Production Manager

Martha Jercinovich

West Star Aviation specializes in airframe repair and maintenance, engine repair and maintenance, major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, paint, parts, surplus avionics sales, window repair and accessory services.

<p>West Star Aviation, in partnership with Mid-Continent Avionics, is helping Embraer operators eliminate one of the platform’s most persistent maintenance challenges — the standby emergency power supply battery.</p>
<p>Mid-Continent Avionics has developed an FAA STC-approved solution utilizing the True Blue Power® TS56 Emergency Power Supply, providing operators with a more reliable, cost-effective alternative to the original OEM standby battery system for the&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.weststaraviation.com/airframes-embraer/">Embraer Phenom 300</a></strong>.</p>
<p>West Star Aviation will serve as a Mid-Continent dealer for these new emergency power supplies, providing operators with direct access to both the hardware and installation expertise through the West Star network.</p>
<h2><strong>Solving a Common Phenom 300 Maintenance Problem</strong></h2>
<p>Many Phenom 300 operators are familiar with the operational challenges associated with the original equipment emergency power supply batteries. When OEM batteries fail the required annual capacity check, replacement battery cells have often been difficult to obtain, leading to unnecessary downtime and, in some cases, aircraft AOG situations.</p>
<p>The new TS56 Emergency Power Supply directly addresses these concerns by replacing the OEM Ni-Cad system with a modern Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery solution engineered for improved reliability and simplified maintenance.</p>
<h2><strong>Key Benefits of the TS56 Emergency Power Supply</strong></h2>
<h3><strong>Reduced Maintenance Requirements</strong></h3>
<p>Unlike the OEM system, which requires annual capacity checks, the TS56 only requires capacity checks every two years. This reduces maintenance burden, lowers operating costs, and minimizes downtime.</p>
<h3><strong>Improved Reliability</strong></h3>
<p>The TS56 uses aircraft power to continuously recharge and maintain battery readiness, helping ensure the system is fully charged and available when needed.</p>
<h3><strong>Fast, Simple Replacement</strong></h3>
<p>The compact, lightweight design allows for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Easy installation</li>
<li>Simplified maintenance access</li>
<li>Field replacement in seconds</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Significant Cost Savings</strong></h3>
<p>Operators can expect pricing at approximately<strong>&nbsp;</strong>half the cost of the OEM emergency power supply.</p>
<h3><strong>Minimal Downtime, Immediate Availability</strong></h3>
<p>One of the biggest advantages of this STC upgrade is the ability to complete the installation with minimal aircraft downtime. Combined with in-stock availability, operators now have a practical solution to avoid prolonged delays associated with OEM battery sourcing challenges.</p>
<p>All West Star Aviation locations can perform this installation, giving operators flexibility to incorporate the upgrade into scheduled maintenance events across the West Star network.</p>
<h3><strong>Expanding Platform Support</strong></h3>
<p>While currently approved for the Embraer Phenom 300, the STC is expected to expand to include the Praetor 500 and 600 series aircraft by Summer 2026, further broadening the availability of this economical and reliable solution for Embraer operators.</p>
<h3><strong>A Smarter Standby Power Solution</strong></h3>
<p>The TS56 Emergency Power Supply delivers exactly what operators have been asking for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Lower acquisition cost</li>
<li>Reduced maintenance requirements</li>
<li>Improved reliability</li>
<li>Faster replacement capability</li>
<li>Minimal installation downtime</li>
</ul>
<p>For Phenom 300 operators seeking a dependable alternative to the OEM standby battery system, this upgrade offers immediate operational and financial advantages.</p>
<h2><strong>West Star Aviation: Your Embraer Avionics &amp; Systems Resource</strong></h2>
<p>West Star Aviation continues to support Embraer operators with industry-leading expertise in:</p>
<ul>
<li>Avionics upgrades</li>
<li>Electrical systems integration</li>
<li>STC installations</li>
<li>Maintenance and troubleshooting support</li>
<li>Paint and interior</li>
</ul>
<p>Our experienced Embraer teams understand the operational demands of today’s business aircraft and work closely with operators to deliver practical, cost-conscious solutions that improve dispatch reliability and reduce long-term operating costs.</p>
<h3><strong>Contact West Star Aviation</strong></h3>
<p>To learn more about the True Blue Power® TS56 Emergency Power Supply STC for the Embraer Phenom 300 — or upcoming Praetor applications — contact any of the West Star Aviation Embraer specialists below:</p>
<h3>Curtis Tuminaro</h3>
<p>Technical Sales Manager - Embraer (CHA)<br><br />
Cell:&nbsp;<a href="tel:4232434529">423.243.4529</a><br><br />
<a href="mailto:curtis.tuminaro@wsa.aero">curtis.tuminaro@wsa.aero</a></p>
<h3>Kevin Hand</h3>
<p>Technical Sales Manager, Embraer (ALN)<br><br />
Cell:&nbsp;<a href="tel:6188233062">618.823.3062</a><br><br />
<a href="mailto:khand@wsa.aero">khand@wsa.aero</a></p>
<h3>Mark Hand</h3>
<p>Technical Sales Manager, Embraer (GJT)<br><br />
Cell:&nbsp;<a href="tel:9708128828">970.812.8828</a><br><br />
<a href="mailto:mhand@wsa.aero">mhand@wsa.aero</a></p>
<h3>Jeff Messmer</h3>
<p>Technical Sales Manager (PCD)<br><br />
Cell&nbsp;<a href="tel:3146074069">314.607.4069</a><br><br />
<a href="mailto:jmessmer@wsa.aero">jmessmer@wsa.aero</a></p>
<h3>Mark Crotty</h3>
<p>Embraer Business Development<br><br />
Cell:&nbsp;<a href="tel:2163373637">216.337.3637</a><br><br />
<a href="mailto:mcrotty@wsa.aero">mcrotty@wsa.aero</a></p>
<h3>Bob O’leary</h3>
<p>Director, Embraer Business Development (ALN)<br><br />
Office:&nbsp;<a href="tel:6182588847">618.258.8847</a><br><br />
<a href="mailto:boleary@wsa.aero">boleary@wsa.aero</a></p>


<p>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.</p>


Economical, Reliable Emergency Power Solution for the Phenom 300

West Star Aviation and Mid-Continent Avionics are helping Embraer operators eliminate a persistent maintenance challenge: the standby emergency power supply battery.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

<p>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.</p>


<p>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.</p>


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

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Curt Epstein

The company saw record demand for AOG services last month 

West Star Aviation Rises To Meet Soaring AOG Demand

The facility at Addison Airport is the company’s fifth satellite location

West Star Aviation Adds Dallas Metroplex Mx Location

Move expands AOG service opportunities 

West Star Aviation Acquires Bizav MRO Provider DCJet

Chad Trautvetter

Project includes a new 45,000-sq-ft hangar and 30,000-sq-ft hangar extension

West Star Breaks Ground on Chattanooga MRO Expansion

In-house academy is helping relieve the shortage of aircraft maintenance technicians

Twenty-five West Star Graduates Qualify for A&P Tests

Kerry Lynch

West Star is authorized Embraer Legacy/Praetor overhaul facility

West Star Growing Authorizations, Facilities, Team

Artifical intelligence tool will help MROs improve opertaions and business efficiency

Camp Systems, West Star Partner on AI Operations Manager

In this article

West Star Aviation

More In Maintenance and Modifications