Bombardier Aircraft Services (BAS) has received approval from the FAA to eliminate skin contour tests for the ongoing operation of the Learjet 31, 35, 36 and 55 in reduced vertical separation minimums (RVSM) airspace. The approval was based on aerodynamic analysis and the sampling of multiple aircraft that revealed insignificant variances over time in RVSM-critical regions. Operators are no longer required to undergo recurrent skin-mapping inspection, previously required every 24 months, a change that will reduce aircraft operation costs and down time when complying with these inspections.

Bombardier says it is the only RVSM-solution provider that statistically quantified pitot/static probes and their installation during a four-year period. The decision was based on hundreds of aircraft skin contour tests and data collection conducted by Bombardier engineers and specialists on eight Learjets–the 31, 35, 35A, 36, 36A, 55, 55B and 55C.

Bombardier has completed an STC amendment to the instructions for continued airworthiness through its BAS avionics-engineering group and the Learjet FAA-designated alteration station in Wichita. BAS now offers customers 10 STCs for RVSM solutions on 30- and 50-series Learjets. Learjets equipped with Bombardier RVSM STCs can operate without restriction throughout the entire flight envelope.