News
PT6Nation’s followers prepare to celebrate engine’s big birthday
Oct. 29, 2012, Orlando, Fla. - Pratt & Whitney Canada's (P&WC)PT6Nation.com now counts 31,900 followers across all platforms. The announcement was made during the National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA) 65th annual meeting and convention in Orlando, Florida.
October 29, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
As part of its ongoing customer outreach efforts, in December 2010 P&WC launched PT6 Nation, an online community of PT6 operators, pilots and enthusiasts. An electronic kiosk featuring PT6Nation is located in the P&WC booth (Booth 3160) where attendees can take a tour of the microsite and register to become members.
Since launching December 1, 2010, PT6Nation has:
— 90,630 unique visitors to www.PT6Nation.com;
— 2,050 registered PT6Nation citizens;
— 23,000 Facebook fans; and
— 6,850 Twitter followers.
"PT6Nation complements P&WC's global customer service vision. It gives us a new way to connect with customers, learn more about how they are operating our product in the field, and deliver customized, flexible support to keep them flying," explained Denis Parisien, vice-president, general aviation products, P&WC.
The PT6A's core technology has been developed and reshaped since it was first launched, redefining the possibilities of flight, making single-engine IFR possible and propelling the industry forward. Parisien also reminded the audience that P&WC's PT6 engine, now available in 130 applications for business, commuter, utility and trainer aircraft, will be celebrating a significant milestone in December 2013: the 50th anniversary of the first PT6 engine delivery to Beech Aircraft on December 22, 1963.
Parisien teased the crowd when he remarked: "The countdown is on, so be on the lookout for celebrations throughout the coming year."
The first PT6 engine model was launched 49 years ago as Canada's first small gas turbine engine and has continued to evolve with customer needs and through the application of innovative technology. Known around the world for its reliability and durability, the PT6 has captured more than 130 applications for helicopters and business, commuter, utility and trainer aircraft. With more than 49,000 engines delivered, and more than 378 million hours flown, the PT6 is the world's most popular engine in its class. Compared to the first PT6A model, today's family is up to 4 times more powerful, with a 40% better power-to-weight ratio and up to 20% better specific fuel consumption (SFC).
