Aircraft Engines Get a Home of Their Own at Duncan Aviation

As a part of its new 175,000-square-foot hangar construction project in Lincoln, NE, Duncan Aviation dedicates 4,050 square feet just to engines. And according to James Prater, manager of turbine engine services, when you double shop space, good things happen.

“We’ve only been in the new shop for a few months, but have already experienced a significant increase in work efficiency and improvement to the safety of our customers’ property,” says Prater. “Prior to the move, all engines and their components would remain in the hangar, always subject to hangar moves and disruptions to work. If the aircraft moved, work stopped and the engines moved as well.”

The new shop space provides a safe place for engines to be torn-down and built up off the hangar floor and free from unnecessary interruptions. 

With the new tech rep and project manager offices located right in the shop, Shawn Schmitz, turbine engine tech rep, says there is a benefit to being located where the action is. “More and more in-house customers are stopping by the shop to see their engines. I’m nearby and available to answer their questions or assist the engine techs with a project. Then I’m right back on the phone answering questions from customers who call in.”

According to Prater, engine work has been busting down the doors since October. “Our new engine line shop is more centrally located among the hangars we work in most and provides immediate access to the ramp. The expansion of the shop, office and tool crib spaces all help us to be more efficient with our work. We’d like it to get even busier.”