pilatus Archives

While our Michigan facility officially opened in May of 2025, the reality is that Grand Rapids began operating much earlier, with a soft opening in February of last year. As the location reaches its first anniversary, I spoke with Grand Rapids’ Director of Maintenance and Operations Manager Jeremy Mangum, Vice President at Pro Star Pilatus Center Mike Kenny, and President at Northeast Air Jesse Laughlin about the facility’s first year in operation. Together, we reflected on the path it took to get here and what that progress has meant for Pilatus owners in the Midwest.

That reflection begins with why Grand Rapids was chosen in the first place. From a strategic standpoint, Pro Star’s decision to establish a presence in Grand Rapids was rooted in its role supporting Pilatus sales and service across the Northeastern territory, including Michigan. “As the Pilatus brand continued to gain market share in the U.S., it became imperative that we expand our service and support capabilities,” Mike Kenny noted. With facilities already established in Manchester, NH and Portland, ME, Grand Rapids represented a logical westward expansion.

For Jeremy Mangum, the appeal of Grand Rapids was more personal. Jeremy joined Pro Star in August of 2024, which allowed him to be a part of the facility’s story from the very beginning. What initially attracted him to the role was the rare opportunity to build a maintenance facility from the ground up. “That doesn’t happen very often in this industry,” he said. In this case, ‘building from the ground up’ wasn’t a figure of speech. In the early months, he was working out of a construction trailer while the hangar was still taking shape.

At the same time, Jeremy was focused on building the right team, as well as defining what the Grand Rapids facility should represent. When doors first opened in Michigan, the operation consisted of four mechanics, an office manager, a chief inspector, and Jeremy himself. One year later, the facility has more than doubled in size, adding mechanics, avionics support, and additional resources as demand increased. According to Mike Kenny, that growth validated the original plan for Grand Rapids. “The response from our customers in the region surpassed our expectations,” he said. “The team has really stepped up to deliver the highest quality for our customers.”

Several milestones marked that progress along the way. The arrival of the first aircraft into the hangar was a big one. Seeing the hangar filled with PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft soon followed, something Mike described as a particularly meaningful moment for him. Jeremy echoed that sentiment, recalling the first time the hangar reached full capacity as a clear indicator that the operation had found its footing. In that moment, standing over the mezzanine and looking out over the hangar floor, Jeremy saw a tangible reminder of just how far the facility had come in such a short period of time. That scene has since become familiar, reflecting the sustained success Grand Rapids has achieved in its first year.

As with any serious undertaking, those milestones were also accompanied by early challenges. Jeremy was candid about the learning curves that come with launching a new operation. In the early months, the team often found themselves reacting–realizing they needed a specific tool, a new vendor relationship, or a refined process after encountering a real-world scenario. Jesse Laughlin resonated with these early struggles, noting that even with careful planning, some things can only be learned once operations are underway. “We learned what we didn’t know,” he said. “But we’re quick learners, and we focus on continuous improvement.” What helped, according to all three, was collaboration. Support from experienced teams, open communication with the FAA, and a shared commitment to doing things the right way created a strong foundation for Grand Rapids.

Looking ahead, the outlook is optimistic. Jeremy’s focus remains on refining capabilities and ensuring the facility continues to meet customer needs as demand grows. Mike sees Grand Rapids becoming “a solid member of the global Pilatus support community,” while Jesse emphasized that long-term success really comes down to people. “The success of a new location hinges on having the right individuals in the right seats,” he said. “That’s what we’re seeing in Grand Rapids.” One year in, the facility continues to evolve with intention, transparency, and a never-ending willingness to learn. As growth continues into the future, Grand Rapids stands as a testament to what can be achieved when leadership, team expertise, and customer focus come together through steady effort and collaboration.

Last January, I attempted to predict what the coming year might look like for business aviation. As post-COVID growth began to subside in 2024, I anticipated a year defined more by consistency than expansion. That expectation largely proved accurate, with flight activity remaining steady throughout 2025, consistent with industry forecasts predicting only marginal year-over-year growth.

