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Viking certifies turbine conversion for DHC-3 Otter

turbine_otterJune 18, 2009 – In recent weeks, Transport Canada issued STA SA08-17 to Viking Air for the installation of the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 or PT6A-35 turbo prop engine on the DHC-3 Otter.


June 18, 2009  By Administrator

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June 18, 2009 – Paris, France, June 17, 2009:  In recent weeks, Transport Canada issued Supplemental Type Approval SA08-17 to Viking Air Limited of Victoria, B.C., for the installation of the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 or PT6A-35 turbo prop engine on the DHC-3 Otter, approved to FAR Part 23, Amendments 23-1 through 23-55.
 
The original de Havilland factory Otter’s Pratt & Whitney Wasp R-1340 engine is now replaced with the higher 750 horsepower turbine engine with Hartzell 3 blade full feathering reversible propeller.  In addition to the new engine and prop configuration, the modification encompasses improvements to design with new composite cowls, incorporation of a gross weight increase to 9000lbs, optional panoramic windows and optional extended range fuel tank.  The modification involved an update to virtually every major system of the aircraft.
 
Viking’s position as the OEM for the type provides for a seamless mesh of the changes with the aircraft’s original design, without compromising function or durability.  Combined with Viking’s experience and extensive design development of the DHC-2 Turbo Beaver conversion, the Viking Turbine Otter is arguably the best single engine utility turboprop option for operators on the market.
 
The Viking Turbo Otter is approved for operation on wheels, skis, amphibious or straight floats, under both day and night VFR and IFR conditions.  The increased horsepower and higher useful load will improve upon the versatility and reliability of an airframe already popular amongst operators due to its robust design and performance capabilities.
 
“Our engineering and modification team have worked tirelessly over many years to design and certify a true turbo-prop aircraft with the useful load, range and modern systems one would expect from an aircraft certified in 2009,” commented David Curtis, Viking president and CEO.
 
Curtis added, “This isn’t a piston aircraft masquerading as a turbo-prop, but a purpose built turbine aircraft that is rugged, useful and ready to serve in multiple roles around the world and certified to the latest FAR23 standards.  Viking is proud to be able to add the Viking Turbo Otter to a stable full of popular and reliable STOL aircraft, which includes the new DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otter.”
 
Viking provides OEM support for the worldwide fleet of de Havilland heritage line of aircraft (DHC-1 through DHC-7), and is part of Westerkirk Capital Inc., a Canadian private investment firm with substantial holdings in the hospitality, aviation and real estate sectors.

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