Global Express Tips Archives - West Star Aviation

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

Patrick Recer — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:08:27 +0000

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

The post Global Express Operators: Important Update to 180-Month (15-Year) Interior Inspection Requirements appeared first on West Star Aviation.

Chattanooga Adds Global Inspection Capabilities

Patrick Recer — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 20:31:07 +0000

West Star Aviation’s Chattanooga facility recently added Global Inspection capabilities after securing proper tooling, approvals, and training for their teams. This location flawlessly completed a major 120-month inspection, or 8C check, on a Global 6000. Team leads Gavin Harrison and Corey Boardman delivered the aircraft on time and on budget in this major milestone project.

The 120-month inspection is a major maintenance event that involves a thorough dismantling of the aircraft’s cabin, extensive structural inspections of the airframe, and a complete overhaul of the landing gear. This process addresses any necessary service bulletins or upgrades and is a comprehensive check of the aircraft after 10 years of operation. The downtime required for this inspection ranges from 12 to 14 weeks on average.

OGARA JETS, an industry leader in the sales and acquisition of private aircraft, selected West Star Aviation-Chattanooga to perform the complex inspection on a Global 6000 they were preparing for sale. Shortly after the inspection work was complete, the aircraft was sold and the new owner opted for new paint, interior, and Starlink installation in the aircraft with all work to be performed by West Star Aviation-Chattanooga.

“Our Chattanooga team is proud to be able to deliver once again for our friends and partners at OGARA JETS with a smooth 120-month inspection on the Global 6000,” said Connor Mottice, Technical Sales Manager, Bombardier/Embraer, West Star Aviation. “As a leader in the aircraft acquisition and sales space, it means a lot that OGARA JETS continues to trust West Star Aviation for these major events.”.

While this inspection was a first for this location, West Star Aviation’s East Alton, IL, and Grand Junction, CO, facilities have established solid reputations on this airframe and have completed numerous 120-month Global inspections in the past.

For more information on West Star’s extensive Global capabilities,
please contact one of the specialists listed below:

The post Chattanooga Adds Global Inspection Capabilities appeared first on West Star Aviation.

Cicada Infestation Causing APU and Air-conditioning Pack Issues

Patrick Recer — Wed, 29 May 2024 21:43:03 +0000

As Spring gets into full swing, you may notice some unusual visitors around the hangar. There will be two different types of Cicadas emerging at the same time this year. Not only are these insects loud and annoying, but they can also cause damage to your aircraft.

Bombardier has issued Advisory Wire AW000-02-0005 Rev 01 that effects all Learjet, Challenger and Global model aircraft.

It has been reported the insects are attracted to the running APU and will swarm around the tail of the aircraft. The insects are then ingested into the APU inlet (see next page) and may cause damage. The reports are also citing the issues with the air-conditioning packs and ducting, causing cooling issues, odors and in some cases debris coming out of the vents and into the cabin. The ingestion of the bugs has caused damage to the combustion sections such that the APUs will have to be sent out for repair/overhaul.

For more information, see the Advisory Wire AW000-02-0005 Rev 01 here,
or contact any of the West Star Specialists listed below:

The post Cicada Infestation Causing APU and Air-conditioning Pack Issues appeared first on West Star Aviation.

Here, There, Or Anywhere – West Star Aviation Aircraft Interior Design Process Fits Your Schedule

Patrick Recer — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 16:40:25 +0000

Many aircraft owners and operators view taking on an interior design project for their aircraft as daunting with regard to the time and involvement needed to ensure an exceptional finished product.

Aligning customer availability and scheduling time to meet and review details is critical to creating a personalized aircraft interior project. The details can often be overwhelming – overall design direction, color palettes and material options, design reviews, client changes, etc.

West Star Aviation knows how important one-on-one interaction and customer input is during interior design projects. This is why the interior design team places such a heavy emphasis on flexibility throughout the entire design process.

West Star Aviation Facility Visits – We make our facilities available to customers on their schedule to view our design and production facilities. This is an ideal time to show our dedicated interior design spaces. Even with only a short amount of time, we can have several design ideas ready for your review once you arrive at any one of our major locations.

Zoom Meetings – This technology has helped flexibility enormously, as the WSA team and the customer can review material options and selections from anywhere with an internet connection. This really helps narrow down material choices. Zoom is also great for smaller projects, where you may be changing only carpet or seat leather.

Aircraft Hangar Visits – This is an important step in the process. Even from the beginning of the project, WSA can view the existing interior in context. If you are a hands-on aircraft owner, you can be present to sit in the seat and have the foam-work fit to your personal taste. If you are having an exterior painted, you can be there to watch the layout of the stripe design and make any last-minute changes before it enters the paint booth. We keep you in the loop on your project from start to finish, giving you the option to be in-house during critical times.

