RUAG carries out simultaneous C-checks on two Dassault aircraft

An ambitious project is currently reaching its conclusion in Geneva, where RUAG Aviation has been conducting C-check inspections on two aircraft simultaneously. The aircraft in question are a Falcon 2000 Classic, belonging to a VIP customer, and a government-operated Falcon 900B.

RUAG Aviation is renowned for its flexible approach and efficient services. It is now harnessing these qualities in response to international pricing pressure in the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry as well as in an effort to ensure its customers continue to benefit from top value-for-money solutions. This was the driver behind RUAG Aviation’s decision to perform C-checks on two platforms belonging to two different customers at the same time. The project is expected to require a total of between 1,000 and 2,500 working hours, while effecting an exceptional downtime of just six weeks.

"To create the extra capacity required for this major project, RUAG Aviation in Geneva introduced double shifts from Monday to Thursday. This kept the downtime to a minimum while simultaneously ensuring RUAG’s consistent high level of quality. During routine maintenance checks, RUAG Aviation also offers its customers the opportunity to order and approve additional services, such as cabin refurbishment, cockpit upgrades or painting. This one-stop shop service can save customers considerable time and money, while keeping their aircraft in top condition," notes the responsible General Manager Site Geneva at RUAG Aviation.

The Falcon 900B (built in 1997) is now on its third C-check, meaning that an inspection of the landing gear is also due. Meanwhile, the Falcon 2000 Classic (built in 2003) is on its second C check and therefore requires an overhaul of its landing gear. This work is being carried out in Geneva. Once the Falcon 2000 Classic has been reassembled, it will be ferried to Munich-Oberpfaffenhofen, where it will be completely repainted. RUAG Aviation emphasises the importance of complete reliability and transparency throughout their upgrade and MRO projects. Fully in line with this commitment to customer proximity, RUAG maintained constant communication with both customers throughout the project - this included holding daily conference calls and hosting fortnightly visits in Geneva. "Our regular and close dialogue with the customers proved crucial," asserts Gerald Moget, Sales Manager, RUAG Aviation in Geneva. "For example, when our team discovered irregularities on one of the aircraft, we informed the customer immediately. They, in turn, approved the necessary work to rectify the damage and precious time was saved in the process."

Feedback from the customers has been very encouraging so far and one aircraft has been successfully delivered now on time and schedule.

RUAG Aviation provides one-stop shop solutions, performing all required services within one single downtime, adapted to suit individual schedules. RUAG’s one-stop shop solutions include MRO, cabin interiors, painting, system upgrades, FBO, and support and consulting.

RUAG Aviation is a leading supplier, support provider and integrator of systems and components for civil and military aviation worldwide.

Servicing aircraft and helicopters throughout their entire life cycle, the company’s core competencies include maintenance, repair and overhaul services, upgrades, and the development, manufacturing and integration of subsystems.

RUAG is an authorised service centre for OEMs of renown, such as Airbus Helicopters, Bell, Bombardier, Cirrus, Cessna, Diamond, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Finmeccanica, Piaggio, Sikorsky, Pilatus, Piper, and Mooney, as well as a service centre for 328 Support Services, Hawker Beechcraft, Viking und MD Helicopters. RUAG Aviation is also a partner to the Swiss Armed Forces and other international air forces.

The company is also the manufacturer (OEM) of the Dornier 228, a versatile aircraft for challenging special missions and passenger and cargo operations.

RUAG Aviation is a certified Part 21J EASA Design Organisation, Part 21G EASA Production Organisation and Part 145 EASA Maintenance Organisation.