Yingling Aviation has completed its first winglet installation on a Falcon 900, delivering a precise structural modification performed by its experienced sheetmetal team from its hangar at Wichita's Dwight D. Eisenhower National airport in Kansas.

The project included reinforcing ribs and a 12-ft strap installation along each wing. Every rivet had to be flawless, with no room for error. According to the onsite Aviation Partners trainer, Harley Howell, this was the fastest ahead-of-schedule winglet installation he has ever supervised. He praised the execution, noting zero mis-drilled holes, zero engineering changes and exceptional attention to the engineering drawings.

Project lead Kyle Janssen, who was brought onsite from Yingling's mobile response team for the installation, praises the crew: “I was extremely impressed by our sheetmetal team’s skill and attitude. Even with overtime needed to hit key milestones, everyone stayed positive and focused on the goal.” Although this was Yingling’s first winglet install under its banner, the crew collectively has dozens of winglet installations under its belt.

COO Rodger Renaud adds: “This was an extremely complicated install that required some of the best techs in the industry. They delivered it on time and on budget.”

Vendor partner Gary Dunn, president of Aviation Partners, the developer of the winglets, visited the facility to review the work. “I was impressed with the facility and all the growth,” he says. “I met the team, they were great and I’m excited to have an installation partner that can execute at this level.”

Huge credit goes to Yingling’s sheetmetal crew for their depth of experience, professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile. The aircraft now benefits from improved aerodynamic performance thanks to the newly installed winglets.

Yingling is excited to install this winglet modification and to have the talent and capacity on the team to deliver.