Private aircraft owner Greg Hatcher, owner of The Hatcher Agency in Little Rock, Arkansas, recently contracted Duncan Aviation to transform his 32-year-old Falcon 900B into a personalised business jet.

“I purchased this aircraft knowing it needed love and care. In the end, I flew away with an aircraft that looks better than the new one next to it on the ramp but for a lot less money,” he comments.

The project's original workscope included a new paint scheme with a new logo and a complete interior transformation that included a floor plan modification. Using a Duncan Aviation STC, the aircraft was modified for high density, 16-passenger occupancy, including eight single seats and two four-place divans that were foamed and upholstered to appear as if they were meant for three.

The seat leather is a light cream colour using a black welt cord as an accent to outline the features, while the lower sidewall is black leather with an embossed pattern. The galley counter was finished in a light solid surface with a subtle grain to contrast with the rich, straight grain veneer applied vertically for a classic look. The carpet is a simple plaid with shades of black, grey and cream to coordinate with the seats and divan. A coordinating vinyl floor was selected for the galley for ease of maintenance.

The two items that had the most significant impact on the overall appearance were the modification of the drink rail design with a thinner profile and the Duncan Aviation-designed PSU to give it a modern and updated look. Blue, lighted cupholders were a must-have to incorporate the owner's favourite colour and provide an accent within the interior.

Hatcher remained closely involved with the project's design decisions, wanting a modern look that would not go out of style. Each new addition extended the project and pushed the delivery date. However, Hatcher wasn't concerned with having to wait. “I never regret doing something right. I always regret cutting corners,” he continues. “When it comes to reconfiguring the interior of a Falcon aircraft, no one has the quality and experience of Duncan Aviation,” he continues. “The sales team was knowledgeable and able to answer all of my questions. The team took the time to work with me every step of the way. They made the process easy for me.”

“Mr Hatcher is very visual and relied on our design department's guidance and the input of his family members,” adds Duncan Aviation senior designer Stephanie Kuhn. “We illustrated many interior and paint options and selections along the way to ensure that he understood the design and overall aesthetic intent and felt comfortable with his final decisions.”

The original workscope changed many times after the aircraft arrived at Duncan Aviation's MRO facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. A new Honeywell Ovation cabin management system, API winglets, FANS and Gogo Avance L5 wi-fi were added.

This Falcon 900B will be returning to Duncan Aviation at a later time for the installation of an updated EFI-890 flight deck.