News

Valair Aviation, an AGC Aerospace & Defense company, recently extended the service life of a Beech 1900 by pioneering a wing forward and rear lower spar cap replacement for Alaska Central Express (ACE).

“As an FAA Part 145 certified maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility, Valair has conducted numerous complex structural repairs. However, this is the first time the forward and rear wing spar caps have been replaced on a Beech 1900,” commented Jeff Snyder, Valair President. “I’m pleased with the success of this project – we proved this repair can be done, extended the life of the aircraft, and saved our customer the expense of purchasing a new aircraft.”

During the aircraft inspections, Valair engineers discovered significant corrosion on the forward and rear wing spar lower caps, which required the lower spar caps to be replaced. Previously, damage of this magnitude resulted in a scrapped aircraft; however, Valair was able to repair the damage and replace both lower caps. Along with the wing spar cap replacements, Valair completed the contract from ACE to evaluate and repair fuselage belly corrosion and the aircraft was returned to service in Alaska.

Valair was also recently awarded a contract from Las Vegas based Maverick Airlines to completely refurbish a Beech 1900D. This is Valair’s fourth major refurbishment in 2010. Maverick, a private tour company, operates upgraded Beech 1900’s. The contract includes integration of a new avionics suite, design and creation of a custom cabin interior with entertainment system upgrades, and an exterior paint scheme unique to Maverick.

ABOUT VALAIR AVIATION
Valair, an FAA Part 145 repair station, functions as a turnkey maintenance, repair, and overhaul company for private, public, and military aircraft. The company specializes in heavy maintenance, avionics, interiors, and painting and also serves as an FBO at the Wiley Post Airport in Oklahoma City, Okla. Valair operates within the Integrated Defense Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

AGC Aerospace & Defense, the operating portfolio of private equity group Acorn Growth Companies, is a global supplier of technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs. Capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications. AGC Aerospace & Defense is organized into four operating groups: Composites, Finance, Integrated Defense, and Services.