Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Beechcraft King Air 300, 350, and 360 series

Chad Trautvetter

Blackhawk Aerospace has launched a supplemental type certificate (STC) program for the Hartzell five-blade composite propeller on Beechcraft King Air 350s as part of its XP67A Engine+ upgrade, with FAA approval slated for late July. Announced last week at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, the composite propeller option offers lighter weight (by about 20 pounds), reduced noise, increased durability, and enhanced performance compared to the standard four-blade aluminum propeller.
According to Blackhawk, the composite propeller allows for shorter takeoff distances, faster climb rates, and improved cruise speeds, as well as smoother operation, reduced cabin noise, and lower maintenance demands.&nbsp;This builds on the XP67A Engine+ upgrade, which replaces factory-installed Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PT6A-60A engines with PT6A-67As that have a 24% increase in available shaft horsepower.
“This new STC program highlights our passion to pursue next-level performance solutions,” said Blackhawk president Edwin Black. “By integrating Hartzell’s cutting-edge propeller with our proven XP67A engine upgrade, we’re providing King Air 350 operators with additional propeller options resulting in a personalized path to smarter, faster, more efficient flying—with significant operational savings.”

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 To STC Five-blade Hartzell Composite Props for King Air 350

Option offered as part of company’s XP67A Engine+ upgrade

Blackhawk has launched an STC program for the Hartzell five-blade composite propeller on Beechcraft King Air 350s as part of its XP67A Engine+ upgrade.

Blackhawk To STC Five-blade Composite Props for KA350

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

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.

Facility joins company’s maintenance operations in Norwich and Glasgow

Gama Aviation’s Staverton Base Adds H145 Mx Approval

Jessica Reed

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Gill by Teledyne and ADS add product offerings to PJi’s catalog

Pilot John Adds New Suppliers to E-commerce Platform

Curt Epstein

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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.

Sun n Fun Aerospace Expo 2025

In this article

King Air 300 Series

BlackHawk Aerospace

Textron Aviation

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