I did, however, highlight two clear caveats to this general trend: the continued rise of LEO technology and the growing challenge of parts obsolescence. Both factors had a meaningful impact on the industry, particularly in driving maintenance demand, as parts availability remained strained and LEO connectivity adoption rapidly accelerated. What I did not fully anticipate in my predictions was the extent to which shifting and unpredictable tariff policies would disrupt the aviation landscape in 2025.

While the tariffs themselves were not entirely unexpected, the pace and variability of their implementation created challenges that were difficult to model in advance. Ever-changing timelines, fluid percentages, and evolving country-specific rules significantly impacted cost and availability of aircraft and parts, particularly for platforms manufactured outside the United States. This instability made accurate pricing and delivery forecasting extremely difficult and, in some cases, delayed aircraft deliveries that had previously been considered straightforward.

Fortunately, however, as 2025 came to a close, much of that uncertainty began to subside. Many aviation-related components were exempted under existing trade agreements, and previously problematic tariffs (most notably those affecting Swiss-manufactured aircraft) were eliminated, restoring a degree of predictability heading into 2026.

Looking ahead to 2026, I expect many of the core themes from 2025 to persist. Business aviation utilization is likely to remain relatively stable, extending the flat utilization trends seen over the past year rather than entering a new growth phase. Parts obsolescence will most certainly remain a central challenge. As I noted last year, components are becoming obsolete more quickly, largely due to reliance on commercially available products with shorter practical lifespans.

In 2026, waiting for a part to fail before addressing it is simply no longer a viable strategy. Flight departments that anticipate and schedule replacements for potentially obsolete components will reduce the risk of unplanned downtime and ensure that aircraft will remain operational. In short, proactive planning is essential for operators moving forward.

There is also no denying the momentum of LEO technology entering the new year. While competitors like Gogo are working toward certifications, with new forces like Amazon Leo (previously Project Kuiper) planning to enter the market, Starlink continues to remain the clear front-runner. This is really due to the head start the company has, as aviation-specific solutions for newcomers in the LEO space remain years away from widespread adoption. For operators in 2026, the timing of installations will be critical.

As this technology continues to grow in popularity, it makes sense that installations will continue to expand throughout the year. While this, of course, is a positive for the industry, limited MRO capacity and inventory issues are going to make it more difficult to schedule downtime to adopt the new technology. Just a year ago, it was not uncommon to schedule a Starlink installation within a couple of weeks. In 2026, a similar installation will likely take months of planning. This again signifies the importance of pre-planning and proactivity for aircraft operators this year.

For Pro Star, 2026 will continue to be defined by strategic evolution across facilities, aircraft types, and connectivity solutions. The Grand Rapids location will further establish itself as a Pilatus Center of Excellence, while Pilatus work in Manchester will increasingly be replaced with Falcon and larger-cabin aircraft support. This shift reflects the growing demand for more complex maintenance and upgrade services coming into the new year.

Connectivity adoption will also remain a central focus. By the end of Q1 in 2026, every aircraft type within Pro Star’s supported portfolio will have a viable LEO solution available. Many routine maintenance events will include companion connectivity installations, allowing operators to address multiple needs during a single downtime period. This integrated approach will help to minimize unplanned disruptions and improve scheduling efficiency for flight departments. Operators who coordinate in advance will see the most reliable results, while Pro Star will continue to position its facilities and teams to meet the increasing complexity and demand across its aircraft portfolio throughout the coming year.

Grand Rapids, MI – Pro Star Pilatus Center, an Authorized Pilatus Sales & Service Center, is proud to have played a key role in the delivery of the first Pilatus PC-12 PRO to a U.S. customer. This milestone reinforces Pro Star’s leadership in supporting Pilatus aircraft and its commitment to bringing next-generation capability to operators across the country.

