Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Blackhawk Aerospace is developing a supplemental type certificate (STC) to re-engine the Daher TBM 700 series with 150 more shaft horsepower, in partnership with sister company and TBM-authorized sales and service center Avex Aviation. The STC will replace the 700-shp Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PT6A-64 on the TBM 700A, 700B, and 700C2 with the 850-shp PT6A-66D.
Performance of the re-engined TBM 700 will be boosted to that of the TBM 850, according to Blackhawk. Time to climb to FL310 for the PT6A-66D-powered TBM 700 drops to 14 minutes from 16 minutes 39 seconds, and maximum cruise speed ranges from 287 to 307 ktas, improving overall efficiency and adding to safety margins.
AirVenture visitors can see N590JL, the TBM 700C2 that Blackhawk is modifying, at the company’s show exhibit. Avex’s Camarillo, California team has already refurbished this TBM with a new interior and LED interior lighting, fresh paint by ArtCraft Paint, and a full panel of Garmin avionics. These include dual 10-inch G600 TXi displays with engine indication system; a GCU 485 keyboard controller; GFC 600 digital autopilot with envelope protection; GI 275 standby indicator; dual transponders; and GWX 75R digital color radar.
“The new XP66D engine upgrade exemplifies The Blackhawk Group's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the aviation industry,” said Edwin Black, president of Blackhawk Aerospace. “By partnering with our sister company Avex, we are able to combine their vast expertise in all things TBM with Blackhawk’s extensive knowledge of STC development to offer an unparalleled upgrade for our mutual customers.”
Blackhawk also announced that its service facilities in Columbia, Missouri, and Broomfield, Colorado, have been renamed as Blackhawk Performance Centers. The Avex service facilities in Camarillo and in Broomfield and Loveland, Colorado, have been dubbed Avex Performance Centers. These will all focus on engine, propeller, and avionics upgrades, airframe modifications, maintenance, and support for turbine-powered aircraft.
At Broomfield, Blackhawk has opened a new facility with more than 20,000 sq ft of hangar space and newly hired team members. Beau Hawkins, who formerly worked for Western Aircraft as modifications senior sales manager, is heading up the new Performance Center as director-MRO.
“The change to the ‘Performance Center’ nomenclature better captures the work and attention to detail provided by these facilities, as well as the high degree of the team’s skill at each location,” according to Blackhawk.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Blackhawk Putting the Power in the TBM 700 Turboprop

The new Pratt & Whitney Canada engine will enable performance similar to the TBM 850

Avex’s Camarillo, California team already refurbished this TBM with a new interior and LED interior lighting, fresh paint, and a full panel of Garmin avionics.

Blackhawk Putting More Power in the TBM 700

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Kerry Lynch

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

Executives share their experience with system

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

EAA AirVenture 2024

In this article

TBM 700/850 Series

BlackHawk Aerospace

AVEX Aviation

Daher Aircraft

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Executives share their experience with system

Australian Regulator Approves Textron Service Centers

Textron operates service centers in Melbourne, Perth, and Gold Coast

C&L Aerospace Tapped for Challenger Flutter Damper Mx

The company was selected by OEM Héroux-Devtek

Avcon Delivers Aerial Weapon in Florida Mosquito Fight

The Kansas-based company specializes in modifying airframes

Duncan Aviation Authorized for Honeywell APU Repairs

MRO’s Lincoln facility expects to bring work online in early 2027

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