OSHKOSH — Blackhawk Modifications, a provider of new engine Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) upgrades for single- and twin-engine turboprop aircraft, has reached a milestone: The installation of its 500th new engine upgrade.
The historic upgrade included installation of two new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 engines by Ballard Aviation of Newton, Kansas.
The new engines from Blackhawk were part of an overall refurbishment program Ballard Aviation completed on a 1998 King Air B200 in preparation for sale by Ballard Aviation.
The newly upgraded aircraft is on display in the Blackhawk exhibit at outdoor display #318 throughout EAA AirVenture this week.“This 500th engine upgrade is an important achievement and point of pride for all of us at Blackhawk,” said President and CEO Jim Allmon. “Five hundred Blackhawk customers are now enjoying aircraft performance and reliability increases only possible with more powerful new engine upgrades. Breathing new life into existing airplanes is what our business is all about. You can bet we’ll continue to help our customers get the most from their airplanes and their investments for years to come.”
“For 15 years, Blackhawk and Pratt & Whitney Canada have teamed up to provide engine upgrade packages that continue to benefit valued operators and pilots who fly PT6A-powered aircraft,” said Denis Parisien, Vice President, General Aviation, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “With its fleet of single and twin-engine turboprop STC upgrades, Blackhawk is the largest non-OEM buyer of new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engines in the world. We congratulate Blackhawk on this impressive milestone and thank them for their long-standing collaboration.”