N1RD began as a factory-painted Citation CJ3+ with white stripes. Today, it represents Duncan Aviation’s most intricate paint design to date and the first aircraft completed in the company’s new Lincoln paint hangar. Created for owners Robert and Karen Duncan, the project demonstrates how Duncan Aviation helps aircraft owners transform personal inspiration into distinctive designs while showcasing its paint and design capabilities.

Robert says: "Outrageous is the word I think of every time I see the aircraft. We've watched a few steps during the paint process. It speaks to the creativity and the outstanding job that Duncan Aviation does day in and day out."

The couple has spent decades collecting art, meeting artists and commissioning distinctive aircraft liveries. Their latest Citation CJ3+ follows several previous custom-painted aircraft and reflects their longstanding interest in art and travel.

"This whole process actually started two years ago," says lead designer Hannah Mann. "We were all really excited to come up with something truly unique and custom, and different from their previous planes that we've done in the past."

The design process began with inspiration artwork from Robert and Karen before artists across Duncan Aviation's paint and design teams submitted around 30 concepts, later refined to 15.

The direction Karen provided was simply: "We want something crazy."

Robert added: "And they know us. They know our personalities. They know our sense of adventure, our sense of creativity. And we want that to reflect in what we fly, because that's what Duncan Aviation is known for. Out on the edge, trying different things, experimenting, but doing it in a first-class way."

The final design, created by paint master specialist Troy Reinke, draws inspiration from Mexican art and culture alongside the Duncans' connection with Puerto Vallarta. Signature features include large stylised eyes and flies positioned across the aircraft.

"I was trying to come up with something that was unique, something we'd never done, something that was eye-catching and also something that Robert and Karen would appreciate," Reinke says.

Turning the artwork into a paint scheme required significant redesign.

"I took Troy's drawing and split that out into individual shapes and pieces," says lead designer Hannah Mann. "His original scheme had fades and highlights and shadows, and when we broke those out into individual shapes, we had to add those design elements back in. That's where the 46 colours came from."

Paint team leader Brandon Boyer says the complexity lay in planning every stage of the process. "Once we had that, there was no fear. It was just a time concern."

Each colour required separate masking, painting and protection, while the team continued work on other customer aircraft.

"Just because we had this aeroplane to paint, we didn't put everything else aside," Boyer adds. "We still had our core aircraft to paint and give the same amount of attention to."

The project also became the first aircraft painted in Duncan Aviation's new Lincoln paint hangar, of which Reinke says: "It's bigger, it's more open, it's bright in there. It's definitely helping."

Boyer adds: "As hard as it was, it was great to have air conditioning. It was super easy to control temperatures."

The project involved at least 25 team members spanning paint, design, layout, project management, sales and leadership. "With this type of scheme and this type of paint job, I absolutely can't do this by myself," Reinke says. "It's going to take a whole team of guys down there to accomplish this type of paint work."

Project manager Tony Chipman says: "Painting a piece of art comes with many added complexities that the typical artist doesn't have to worry about. For one, the FAA and manufacturers have standards for how and what you can paint with. This is a piece of art that has to stand up to an environment that no other art is subjected to."

The finished Citation CJ3+ uses almost twice as many colours as the Duncan family's previous aircraft. "It's the most we've ever done," says completions sales representative Angie Coleman.

Robert Duncan says the aircraft reflects the company's creativity and craftsmanship. "This is just another way to showcase what Duncan Aviation is, what we are capable of, what we love, how much fun the company is. This talks about having fun, and we do have fun at Duncan Aviation. Yeah, it's a wonderful expression of the company."