Launches Kestrel Aeroworks Modification Branch
By John Ylinen
Alan Klapmeier at Kestrel Aircraft Company announced the
formation of a new aircraft modification branch called Kestrel
Aeroworks. The company will bring added value and modernization to
variety of airplane types. Led by the same engineers, designers and
aviators as Kestrel Aircraft, the team brings decades of expertise
from a number of aircraft companies including Piper, Beechcraft,
Cirrus, Cessna, Honeywell and Boeing.
Alan Klapmeier
Kestrel Aeroworks will initially focus on avionics and
ergonomics modifications to Piper Meridians and will branch out to
more complex and additional aircraft types such as Cirrus.
“The purpose of Kestrel Aeroworks is take existing
aircraft and make them into more modern, more comfortable, more
pilot friendly aircraft," said Kestrel Aircraft Chairman and CEO,
Alan Klapmeier, announcing the new venture Tuesday at AirVenture.
"Initially, we will focus on offering Piper Meridian customers an
opportunity to significantly improve their airplanes with the
installation of a redesigned cockpit utilizing the Avidyne R9
avionics suite. The R9 implementation will be the new 3 screen
implementations that include Radar and Meridian Engine monitoring.
In addition, we will be offering them a number of airframe
enhancements, ergonomic improvements, and speed modifications.
Kestrel Aeroworks will also be working with Cirrus customers,
bringing additional value and utility to their flying experience as
well.”
Klapmeier said that this would be a great way to ramp up on the
R9 and instrument and interior design while the design and
engineering for the Kestrel turboprop moved forward. He indicated
it would not impact the schedule or financing for that effort. He
also indicated that exact pricing for the upgrades for Meridians
had not be set as exact options are still be researched. He said
the team was targeting about $130,000.
Kestrel
On the Turboprop project ... Klapmeier indicated that they were
not taking orders or deposits at this time. They were taking
“Expressions of Interest” to be put on a list so when
they were ready; those individuals would get to decide if they want
an order and put down a deposit that he indicated would be put in
escrow and have very specific terms on when the dollars are used in
the delivery process.
Kestrel Aeroworks will be located at the Company’s
Brunswick Landing, Maine, manufacturing facility, with work to
commence in the fourth quarter, completion of aircraft will have to
wait tell the R9 three screen certification and STC for Meridian is
approved by the FAA.
NTSB Prelim: Piper PA-23
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