The Yukon features carbon composite construction and a nickel leading edge. It can be used on both the wheeled and floated Cessna Caravan utilizing the PT6A-114A 675 SHP or PT6A-140 867 SHP engines.

• READ MORE: FLYING Unveils ‘Oshkosh Live’ Video Programming Lineup

According to Wipaire, the Yukon can reduce takeoff distances by up to 26 percent from land and 31 percent on water. The propeller weighs 137 pounds, which is lighter than others available by about 19 pounds. It also has optional pitch locks, and according to the company, will not change the stall speed of the aircraft. 

The Yukon is available with TKS or electric deice, or both.

“The successful flight performance with the Yukon is a testament to the collaboration between Hartzell Propeller and Wipaire engineers,” said Chuck Wiplinger, president and CEO of Wipaire. “The increased efficiency and power are a game changer for our customers and presale deposits are strong.”

• READ MORE: Army of Volunteers Gives AirVenture Its Lift

According to the company website, “Wipaire has developed over 100 STCs for the modification of aircraft, including float installations, engine and propeller upgrades, gross weight increases, instrument panel and Cessna 206 right-hand-door installations.

The post Wipaire Obtains FAA Approval for Yukon Prop STC appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

• READ MORE: Hartzell Expands Composite Prop Series in Top Prop Program

JJ Frigge, President of Hartzell, said in a release, “This exclusive discount and our contribution to the RAF exemplify our commitment to the adventure of flight and the RAF’s mission to maintain aviation access to the backcountry.”

RAF chairman John McKenna echoed the sentiment, saying, “Hartzell’s continued support of the RAF is a genuine benefit to our supporters and serves as a powerful incentive for new RAF supporters.”

The RAF is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving backcountry airstrips across the U.S.

The backcountry propellers eligible for the discount include:

• The Voyager: A three-blade aluminum scimitar optimized for the Cessna 180, 182, 185, and 206 models powered by certain Continental 470 engines, and Continental 520 and 550 engines under a recent STC.
• The Pathfinder: A three-blade “Raptor” carbon fiber composite available for the Cubcrafters XCub and Carbon Cub FX, as well as the Glasair Sportsman, American Legend, and several other experimental aircraft.
• The Trailblazer: A two-blade or three-blade carbon fiber composite available for various aircraft from American Champion, American Legend, Aviat, Avipro, Cubcrafters, Glasair, Maule, and several other experimental aircraft.

These propellers are meticulously designed to enhance backcountry performance, fostering shorter takeoff rolls and improved climb rates.

The post Hartzell Extends Generous Prop Discounts to RAF Supporters appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The TBM family of aircraft led the results with 56 TBM 960s and 910s delivered, and the Kodiak 100 and 900 utility models accounted for 18 deliveries. The numbers mark a level state overall from 2022 for the OEM, echoing the challenges still presented in the global aerospace industry revolving around both supply chain and maintaing a steady workforce.

• READ MORE: We Fly: Kodiak 900

“These figures reflect the market’s stabilization as we continue to see a strong demand for TBM and Kodiak aircraft, although challenges persist in affecting our industry—including employment and supply chain issues,” said Nicolas Chabbert, senior vice president of Daher’s aircraft division. “There have been efforts made to address these difficulties and improve the situation. We are seeing the results of our solutions in the employment field through internal training and the attraction of new talent. For the supply chain, the importance of delivering on time will enable us to continue seeking opportunities in a strong market.”

• READ MORE: Daher Celebrates Milestone TBM Deliveries, Kodiak Success

Daher said most of the TBMs delivered during 2023 were top-of-the-line TBM 960s, with the largest percentage going to the North American market. Among those deliveries, 43 went to the U.S. and two to Canada. The remainder of deliveries included seven in Europe, three in Latin America, and one in Asia.

Most of the 18 Kodiak aircraft delivered last year were sent to a range of private owners and “multimission operators” in North America, with the North Carolina Forest Service’s aviation division among the company’s new customers. Deliveries included the Kodiak 100 Series III, which now has a five-blade Hartzell composite propeller as standard equipment, and the larger, faster Kodiak 900, which Daher introduced in 2022.   

• WATCH: We Fly: Kodiak 100 in Training

A total of 1,187 TBMs and 339 Kodiaks had been delivered worldwide through the end of 2023, and the global fleet has logged nearly 3 million flight hours. The aircraft are supported under Daher’s newly consolidated network called TBM & Kodiak Care.

