Over 50 years keeping the world's aircraft airworthy. FAA-certified training, component repair, and inspections — delivered on site, at your facility.
Trusted by operators & OEMs worldwide
Protect your business and reputation. Unintended downtime due to a lapse in certifications and trained technicians can cost you valuable time and money. As an FAA-certified provider, our services meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
Routine maintenance and thorough inspections are vital to keeping your aircraft in top shape. As an FAA-certified provider, we conduct inspections for all aircraft types, ensuring that each one complies with FAA regulatory standards. We identify potential issues early, helping to prevent problems before they arise.
RCF specializes in training for overhauling aircraft components to restore them to factory specifications. Whether it's engines, or other critical systems — trained to FAA's highest standards to ensure reliable, long-lasting performance.
In addition to aircraft maintenance and repairs, RCF offers FAA-certified training programs for aviation professionals. These programs provide hands-on, real-world training to ensure that your team is fully equipped to handle modern aviation challenges and comply with FAA standards.
We've done work for customers of all sizes all over the world. With a track record of over 50 years we have met the needs of numerous customers. When customers need training quickly and under budget we are the first they call.
RC Fontana Aviation is a one-person operation based in St. Louis, MO, supported by a dedicated team — specializing in FAA-certified aircraft maintenance, repair, and training. Ray is personally involved in every job, providing one-on-one, personalized service that focuses on your specific needs, with safety and precision at the forefront of every operation.
We Believe in Quality
“Do it right the first time.We don't always get a second chance.”
FAA certified training courses we provide at your location. Class size max of 10. All courses are hands-on instruction — your technicians will perform this work with full confidence upon completion.
AMS 2590 Aerospace Material Specifications
C-IND-IM-120920-K-006-001
This course provides in-depth training on the process and application of 3M Roto Flap Peen Flaps Assemblies for aerospace materials, focusing on AMS 2590 specifications. We offer this according to MIL-R-81841 military specification. MIL-R-81841 is a military specification that establishes the requirements for resurfacing structural metal parts—such as those used in aircraft—through localized repair methods. It ensures that repaired components are restored to their original dimensions and structural integrity without compromising performance. The specification covers surface preparation, application techniques, material compatibility, and strict quality assurance to maintain compliance with original design standards, making it a critical guideline for cost-effective, reliable repairs in aerospace and defense applications.
AMS 2590 Material Specification
C-IND-IM-170418-K-010-001
This course covers advanced techniques in shot peening, providing critical knowledge of the process in aerospace materials as per AMS 2590 standards and MIL-STD-2197A. MIL-STD-2197A is a military standard that specifies the procedures and quality requirements for shot peening metal parts to enhance their fatigue strength and resistance to stress-related failures. It outlines standards for shot material, intensity levels, surface coverage, equipment calibration, and operator certification to ensure consistent and effective treatment. Commonly used on high-stress components like gears, shafts, and landing gear, shot peening under this specification introduces beneficial compressive stresses that extend part life and improve performance in demanding military and aerospace applications.
IAW MIL-R-81841, MIL-STD-865, Brush Plating MIL-STD-2197
FAA Certified Course · 8 Hours
This FAA-certified course provides in-depth training in aerospace corrosion control using cadmium, nickel, and zinc electroplating systems designed for localized, on-site repair and restoration. Built around a proven brush electroplating process used throughout the aerospace and defense industries, the course focuses on practical, compliant plating techniques that restore corrosion protection, dimensional integrity, and functional performance without the need for tank immersion or component removal. Instruction is conducted in accordance with MIL-STD-865E for brush electroplating and aligns with MIL-R-81841 and MIL-STD-2197 requirements. Participants will gain a working understanding of surface preparation, process control, coating application, and quality assurance methods necessary to achieve consistent, high-quality results in certified maintenance environments. This one-day (8-hour) course qualifies for 8 hours of IA Refresher Training under 14 CFR Part 65.93(a) and is ideal for aviation maintenance professionals seeking compliant, field-deployable corrosion control solutions that reduce downtime while maintaining FAA and military standards.
AMS 2590
C-IND-IM-130509-K-006-005
This course focuses on the process of corrosion removal and control using 3M products, as well as ensuring compliance with AMS 2590 standards for aerospace materials.
Training Manual A1-T45AB-SRM-255
C-IND-IM-130509-K-006-011
This course provides training on optical surface restoration, focusing on the standards outlined in the material specifications for aerospace applications.
C-IND-IM-130509-K-006-009
Learn how to effectively use optical micrometers and ultrasonic testing equipment for aerospace applications, ensuring precise measurements and compliance with aerospace material specifications.
Being FAA-certified is more than just a credential — it represents dedication to quality, safety, and compliance. As an FAA-certified provider, we adhere to strict guidelines that ensure the airworthiness and integrity of your aircraft. As a one-person operation backed by a support team, Ray is directly involved in every step of the process — from routine checks to complex repairs.
Expert workmanship and strict processes ensure your aircraft is maintained to the highest standards.
We follow all FAA regulations, keeping your aircraft compliant and airworthy.
Every service we provide is performed with your safety as the top priority.
A one-person operation with a dedicated support team — Ray works directly with you to address your specific needs.
A decision-making framework for repairing OEM parts requiring shot peening — minimizing downtime and controlling cost without compromising compliance or quality.
— Duane Manuel
Aviation repair relies heavily on the proper maintenance and replacement of components in strict accordance with original manufacturer and FAA specifications. Shot peening plays a critical role in the final stages of component restoration prior to reinstallation. However, outsourcing shot peening can be cost-prohibitive and operationally inefficient—particularly for smaller or time-sensitive operations.
The primary cost is not just the shot peening itself, but the extended downtime incurred when an aircraft is grounded during part removal, shipment, repair, and reinstallation. Certified vendors must meet exacting quality and timeline requirements, often at a premium, which adds further pressure to already tight maintenance schedules.
For anything beyond a one-time repair, repeatedly shipping parts for shot peening services becomes increasingly inefficient. Therefore, aviation maintenance managers must carefully assess the full scope of costs, including vendor sourcing, turnaround time, and aircraft downtime, when determining how to repair shot-peened components.
This outline serves as a decision-making framework to evaluate the most cost-effective and time-efficient options for repairing OEM parts requiring shot peening—helping you minimize downtime and control costs without compromising compliance or quality.
Purchase a new part.
Sending out the part for repair.
Bringing in someone to the facility to do the work.
Send an employee to a school.
Bring in someone to train and certify employee.
Bring in someone to train, certify and work on the part at the same time.
Training sessions, component work, and on-site instruction from the field.
On site. At your facility.
Training that will enhance your company's capabilities. When you need certified technicians quickly and under budget, we're the first call.
Tell us about your aircraft, component, or training needs. We respond fast — and we're ready to come to you.
Or call directly: (314) 223-0808