When a customer needs anything from the smallest fastener to an entire aircraft, Artemis Aerospace springs into action. Here our Sales Director, Dan Frith, recalls a recent successful quest.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Dan Frith, and I’m Sales Director, Flight Simulator Support at Artemis Aerospace.
I’ve been part of the Artemis team for eight years and I manage our global customer base of flight simulator manufacturers and pilot training centres. I have considerable experience in managing the procurement of donor aircraft, major aircraft assemblies and components for the build of new simulators and in supporting our customers with targeted component solutions to ensure their operations are optimised. I’m proud to work with all the global market leaders in this sector and to manage the complex day-to-day requirements of our international clients. This case study tells you a bit about the work I do, so read on!
What type of aircraft is the Challenger?
The Bombardier Challenger 350 is one of the best performing business jets in the super mid-size class. It’s sought after for the speed at which it can be ready to go – shutdown to runway in less than seven minutes! It’s the best-selling business jet platform among top corporate flight departments and charter operators globally for having, among other qualities, the lowest in-class operating costs and the capacity to seat up to ten passengers. Powered by Honeywell HTF7350 turbofans, it has a maximum range of 5,926 km, a top speed of Mach 0.83 and a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82. It’s 20.9m long and 6.1m high, with a wingspan of 21m.
What was the challenge that your customer brought to you?
Knowing that the contract for a new Challenger simulator device was close to being signed, I was tasked by our customer with locating a suitable donor aircraft. Our customers often use decommissioned aircraft cockpit sections for their products which, if purchased with much of the original controls still in place and ready for all other parts to be fitted, allows for a more efficient build process and a greater level of fidelity to the aircraft type being simulated.
Why did they choose Artemis?
Simple . . . with our proven track record for providing this kind of specialist support, our customer knew they would receive the best possible service from start to finish.
Was there a tight timescale?
Yes, very much so. Bearing in mind this simulator would probably take approximately nine months to build before final commissioning, it was critical that I located a solution in the form of a donor aircraft as quickly as possible.
Were there any other parameters which could have caused issues?
Absolutely. If there wasn’t a suitable Challenger 350 aircraft in part out (no longer viable but with functional constituent parts) and there weren’t any scheduled for teardown somewhere in the world, we had a problem!
Were you confident you could sort it?
Of course, it’s what we do. We always find a way and by continually monitoring the market for suitable donor aircraft, we maintain a constant view of what is either currently or soon to become available for all civil air transport and business jet types.
How did you go about it?
After researching the aircraft and spending some time fully understanding our customer’s requirements, I came to the conclusion that a Challenger 300 could be an acceptable donor aircraft as the differences between the 300 and 350 cockpits are limited. On receiving customer approval, I began the search for a Challenger 300.
How long did it take you?
Within a few days I had selected an aircraft which was scheduled for teardown. I arranged a visit to inspect it and discussed with the seller’s team exactly what I required. After some negotiation, everything was secured and agreed.
What was the end result?
I’m pleased to say that the result was a solution that exceeded my customer’s expectations!
What was memorable about this job?
I enjoy the challenges of supporting our customers and I thrive under pressure. I particularly enjoyed working on this project from initial enquiry to delivery as it led to us being awarded a contract to support a similar project for another aircraft type by the same customer.
Founded 25 years ago, Artemis Aerospace is a byword for expertise and reliability in component support for civil aircraft and simulators. Contact us if you’re looking for component supply or repair, flight simulator services, consignment stock or lessor support, and we’ll find the perfect solution.
