ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 16, 2006 — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to BLR Aerospace for the company’s new King Air 300 Winglet System. This is the second consecutive year that BLR has announced a major product certification at the National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) convention. In 2005, BLR introduced its King Air 200 Winglet System to much acclaim, and the company is on track to modify 50 King Air 200s with winglets by year-end.
BLR also has announced the availability of optional de-ice boots that will ensure full de-icing coverage on the extended leading edge of winglet-equipped King Air 200s.
“It’s gratifying to bring winglets to King Air 300 operators,” said Dave Marone, director of Sales and Marketing. “They started asking us for the system last year — and here it is.” First deliveries of King Air 300 Winglet Systems are expected to begin in November.
Winglets deliver a range of benefits, including increased cruise speed (5-8 knots), vertical rate of climb (300 fpm), and reduced fuel consumption (3.5 percent less burn). Additional benefits include reduced drag and improved handling qualities. It all adds up to a measurable return on investment for operators, Marone said.
These performance improvements are a direct result of an increase in effective wingspan and associated increase in aspect ratio combined with the beneficial impact of the winglet acting as a physical pressure barrier, conserving valuable lift.
Winglets are available from a rapidly expanding dealer network that includes: Banyan Air Service, Beechcraft Sales & Service (Germany), Cutter Aviation Inc., Elliott Aviation, Executive Flight Inc., Flightcraft, Jet Center MFR, Galvin Flying Service, Landmark Aviation, Stevens Aviation, Mather, NAC (South Africa), National Airways, Tulsair, Beechcraft, Turboprop East, Western Aircraft, and Wiggins Airways.
Visit BLR representatives at NBAA Exhibit 4031.