The aircraft was delivered to owners Ravi and Pheroza Arcot at Pilatus’ North American headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado, and will be based in the Northeastern United States. “I’m honored to deliver the first PC-12 PRO to the U.S. market,” said Michael Kenny, Vice President at the Pro Star Pilatus Center. “This amazing airplane is a supreme example of safety, technology, and exceptional operating economics. Pilatus has once again set the bar to a completely new level.”

The PC-12 PRO redefines what operators can expect from the world’s best-selling single-engine turboprop, featuring a redesigned cockpit, advanced Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, and integrated Safety Autoland. Paired with the latest Pratt & Whitney PT6 engine and EPECS technology, the PC-12 PRO delivers improved efficiency, reliability, and simplified operation.

With a growing fleet of PC-12s throughout the United States, Pro Star Pilatus Center continues to provide the expertise, technical support, and customer-focused service that Pilatus owners rely on. This first U.S. delivery marks the beginning of a new era for the PC-12 platform, solidifying its position as the world’s greatest business turboprop.

Pro Star Aviation, headquartered at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire with locations in Grand Rapids, MI, and Portland, ME, is a recognized industry leader in the maintenance and upgrade of business and government aircraft. The company is a factory-authorized service facility for Dassault Falcon Jet, Embraer, and Pilatus. Pro Star has gained national recognition specializing in avionics upgrades, in-flight connectivity solutions, special mission aircraft modifications, and aircraft sales. With proven capacity to manage complex projects and provide targeted solutions for unique operational requirements, Pro Star consistently meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. Pro Star is part of the Laughlin Family aviation group of companies, which was founded in 1948 and has additional operations in FBO, airline services, and aircraft de-icing. https://www.prostaraviation.com

For additional information, please contact:
Jeff Shaw, Director of Sales & Marketing
603-627-7827
jeff@prostaraviation.com

For much of our 25-year-plus history, Pro Star has been a collaboration of specialized businesses, each excelling in its own domain. In 2025, however, something shifted. This year marked the first truly concerted effort to bring the full breadth of the Laughlin family of companies together under a unified umbrella. It was a year not just defined by growth, but by alignment. Aircraft sales, manufacturing, maintenance, special missions, and new facilities were no longer operating as parallel efforts but as parts of a singular, more integrated operation. This resulted in greater internal clarity, a more cohesive customer experience, and a strong foundation built to support continued growth in the years ahead.

One of the most prominent milestones was geographic expansion. For decades, Pro Star has operated primarily out of its Manchester, NH location. In 2025, the opening of the Grand Rapids, MI facility marked the company’s first major brand expansion, expanding Pro Star’s reach to the western edge of its Pilatus territory. In its first year of operation, the Grand Rapids hangar was frequently booked to capacity—a true testament to the teams on the floor and behind the scenes who made it happen. Just as importantly, the Michigan location elevated Pro Star’s national presence, reinforcing its credibility and awareness across the industry.

That growth was supported by deliberate internal investments in both leadership and operations. In Manchester, Pro Star strengthened its operational leadership structure with the addition of Wayne Tibbetts as Operations Director. Coming from Bombardier, Wayne brought deep OEM experience and immediately added structure, efficiency, and oversight to production operations. Additionally, Pro Star expanded planning and sales capabilities with dedicated experts for individual OEMs. This ensured that customers would be supported by teams with focused technical and operational knowledge.

A major enabler of this alignment was technology. In 2025, Pro Star implemented a common ERP and CRM platform, Quantum, across locations, including Northeast Air. Though a major effort, it now provides real-time visibility into production, inventory, scheduling, and analytics across the organization. This resulted in improved predictability, better coordination between sites, and a more consistent customer experience from quote to delivery.

Our newly centralized approach was especially evident in our sales and planning departments. Historically, these departments just served the Manchester location. With our concerted effort to unify locations, the sales and planning teams introduced a more streamlined quoting and workflow process this year, allowing technical teams to stay focused on maintenance and installations while ensuring customers receive clear expectations and reliable schedules. It’s a shift that benefits everyone: fewer bottlenecks, better communication, and a steady, predictable flow of work.

