express capabilities

Steve Blume

Technical Sales Manager, Bombardier
(ALN)
Cell: 618.818.5893
sblume@wsa.aero

Randy Miller

Randy Miller

Technical Sales Manager Challenger & Global
(GJT)
Tel 970.462.5513
rmiller@wsa.aero

Connor Mottice

Connor Mottice

Technician Sales Manager
(CHA)
Office 423.320.6156
cmottice@wsa.aero

Jeff Messmer

Jeff Messmer

Technical Sales Manager
(PCD)
Cell 314.607.4069
jmessmer@wsa.aero

George Laiten

George Laiten

Director of Business Development Bombardier
(ALN)
Cell: <a href=618.798.1173
glaiten@wsa.aero

Brian Bauwens

Brian Bauwens

Director Business Development, Bombardier
(ALN)
Cell: 618.419.1828
bbauwens@wsa.aero

Mark White

RSM, California

Dave Godo

RSM, Ohio Valley

Mark Daniels
Tim Cane
Robbie Johnson

RSM, Mid Atlantic

Santiago Carol

RSM, Latin America

Steve Fleeman

RSM, Landing Gear

Contact Us

WSAA will be piloted at the East Alton, IL facility with the first round of apprentices anticipated to start in August 2024. For more information on West Star Aviation employment or WSAA apprentice selection criteria, please visit www.weststaraviation.com/wsaa-academy or contact Katie Johnson (katiejohnson@wsa.aero) or Dave Lagermann (dlagermann@wsa.aero).

Application & Selection Process

Before applying, please be aware of the standards of conduct for employment with West Star along with the strict requirements below while attending WSAA.

  • Working in Aviation requires a commit to being drug-free.  Pre-employment drug testing along with random and reasonable suspicion testing is required for all companies employing people working in safety sensitive positions. The position you are considering applying for is safety sensitive.  If hired, you must pass a DOT drug test to start working, if you fail the job offer is rescinded.  If you pass, you must remain drug-free during employment, failing a random or reasonable suspicion test may result in termination of employment.  Please note: marijuana is legal in certain states however the FAA follows Federal law where marijuana is illegal.  This means testing positive for marijuana, or any other illegal drug, will prevent you from working in Aviation. 
  • The first 7.5 months will follow a strict schedule: Monday – Friday 7:00am – 3:30pm (breaks and meal periods provided). 
  • The expectation is to arrive inside the learning center and clocked in at 7:00am.
  • While attending WSAA, no more than 4 hours a week can be missed.  Extenuating medical circumstances will be given full consideration with supporting documentation.
  • WSAA follows an FAA approved curriculum which has certain requirements including attendance. 
  • Testing for the FAA license at the conclusion of WSAA is required, along with passing.  Two opportunities to test will be provided, if needed.  Employment may terminate if the FAA license is not obtained.
  • Candidates will be contacted to complete pre-screening assessments and questionnaires. 
  • Qualified candidates will be contacted in late November and scheduled for a tour and interview with Hiring Managers at West Star Aviation in East Alton, IL.
  • To be qualified, candidates must pass the pre-screening process along with submitting a negative DOT drug test result.
  • Finalists will be selected after onsite interviews. Job offers will be extended in mid-December with a start date of January 9, 2024.
  • Pay while learning in the Academy will be $20 per hour.  Upon successfully graduating and obtaining your FAA license, pay will increase to $27 per hour.