Alaskan Firm Already Holds IO-360 Installation STC for Cessna C-175

This oughta kick-start a few of those lovely ol' Cessna 175s wasting away in a few hangars... Stoots Aviation of Fairbanks, Alaska, an STC OEM for Lycoming, is in the process of gaining its second Lycoming-related STC -- for the aforementioned classic Cessna.

The latest Stoots STC covers the installation of Lycoming's 210hp IO-390 on the Cessna C-175. The firm already owns an STC for the installation of the Lycoming 200hp IO-360 on the Cessna C-175. The IO-390 earned type certification from the FAA in April 2009.

"The IO-390 is a fantastic upgrade option for those who want more power and efficiency, are nearing an overhaul, or are considering a remanufactured engine," said Dennis Racine, Lycoming director of marketing and program management. "That's why we are pursuing our own STCs for it with Cessna C-177 Cardinals and airframes from other manufacturers as well."

Stoots Aviation owner Dave Stoots has installed an IO-390 on his own C-175.

"After doing the work on the IO-360 STC, the IO-390 was the next logical step," says Stoots, an A&P mechanic with a private pilot's license and a float rating. "The 390 is more powerful and more efficient on fuel burn." The C-175 is the primary multi-STC for both installations. When the IO-390 installation is approved by the FAA, Stoots intends to transfer the IO-390 STC to the C-172.

Established in 1979, Stoots Aviation specializes in high-performance Lycoming Engine conversions, propeller upgrades, and tail wheel conversions on Cessna Models 170, 172 and 175. The owner has more than 3,500 hours flying year-round on wheels, floats and skis.

FMI: www.lycoming.com, http://www.stootsaviation.com