Anywhere, Anytime – Our team can meet with the customer from their home, office, or any location necessary to accommodate the customer’s schedule and keep the project moving toward completion.

This flexibility is a key ingredient in the success of the West Star Aviation Interior Design Team. For examples of West Star Aviation’s truly word-class interiors or more information on interior services at any of the four full-service locations (ALN, GJT, CHA, and PCD), please visit www.weststaraviation.com or contact one of the interior specialists below:

The post Here, There, Or Anywhere – West Star Aviation Aircraft Interior Design Process Fits Your Schedule appeared first on West Star Aviation.

Painting Your Bombardier Global or Challenger and “SRPSA”

Patrick Recer — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 19:09:13 +0000

Getting ready to paint your Global or Challenger? Under normal circumstances most corporate aircraft get repainted every 7 to 10 years. Some more frequently with new ownership, fleet updates, etc.

We/I often get asked what paint brands does WSA use and what are my options? In no specific order, it ranges from Sherwin Williams (Jet Glo and Acry-Glo), PPG, Axalta, US Paint AlimiGrip, Axzo Nobel and Hentzen, to name a few.

Regarding paint products/finishes/brands, most OEMs offer or have flexibility when an aircraft gets repainted/refurbished, but some don’t. Bombardier for example, requires PPG products to be applied to/on their aircraft.

As it relates to Bombardier’s Global and Challenger, we often get requests to use custom finishes and colors that aren’t always available through PPG.

So, what is a Bombardier’s “SRPSA”? Simply put, it is a Special Request or process to vary from the OEM’s standard or a Special Request for Product Support Action. This is applicable at paint refurbishment time, as well as when other mods and refurbishments are completed/performed.

If a customer requests the use of a non-PPG product, WSA sends in detailed info about the product (product details, definitions and processes for application of primers, paint finishes and clear coats, etc.) for permission to vary Bombardier’s PPG requirements. In turn, Bombardier reviews the request through a matrix of requirements and guidelines, to either decline or approve the products requested to use, other than what they normally specify for this type of upgrade, improvement, modification or event.

Typically, Bombardier has a fee for SRPSAs to vary from the standard and it is normally absorbed into the cost of the refurbishment.

More often than not, our warranty and opinion of using these products is the same regardless if it’s PPG or any other.

As paint brands go, each has appearance, quality, durability, longevity and preservation with the same or similar results. Even though there are differences from one brand to the next, every paint brand has its pros and nuances to consider.

The post Painting Your Bombardier Global or Challenger and “SRPSA” appeared first on West Star Aviation.

Global Express Operators: Service Bulletin Reminder

Patrick Recer — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 18:06:25 +0000

Get Your Flaps Checked!

Special Check/Modification – Corrosion Protection and Drainage Improvement

SB-700-57-050 Rev 3 – Inboard Flaps
SB-700-57-053 Rev1 – Middle Flaps
SB-700-57-054 Rev 1 – Outer Flaps

Equivalent SBs for the other models apply.

The Global Express Specialists at West Star Aviation want to remind you that there have been revisions to three important service bulletins for specific flap corrosion inspection, correction and drainage improvement on inboard, middle and outer flaps of Bombardier Global Express aircraft (specifically BD−700−1A10 aircraft, Serial No. 9002 to 60095).

This process requires a visual borescope inspection to look for corrosion. If corrosion is discovered a near complete disassembly of the flaps may be required. Please plan your downtime accordingly, as the estimated amount of downtime is 5 weeks, if internal corrosion is found. Best to plan this SB in conjunction with major maintenance events.

These are recommended SB’s, not mandatory or associated to an AD.

For your convenience, West Star Aviation’s full-service Grand Junction, CO (GJT) and East Alton, IL (ALN) facilities both have the capabilities to perform these service bulletins. Our specialists have completed 53 sets of inboard flaps, 22 sets of middle flaps and 21 sets of outer flaps already.

For more information on these service bulletins or any other
Global Express capabilities, please contact any of the specialists below:

The post Global Express Operators: Service Bulletin Reminder appeared first on West Star Aviation.

Global Express – Fixed Cowl Chafing

Patrick Recer — Sun, 07 May 2023 20:28:00 +0000

During engine R&R or during a 120/240-month inspections, West Star Aviation has been discovering chafing of the fixed cowl on Global aircraft from a bleed air clamp. This chafing has been observed roughly 15 to 18 times over the past two years.

