The Blackhawk Group is launching a new STC programme that will bring modern ice-protection technology to the legacy Piper Meridian fleet.

The new STC certifies the installation of an electrically heated anti-ice boot system on the elevator horn gap, applying the same proven solution that Piper designed for the factory-new M600 and M700 aircraft. This system functions much like propeller anti-ice boots: an electrically heated pad warms the critical surfaces, preventing ice from bridging the gap between the elevator horn and the horizontal stabiliser. If left unchecked, ice accumulation in this area can restrict elevator movement, a condition that previously required pilots to periodically “shake the tail” by moving the elevators.

With the new STC from The Blackhawk Group, that gap is protected by the heated boot, preventing ice accumulation and reducing the need for mid-flight interventions. When activated with the aircraft’s wing de-ice boot system, the tail anti-ice boot also engages, providing seamless and reliable protection. This upgrade delivers a major safety benefit to legacy Meridian operators and brings the fleet in line with the modern ice-protection standards already available on newer Piper platforms.

“This programme is about delivering peace of mind to legacy Meridian pilots and passengers,” states Edwin Black, president of The Blackhawk Group’s proprietary upgrades division. “We’re proud to offer a proven safety technology that ensures these operators can depend on the same level of ice protection as today’s newest Piper aircraft.”

The STC will be available through The Blackhawk Group as well as Piper-certified turboprop dealers and service centres worldwide.