Trust the West Star Aviation AOG/MRT team when you need expertise the most. Our team of 43 (and growing) specialists can tackle most any issue when you are away from your home base and AOG. From common emergency repair issues to more complicated issues with engines, structural repair and avionics, the West Star Aviation AOG/MRT Team is just a simple click or phone call away – anywhere in the world.
A Cessna 680 Sovereign was dented beyond allowable limits in Teterboro, NJ. The owner was able to secure authorization to ferry to their home base in Smyrna, TN. With concerns that a repaired skin might devalue the aircraft, they elected to have the skin replaced.
The only problem was finding an authorized Cessna Service Center with the available space, manpower and the impossible paint slot. West Star’s AOG/MRT Service was able to eliminate all those problems.
The West Star Aviation AOG/MRT Team arrived at the customer’s home base on 1/8/24. Our team was able to remove all required structures and panels for access. Next, all adjacent structure was protected from damage during skin removal. Then we removed all the Avionics LRUs blocking access to the fasteners that needed to be removed and replaced.
Now that we had access to the damaged area, we removed the fasteners and hardware that secured the skin and items that needed to be transferred to the new skin.
There was a small delay in receiving the new hardware due to week-long storms that affected regular shipping transit times, but with available stock at our CHA MRO location, we made it work. While waiting for the new hardware to arrive, we located the new skin. First, it was trimmed. After trimming, we drilled and prepped all the fastener holes that will attach it to the existing support structure.
We then located and installed all the transferred items. The skin was then installed along with any items that required subsequent installation. We installed all the removed LRUs and structural items removed for access. All required tests were performed to verify airworthiness, and the AC was then returned to service.
In summary, the damage event occurred on 12/21/24. We arrived on-site at the customer’s hangar after they ferried the aircraft home. The AOG/MRT Team was on-site from 1/8/24 to 1/29/24. RTS occurred just two weeks later.
During this downtime, we were also able to satisfy upcoming CAMP requirements both on-site and while the aircraft was at our GJT facility for painting. This enabled the customer to get months ahead, ensuring no downtime during their busy upcoming schedule.
AOG/MRT Responders:
Chad Head
Patrick Presnell
Hampton (Hammy) Lester
Connect with Experience by downloading our mobile app for Apple and Android devices: |
- Posted in Citation Tips, News
- 10 Comments