The issue requires a Technical Variance, in which Rolls-Royce will either call out a repeat inspection of the area. Technical Variance normally requires a reoccurring inspection of the chaffed area every 50 Flight hours up to 200 flight hours. At 200 flight hours a blend or weld repair will be required. If weld repair is required, the engine and fixed cowl must be removed in order to complete the weld.

In some instances, Rolls-Royce may require an immediate repair if the chafe is too deep. The repair for this issue is a titanium weld repair, with the process taking about 7 to 9 working days.

For more detailed information, please contact one of the West Star Aviation Global Specialists listed below.

The post Global Express – Fixed Cowl Chafing appeared first on West Star Aviation.

West Star Aviation Joins Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC) and Sister Organization, Choose Aviation

Patrick Recer — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 21:25:17 +0000

West Star Aviation is pleased to announce that it has joined the Aviation Technical Education Council and is actively supporting the mission of their sister organization, Choose Aviation.

The mission of both organizations strengthens West Star Aviation’s longstanding focus on connecting with our local communities, K-12 educational institutions and part 147 aviation maintenance schools to promote career opportunities, apprenticeships, internships and mentoring while improving future access to licensed aircraft maintenance technicians.

ATEC along with sister organization Choose Aerospace, are pioneering new ways to address the AMT talent shortage which aligns with West Star’s focus. By joining ATEC and supporting Choose Aerospace, we are becoming better advocates in our local communities to share the rich content and stimulated learning already developed for K-12 educational institutions to incorporate Aviation Maintenance into their high school curriculum.

By providing tools and ready to go resources including learning developed by part 147 educators using the latest technology, the program will increase interest of prospective AMTs at a younger age and lead to more students pursuing an AMT related career. When more pathways exist to go from high school to college or high school to work, the prospective employees and the companies wanting to hire them both win. Our customers choose West Star Aviation for our highly skilled workforce, and we are passionate about promoting the opportunities in our communities of becoming an AMT whenever possible.

The post West Star Aviation Joins Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC) and Sister Organization, Choose Aviation appeared first on West Star Aviation.

STC for Latitude Technologies Corporation DL-150 Satellite Data Unit & Iridium Antenna on Global Express

Patrick Recer — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 20:36:43 +0000

West Star Aviation has completed work and has been awarded an STC for the installation of Latitude Technologies Corporation DL-150 Satellite Data Unit (SDU) and Iridium Antenna in the Bombardier Global Express (BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11) aircraft.

This offers a great solution to operators that want to remove the classic Inmarsat solution and replace it with a new, non-safety services KA internet connectivity solution. The compact Iridium installation allows the connection of FANS/CPDLC out of VHF coverage after the Inmarsat system has been removed.

This installation takes approximately four weeks and can be completed at any of the four full service West Star Aviation facilities – East Alton, IL (ALN), Grand Junction, CO (GJT), Chattanooga, TN (CHA) and Perryville, MO (PCD).

For more information on this or any other connectivity solutions, please contact one of the specialists below:

The post STC for Latitude Technologies Corporation DL-150 Satellite Data Unit & Iridium Antenna on Global Express appeared first on West Star Aviation.

Your Guide To High Speed Broadband Solutions at West Star Aviation

Patrick Recer — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:57:22 +0000

If you’re like many operators, in-flight connectivity is an important, necessary tool in the daily operation of your aircraft. Whether it’s to ensure company employees can be as productive at FL350 as they are on in their offices, or giving your VIP/Charter fare the ability to stay connected anywhere in the world, global in-flight connectivity is a system that many flight departments cannot go without.

Aviation technology is an ever-progressing industry, with improvements in Broadband in-flight connectivity erupting at breakneck speeds. These advancements are improving data speeds, lowering equipment/installation costs, and making Broadband systems available to smaller aircraft that have not had solutions in the past.

With the growth of in-flight broadband connectivity, many more companies are launching new constellations of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites. This is creating a more competitive market with lower monthly costs of Broadband data plans, making worldwide connectivity affordable for any flight department budget. Here are some of the options available now and in the near future.

Honeywell JetWave KA-Band System
The Honeywell JetWave was the pioneer system that first delivered KA-Band connectivity to business aircraft. The JetWave has many solutions available for larger airframes with tail-mounted radomes. KA-Band data plans are available through multiple vendors with offerings that will fit the needs of most operators. Speeds for the JetWave are up to 20 Mbps, depending on your JX data plan.

Satcom Direct Plane Simple Ku-Band System
Satcom Direct recently introduced its Plane Simple Ku-Band system. The system consists of two LRUs that delivers 15×2 Mbps. With two LRU (antenna and modem), installation time is quicker and can be mounted in non-pressurized areas to save on cabin space and storage. The Plane Simple system was designed specifically for business aviation. There are already several STCs approved with many more on the way.

