FAA Certification Pending for King Air 90 Ultimate Performance Package
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.
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 with installation of BLR Winglets, according to BLR president, Mike Carpenter. Improvements would include:
- Up to 30 percent reduction in runway length requirements
- Max takeoff weight increase from 9,650/10,100 pounds (depending on aircraft serial number) to 10,500 pounds
- Max landing weight increase from 9,168/9,650 pounds (depending on aircraft serial number) to 9,860 pounds
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,” says 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.”
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 fiber propeller with natural composite core for superior noise and vibration reduction. Whisper Prop is certified for installation on multiple King Air models.