Blackhawk Awaiting Approval for Latest King Air 350 Engine/Prop STC
The Blackhawk Group announced at EAA AirVenture in late July that it has submitted all flight test data to the Federal Aviation Administration and is awaiting supplemental type certificate approval for the integration of Hartzell Propeller’s 5-blade composite propeller with Blackhawk’s XP67A Engine+ upgrade for King Air 350 aircraft. 
The combination provides a 24% increase in available horsepower, according to Blackhawk, which adds that operators can expect improved performance including cruise speeds exceeding 337 knots and climbs to FL350 in fewer than 18 minutes.
Hartzell’s 5-blade composite propeller sheds approximately 10 pounds per side of the aircraft compared to standard 4-blade aluminum propellers. A reduced diameter lowers cabin and exterior noise while improving comfort and operational efficiency.
Blackhawk’s XP67A Engine+ upgrade replaces the stock Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A engines with 1,200 SHP PT6A-67A powerplants. The company said the XP67A has been in service for more than eight years and continues to demonstrate reliability and improved performance across a wide range of operating environments, including high and hot conditions.
“This STC approval is a major step forward for King Air 350 operators seeking to elevate the performance of their aircraft without the cost of a new airframe,” said Edwin Black, president of Blackhawk’s Proprietary Upgrades division. “By combining Hartzell’s cutting-edge propeller technology with our proven XP67A engine upgrade, we’re offering a next-level solution that maximizes value, performance and long-term ROI.”
Black added: “The Hartzell composite propeller has been tested extensively with over 50,000 flight hours, 20 lightning strike simulations and more than 200 bird strike tests. It boasts unlimited blade life and a proven track record of reliability across global fleets. The result is increased fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance demands and maximized uptime for operators.”
The Hartzell 5-blade propeller/XP67A upgrade pairing is available to new and existing Blackhawk King Air 350 customers.
“We’re proud to launch this game-changing 5-blade carbon fiber propeller STC for Blackhawk-powered King Air 350s,” said JJ Frigge, president of Hartzell Propeller. “It’s the ultimate performance upgrade – lighter, quieter and engineered for maximum thrust and ramp appeal. Operators can now unlock the full potential of their Blackhawk conversion with unmatched efficiency and style.”
Source: blackhawk.aero
Blackhawk Reaches 2,000th PT6A Engine Delivery Milestone
The Blackhawk Group said it has received delivery of its 2,000th Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine since the modification provider’s original founding in 1999.
The PT6A engine has been a cornerstone of general aviation since its inception. With more than 500 million flight hours and tens of thousands of engines in service, the PT6A remains one of the most reliable and trusted turboprop engines in the world. Since 1999, Blackhawk has partnered with operators of Beechcraft King Airs, Cessna Caravans, Piper Cheyennes, Daher TBMs and Pilatus PC-12s to deliver PT6A upgrades.
Blackhawk’s XP Engine+ programs offer a range of PT6A models including the PT6A-52, -61, -67A, -67P, -66D, -135A and -140. The company said these factory-new engines not only enhance aircraft performance but also provide peace of mind with zero-time status, full factory warranties and the latest advancements in PT6A technology, especially when it comes to the XP67A upgrade for the King Air 300/350 series, which Blackhawk said is its most transformative conversion.
“Deciding to do the XP67A Blackhawk conversion on our King Air 300 was the best decision we have made,” said Rob Van Hofwegen, a King Air 300 pilot. “It meets every expectation that was presented to us and has performed in a way that gives us a better safety margin while saving us money year after year. When I go to recurrent and share my stories, everyone’s eyes get big when I describe my rocket ship of a King Air to them. I would highly recommend that anyone considering the Blackhawk conversion do it. You will not regret it!”
Blackhawk, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, said its PT6A upgrade programs have helped operators avoid costly overhauls and achieve higher resale values while improving mission readiness and reliability.
“This milestone is more than a number – it’s a reflection of the trust our customers place in us and the strength of our collaboration with Pratt &Whitney Canada,” said Blackhawk CEO Chad Cundiff. “At The Blackhawk Group, we’re driven by a belief that legacy aircraft still have untapped potential. The 2,000th PT6A engine delivery is proof that when you pair the right technology with the right team, performance has no limits.”
Source: blackhawk.aero
Textron Aviation Marks 55 Years of the Wichita Service Center, 45 at its Houston Service Center
Textron Aviation’s network of service centers is marking two major operating milestones this year. The Wichita Service Center at Eisenhower National Airport (KICT) is celebrating 55 years, while the Houston Service Center at William P. Hobby Airport (KHOU) turns 45. Both provide maintenance, interior upgrades and exterior modifications for Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers.
Wichita’s 440,000-square-foot service center is the largest of the company’s 20 service centers around the world and is adjacent to Textron Aviation headquarters. When the facility first opened as the Citation Service Center in December 1970, it was 7,500 square feet and capable of holding six Citations at once. Today, the massive facility can accommodate more than 100 aircraft simultaneously. Nearly 600 employees currently work at the Wichita Service Center, including four who have been with the company for more than 40 years.
“When I talk with customers who bring their aircraft to the Wichita Service Center, they say they feel confident coming to the experts who built their aircraft right here in the Air Capital of the World,” Steve Schatzman, general manager of the Wichita Service Center, said in a news release.
The Wichita Service Center provides all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance services, heavy structural work, paint, avionics and interior refurbishments. The facility is considered a key hub for major modifications and upgrades thanks to its highly skilled mechanics and technicians.
The Houston Service Center is a 58,000-square-foot facility that first opened in 1980. Six employees have worked in the facility for nearly 40 years.
With its proximity to the southern border of the U.S., the Houston Service Center employs multiple bilingual service representatives and technicians and is a certified foreign repair station with approval from Mexico and Costa Rica. The center supports more than 20 surrounding airports including two major airports in KHOU and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (KIAH).
“We’re grateful for our dedicated employees who have consistently delivered unparalleled support and to our customers for trusting us with their aviation needs for the last 45 years,” Chad White, general manager of the Houston Service Center, said in a news release.
In addition to its company-owned 20 service centers – including 11 domestic service centers – Textron Aviation’s jet and turboprop customers have access to a global network of more than 300 authorized service facilities. The company also offers a mobile support program featuring more than 50 mobile service units and on-site service technicians and support.
Source: txtav.com/service