The commercial airline sector is well known for being a cyclical industry, where there are periods of growth in addition to periods of economic downturn and contraction. It is quite common especially during periods of low passenger demand, like for instance during the COVID pandemic, for aircraft to be placed in storage until airlines deem that there is sufficient passenger demand again that requires the aircraft to be reintroduced.
50 miles north of San Bernardino in Southern California lies a relatively unknown airport with no commercial flights. However, upon arrival at the airfield, you’ll find a plethora of different aircraft types and airlines from across the planet.
ComAv Technical Services is based at this airport, one of the largest aircraft maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) companies in the world. The commercial aviation service provider has a total storage capacity for at least 500 aircraft.
 100vw, 810px” data-recalc-dims=”1″><figcaption>An aerial shot of ComAv Technical Services facilities. Photo by Karam Sodhi | AeroNewsX.</figcaption></figure>
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<h3>A preservative location</h3>
<p>Southern California Logistics Airport, or SCLA, also commonly known by its IATA airport code, VCV, is often referred to by many as an aircraft graveyard or boneyard, however, the reality is that the airport is an open storage facility for aircraft with a variety of repair and maintenance-specific facilities from cabin refitting to a painting bay. While there is a small section of the airfield dedicated to the aircraft scrapping process, 80% of all aircraft that arrive, eventually leave for either the same or a new operator.</p>
<p>Originally a United States Air Force flight training base from 1941, the airfield was converted for civilian use following the closure of George Air Force Base (GFAB) in 1992. ComAv Technical Services has been based at Southern California Logistics Airport (VCV) for nearly 23 years and its 240-acre desert-like environment makes it an ideal location for aircraft preservation.</p>
<p>ComAv currently employs around 250 people, however during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has taken on over 50 new employees in order the manage and maintain the 400 or so aircraft at its facility. To promote flexibility and a stronger workforce, if any employees are contacted by their old employers to return to their jobs, they are encouraged to do so.</p>
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“For 22 years we have been the largest employer at the airport and that can provide many different options for career and promotional paths in the aviation industry.”
Lisa Christine, Executive Director of Corporate Initiatives
 100vw, 810px” data-recalc-dims=”1″><figcaption>Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner registered VH-ZNM in temporary storage at ComAv Technical Services prior to delivery to the Australian flag carrier. Photo by Karam Sodhi | AeroNewsX.</figcaption></figure>
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<h3>Storing an aircraft</h3>
<p>In order to preserve an asset like a commercial aircraft, it must undergo a series of regular maintenance tests and checks, which can include systems such as the aircraft’s avionics, hydraulics, electronics etc.</p>
<p>If an aircraft is being stored for several months which is usually the case at Victorville Airport, ComAv will put the aircraft into what can only be described as an “aircraft coma,” which usually involves draining all the aircraft’s fluids, sealing the doors and covering the engines.</p>
<p>In addition to covering the engines, the aircraft wheels among other parts are tarped in mylar, a polyester film known for its extreme tensile strength and stability, which helps protect the aircraft against sunlight, moisture and insects. The material also creates a good oxygen barrier protecting the aircraft’s tires from corrosion or dust.</p>
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New and used
It is also important to highlight that it is not just used and older aircraft that are parked at ComAv Technical Services facilities in Victorville. In fact, many brand new aircraft have also been placed into temporary storage, including Boeing 737 MAXs, 777s and 787s that are awaiting delivery to their respective airlines.
 100vw, 810px” data-recalc-dims=”1″><figcaption>A collection of Boeing 787s at ComAv Technical Services. Photo by Karam Sodhi | AeroNewsX.</figcaption></figure>
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<h3>‘Aviation Pathway’ Programs</h3>
<p>ComAv has partnered up with local high schools and colleges to offer students the wonderful opportunity to obtain some hands-on experience in the field and to provide these students with a taste of the aviation industry. As aviation alumni from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a member of Women In Aviation International, Lisa Christine added that it has been a campaign of her’s to establish a program that would create opportunity and exposure to a career in the aviation industry.</p>
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“We provide educational on-site tour programs, job shadowing opportunities to paid internships. Partnering with Victor Valley College, they have the opportunity to study in the classroom settings and work for us to gain the hands on industry experience needed towards and airframe and powerplant license. Many of which are then employed full-time with the ComAv Technical Services for various roles they wish to pursue.”
Lisa Christine, Executive Director of Corporate Initiatives
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Source: https://aeronewsx.com/an-insight-into-victorville-airport-with-comav-technical-services/
