The Blackhawk Group has received an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for its Piper Meridian heated anti-ice system.

The STC brings certified anti-ice capability to legacy Piper Meridian aircraft, simplifying operations in icing conditions for one of the industry’s most popular single-engine turboprops.

When activated, the heated anti-ice system prevents ice from bridging the gap between the elevator horn and the horizontal stabiliser, providing smooth and unrestricted flight control movement. Developed by Blackhawk, the electrically heated system is applicable to the Piper Meridian M500 and applies the same solution Piper designed for factory-new M600 and M700 aircraft.

Edwin Black, president of Blackhawk Proprietary Upgrades, says: “This STC replaces mechanical pilot intervention with a modern, electrical solution.”

He adds: “We’ve made a long-term commitment to supporting Piper Meridian owners, not only through certification efforts like the anti-ice STC, but by continuing to offer industry-leading performance upgrades that keep these aircraft relevant, capable and valuable for decades to come.”

The heated anti-ice system continues Blackhawk’s investment in upgrades for the Piper Meridian platform. Blackhawk also offers Meridian owners the MT Propeller X-Range 135A Engine Upgrade, available exclusively through Blackhawk in North and South America.

Replacing the original PT6A-42A with the PT6A-135A, the upgrade delivers improved range, better performance, increased operating efficiency, lower maintenance costs and reduced noise. It offers cruise speeds of up to 258ktas with increased range.