Bases Effort On "Strong Customer Response"
Premier Aircraft has begun the
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) process for the Falcon 50-4
Performance Upgrade, based on strong customer response to the
company's marketing activity.
To allow customers to coordinate the upgrade with their
anticipated Major Periodic Inspections (MPI), Core Zone Inspections
(CZI) or C inspections, Premier has authorized Honeywell Aerospace
to move forward with N1 DEEC (Digital Electronic Engine Control)
and related engineering test requirements for the
TFE731-4-1C. At the same time, Premier has also directed
Flight Test Associates in Mojave, California to begin preparation
of the Project-Specific Certification Plan for presentation to the
FAA.
The Premier program converts the customer's existing TFE731-3/3D
engines to the new TFE731-4-1C configuration and, after minor
modifications to the Falcon 50 nacelles and engine instruments,
installs the new engines on the aircraft. Nacelle-nozzle
integration tests have been completed at Honeywell's engine
facilities, and performance improvement targets have been
benchmarked. Flight Test Associates was selected by Premier
in April to support aircraft flight test and certification.
The STC award is expected in February of 2006, depending on
availability of FAA resources, the pace of the test aircraft
(Falcon 50 serial number 28) through the flight test process, and
the release of the 50-4 engine to flight status by Honeywell.
Premier plans to start customer upgrades in March 2006.
Capacity is three aircraft in March 2006, ramping up to six
aircraft per month by May.
Customers will find the upgrade most cost-effective when their
aircraft is also due for MPI, CZI or C inspections. For
customers enrolled on MSP, Honeywell is further supporting the
program by applying MSP payments against the engine conversion
cost, which can significantly reduce the upgrade list price of
$2.305 million.
While the earlier TFE-731-3D update offered by Honeywell focuses
on improved reliability / durability, the Premier Falcon 50-4
Performance Upgrade offers true performance enhancements such as
higher climb and cruise thrust, lower specific fuel consumption, up
to 26 percent greater range due to enhanced high-hot performance,
reduced time to climb, and higher initial cruise altitude, as well
providing further increases in durability, extended 2500/5000 hr
MPI/CZI intervals, and special 3yr/1800 hr engine warranty and
reduced MSP rates. Non-MSP customers will be offered the
chance to enroll at the reduced -4 hourly rate.
Jim Swehla, Premier president, said the program is developing
strong momentum. "We have several customers planning their combined
inspection/upgrade dates for early next year, and we expect
interest to increase as we move through the certification
process."