News
FAA certification pending for King Air 90
BLR Aerospace (BLR) is working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to amend its Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that will expand the approved performance envelope for King Air 90s equipped with BLR Winglet Systems. FAA approval is expected by the end of June.
May 24, 2016 By BLR
The STC, known as the Ultimate Performance Package (UPP), will enable King Air 90 operators to take full advantage of increased gross weight performance improvements, which are significant, with installation of BLR Winglets, according to BLR President Mike Carpenter. For example:
- Up to 30 per cent reduction in runway length requirements
- Max takeoff weight increase from 10,100 lb or 9,650 lb (depending on aircraft serial number) to 10,500 lb
- Max landing weight increase from 9,650 lb or 9,168 lb (depending on aircraft serial number) to 9,860 lb
The UPP will be available as an upgrade to King Air 90 operators already flying with Winglets. Operators purchasing Winglets and the Whisper Prop® propeller system will receive the expanded performance STC at no additional cost.
“It’s been clearly demonstrated that installation of BLR Winglets improves aerodynamic performance for King Airs and translates into bottom-line productivity improvements,” said Carpenter. “UPP will provide access to more runways, provide a significant increase in useful load, increase the margin of safety, and improve virtually every aspect of King Air 90 flight.”
Carpenter and other BLR team members will be available to speak with customers, dealers and members of the media in Exhibit C041 during the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) event, May 24-26 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The BLR Winglet System adds lightweight, composite winglets and a small wing span extension, reducing drag and improving low-speed handling. This translates into fuel savings or increased climb and cruise speeds and high altitude stability, as well as lower takeoff speeds. Whisper Prop is a five-blade, carbon fibre propeller with natural composite core for superior noise and vibration reduction. Whisper Prop is certified for installation on multiple King Air models.
