Contracts Support Aerospace Industry Jobs And Economy In Central Ohio

Three central Ohio companies are working together to upgrade the FAA national aircraft fleet, thanks to a new multi-million dollar contract.  Port Columbus-based Lane Aviation, Spirit Avionics and Tritex Corporation were awarded the contract in April to redesign the cockpit and interior layout of all 18 FAA flight check aircraft.

Working under the marketing umbrella MX Solutions Plus, the companies will enhance the fleet's interiors with an emphasis on acoustics, sound proofing, thermal insulation, cockpit and cabin seating, cockpit cooling systems, LED lighting design and aircraft weight reduction.  Upon completion and approval of a prototype, the group will complete between three and seven aircraft per year in Lane Aviation's facility.

The contract, worth $6 million over the next five years, is expected to maintain and/or add up to 10 aerospace industry jobs in central Ohio and contribute millions of dollars to the local economy.  

"This contract is the culmination of a process we put into place five years ago to seamlessly handle workflow processes, communications and customer needs," said Ben Sherman, aircraft service manager at Lane Aviation.  "With MX Solutions Plus, the FAA has all the benefits of a large company with the flexibility and quick response of a small company."

"To have the industry regulator trust us to modify its airplanes is the highest vote of confidence," says Rick Ochs, president of Spirit Avionics.  "The FAA recognized the value of our engineering certification plan and they are confident our approach will cost the least amount of money and time."

The FAA's aircraft are used to conduct inspection flights for airport landing and air navigation systems.  The fleet, which is at least 20 years old, is being reconditioned to modernize and enhance safety features found in newly purchased aircraft. "This is a terrific opportunity for the MX Solutions Plus team to serve the FAA," says Tom Pfaffenbach, president of Tritex Corporation.  "This upgrade will improve the function and safety of the aviation industry."

FMI: www.laneaviation.com