FAA Certification Of New 867 Horsepower Engine Expected Early Next Year

Blackhawk Modifications has announced special introductory pricing of $550,000 for its 867 horsepower new-engine upgrade for Cessna 208 and 208B Caravans. FAA certification of the PT6A-140 upgrade program is expected early next year.

The more powerful engine is designed to replace the original 600/675 horsepower engine in non-G1000 equipped Caravans, and will bring like-new levels of performance, capability and lifting power to the hard-working Caravan fleet.

The pricing is available for a limited time, and Caravan operators are encouraged to visit with engine upgrade experts at the Blackhawk exhibit (No. 1667) during the National Business Aviation Association Convention (NBAA) this week in Orlando, FL.

Installation of Blackhawk’s more powerful PT6A-140 engine will allow Caravan owner/operators to reuse many of the existing components from their original -114/-114A powered aircraft.  The cowling, engine mount and exhaust system may all be reused with the Blackhawk -140 installation, assuming they are in good condition. This will help contain upgrade costs and limit installation time to just one week.

More than just an engine exchange, Blackhawk’s -140 upgrade includes a 325 amp starter/generator manufactured by Ametek, new Hartzell 104 inch, three-blade propeller and spinner, new Howell digital/analog engine instruments, larger capacity oil cooler and ducting, all wiring harnesses, installation instructions and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved flight manual supplements. It is a complete engine kit for a ready-to-fly installation that greatly enhances the capability of the aircraft.

“Many Caravans are working airplanes. Returning them to service as quickly as possible was a primary goal in Blackhawk’s design philosophy with our PT6A-140 new engine upgrade,” said Jim Allmon, Blackhawk Modifications President and CEO. “For those Caravan operators who want like-new aircraft performance and capability at far less cost, our -140 new engine upgrade is perfect.”

FAA certification of the PT6A-140 new engine upgrade for the first Caravan models is expected by March 2015. Additional certifications for float-equipped Caravans and aircraft outside the U.S. would follow. If certification proceeds as expected, first installations would begin next Spring, immediately following certification approvals.

The special pricing includes everything needed to complete the new engine installation.

(PT-6A image from file)

FMI: www.blackhawk.aero