Spectra Jet Inc. Receives FAA Authorization

Spectra Jet Inc., located in Springfield, Ohio (KSGH), received FAA authorization to inspect, service and repair Challenger 300 and 600 series aircraft.

For the past eight years, Spectra Jet focused its Certified Repair Station exclusively on all models of Learjets. With the newly completed 18,000-square-foot hangar at Airpark Ohio in full operation, John Yegerlehner, Owner and Chief Inspector said that maintaining Challengers was the logical next level in the company’s master plan. "What better way to celebrate our 10 year anniversary as a company," he said.

On April 16, 2008, the FAA Cincinnati FSDO granted Spectra Jet approval, adding Limited Ratings for Challenger 300 and 600 series airframes to the Repair Station Certificate. Powerplant ratings for each series are being sought and should be obtained by the time Spectra's second large hangar on Blue Sky Drive opens for business.

The company’s first priority has always been quality. Beyond that, the need to have ample hangar floor space for the larger Challenger Aircraft has made facility construction all the more important.

Spectra Jet’s ambitious facility construction plan consists of six phases. The phase-one hangar was completed last September. The second and third phase structures will be completed together by late 2009. Phase two and three represent a $3 million construction program effort. The 22,500-square-foot hangar, Springfield’s largest, measuring 150 feet by 150 feet, will sit between the second 6,000-square-foot maintenance shop area and an even larger executive office-lounge complex for Spectra Jet Headquarters.

Mike Catherwood, Owner and President, said the intention was to make the facility grow at a pace consistent with new workload expansions. "This isn’t always possible, but, our overall plan seems to be working," he said.

Spectra Jet’s very narrow focus on Learjet Maintenance and its determination to stick with just one World-class Manufacturer has been a critical factor in Company success, enabling a profitable 30 percent growth rate since 2000.

Jim Major, Logistics Manager, said that the company had already worked Challengers for several major Fractional Providers for many years. "Challenger Maintenance being added to the Repair Station is simply an extension of what we already know and love," he said. "After all, wasn’t it Bill Lear who drew-up the first Challenger?"