PWI Expands King Air 90 LED Cabin Lighting to All Aircraft Serial Numbers
PWI Inc. has expanded its King Air 90 LED cabin lighting system supplemental type certificate approval to include later serial number King Air 90 aircraft – LJ-1299 and after – so it now encompasses all King Air models and serial numbers under the STC approval.
In a news release, PWI said a wiring change made during aircraft production necessitated the addition of fluorescent lighting power supplies under the aircraft floor. This newer lighting system arrangement is like the fluorescent lighting power supplies in the King Air 250. Earlier 90 models have a metal strip combined with a small power supply over the cabin window.
According to PWI, the cabin lighting in the Model 90 is simply light strips providing indirect cabin lighting. While the 90 has overhead reading lights, there are no aisle headliner lights. All King Air 90s have seven illuminated cabin windows. The LED lights are supplied on a metal bracket, mounting to the aircraft using hook-and-loop fastener material, for a simple installation. It is a direct replacement without the need to complete FAA Form 337.
Once the high-voltage fluorescent power supplies are removed during the installation of the replacement LED system, included power connection hardware connects the 28-volt aircraft power directly to the cabin lighting system. Power supplies of any type are eliminated, reducing a potential failure point.
“PWI has had STC LED cabin systems for many years and this final addition to our STC wraps up all of the King Airs that originally used our fluorescent cabin lighting,” Rick Estes, PWI’s CEO and president, said in the release. “PWI has decades of King Air cabin lighting experience and over time we have developed the largest selection of interior and exterior LED lighting products for King Airs – 27 parts to be precise.”
PWI said its LED cabin lighting systems for any aircraft offer a 100,000-hour service life, create no heat and require no maintenance. The LED cabin light installation reuses the original aircraft lighting wiring and the LEDs are powered by the aircraft-supplied 28 volts – without high-voltage fluorescent light power inverters. Replacing cabin fluorescent lighting ceases buzz, hum, flicker or slow light starts while offering a newer, more modern cabin appearance.
The PWI part number for these later King Air 90 serial numbers (LJ-1299 and later) is 6900422-012 and comes with a three-year PWI warranty. PWI’s FAA-approved LED aviation upgrades can be purchased directly or through the maker’s dealer and distribution network. Contact PWI at sales@pwi-e.com or call 316-942-2811. Source: pwi-e.com
Textron Aviation Commemorates 15 Years for Prague Service Center
Textron Aviation recently celebrated 15 years of supporting customers at its Prague Service Center, part of the company’s global service network.
Located at Prague International Airport (LKPR), the service center was established to meet the evolving needs of operators across Europe, where approximately 1,700 turbine aircraft are supported within the region. With company-owned service centers in Prague, Zurich, Paris, Valencia and Düsseldorf, the network provides factory-direct support close to where customers operate.
The Prague Service Center spans approximately 6,100 square feet and provides scheduled maintenance, interior upgrades and select modifications, helping customers maintain performance and reliability throughout the lifecycle of their aircraft. Source: txtav.com
PWI Announces New President/CEO To Replace Retiring Lorik
After nearly 50 years working in the business started by his father Miklos Lorik in 1963, Robi Lorik announced in July that he has retired as president and CEO. He served in the position since 2019 and will remain on the board of directors.
Robi worked through nearly every job function at Precision Winding Incorporated. His primary role for several decades was in sales, creating a dealer network for aircraft lighting products and building relationships with national and international customers.
Most recently as president, Robi made major improvements in accounting and sales/inventory software and added international aircraft lighting product approvals from Europe, Mexico and Brazil to the mature LED product line.
Taking over as president and CEO is Rick Estes. Hired in 2016 as CTO, Estes has an extensive background in engineering and broad industry experience in managing manufacturing operations.
“New product development will play a key role in long-term company success,” Estes said in a news release. “Broad, in-house engineering capabilities make new projects outside of aircraft lighting more accessible.”
In other staff news, Eric Dahlinger was promoted from marketing manager to vice president of corporate communications. Source: pwi-e.com
Beechcraft Denali Continues Flight Test Progress
Textron Aviation provided an update on the status of its clean-sheet single-engine Beechcraft Denali turboprop program during EAA AirVenture in late July in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The company reported the Denali program continues to progress through the final phases of flight testing with more than 4,100 flight hours across 1,650 flights in three test articles.
The Denali remains on schedule to complete all flight test activities in October of this year. Textron Aviation then will submit final flight test documentation to the FAA for certification and expects the aircraft to enter into service in 2027.
The first aircraft powered with GE Aerospace’s Catalyst engine, the Denali’s projections are for cruise speeds of 285 knots, full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds and a range of 1,600 nautical miles at high-speed cruise with one pilot and four passengers. The flat-floor cabin has a standard seating configuration of six individual reclining seats and offers a nine-place high density seating option. An optional externally serviceable belted lavatory in the rear of the cabin is available. Source: txtav.com