Wipaire, Inc. announced that Blackhawk Modifications of Waco, Texas, has appointed Wipaire’s Leesburg, Florida, facility as an authorized dealer and installation center for Blackhawk’s XP series engine upgrades.

The Leesburg facility was recently trained and completed the installation of Blackhawk’s newly FAA certified engine upgrade, the 867 shaft horsepower PT6A-140 engine upgrade for the Cessna Caravan.

Don Moore, a member of the Technical Service group at Blackhawk who provided the training, was very impressed with Wipaire’s new facility, their management style and technical expertise. “The Wipaire crew is well-versed in the Cessna Caravan which resulted in an efficient, on schedule and flawless installation,” said Moore. “Their technical expertise is second to none.”

Paul Wells, Vice President of Aircraft Services for Wipaire, added “We continue to expand the capabilities and offerings of our Leesburg service center to better serve our customers in the southeastern United States, Caribbean, and beyond. The Blackhawk XP engine upgrades are a great fit for Caravans, whether they operate on wheels or on floats. I’d like to congratulate Bill Pike, the Leesburg general manager, and his entire team on a job well done. We look forward to completing more Blackhawk engine upgrades!”

Edwin Black, the SVP of Sales and Marketing at Blackhawk said the following about Wipaire’s Leesburg facility: “With a broad selection of aftermarket products specifically developed to improve the utility of the Cessna Caravan, Wipaire has mastered their knowledge of what operators need. It is clearly evident by their expansion into Florida that when customer focus is balanced with expert service and products, the results are phenomenal. We are proud to have earned Wipaire’s support as major contributor to the modernization of the aftermarket Caravan fleet.”

The PT6A-140 engine has been popular among float operators who have the Wipline 8000 model floats installed on short body Caravans. Wipline 8750 floats are approved for the Grand Caravan and are also certified with the new PT6A-140 engine offered in partnership with Blackhawk. This combination introduces a new level of utility for float operators that will expand even further the workhorse reputation the Caravan has earned throughout the world.

About Blackhawk Modifications – Blackhawk uses the STC process to remove used and old engines that were installed decades ago and to reinstall factory new, higher horsepower, modern and more efficient engines in their place. Installing engines with more horsepower results in performance improvements during takeoff, climb and cruise while reducing operating and maintenance costs. Operators enjoy expanded safety levels which brings peace of mind while they operate and superior value upon resale. Over 600 turboprops have installed one of Blackhawk’s many XP engine upgrades making Blackhawk the leading non-OEM buyer of Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engines. For more information, visit www.blackhawk.aero. 

About Wipaire, Inc. – For over 55 years, Wipaire has been engineering and manufacturing a full line of aircraft floats for all sizes of aircraft from the Piper Cub to the Viking Twin Otter, including most single engine Cessna aircraft. In addition, Wipaire has engineered over 100 Supplemental Type Certificated modifications for improved performance, convenience, and reliability. As a leading aircraft service provider, Wipaire offers maintenance, avionics installation and repair, custom interior design and installation, and exterior paint refinishing across locations in South Saint Paul, Minnesota, and Leesburg, Florida. Wipaire is recognized for its quality products and engineering expertise worldwide. Visit them online at www.wipaire.com