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Blackhawk Modifications, in partnership with Pratt & Whitney Canada, has announced the launch of a unique Progressive Maintenance Plan (PMP) designed to deliver additional benefits and cost savings for skydive operators using PT6A-42A engines on Blackhawk XP42A Cessna Caravan 208A conversions.
On hand to unveil the new program at EAA AirVenture was Jim Allmon, Blackhawk President and CEO, alongside Denis Parisien, Vice President, General Aviation at P&WC.
“Skydive operators enrolled in this enhanced PMP will see their time between overhauls (TBO) extended to 5,000 hours,” said Parisien. “As a result of improved technology and our close working relationship with Blackhawk, we are able support these types of programs that hugely benefit our skydive customers,” added Parisien.
“By utilizing the Blackhawk XP42A upgrade with P&WC’s powerful PT6A-42A engine, operators will enjoy up to 26 percent higher power at 850 shp, improved performance and lower operating costs,” said Allmon. “The PT6A engine family is legendary for reliability and enhanced PMP, it makes it an even better choice for today’s skydive operators.”
For a typical skydiving mission, a Blackhawk XP42A upgraded Caravan features improved climb performance and the ability 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 operators additional benefits and reduced operating costs over a standard Caravan.
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 gear kit and Engine Trend Monitoring are key enablers of this program.
During EAA AirVenture (Booth 358/359), Blackhawk will have an XP42A upgraded Caravan 208A on display and team members will be on hand for inquiries and additional information.
