AviTrader_Monthly_MRO_e-Magazine_2015-08– Blackbird company profile:

Aircraft wheels and brakes are seriously damaged during the two most critical phases of flight — takeoff and landing. With such wear and tear, these two essential components of every aircraft require continuous overhaul for their safe operation.

Currently, after wheel and brakes are repaired, most overhaul centers rely on old-school masking tape to cover specific openings so their housings can be primed, repainted and coated. The tape is stretched and then trimmed to size with razor blades – a process that’s both tedious and labor-intensive.

After listening to constant complaints from paint shops, Rich Brown and Jason Rayman used their 30 years of aviation maintenance experience to develop a practical and lean solution. Their result is Blackbird’s unique patented masking kits. With a Blackbird kit, an aircraft wheel or brake can be masked or unmasked in less than two minutes – a dramatic savings in both time and expense over the current method. For example, a basic Citation wheel requires 40 minutes to tape. The Blackbird masking kit can accomplish the same task in just 38 seconds.

Blackbird masks snap on easily and are manufactured to the industry’s highest standards, ensuring product consistency. The paint maskings meet OEM specs detailed in the overhaul manuals and have been tested and specifically engineered for aircraft wheels and brakes. Using Blackbird’s paint maskings eliminates the potential for personal injury, overtime costs, waste and excessive disposable tape purchasing. All of Blackbird’s products can be custom-manufactured to a client’s specifications. Blackbird’s kits are currently used in Aviall, Honeywell, Aerolineas Argentinas, Safran and Messier-Bugatti’s repair maintenance facilities.

Orbs are another great aviation tool for product and brand recognition. This easy to install name plate fits in the bearing bore area of a wheel and is used to protect bearings in transit while promoting your business. Your wheels can stand out from the rest simply by incorporating your logo or company information. They can also be attached on the outside of wooden boxes and crates to instantly identify your company and/or products.

The team at Blackbird have also pioneered other solutions for aircraft wheel and brakes. Wheel stands can secure a tire in place to easily install the wheel. High quality, affordable and easy to use custom stencils quickly help to identify tire changes and dates of install. Valve stem wheel protectors prevent breakage in transit. Blackbird’s brilliant turntables can handle up to 1k lbs and makes it cinch to turn a wheel with one hand. Wheel cone stands are used during the wheel primer process. Just spray and flip – there is no waiting for one side to dry. These workhorses ensure your business is as efficient as possible saving you time and money.

Blackbird provides consulting, advanced design, engineering and manufacturing services to the aviation sector.

For more information on Blackbird: please visit http://www.blackbirdfyi.com or 954-482-4269.