In May, Sikorsky Aircraft applied a revolutionary paint and corrosion protection system to a new-production U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter for the first time. What makes the system -- consisting of a conversion coating, primer and top coat -- so different is that it is entirely free of hexavalent chrome, or "chrome VI" as it is more commonly known.

Despite record sales of new business aircraft, legacy corporate jets and turboprops continue to fly. For the MRO industry, keeping those aircraft airborne presents increasing opportunities. Along with the usual cabin refurbishments and flightdeck upgrades, many aircraft are, or soon will be, in need of complex structural repairs requiring unique engineering solutions.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Applying Lean industrial practices to the aviation MRO business is a practical yet challenging proposition, according to the industry consultants and front line staff who participated in the AVIATION WEEK Management Forum "Lean and Six Sigma for MRO" held here in early October.