The post Daher Delivers 74 Aircraft During 2023, Reports Orders for 100 More appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2004 Piper PA32-301FT 6X

Piper’s PA-36 made a great case for the company’s practice of developing one airframe, in this case the smaller PA-28, into a broad range of trainers, travelers, and twins. The original Piper PA-28 was an answer to the Cessna 172, which had largely taken over the market for personal general aviation aircraft in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The PA-28 developed to include more powerful engines. Piper added retractable landing gear to create the Arrow.

Arguably the PA-32, essentially an enlarged PA-28, was the most significant evolution for Piper as it added the extra performance of a 300 hp engine and the utility of six seats. While the retractable Saratoga version of the six-seater turned it into a Bonanza competitor, the fixed-gear Six and 6X models were considered SUVs of the air, with a combination of performance and sturdiness that many owners found to be ideal.  

This 2004 Piper 6X has 895 hours on the airframe, its Lycoming IO-540 engine and -blade Hartzell propeller since new. The panel includes an Avidyne Flight Max PFD and MFD, Avidyne DAU, dual Garmin GNS 430s, GI-106 Garmin GMA 340 audio panel, GTX 345 transponder, and S-Tec 45X autopilot.

Pilots looking for a spacious 6-place traveling aircraft with easy handling and plenty of baggage space should consider this 2004 Piper PA32-301FT 6X, which is available for $425,000 on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

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The post This 2004 Piper PA-32-301FT 6X, An Airborne SUV, Is an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Hartzell Engine Tech president Keith Bagley notes the acquisition will “add manufacturing capabilities for aircraft ignition products to our existing lines of engineered, firewall forward, engine accessories. We extend our appreciation to Jeffrey Kelly, his family, and Neil Clark for creating and stewarding a great product line that will integrate nicely with Hartzell Aviation’s ‘Built on Honor’ philosophy.”

• READ MORE: Hartzell Aviation Makes a Home for Firewall-Forward Brands

What Happens Next

According to Hartzell, a technical evaluation will begin in 2024 and with the receipt of PMA approval, Hartzell Engine Tech will “rebrand the newly acquired products as PowerUp Ignition Systems, adding to the product portfolio that already contains such heavy hitters as Janitrol Aero, Fuelcraft, Plane-Power, Sky-Tec, and AeroForce Turbocharger Systems.”

The main manufacturing facility will be at Hartzell’s present location in Montgomery, Alabama, and will include the acquisition of about 40 employees.

Company officials said Kelly Aero’s former Montgomery facility will be used to expand the capacity of Hartzell Engine Tech’s machine shop. In addition, the customer-direct magneto service work will be accomplished at Quality Aircraft Accessories, Hartzell’s sister company in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

About Hartzell

Hartzell Aviation traces its roots back to the early days of aviation, with the establishment of Hartzell Propeller in Piqua, Ohio, in 1917. Over the decades its product line has increased to include firewall forward engine technology as well as piston engine preheat and de-icing, cabin heating, aircraft batteries, and avionics.

Today, the Hartzell family includes Hartzell Propeller, Hartzell Aerospace Welding, and Hartzell Engine Tech. More information on Hartzell can be found here.

The post Hartzell Acquires Kelly Aero appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

At EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Hartzell announced it will deliver its 30,000th replacement prop in the conversion program in 2023. The Top Prop catalog boasts more than 100 options, aggregated over the course of 30 years, including from OEMs like Beechcraft, Cessna, Diamond, Piper, Mooney, Pilatus, Daher, and others.

New Top Props

Hartzell announced the latest supplemental type certificates awarded in the program, starting with the three-blade Polaris carbon fiber prop now offered as a factory option on the Diamond DA40 NG. The lightweight prop replaces the MT-Propeller wood/composite one that comes standard. The 74-inch diameter prop pairs with the Austro E4-A and has an aluminum hub, along with a 2,400-hour/six-year TBO. According to company president JJ Frigge, the prop delivers a 3 knot faster true airspeed and a 74.1 dB noise level. 

“We’re extremely excited about this platform, the Diamond DA40 NG,” said Frigge. He noted that the prop checks in at 35 to 40 pounds and “brings a new technology carbon fiber propeller” to the airplane. It’s also available as a retrofit.

The company—along with partner Wipaire—also expects STC approval “soon” on its Yukon four-blade propeller for the Cessna 208 and 208B Caravan on floats or wheels, hopefully in the third quarter. The composite 110-inch diameter prop is available with or without TKS ice protection or electric deice boots. It weighs about 19 pounds less “on the nose of the Caravan” and increases cruise speed at lower power settings.

