STC Approves FIKI, Ups Gross Weight, Extends Warranty

Aero Twin has received additional FAA approval for improvements in its Honeywell TPE331-12JR-701AT/-703AT engine installation in both the Cessna Caravan (Model 208) and the Grand Caravan and Super Cargomaster (Model 208B) aircraft, the company announced this week.  The original FAA Supplemental Type Certificate No. SA02291AK, was awarded to Aero Twin, Inc. by the FAA Anchorage Aircraft Certification Office on July 24, 2007, which was the first FAA certified Honeywell engine upgrade for the Caravans.

The recent improvements for the Honeywell engine conversion include:

• Flight into Known Icing conditions (FIKI) is now approved for gross weights up to 9062 lbs. for the 208B Grand Caravans and the Super Cargomasters incorporating AeroAcoustics' APE III gross weight increase, including aircraft with cargo pods.
• The 208 Caravan FIKI weight has been increased to 8360 lbs.
• Relocation of the batteries to the aft fuselage maintains the aircraft's weight and balance within its empty CG limits.
• Only factory new engines are installed with a five (5) year / 2500 hour warranty.
• Twelve (12) month warranty on Aero Twin components.

The Honeywell engine provides 850 horsepower for the 208 Caravan and 950 horsepower for the 208B Grand Caravan and Super Cargomaster.  This is an increase of power by 26% for the Caravan and 41% for the Grand Caravan.  A durable 4-blade Hartzell propeller was selected to deliver the increased engine power.  Instant power response and automatic power limiting allow operators to extract immediate and full power from the engine, while reducing pilot workload.  An automatic starting system developed by Aero Twin, Inc. provides ease of operation.

"Alaskan operators have more than 3,000 flight hours on our conversions," says Tony Cestnik, President of Aero Twin, Inc. "These operators will be happy to attest to their cost savings and increased performance, especially in the inclement weather opportunities and the unimproved strips we have here in Alaska.  We have worked very hard and long in order to get our design optimized.  Now we have a finished product that is ready for delivery."

International interest has been strong, specifically from operators in high temperature and altitude conditions.  European operators will appreciate the significant reduction in acoustic signature.  Work is continuing with foreign certification entities for their approvals.

Complete engine conversion kits are available from Aero Twin, Inc. for $720,000 each.  A bulk of that cost will be offset by the sale of the OEM firewall forward assemblies.  Aero Twin is currently working to establish a worldwide series of approved installation centers. Installation time is estimated at one month. The STC is not currently eligible for TKS/G-1000 equipped Caravans.

FMI: www.aerotwin.com