Sept-Oct 2009 On The Radar

Elite S623 Helicopter Certified As AATD
Elite Simulation Solutions' S623 helicopter training device has received FAA certification as an advanced aviation training device (AATD) with the maximum flying-hour credits that can be awarded to a helicopter flight training device. The dual-control, single-engine, turbine-powered helicopter trainer was designed and modeled after the Eurocopter AS350. A twin-engine turbine model is in development. The device is FAA-approved for the following flying credits: 20 hours toward the instrument rating, 25 hours toward the commercial rating and 25 hours toward the ATP rating. The S623 also can be used for instrument proficiency checks, instrument currency requirements and 2.5 hours toward the helicopter private pilot license. Visit www.flyelite.com.

Lycoming Receives Cessna Supplier Award
For the second consecutive year, Lycoming Engines has earned Cessna Aircraft Company's Supplier Tracking and Reporting System (STARS) award for being one of the airframe manufacturer's top suppliers. Lycoming scored 100% on-time delivery with a defects rate of less than 100 parts per million for every month of 2008. Lycoming, the only engine manufacturer to achieve this status using the Cessna system, also achieved the honor in 2008. "Being a key supplier to one of the world's great aircraft manufacturers means adhering to incredibly high standards of quality and on-time delivery," said Ian Walsh, Lycoming's senior vice president and general manager. "The fact that we're delivering propulsion systems, as opposed to just a single part, makes this an even greater achievement for us." Cessna uses its proprietary STARS as the primary tool to measure each supplier's performance. STARS rates suppliers in four key business areas: quality, reliability, adherence to schedule and cost performance. Visit www.lycoming.com and www.cessna.com.

Hawker Beechcraft Launches King Air C90GTx
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation has launched its new Beechcraft King Air C90GTx, which marks the eighth major King Air upgrade the company has introduced since 2003. "The C90GTx is the latest example of our commitment to keeping the Beechcraft King Air family [as] the most successful turboprop lineup in aviation history," said Bill Boisture, Hawker Beechcraft's chairman and CEO. Key enhancements to the new C90GTx include an increase in gross weight and the addition of composite winglets. The C90GTx's maximum ramp and takeoff weights have been increased by 385 pounds to 10,545 and 10,485 pounds, respectively. This increase in maximum weight provides the new C90GTx with a full-fuel payload of more than 750 pounds. The C90GTx will be available beginning in early 2010. Visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.

Financing Option & Caravan Upgrade From Blackhawk
Blackhawk Modifications' new Engine Financing Program offers up to 100% financing to qualified U.S. buyers. The program may include the price tag, shipping fees and installation costs for factory-new Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines. Terms of the program allow qualified customers to finance their engine purchase using a 15-year fully amortized loan schedule with a balloon payment due after five years. Furthermore, the tax savings under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 may offset the monthly payments made in 2009. This program is available for engine models PT6A-61, -52, -42 and -135A. Operators of Cheyenne I, II and IIXL and the Conquest I should contact Blackhawk to discuss their financing options on a case-by-case basis.

Additionally, Blackhawk's new 850 shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engine provides an extra 175 shp to the Cessna Grand Caravan. Among other benefits, it provides a 15% increase in cruise speed and a 5% increase in gross takeoff weight. Certification is expected in Q4 2009. "This engine is a game-changer for the ’workhorse' Caravan---now it's a powerhouse performer with incredible flexibility," said Blackhawk President and CEO Jim Allmon. Visit www.blackhawk.aero. TCM FADEC Certification
Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) has received FAA certification on TSIOF-550, its first Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) turbocharged engine. "We developed and certified the Turbo FADEC 550 in response to requests from airframe manufacturers wanting a high-horsepower-engine offering that's mated with advanced electronic engine controls," said TCM President Rhett Ross. The TSIOF-550 provides 350 hp at 2,600 rpm and a 22,000-foot critical altitude. An experimental version of the TSIOF-550 has been flying on a Lancair IVP for more than 550 hours. It has enabled the aircraft to achieve economy cruise speeds of 255 knots with a 17.5 gph fuel burn. Visit www.teledyne.com.

New Diamond Certification & Partnership
Diamond Aircraft has received Transport Canada certification for its Lycoming IO-360--powered DA42 L360. The STC permits production of new aircraft and factory retrofit of previously delivered TAE-powered DA42-TDI Twin Stars. The L360 joins the recently certified DA42 NG, powered by Diamond's proprietary 170 hp Austro Engine AE300 turbodiesel powerplant. "Diamond is dedicated to the advancement of GA powerplant technology, specifically the jet-fuel piston engines. However, some customers expressed a desire to combine the DA42's proven airframe with familiar and conventional avgas engines. As with our popular DA40, we're pleased that we can now offer the same great DA42 airframe with a choice of engines," said Diamond President Peter Maurer.

Additionally, Diamond has chosen Airline Transport Professionals (ATP) as its flight training provider, with 20 D-Jets currently on order. ATP will provide factory-authorized type-rating and recurrent training and support services for the new VLJ at several of its centers nationwide. The training is aimed primarily at the owner/pilot market, which focuses on an initial pilot-candidate assessment and six- to nine-day comprehensive programs. Visit www.atpflightschool.com and www.diamondaircraft.com.

Diesel Liberty
Liberty Aerospace unveiled the first XL2 fitted with the Wilksch Turbo Diesel engine at EAA AirVenture 2009. The aircraft burns Jet A fuel and is designed to appeal to the international marketplace, in which 100LL is expensive and hard to obtain. "Our international customers have been very clear to us," commented Keith Markley, Liberty's president and CEO. "They need an alternative fuel to the 100LL for aircraft they are running in their flight training fleets." Visit www.libertyaircraft.com and www.wilksch.com.

New 2009 TBM 850 Order
Daher-Socata sold a 2009 TBM 850 to the Carlisle Carrier Corporation's CEO, Dave Metzler, which will replace his previous TBM 850 as the company's corporate transportation tool. This order was finalized at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in July. The new aircraft will be delivered before the end of 2009. The TBM 850 is available via Daher-Socata's existing direct sales and distribution network, and is supported by its extensive worldwide system of service centers. Visit www.daher.com and www.tbm850.com.

Kissimmee Air Museum & Warbird Adventures
After spending four years in Hawaii establishing the Pacific Aviation Museum-Pearl Harbor, KT Budde-Jones and her husband, Syd Jones, have joined the new and recently expanded Kissimmee Air Museum at Kissimmee Gateway Airport in Florida. KT will be planning special flying events and activities for aviation enthusiasts. Syd will be assisting the WWII Fighter Aircraft Foundation with the restoration of its Focke-Wulf Fw 190 to flight-worthy status. Visit www.warbirdadventures.com.

Rockwell Collins Chooses L-3
L-3 Avionics Systems' GH-3900 Electronic Standby Instrument System (ESIS) has been selected by Rockwell Collins for its Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics system. The contract is for 10 years, with production units slated for 2012. "For more than 10 years, L-3 andRockwell Collins have been bringing our respective technologies together to benefit the market," said Larry Riddle, L-3's vice president of business development. "The combination of our electronic standby system with Rockwell Collins' Pro Line Fusion avionics system provides a complete cockpit solution that enhances situational awareness and safety." Designed to replace conventional electro-mechanical standby attitude, airspeed and altitude instruments, the solid-state GH-3900 ESIS is capable of providing all three functions---plus heading, slip/skid, navigation data and vertical speed---in a single three-inch, flat-panel display. The GH-3900 ESIS has an integrated air-data sensor card with pitot static connections directly to the unit. Visit www.L-3avionics.com and www.rockwellcollins.com