Wichita, KS—June 28, 2006—Yingling Aviation has completed their first RVSM- compliant modification of a Cessna turboprop on a 1979 Conquest II (serial number 89), equipped with the Sperry 1000 Integrated Flight Control System owned by Lyddon Aero of Liberal, Kansas. The equipment installation will allow the airplane, which has a service ceiling of 35,000 feet, to operate in Revised Vertical Separation Minimums (RVSM) airspace at FL 290 to FL 410. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandate regarding RVSM which took effect in January of 2005 restricts operations at those altitudes to aircraft equipped with specified altitude and traffic alert reporting capabilities.
Utilizing a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) developed by AeroMech Inc. of Everett, Washington cooperation with Corporate Aircraft of Fresno, California, Yingling performed the modification of the airplane in less than a week, removing the aircraft’s original altimeters and installing two new Thommen Airdata Display Units. A Global Positioning System (GPS) Monitoring Unit (GMU) flight was accomplished with ARINC in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to verify the accuracy of the newly installed equipment .
“This installation will allow us to get the maximum efficiency out of our airplane,” noted Steve Lyddon co-owner of Lyddon Aero. Especially on longer trips, we benefit from being able to operate above FL 290 to fly over threatening weather or take advantage of prevailing winds. With a minor tune-up of the existing Sperry Autopilot by Yingling and installation of the new equipment, the airplane maintains altitude within 30 feet of the selected level. Our Conquest II is a very capable aircraft and meets our needs, so we were pleased to find a viable and economical way to comply with the restrictions imposed by the introduction of RVSM regulations,” he added.
“The higher flight levels aren’t purely for jets,” noted Nick Murphy, Yingling’s avionics manager. “We know that there are a lot of turboprop operators out there that have been looking for a way to retain their access to that airspace. This package is now available and affordable and we have the ability to modify the airplanes and return them to service in a very short time,” he added.
“We are very proud to have this RVSM solution alternative to offer to Conquest II operators,” stated Jerry Pickett, Director of Sales and Marketing for Yingling. “The AeroMech Inc. solution is very cost effective and the equipment is the highest quality. In addition, Yingling also offers a Meggitt/S-Tec RVSM solution for the Conquest II which includes 4-tube EFIS and a new autopilot,” he added.
For further information on pricing and availability, contact Pickett or the Yingling avionics department by calling (316) 943-3246 or via e-mail at yinglingaviation.com.
More About Yingling
Yingling is a full-service fixed base operation providing 24 hour line services at Mid- Continent Airport (ICT) in Wichita, KS. A Cessna affiliate and authorized service station for 60 years, Yingling is the largest Cessna parts supplier in the world. By leveraging its proximity to the factory, Yingling offers fast worldwide delivery and competitive pricing, with A.O.G. orders received before 11:30 AM shipped the same day. Yingling’s FAA/ JAA-certified aircraft maintenance department performs annuals, repairs, servicing and pre-purchase evaluation for all aircraft, specializing in turbine and twin inspections.
A Cessna Pilot Center with a full fleet of aircraft and state of the art computer-based instruction for primary, instrument and advance ratings, Yingling has rental aircraft available to qualified pilots and offers professional sales representation for buyers and sellers of pre-owned aircraft. Yingling is an authorized partner for most major brands of avionics, offering instrument and autopilot upgrades, installations, repairs and panel reconfigurations.
Cessna has also selected Yingling to design and build executive-style Oasis interiors for its line of Caravan single-engine turboprops. The company also includes international aircraft shipping among its impressive list of services.
With more than 40 employees dedicated to serving customers, a spacious pilot’s lounge, and an outstanding selection of equipment, specialty items, and gifts at its Aviator’s Attic, Yingling can provide exceptional hospitality and service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.