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Flying Colours completes Blackhawk mod on King Air C90

March 22, 2012, Peterborough, Ont. - Flying Colours Corp. has completed and delivered its first turboprop Blackhawk modification following the signing of a service agreement with Blackhawk Modifications Inc. at the NBAA 2011 conference.


March 22, 2012  By Carey Fredericks

The first project, which completed at the end of February, entailed modifications to a privately owned King Air C90 at Flying Colours Corp.’s Peterborough location. The aircraft underwent a series of maintenance, avionics and interior modifications which have improved cost effectiveness and performance from the aircraft. The principal modification to the turboprop involved a full Blackhawk XP 135A engine upgrade which provides increased true air speed, maximises aircraft range and supports more efficient climb rates. The engine upgrade also reduces maintenance requirements in the future. Operating costs and safety systems were also enhanced following a complete fuel cell replacement, a general propeller overhaul and a full radar upgrade.

A number of interior modifications took place in parallel to the external work. The aircraft underwent an aft electric toilet modification, which allows for more efficient waste management and passenger comfort. The woodwork throughout the aircraft was completely refinished and there were numerous soft furnishing enhancements.

“The first modification under the new agreement with Blackhawk has gone to schedule and demonstrates that Flying Colours Corp. is committed to providing this essential service to King Air & Caravan owners and operators. With a relatively high number of these aircraft types in Canada we anticipate the benefits of the modifications, and convenience of having a local service centre in Canada, will be welcomed by the local owners and operators,” said Sean Gillespie, Director of Sales and Marketing Flying Colours Corp.

“We are delighted that Flying Colours have completed their first XP 135 installation under our new agreement. The aircraft was completed on time and delivered to high customer praise, which is precisely what we are looking for in all our distributors,” stated Bobby Patton, Blackhawk Modifications Director for International Distribution.

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Flying Colours Corp. and Blackhawk are currently in the process of negotiating and finalizing future Blackhawk modifications to be completed at Flying Colours Canadian Base.

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