Gogo Business Aviation Ku-band System
Gogo Business Aviation, known for Air-to-Ground in-flight connectivity, announced its development of a worldwide Ku Broadband system in May of 2022. Collaborating with OneWeb satellite Internet provider and antenna company HughesNet, Gogo’s system will consist of an Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) interfaced to the AVANCE hardware platform (L5, L3, or SCS router). The antenna will be the size of a standard Intermediate Gain Antenna (IGA) used on many SwiftBroadband systems, allowing for installations under tail mounted radomes as well as the upper fuselage.

This opens up Ku-Band to smaller aircraft like the Gulfstream G200, down to King Air-sized turboprops. While this solution will not be out until mid-2024, it’s welcomed news for those operators of smaller aircraft flying outside of Gogo’s current ATG network who have patiently waited for a high speed internet solution. Target speeds for the Gogo Ku solution is 50Mbps.

ViaSat KA-Band System
In the past, a global broadband solution for ViaSat meant that an operator would need a dual band KA/Ku installation due to the coverage of their existing satellite constellation. KA is used over most of North America and Europe, and Ku-band over the rest of the globe. However, in November 2021, ViaSat announced the intent to acquire Inmarsat, a global broadband provider. Once this acquisition goes through federal compliance, ViaSat will have full use of Inmarsat’s KA satellite constellation, immediately expanding its KA footprint globally. In addition to Inmarsat’s KA satellites, ViaSat will also launch three of its own KA satellites. The first satellite will launch in 3Q22, followed by the other two in 6-month intervals.

ViaSat offers both domestic and global data plans for its KA system with unlimited data options, delivering 20 Mbps to the cabin. There are many large cabin STC solutions for the ViaSat KA system.

Collins Aerospace LuxStream Ku-Band System
Collins LuxStream Ku-Band system is a high-speed broadband solution, perfect for those that want fast KA-level speeds where US-based operators fly the most. The LuxStream offers Enhanced Ku speeds flying over the continental US, Pacific Ocean and Hawaii (up to 25Mbps) and standard Ku-level speeds over the rest of the world (up to 15 Mbps). There are many STCs available for this platform, some using the aircraft’s existing radome.

West Star Aviation Has Your Solution
The time has never been better to look at installing a KA or Ku Broadband system in your business aircraft. No matter your budget or timeline, West Star Aviation has a global high-speed data solution for your aircraft. Solutions are available at all four full-service West Star Aviation locations: East Alton, IL (ALN), Grand Junction, CO (GJT), Chattanooga, TN (CHA) and Perryville, MO (PCD).

Reach out to one of the Avionics Technical Sales Managers listed below to discuss which system is right for your aircraft. They are looking forward to assisting you with your global in-flight connectivity needs.

The post Your Guide To High Speed Broadband Solutions at West Star Aviation appeared first on West Star Aviation.

Global Express Tips Archives - West Star Aviation

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

Steve Blume

Randy Miller

Connor Mottice

Jeff Messmer

George Laiten

Brian Bauwens

Chattanooga Adds Global Inspection Capabilities

Robert Peyman

Randy Miller

Connor Mottice

George Laiten

Cicada Infestation Causing APU and Air-conditioning Pack Issues

George Laiten

Here, There, Or Anywhere – West Star Aviation Aircraft Interior Design Process Fits Your Schedule

Samantha Boyce

Maddie Pierce

Veta Traxler

George Euler

Julie Timmons

Painting Your Bombardier Global or Challenger and “SRPSA”

George Euler

Julie Timmons

Samantha Boyce

Robert Wood

Mark Birmingham

Jeremy Turnbough

Global Express Operators: Service Bulletin Reminder

Get Your Flaps Checked!

Special Check/Modification – Corrosion Protection and Drainage Improvement

Robert Peyman

George Laiten

Steve Smith

Randy Miller

Jeff Messmer

Larry Marler

Global Express – Fixed Cowl Chafing

Robert Peyman

George Laiten

Jeff Olson

Steve Smith

Randy Miller

Jeff Messmer

Larry Marler

West Star Aviation Joins Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC) and Sister Organization, Choose Aviation

STC for Latitude Technologies Corporation DL-150 Satellite Data Unit & Iridium Antenna on Global Express

Aaron Berg

Josh Peterson

Jim Ellis

Walt Marcy

Mike Sichmeller

Jeff Messmer

Your Guide To High Speed Broadband Solutions at West Star Aviation

Aaron Berg

Josh Peterson

Jim Ellis

Walt Marcy

Mike Sichmeller

Jeff Messmer