By Thomas A. Horne

Inc. 500 ranks Blackhawk Modifications 1050 out of 5000 of the fastest growing private companies in America in it's annual report. Inc. "recognizes the creativity, dedication, and hard work that have gone into building Blackhawk Modifications into what it is today."

Waco, TX (May 21) – Blackhawk Modifications has received Brazilian certification of fuel lockers for the King Air 90 series models. The Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) has validated the STC for installation in Brazil of Wing Mounted Auxiliary Fuel Transfer Tanks on the King Air C90GTi which also qualifies for the C90GTx, in addition to the previously approved 65-90, 65-A90, B90, C90, C90A, C90GT and E90 aircraft.

Blackhawk officials announced at EBACE that their highly anticipated Caravan engine upgrade, the Pratt & Whitney 850 SHP PT6A-42A, bolted onto a new and hyper-efficient cowl design, is in the final stages of flight test. EASA approval efforts are underway and will quickly follow the FAA STC certification process.

While many ways exist to squeeze performance from an engine, sometimes the solution is to get a new engine, or in the opinion of Blackhawk Modifications, Inc., a new and different engine.

By identifying pilots' performance needs, especially in high altitude situations, this Waco, Texas company has become the world's number one Pratt & Whitney Pt6A new engine upgrade company.

The Blackhawk XP42 Upgrade!

Since upgrading to our dash 52 engines, we have seen a substantial performance increase. We typically cruise in the 290 to 300 knot range in the upper twenties. Hot day performance is great without the worry of high ITT during takeoff, and climb performance is very impressive. Overall we are very pleased with our new engines. Thank you, Blackhawk.

We, of CORPAER CREW, are surprised with the take off, climb performance increased and a incredible 245TAS cruise speed, at FLs 240;230;220. During the climb, passing through 14.000 ft/MSL for FL240, our C90 (LJ927) keeps a VSI of 1.500 ft/min, reaching FL240 in about 15 minutes / ISA+15ºC conditions.Just push and push the power lever instead of 'pull back', before. In another flight we did, from a airport altitude of 2.500’MSL/ISA+19ºC,10.000lbs/TOW and just after a V2 speed, we cut the right engine off and he gave us a 700ft/min climb rate until 7500ft/MSL. Great job, guy!!! We decided to fly at FLs 200;210; 220 and 230 due the 4.6 PSI (PRESS SYSTEM), having a CAB ALT comfortable (8.500 ft/MSL). King Air C90 LJ 927 (RAISEBACK/BLACKHAWK PT6A 135A) from now on, is a totally reliable machine! Thank you all at Blackhawk!