On the technical front, 2025 was a year of ‘firsts’. Pro Star completed and initiated a number of milestone projects this year, including:

Starlink installations on Challenger 300 and 350, Falcon 2000, Global 5000 and 7500 aircraft
Gogo Galileo installation on a Challenger 605
Progress toward first-of-type Galileo STC for the Pilatus PC-12
Multiple heavy “C Check” level inspections across Pilatus, Embraer, and Challenger platforms, including 96-month inspections on Challenger 650s
Earning EASA Part-145 Repair Station approval in Manchester, NH
Expansion of federal aircraft support, including a Starlink installation on a NASA aircraft

Willingness to push into new territory was also evident in Pro Star’s evolving approach to federal contracting. Rather than viewing the federal market solely through the lens of special missions modification, Pro Star took a more holistic approach—integrating maintenance, installation, and long-term support capabilities. While work remains on certifications and infrastructure, 2025 helped to identify gaps, test processes, and build the internal muscle needed to compete more effectively within the federal marketplace.

Underlying all of this progress was a renewed commitment to our identity. To reflect the consolidation of the Laughlin family companies and to celebrate more than 25 years in the business, Pro Star undertook a comprehensive rebrand in 2025. New logos, uniforms, a refreshed website, updated collateral, and trade show materials were not just cosmetic changes—they were outward expressions of a more unified organization. For the first time in our history, Pro Star’s full range of capabilities are being showcased together as one cohesive unit. While there is always more to come, 2025 positioned Pro Star Aviation to move into 2026 stronger, more connected, and more intentional than ever before. This year wasn’t just about doing more, it was about doing things together—and that may be the most important milestone of all.

Londonderry, NH – Pro Star Aviation is once again proud to highlight three recent additions to our organization: Danielle Vezina, Learta Kalemi, and Matthew Vogel. Their diverse experience, technical talent, and personal commitment align closely with the company’s mission and values.

Danielle Vezina, who has been an A&P/IA Technician for the last 3 years at Pro Star, brings a remarkable breadth of hands-on aviation experience to her new position as Production Planner / Scheduler. Her enthusiasm for aviation began at the age of 14 during her first ever general aviation flight with her godfather. This newfound passion eventually led her to join Army Aviation as a helicopter repairer. Following an honorable discharge, she balanced full-time work and raising a family while completing her A.S. in Aviation Technology. Over the course of her career, Danielle has worked across the Eastern U.S. on helicopters, commercial platforms, military aircraft, corporate jets, and general aviation fleets. Away from the office, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending car shows, tinkering with sports cars, and traveling with her husband and their dog, Yogi.

Staff Accountant Learta Kalemi joins Pro Star with a strong academic foundation and a rapidly advancing early-career trajectory. Originally from Albania, Learta has lived in the U.S. for six years, gaining valuable experience across several manufacturing and accounting roles. She first began in Accounts Payable before advancing into her current position, where she applies her fast-learning mindset and meticulous approach to financial operations. Learta holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Albania and an Associate of Science in Accounting from Manchester Community College. She was excited to join Pro Star for the opportunity to further grow her expertise within a supportive and dynamic organization. Outside of work, Learta devotes most of her time to her baby boy, who recently turned one in October—a source of constant joy that fills her life with love and fulfillment.

Airframe & Powerplant Technician Matthew Vogel adds 15 years of aviation experience to the maintenance team, beginning with a decade of service as a Naval Aircrewman on C-130s. Born in Michigan, Matthew returned home after the Navy, where he worked maintenance on a wide range of business aircraft including Citations, Learjets, Beechjets, Hawkers, King Airs, and PC-12s. His longstanding appreciation for Pilatus Aircraft, particularly the PC-12, made Pro Star a natural next step in his career. Matthew was drawn to the chance to work on both the PC-12 and the PC-24, as well as the excitement surrounding the company’s new facility in Grand Rapids. When he’s not in the hangar, Matthew spends much of his time fishing throughout the state, especially on the big waters of Lake Michigan.

