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.

FMI: www.kestrel.aero