Tanzanian operator Fly Safari Airlink has upgraded two of its Cessna Grand Caravans with the Blackhawk Modifications XP140. “It is much more cost effective for us over the longer routes,” says owner Peter Fox (pictured front cover). “Not only do we get our customers to their destinations more quickly, but we can reduce wear on the engine and the airframe by spending less time in the air.”

Blackhawk received FAA STC approval for its XP140 performance upgrade on the Cessna Caravan 208 and 208B in October 2015. As well as the replacement of the original PT6A engine with a more powerful variant, the XP140 enhancement includes an Ametek 325-amp starter/generator, digital/analogue engine instruments, a Hartzell three-blade propeller and a higher capacity engine oil cooler. It retains the existing engine mount, cowling and exhaust system.