“On the Caravan with a Yukon prop, Wipaire flight test results showed there is up to a 26 percent decrease in total takeoff distance from land and up to a 31 percent decrease in takeoff from water,” said Frigge. “This translates into safer takeoffs and landings on smaller lakes and shorter runways.” It’s available on all of the -114 and -140 Caravans on the market.

Included in the Top Prop program as well is the update to the Daher Kodiak 100 announced earlier this week.

The post Hartzell Expands Composite Prop Series in Top Prop Program appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The point made? The composite structure is no more fragile than a similar aluminum prop, with the same ground-handling operations and repair categories as well. And the performance gains shown by the transition to the new props on its TBM 960, Kodiak 900, and Kodiak 100 Series III models prove their worth. “We are getting lighter weight,” said Nicolas Chabbert, senior vice president of Daher’s Aircraft Division, “and, of course, the low noise and vibration is something that we’re particularly interested in, on the highest power output on the Kodiak 900,” where the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140A tops out at 950 hp. 

• READ MORE: We Fly the Daher Kodiak 900, Ready for Grand Adventures

The weight savings of 6.3 pounds translates into greater takeoff performance—and reasonable maintainability in the field as operators of the Kodiak 100 have experienced since 2014. The nickel-cobalt edge can be stripped and replaced, said J.J. Frigge, CEO of Hartzell, “and so you’re getting a brand-new leading edge—and also you’re adding material back to the blades, so that you’re restoring the blade to factory dimensions.”

Made for the Backcountry

“The goal was to…go in and out of backcountry runways the same way we had done it previously, but now we are significantly reducing the noise impact,” said Chabbert. “So we are having a huge benefit when it comes to places not only in Europe but also around the world where noise matters.” Daher’s corporation as a whole has invested a great deal in composites manufacturing as well, particularly in thermoplastics that can be recycled, repaired, and even welded like more traditional materials.

Daher debuted its Kodiak 900 last year at Oshkosh to great response—including from agencies taking on special missions, though it has struggled a bit to translate the momentum into production as it faces similar supply chain issues plaguing the aerospace industry as a whole. Still, Chabbert noted that Daher expects to deliver eight of the 900s in 2023 and twice that in 2024. FLYING honored the 900 with its Editors’ Choice Award for Aircraft this year.

• READ MORE: Daher Shows Off Kodiak 900, 100 & New TBM 960 Styles 

The 900 has created its own category, in a way. It was positioned as a larger, faster, more upscale version of the Kodiak 100 series, and though this has certainly been true, Daher’s flight ops pilots have witnessed even better results in remote, unimproved strips than they originally uncovered during the testing prior to Part 23 type certificate approval. 

This means the 900 can be used to support a wide variety of the humanitarian and relief missions for which the 100 was first developed—though both models continue to serve. 

“We care to support associations—especially nonprofit associations—that are really after something that is good for aviation,” said Chabbert. “One that is absolutely natural for us is the Recreational Aviation Foundation…We are super happy to be able to provide the use of the Kodiak 100 to cover all of the northwest activity for RAF…and to load and carry some of the heavy stuff into places that are literally impossible to get to by road.”

Daher recently supported two of the RAF’s rehabilitation projects, including one at the Moose Creek Ranger Station (1U1) in Idaho earlier this summer. The U.S. Forest Service strip was originally created 92 years ago using heavy equipment but now must be supported without mechanized equipment—save for aircraft. Daher donated the use of a Kodiak 900 to move materials, including tractor parts and shingles, that normally would have required mules or a helicopter to put into position. The RAF 100 is one display at AirVenture along with the 900 and TBM 960.

TBM Milestones

The TBM 960 launched out of the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in April 2022, and it has now logged its 80th delivery of the model to a private customer in the U.S. this month. It also marks a total of 488 aircraft in the TBM 900 series—the 900, 910, 930, 940, and 960—brought to the market overall since the TBM 900’s first flight a decade ago.

• READ MORE: Quest to Daher

The 960 debuted with the first dual-channel FADEC turboprop engine, the PT6E-66XT, with its proprietary engine and propeller electronic control system (EPECS) automating engine start and other management, and a data transmission and control unit streaming more than 100 data points to internal memory. Now, with Garmin’s official release of PlaneSync this week, the TBM 960 can come out into the open as having the GDL60 datalink controller at the heart of PlaneSync. The data transfer facilitated by the GDL60 transfers engine and other data upon landing, allowing for deep analysis and trend monitoring.

