Refurbishing your older private jet can be a massive undertaking, however, with insightful tips, the process can be a whole lot smoother. With aircraft components aging, refurbishing your older private jet becomes paramount, especially for aircraft reaching 15 to 20 years old. The price can add up quickly when updating components such as seating, design, and technology. Owners often find themselves at a crossroads on whether they can live with the way things are or chalk up the money to bring the aircraft to more modern times. Dive into things to consider when thinking about refurbishing your older private jet.
When an aircraft exits an OEM’s warranty plan, owners tend to have far more flexibility to choose their own MRO shop to complete desired and required work, according to Adam Bruce, Completion Sales Representative at Duncan Aviation.
And as the airframe gets older – for example reaching 15 to 20 years old – the owner may find certain older aircraft components are no longer supported by the OEM, meaning that a provider like Duncan Aviation may be “forced to basically re-engineer them to provide the customer with the options they’ve requested,” Bruce adds.
For example, certain avionics components may have become obsolete, or the vendor might not be able to replace them without a major cockpit upgrade. Key focuses tend to be aircraft electronics, aircraft seating and other functional elements.
The upgrade approach taken will depend on the needs of the individual aircraft owner and is therefore decided on a case-by-case basis, Bruce says.
Set Your Older Jet’s Refurbishment Priorities
In the case of older aircraft, “everyone, from the aircraft’s original owner to its subsequent owner(s), have made tweaks and modifications to the aircraft’s functionality or look,” Bruce notes. “So, whoever takes it on next must ask what they can live with and what they really want to change.”
A key question will concern the particular use planned for the aircraft, most notably whether it will be utilized for Part 91 or Part 135, or a mixture of both.
“There’s certain materials we don’t recommend installing on an aircraft that’s going to be used for charter,” Bruce illustrates. “We wouldn’t recommend putting white leathers into seating surfaces or protective covers.
“If it’s somebody who’s maybe just going to fly their family, a VIP, or a handful of professionals, then we can look at using customized materials to accomplish something really striking.”
Dan Lyon, Vice President of Aftermarket Sales at Textron Aviation, says the company “loves working with customers and operators of aircraft of all ages,” whether it’s the upgrade of a five-year-old Cessna Citation M2 to take advantage of the latest Garmin G3000 features alongside a new interior redesign, or installing a Garmin G600 suite into a much older 30+- year-old Cessna Citation jet.
Modernizing the Cockpit: According to Lyon, Textron highly recommends owners of older aircraft prioritize upgrading their avionics and communications systems, pointing to significant developments in those areas in recent years.
“State-of-the-art equipment can provide next generation capability for improved pilot situational awareness and airspace management, including CPDLC [Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications] and other useful tools,” he highlights.
According to Markus Schröcker, Group Director of F/LIST, the compatibility of older systems sometimes presents refurbishment companies with a challenge, and integrating modern avionics into aging aircraft models can pose technical challenges. But these challenges needn’t be insurmountable – they just require extra planning.
There could also be natural wear and tear on the furnishings in the cabin over the course of a decade or more, which will also need addressing. Schröcker highlights that there are certain areas of the aircraft that wear out more quickly, and therefore should be prioritized. The seats, for example, will need to be refurbished sooner than a wood cabinet.
F/LIST generally recommends choosing the refurbishment approach that maximizes passenger comfort. “We try to select the highest quality materials and surfaces to achieve a new, modern and – above all – luxurious appearance,” Schröcker says.
“We don’t shy away from trends either – whether sustainable surfaces, special inlays, or an aircraft owner’s preference. Together with our in-house designers, we will find a suitable solution.”
Modernizing the Exterior: Finally, Lyon adds, investing in a comprehensive strip and repaint of the aircraft’s old exterior every eight to 10 years “not only enhances its appearance, but also protects the operator’s investment”.
Focal Points for Your Older Jet’s Refurbishment
According to Schröcker, a significant challenge to owners of aircraft seeking an upgrade can be the selection of suitable materials. “There are countless materials, and it is often very difficult to narrow down or make a final choice,” he explains.
“Customers often feel overwhelmed by the different possibilities.”
He outlines three approaches that can help aircraft owners in such a situation.
First, hire experienced designers. “Experts can help you develop a contemporary, appealing design that meets your individual needs,” he suggests. “They can also help you narrow down your choice of materials to make the final decision easier.”
Next, keep your options open to adapt for future trends. “You should plan the interior with current and future industry trends in mind to maximize the life of the refurbishment.”
And finally, prioritize quality control. “Ensure that all work meets the relevant aviation standards and has the necessary certifications. Make sure that the desired work has also been carried out to your satisfaction.”
Cost-Conscious Refurb Tips for Older Jets
Depending on the planned use of the aircraft, the age of the aircraft, and what is ultimately important to the owner, the refurb options available all come with a cost implication.
For some owners of older aircraft that are well depreciated in value, a low-cost refurbishment will be the priority, ensuring the costs are not disproportionate to the overall value of the airplane.
There are numerous ways that operators can save money while still delivering an excellent finish, Chatfield assures, particularly if there is no need to change the layout but instead focus on soft goods such as upholstery or carpets or the hard goods such as veneers.
He points to the use of architectural wraps or foils, “which are relatively inexpensive but still offer a range of beautiful finishes, from imagery on the walls to a carbon fiber appearance”.
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Original article published on avbuyer.com