Press Release

Issued by Pratt & Whitney Canada.

July 30, 2013

Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) and Blackhawk Modifications are pleased to announce the launch of a unique Progressive Maintenance Program (PMP) that delivers additional benefits and cost savings for skydive operators using PT6A-42A engines on Blackhawk Modifications' XP42A Cessna Caravan conversion.

”We are very excited about this enhanced PMP, which will allow skydive operators to extend their time between overhauls (TBO) to 5,000 hours,” said Denis Parisien, vice president, general aviation, P&WC, who unveiled the program at EAA AirVenture 2013 alongside Jim Allmon, president and ceo, Blackhawk Modifications. “The new program is the result of improved technology and the close relationship between P&WC and Blackhawk Modifications,” added Parisien.

“Thanks to P&WC's powerful PT6A-42A engine, the XP42A upgrade provides up to 26 percent higher power at 850 shp while continuing to provide the reliability for which the PT6A engine family is legendary,” noted Allmon. “This results in improved aircraft utility, allowing Blackhawk Modifications to better meet operators' needs.”

For a typical skydiving mission, the aircraft features improved climb performance and is able to descend at 4,000 feet per minute, enabling several more flights per day. The increased engine warranty coverage* of 2,500 hours per five years provides additional benefits and reduced operating costs to operators that have chosen the XP42A aircraft upgrade.

Pre-selected fleet leaders will have their engines sampled, and based on the engine conditions, operators that have enrolled in the PMP will have their TBO extended. The program features on-wing engine inspections at 3,600 hours that will support the TBO increase. The introduction of the new super finish first stage gears kit and Engine Trend Monitoring are key enablers of this program.

A webcast was held on July 24 to provide XP42A skydive operators with more information on the PMP. What's more, P&WC has staffed its EAA AirVenture booth (#2132, Hangar B) with engine experts and aftermarket consultants to answer questions from attendees. Engines on display will include the PT6A-41 and PT6A-65.

“The new PMP is the latest example of the PT6A family's tradition of superior customer value. Thanks to programs such as this, it continues to be the benchmark by which other engines in its class are measured,” concluded Parisien.