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June 15, 2001
 Sabreliner Corp. and its Midcoast Aviation subsidiary today officially delivered a repaired Gulfstream aircraft to the United States Marine Corps, returning it to service after being seriously damaged by a tornado. The extensive repair saved the government - and ultimately, taxpayers - nearly $30 million in replacement costs.
The aircraft, designated by the military as a C-20G, is a Gulfstream GIV with special modifications and features added for government use. It was on the ground in Miami on Feb. 2, 1998 when a tornado struck, causing other aircraft and heavy ground equipment to be thrown against it. The cockpit and forward parts of the fuselage were crushed, the left wing torn open, and the tail damaged when it was forced against a concrete wall.
Initial inspections indicated the aircraft might be declared a total loss, but further analysis by Sabreliner engineers and consulting specialists demonstrated that the aircraft could be completely repaired and restored to full service. The Marine Corps and the United States Navy, which oversees the budget for the aircraft, agreed and accepted the recommendation for repair, at a cost of $11 million. Replacement, including the special government features and modifications, would have cost at least $40 million, and taken up to four years for production and delivery.
Navy and Marine Corps officials urged Congress to authorize the repair cost, and members of the Missouri and Illinois delegations, led by Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-MO), were successful in getting the funding appropriated and authorized.
"Sen. Bond was very persuasive and worked hard to win approval for this appropriation. With his help, Sabreliner and the Marine Corps were able to save the government - and ultimately the taxpayer - nearly $30 million," said D. J. "Jim" Meier, vice president, government services for Sabreliner. |
| "So often in cases of major damage to aircraft, the tendency is to declare it a total loss and write it off. In this case, the Navy and Marine Corps appreciated the economy of the repair approach, and so did the Congress," Meier said. "We've helped save the government both time and money, and we are proud to have played an important role."
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Fred McCorkle, the deputy commandant for aviation, was on hand for the roll-out of the aircraft at Sabreliner Corp.'s Midcoast Aviation operation at St. Louis Downtown Airport, where the company has established a reputation for major modifications and structural repairs on executive aircraft at significant savings to their owners. |
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Fred McCorkle, the deputy commandant for aviation, accepts repaired aircraft during ceremonies at Midcoast Aviation. Seated: Donald J. "Jim" Meier, Sabreliner Vice President - Government Services, Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Ill.), Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-Mo.) and Gary Driggers, Midcoast Vice Chairman. |
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"The work on this airplane has enhanced our structural repair reputation and brought us other opportunities to transform damaged aircraft into beautiful birds," said Gary L. Driggers, Midcoast vice chairman in his remarks at the rollout ceremony. "We have become recognized nationally as the team to evaluate damaged aircraft and, if possible, return them to service. I am not aware of any other independent repair operation that can perform this extensive scope of work."
Midcoast Aviation is currently repairing two seriously damaged Falcon 900 aircraft. The first suffered extensive damage to its undercarriage - from its nose to wings - in a crash landing. The second aircraft ran off the end of a runway, destroying the landing gear and one wing.
Sabreliner maintains the U.S. government's fleet of C-20 aircraft (Gulfstream models GIII and GIV) used by ranking officials of the military, congress and executive branches.
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