Daher Growth

Daher continues its growth and expansion into the U.S. market as well as in France, with more strategic acquisitions in the past few months, including Assistance Aeronautique et Aerospatiale (AAA) in France to strengthen its industrial services proposition globally. 

“We want to grow the business. We want to grow the company,” said Didier Kayat, CEO of Daher. “The group altogether will be at 1.8 billion next year—1.7 billion this year—with half of the business as manufacturing and half of the business as services. We need to become more international—we did the grand opening of our new headquarters in the U.S. in February, and we need to innovate in order to decarbonize, because it’s becoming more and more important.”

In this vein, Daher presented its EcoPulse hybrid-electric technology demonstrator at the Paris Air Show in June.

The post Daher Celebrates Milestone TBM Deliveries, Kodiak Success appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The Yukon propeller was on display at the 2023 Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, gracing the nose of a Cessna Caravan at Wipaire’s display. 

The prototype of the propeller was introduced last summer at EAA AirVenture, prompting curiosity about the propeller’s performance.

“There is up to a 26 percent decrease in total take-off distance from land and up to a 31 percent decrease from water,” according to JJ Frigge, president of Hartzell Propeller. “This translates into safer take off and landings on smaller lakes and shorter runways.”

• READ MORE: Hartzell Voyager Propeller Approved for Cessna 180s

The propeller allows for an increase in cruise speed at lower power settings, Fridge said, adding,  “up to 2 knots faster, saving fuel while increasing speed. Another big improvement is in weight. Coming in at 137 pounds, it is up to 19 pounds lighter than other available props.”

The Yukon prop on display at the Sun ‘n Fun airshow was mounted on a Wipaire Caravan 208B with the Blackhawk -140 engine conversion. 

The company noted there is no change in stall speeds with the new propeller. The design is available with TKS, electric de-ice boots or without icing equipment, and optional pitch locks.

• READ MORE: Wipaire Delivers 150th Set of Wipline 13000 Floats to Trans Maldivian Airways

The Yukon is designed for use on Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A shp and PT6A-140 867 shp engines, and can be used on either the 208 and 208B either with floats or on wheels.

“We are ready to take deposits and, depending on the FAA, we expect to have our STC later this year,” says Chuck Wiplinger, president and CEO of Wipaire.

The post Hartzell, Wipaire Conclude Testing of Yukon Prop, Await STC appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

During the following media briefing, the news included important updates to all of Daher’s line—with some of the coolest news coming on the Kodiak 100 III. 

“We have a five-blade prop right here,” said Nicolas Chabbert, senior vice president of Daher’s Aircraft Division. “It’s missing the plane behind—at least we wanted to show the five-blade prop that is going to go on the Kodiak 100.” 

The Hartzell prop is a direct replacement for the four-blade prop currently found on the 100 series. The new configuration will drop the noise quotient on the airplane by 6.3 decibels—and it’s 13 pounds lighter than the current prop. And, not insignificantly, it promises to reduce takeoff roll by about 6 percent.

Daher also announced a Garmin G1000 NXi retrofit option for earlier Kodiak 100S models.

Leadership on Sustainability

Chabbert paired the safety mission in developing its line of four turboprop models—as well as a fifth application, if you count the 100 on floats—with an equally critical mission, “as you know, the environmental impacts. Obviously, with the TBM side, we’re a little bit more sensitive to what’s happening in Europe, and sometimes in America, we get to thinking that this is coming last—or not coming—but I had a chance to be in D.C. in February and look at the White House roadmap for sustainability. I think that this is coming.” He stressed the need to have workable solutions—and not just think that technology will leap ahead in time to meet the demands of the greater community. “We have to make a combination [of the two],” Chabbert concluded.

To this end, Daher has implemented sustainable aviation fuel in its fleet in Tarbes, and incorporated sustainability features in its Me&My TBM app. The company also plans to display its Eco-Pulse technology demonstrator—a project with Safran and Airbus to explore electric propulsion on the TBM airframe—at the Paris Air Show in June.

Response to the Kodiak 900

The 900 on display at Sun ’n Fun was the first customer aircraft delivered—and one of three test aircraft that have been built to date, also including a static test article for structural testing, and a flying prototype for flight testing. The display aircraft is the first conforming production model that served for airworthiness authority function and reliability testing, and has been sold to a private operator. 