Together, these three team members bring valuable perspectives, technical capability, and genuine passion for their craft, strengthening Pro Star’s operations and contributing to ongoing company growth.

For additional information, please contact:
Jeff Shaw, Director of Sales & Marketing
603-627-7827
jeff@prostaraviation.com

November 21, 2025 – Londonderry, NH – Pro Star Aviation is expanding its in-flight connectivity expertise with the addition of the Challenger 300 Series and Falcon 2000 Series to its growing list of Starlink installation accomplishments. This month, the company is completing its second Challenger installation, following the delivery of a Challenger 350 earlier in the year. The STC is OEM-approved by Bombardier, covering the full Challenger 3 Series with models: 300, 350, and 3500.

This December, Pro Star will begin one of the very first Falcon 2000 Starlink installations, with delivery expected by early 2026. This installation is part of an OEM-developed Service Bulletin solution from Dassault that includes the Falcon 7X, 8X, 2000, and soon, the 900 Series.

Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network delivers high-speed connectivity across the globe. This type of in-flight connectivity is rapidly becoming the new standard for business aviation. With these additional aircraft models, Pro Star Aviation continues to strengthen its role as a trusted provider of advanced, OEM-supported connectivity solutions for operators seeking modern in-flight performance.

For additional information, please contact:
Jeff Shaw, Director of Sales & Marketing
603-627-7827
jeff@prostaraviation.com

October 24, 2025 – Londonderry, NH – Pro Star Aviation is proud to acknowledge three outstanding team members whose experience, leadership, and dedication exemplify the company’s values and continued growth: Alec Kindred, Chloe Roe, and Lisa Fernandez.

Pilatus Technical Sales Manager at Northeast Air, Alec Kindred, brings over a decade of experience in aircraft maintenance and leadership to the Pro Star team. A Maine native, Alec graduated from Nashua Community College in 2013 with an Associate Degree in Aviation Technology and an Airframe and Powerplant Certificate. While in college, Alec worked weekends as a de-icer at Northeast Air, soon transitioning onto the maintenance floor as a technician and lead. After a brief time away, Alec returned to NEA in 2019 as Assistant Director of Maintenance, becoming Director of Maintenance three years later, developing a proficiency across both fixed-wing and rotorcraft platforms. In 2024, Alec was nationally recognized as one of the top ‘40 Under 40’ aircraft mechanics in the country. Alec was appointed to his current role in February 2025, also serving as Interim Chief Inspector within the last 6 months. Known for his technical acumen and steady leadership, Alec continues to support the Pilatus program he has worked with since the very start of his career. Outside of work, Alec enjoys flying, coaching Little League, and spending time outdoors in his home state.

Pro Star Financial Controller, Chloe Roe, carries over 15 years of experience in finance, including six years in manufacturing. Originally from New Hampshire, Chloe’s career has taken her from coast to coast, and even overseas during her time as an Army wife, before ultimately bringing her back home to tackle a new professional challenge. Chloe was drawn to Pro Star’s collaborative culture and dynamic leadership, joining the company earlier this year. Known for her precision and practical problem-solving, Chloe coordinates financial operations with a focus on efficiency and long-term growth. Beyond her career, Chloe channels her creativity into home renovation projects with her husband and caring for her large family of rescue animals.

Office Manager at Pro Star Precision Machine, Lisa Fernandez, joined the company with more than two decades of experience at GEX Inc., where she managed everything from accounting and HR to event planning and project coordination. After working remotely for several years, Lisa sought a return to a hands-on, team-oriented environment, promptly finding it at Pro Star in 2025. With her extensive background in office operations, she plays a key role in streamlining processes and supporting staff across departments. Outside the office, Lisa enjoys visiting her son in Boston, MA, taking road trips with her German Shepherd, and exploring new restaurants as an avid foodie and home cook.

