Early '09 Sales Climb Beyond All Of '08

While general aviation sales have been slow in 2009, a growing number of pilots seem to be OK with cranking up the power and pouring on the speed with a Lycoming Thunderbolt engine.

In the first four months of this year, sales of Thunderbolt engines, Lycoming's line of custom experimental powerplants, climbed 16 percent over sales of Thunderbolt engines for the all of 2008 - which was the best sales year for Thunderbolt engines in Lycoming's history. 

"Thunderbolt engines provide custom solutions that meet the demands of aerobatic and experimental pilots, and customers who want something more from their engines - whether it's horsepower or capability," says Jeff Schans, Lycoming's manager of Thunderbolt sales.

Champion Aerobatic pilot Matt Chapman of West Chester, Pa., says he is glad he switched to Thunderbolt engines.

"I have had 100 percent reliability, not a single show missed," Chapman says. "Every engine has arrived on schedule, and exactly as spec'ed out. Bolt it on and go. The attention to detail during the order process with my Thunderbolt rep paid off. The engine came exactly as needed for quick and easy installation."

"On the pallet and on the plane, the Thunderbolt engine has been nothing short of breathtaking," Chapman added. "The engine is always there when I call for its 360 plus horse power to pull my show plane through the next maneuver. It's one less thing for me to worry about… in a world that is full of things to worry about."
 
Thunderbolt engines are a product of Lycoming's Advanced Technology Center (ATC) as well as its goal to provide multiple engine configuration options, based on the specific needs of individual aircraft builders. Product offerings include engines ranging from the rugged O-235 to the legendary IO-720  (pictured below). Customers can choose from a variety of available fuel systems, ignition systems and performance enhancements including component balancing, cylinder flow matching, increased compression, tuned induction and turbo-charging. Finishing options include chrome and custom colors

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The ATC, in Lycoming's Williamsport facility, was created in 2005 as a "center of excellence" for innovation. It is part of Lycoming's vision to be the premier aviation engine company, recognized for products, innovation and service that exceed the expectations of our customers.

FMI: www.lycoming.com