Duncan Aviation Unveils Unique GLEX with Custom Topographic Design

Duncan Aviation proudly showcases a custom GLEX featuring a striking blue and black paint scheme with a one-of-a-kind topographic map design on its tail. This standout project was completed at Duncan Aviation's full-service facility in Lincoln, Nebraska.

You can witness the aircraft's transformation by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxfVRBE7xM0

Collaborative Design Process

The unique design was the result of a collaborative effort between Duncan Aviation Designer Jaime Blanken and the owner's residential interior designers at Alicia Cheung Design and Eva Bradley Studio.

"They sent me pictures of various interior designs they had created for the owner, which helped me understand the colors and styles he prefers," said Blanken. "The aircraft interior was already blue, and he wanted to extend that palette to the exterior."

Alicia Cheung, principal of Alicia Cheung Design, said they've had the privilege of designing several of the owner's homes over the years, and when the opportunity to design his aircraft came about, they were beyond excited to extend their collaboration and create a space that reflects his unique style and vision in the sky.

She went on to say, "Working with Jaime was a fantastic experience. She was attentive to all our feedback, highly collaborative, and always friendly. Her expertise and approachability made the process seamless! I would love to work with her again on a future project."

Eva Bradley, principal of Eva Bradley Studio, said the Duncan Aviation team was an absolute pleasure to work with.

"Their expertise and professionalism were evident every step of the way," she said. "Alicia and I always felt well-supported, and no question, request, or change was ever too much for them to handle. Their 'can-do' attitude was incredibly reassuring and made for a productive and enjoyable working relationship."

Innovative Features

The aircraft's most eye-catching feature is a gradient fade from stone grey on the nose to ocean blue pearl down the fuselage, complemented by the topographic map on the tail, done in Regal Blue Pearl. The map represents a location of personal significance to the owner, making the design both distinctive and meaningful.

"We wanted to try something new," explained Blanken. "After selecting the map, we positioned it to fit the tail perfectly. We completed the left side first and then positioned a portion of the map on the right side of the tail to extend the map in the opposite direction, ensuring accuracy and balance. I always enjoy being as creative as possible, along with personalizing the design for the client."

The finished product allowed for an out-of-the-box design that will resonate with the owner for years to come.

"I love the finished product," exclaimed Bradley. "The color palette is stunning, striking a perfect balance between timeless elegance with a contemporary twist. It feels like a true home away from home. I'm particularly impressed with the impeccable execution of the paint and the thoughtful attention to every detail throughout the process."

A Team Effort

The successful completion of this aircraft's custom paint scheme was a team effort. The Layout team played a crucial role in applying the map design and ensuring seamless transitions across the aircraft's complex curves, both inside and out.

"Transforming a two-dimensional design into a flawless finish on a curved aircraft surface is no easy task," said Paint Team Lead Cody Hasse. "But their attention to detail made it look effortless."

Team Hasse applied the custom paint scheme to perfection, and sprayed the fade after collaborating closely with the Director of Maintenance to finalize the line locations, starting, and stopping points. Their precision ensured the design aligned with the aircraft's contours. Long hours were spent making sure every line was crisp, and every detail flawless before the final clear coat was applied to the entire aircraft.

Once the paint work was complete, the aircraft moved to the Detail team where they applied the finishing touches. This phase brought the project together and elevated the finished product to an exceptional level. The Detail team faced unique challenges, including extensive sealer work after the paint was completed. They worked their magic, applying and painting the sealer in such a way that it appeared as one continuous, fluid design. Their craftsmanship ensured a stunning, cohesive final look.

"This project went smoothly thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Paint, Layout, and Detail teams," said Hasse. "The outstanding support from Airframe was also instrumental in our success. By efficiently removing panels as needed and allowing additional time with the aircraft, they enabled us to deliver a product that exceeded expectations."