Two of these employees are recent additions to the Pro Star team, while one has recently stepped into a new leadership role. Together, they bring unique skillsets and backgrounds that strengthen Pro Star’s operations and capabilities. Regardless of tenure, each is an integral part of the Pro Star family, contributing to the company’s ongoing success.

For additional information, please contact:
Jeff Shaw, Director of Sales & Marketing
603-627-7827
jeff@prostaraviation.com

Last month, I discussed Gogo’s impending ATG network shutdown, which is scheduled to take effect by May of next year. This move from Gogo marks a key transition for business aviation altogether. It represents a seismic shift from legacy air-to-ground technology to LTE-based and satellite connectivity. In line with this industry-wide evolution, Gogo continues to look toward the future, now taking part in a brand new in-flight connectivity solution.

Pro Star Aviation, in close collaboration with Pilatus, is working with Gogo to develop a connectivity solution for the PC-12. The solution will enable installation of the Gogo Galileo LEO satellite system on any PC-12 model, delivering high-speed, takeoff-to-touchdown connectivity for operators around the world. The STC is designed to cover the full range of PC-12 models in service today, including NG, NGX, and PRO, ensuring that all operators, regardless of aircraft age, can access this rapid connectivity.

Comparable in performance to Starlink, the Gogo Galileo system will be the only FAA-approved LEO connectivity option for the PC-12. With over 2,000 PC-12s flying globally, this solution represents an important development for operators, especially since Starlink is not currently available for installation on this airframe. This solution ensures that all PC-12 operators will be able to stay connected no matter where they fly. From short regional hops across North America to international flights spanning continents, the new Galileo system will truly provide complete global coverage.

The program also combines the strengths of Gogo’s worldwide product support and service infrastructure with the Pilatus aircraft support network that owners already know and trust. Together, these two networks will deliver a connectivity experience designed specifically for the PC-12 community. Utilizing Pro Star’s FAA Organization Designation Authorization (ODA), development of the STC is already underway, with completion expected by the end of 2025. For any PC-12 operators currently flying with Gogo’s ATG technology, this new STC offers a clear path forward. With year-end delivery, operators will have time to plan upgrades ahead of the upcoming deadline, ensuring seamless connectivity through the May 2026 ATG sunset.

Not only is the PC-12 one of the most popular aircraft for business and private travel, it is also a remarkably versatile platform for special missions, including search and rescue, ISR, and air ambulance operations. The addition of this new LEO technology will enhance those missions by enabling reliable connectivity in remote regions and over water, where these aircraft often operate. With the ability to support live video streaming, real-time surveillance feeds, and other data-intensive applications, Galileo will unlock mission capabilities that have yet to be fully realized in the PC-12 community.

As connectivity expectations continue to rise, programs like this reflect how innovation and industry collaboration work to reshape what is possible in business aviation. This Pro Star and Gogo partnership ensures reliable, global connectivity that aligns with the demands of modern flight operations. By uniting Gogo’s LEO technology, Pilatus’ trusted platform, and Pro Star’s certification expertise, PC-12 operators gain more than just faster internet; they also secure a future-ready solution that keeps pace with the evolving needs of today’s connected world.

Approval Ensures Pro Star Aviation’s Ability to Support European Aircraft in the U.S.

October 1, 2025 – Londonderry, NH – Pro Star Aviation has been granted European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-145 Repair Station approval at its Manchester, New Hampshire facility. This certification authorizes Pro Star to perform maintenance, upgrades, and inspections on European-registered aircraft on U.S. soil. Under the bilateral U.S.-European Union safety agreement, this approval recognizes Pro Star’s capability to perform maintenance that aligns with EASA’s standards and requirements.

“EASA approval strengthens our ability to support OEM partners and European operators,” said Jeffrey Shaw, Director of Sales and Marketing at Pro Star Aviation. “With our close proximity to major East Coast destinations, we can now provide faster, more comprehensive service to international business aircraft flying into the U.S.”