The first full-production aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in May 2023, according to Daher, as it spends time ramping up its production in Sandpoint, Idaho, thoughtfully. “We have the airplanes that are starting to line up in Sandpoint, with three, four, five, that you can see in different stages of the manufacturing process,” said Chabbert. 

Development of the “King Air 350-sized” Kodiak 900 began in 2016. “We have strong booked orders composed of Kodiak 100 and 900 models,’’ said Chabbert. ‘‘All of the positions for the Kodiak 900 in 2023 have been taken, we actually have a good third of the orders that are also taken into 2024.”

A focus on making the Kodiak series more adaptable to its environment—and the sensitivities of the locations in which its operators fly—made for a theme in Chabbert’s update on both the 900 and 100. In particular, the propeller’s design and low 1,900 rpm setting contribute to the low noise level of 79.5 dB on the 900, allowing the aircraft to operate in more strictly regulated noise-sensitive areas.

A Record Year

“The TBM 960 has surpassed all previous sales records, confirming the capabilities of digital power for this latest high-end member of our TBM 900-series aircraft family,” Chabbert said. He confirmed the delivery of nearly 60 units of the new model since its debut at Sun ’n Fun last year, with most of those trekking across the pond to North American customers. Deliveries have also gone to customers in France, Germany, Switzerland, and the U.K.

This year’s model comes with software updates to the Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck up front, along with a control yoke-mounted actuator used to manage the Garmin electronic checklists, as well as a relocated altimeter setting button. The team went through a lot of testing to ensure the proper functionality of the checklist button in particular. Seemingly small things make a difference.

The TBM 960 is also quieter, with the prop turning at 1,925 rpm during maximum power, helping to limit noise and vibration. Its sound level during takeoff is 76.4 decibels, meeting the most stringent international noise standards, according to Daher.

Stepping Up to the TBM

Interested in what it takes to fly the very-fast turboprop? An educational forum session titled “Stepping up to the TBM 960” will be presented by Wayman Luy, director of training and standards for Daher’s Aircraft Division, and is scheduled at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, and Friday, March 31. Attendees will earn credit for the FAA’s WINGS pilot proficiency program. The forum sessions will be held in Room CFAA-08 of the Central Florida Aerospace Academy, 4141 Medulla Road, near the main entrance to the show.

The post Daher Shows Off Kodiak 900, 100 & New TBM 960 Styles appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The Ohio-based company has received the supplemental type certificate for the Cessna 180 powered by Continental O-470-As of serial numbers 41,000 and higher.

The Voyager was previously approved for other Cessna 180/182/185/206 models powered by the Continental -520 and -550 engines.

The Voyager propeller features scimitar aluminum blades for optimal performance, including increased takeoff acceleration and exceptional climb rate, while offering the same or better cruise speeds. The prop is positioned specifically for backcountry aircraft.

The propeller can be obtained by contacting Hartzell Propeller or one of its recommended service facilities. The Voyager propeller is being sold as part of Hartzell’s Top Prop Performance Conversions line.

According to J.J. Frigge, president of Hartzell Propeller, the Voyager model was introduced in 2019 and its continued growth in popularity inspired the propeller manufacturer to seek more applications—and taking it to the backcountry was a natural fit.

“We are also excited to partner with the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) to offer its members a $1,000 discount on the regular price of Voyager props from now until the end of 2023,” Frigge said.

“The Voyager is a real tribute to Hartzell Propeller’s commitment to backcountry pilots,” said RAF’s chairman, John J. McKenna, Jr. “It shows that they are paying attention to what the market is looking for, they hear what we’re saying, and they understand. Hartzell really hit the nail on the head with this one. I’ve had a number of different propellers on my 185, and the Voyager has outperformed them in all quadrants. Not to mention, it’s a great looking propeller.”

Hartzell Helps Protect Backcountry Strips

When a member of the RAF organization buys the Voyager, Hartzell Propeller is making a $250 contribution directly to the RAF organization. The mission of the non-profit RAF is to preserve, maintain and create public-use recreational airstrips for backcountry access throughout the United States. The donation program is in place until the end of 2023.

Hartzell History

Hartzell Aviation was founded in 1917 and since then has expanded beyond propeller technology. The company’s flagship company is Hartzell Propeller, the global leader in advanced technology aircraft propeller design and manufacturing for business, commercial, and government customers. Hartzell designs next-generation propellers with innovative blended airfoil technology and manufactures them with revolutionary machining centers, robotics, and custom resin transfer molding curing stations.

The post Hartzell Voyager Propeller Approved for Cessna 180s appeared first on FLYING Magazine.