Nearing FAA Type Certification For The Modifications

Airframe modification and MRO company Butler National Corporation says it is nearing completion of a supplemental type certificate project for a Learjet 20 series stage 3 noise suppression device.

The Learjet 20 series airplanes are subject to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. The Act has provisions that ban the operation of the Learjet 20 series airplanes in the United States after December 31, 2015. The unmodified airplanes do not meet the current FAA Stage 3 noise level requirements. Installation of the Avcon Noise Suppressor on the Learjet 20 series airplanes should allow continued use of the airplanes in 2016 and beyond. Installations of the Avcon Noise Suppressor STC product are expected to begin in the fall of 2013.

"Butler National and Avcon are committed to the support of Classic Aviation Products and to the support of the fleet of approximately 400 Classic 20 series Learjets currently flying worldwide. The Avcon Noise Suppressor STC will join an impressive list of over 100 STC enhancements, including RVSM, designed by Avcon to improve the stability, reliability, versatility and utility of the Classic Learjets. The JET FC-110 autopilot used in the Learjet 20 series airplanes is owned and supported by Butler National and may be enhanced with modern electronic components. We also have approved WAAS approach coupling solutions to the autopilot.

"Some of the seven hundred thirty-five Learjet 20 series built since 1965 have been out of service pending a solution for the State 3 noise requirements. We expect some of these may be restored to service. Our goal is to provide a cost-effective alternative to these owners who would like to continue to fly their Learjet 20 series airplanes," said Clark Stewart, President and CEO of Butler National Corporation.

(Learjet 24 image from file.)

FMI: www.butlernational.com