SEATTLE — The FAA STC for Raisbeck Engineering’s Swept Blade Turbofan Propellers for the King Air 350 has been officially accepted by Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
“The Civilian Aviation Safety Authority’s acceptance of the FAA STC enables Australian 350 operators to upgrade their aircraft with the powerful yet quiet Raisbeck Swept Blade Propellers,” said Bill Lally, Vice President of Customer Support who manages Raisbeck’s global certification program. “Our authorized dealers in Australia are now able to serve the needs of the large 350 fleet based on that continent.”
Raisbeck’s Swept Blade Propellers for the King Air 200 Series and 90 Series were also approved shortly after their introduction by CASA for operations in Australia, and are also certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The Swept Blade Propellers enable larger diameter propellers for increased thrust while reducing in-flight cabin noise levels. Takeoff acceleration, single-engine climb, twin-engine climb to altitude and landing performance are all improved and noticeable to the pilot, according to company officials.
In addition, there is no floating tendency during landing flare-out, officials noted.
Raisbeck’s Swept Blade Propellers for the King Air 350 are manufactured by Hartzell Propeller. Constructed of aluminum, the four-blade props can be maintained and overhauled by virtually every prop shop around the world using well-known techniques and procedures, Raisbeck officials said.