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 Group has received FAA approval for its XP66D engine upgrade for the Daher TBM 700, which replaces the original 700-shp Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PT6A-64 with the 850-shp PT6A-66D.
At Blackhawk’s Waco, Texas headquarters, the first installation is underway, and a second is scheduled at Blackhawk’s Avex Performance Center in Broomfield, Colorado. The certification TBM 700 is a 2004 C2 model that showcases all of the company’s capabilities with new Garmin avionics, custom paint, and a fresh interior.
With the 21% increase in power, the XP66D-upgraded TBM 700 can climb to FL310 in 22 minutes, shaving six minutes off the original model’s performance. Cruise speed is up by an average of 25 ktas, to 303 ktas.
“The approval and first installation of the XP66D engine upgrade represents a landmark achievement for Blackhawk and for TBM 700 operators worldwide,” said Edwin Black, president of Blackhawk’s proprietary upgrades division. “By combining our proven expertise in STC development with the unmatched TBM knowledge of our Avex Performance Centers, we’re delivering a truly transformative upgrade that maximizes the capability and value of the TBM 700.”
Meanwhile, Blackhawk is launching at NBAA-BACE a new STC program to add an electrically heated anti-ice boot on the Piper Meridian elevator horn gap. This is the same solution that Piper uses for the M600 and M700 turboprop singles and prevents ice from forming between the elevator horn and horizontal stabilizer.
“If left unchecked, ice accumulation in this area can restrict elevator movement, a condition that previously required pilots to periodically ‘shake the tail’ by moving the elevators,” according to Blackhawk. “This upgrade delivers a major safety benefit to legacy Meridian operators and brings the fleet in line with the modern ice-protection standards already available on newer Piper platforms.”
Under a recent partnership with Hartzell Propeller, the manufacturer’s Top Prop propellers will be available from Blackhawk and Avex Performance Centers. This also adds Blackhawk as a dealer for Hartzell’s Tanis Aircraft Products preheat systems.

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 Receives FAA Certification for TBM 700 Upgrade to More Powerful Engine

XP66D package adds 150 shp and improved climb and cruise performance

With the 21% increase in power, the XP66D-upgraded TBM 700 can climb to FL310 in 22 minutes, shaving 6 minutes off the original model’s performance.

Blackhawk Gets FAA Approval for TBM 700 Engine Upgrade

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.

NBAA-BACE 2025

In this article

TBM 700/850 Series

BlackHawk Aerospace

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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