EASA certification considerably expands Pro Star’s ability to support international operators, particularly those flying into major East Coast touchpoints like Boston and New York. This approval, in addition to previous FAA and Transport Canada certifications, puts Pro Star in a unique position to serve a broad range of aircraft owners from around the world.

When it comes to business aviation, timing is paramount. This is especially true for aircraft maintenance. For many operators maintenance events can often fall at the most inconvenient time. November through March, both flight activity and maintenance demand reach their peak, which often creates scheduling challenges for operators. While the surge in flight operations around this time is mainly due to year end board meetings and holiday travel, annual maintenance often coincides with this season for separate, scheduling-related reasons.

Pilatus and Embraer aircraft, like many others, are typically delivered in the latter half of the calendar year, particularly in Q4. The initial date that the aircraft is delivered and certified almost always determines when recurring inspections will be due. This creates a cycle that, unless intentionally broken by the aircraft owner, contributes to the congestion that service centers face during the winter months. This can create an unnecessary burden for aircraft operators. But, it does not have to be this way.

Proactively shifting business jet inspections to the summer months can actually offer several distinct advantages for aircraft owners. The most prominent benefit, of course, is slot availability. With less demand at service centers in June, July, and August, there will be much more flexibility for owners to choose downtime that specifically fits their needs. In addition to this, faster turn times can also be expected for summertime maintenance. Naturally, during slower periods, shops can dedicate more technicians to a single job, which often results in a reduced total downtime. On top of that, when maintenance teams are not stretched as thin, there is more focus placed on quality and efficiency.

The potential upsides of summer maintenance don’t end here, however. Winter months also introduce delays in parts logistics, especially during the holidays. In fact, many OEMs reduce staffing during Thanksgiving and Christmas, making it harder to get parts on time and technical support. In contrast, the summer generally sees faster delivery of parts and quicker response times from manufacturers. For this reason, summertime inspections often allow more direct interactions with the technicians, easier coordination of cosmetic work, and even opportunities to travel or enjoy nearby destinations while the aircraft is down. But, how exactly does shifting this schedule work? It is actually simpler than it may seem. Pilatus aircraft, for example, follow a rolling 12-month calendar based on the jet’s last inspection. This means that if the annual inspection is moved from December to August, the next inspection would be due the following August. This one adjustment can easily realign maintenance with quieter service periods moving forward. Similarly, with Embraer, the switch can be quite simple. Embraer aircraft do require a T-Zero reset to make this same shift. While this can occasionally be met with a fee, the long run benefits are likely to outweigh this. This process, however, formally resets the aircraft’s inspection timeline, essentially allowing aircraft owners to pick a brand new starting point for their annual inspections.

But, how exactly does shifting this schedule work? It is actually simpler than it may seem. Pilatus aircraft, for example, follow a rolling 12-month calendar based on the jet’s last inspection. This means that if the annual inspection is moved from December to August, the next inspection would be due the following August. This one adjustment can easily realign maintenance with quieter service periods moving forward. Similarly, with Embraer, the switch can be quite simple. Embraer aircraft do require a T-Zero reset to make this same shift. While this can occasionally be met with a fee, the long run benefits are likely to outweigh this. This process, however, formally resets the aircraft’s inspection timeline, essentially allowing aircraft owners to pick a brand new starting point for their annual inspections.

While some operators hesitate to move their inspection months earlier, there can actually be benefits to this too. When an aircraft is brought in months ahead of schedule, it is unlikely to accumulate enough hours to trigger significant maintenance tasks. This can actually result in an inspection that is much smoother and faster than a standard inspection. Simultaneously, this restarts the aircraft’s maintenance schedule, which will only continue to benefit the aircraft owner as time marches on. For operators seeking to reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and avoid winter delays, summer inspections may be the exact sweet spot they are looking for.