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 about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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.

Five maintenance-related sessions will meet the eight-hour training requirement

Maintenance Track Participants Earn IA Renewal Credits

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Approvals due next year for various Bombardier and Gulfstream models

Lithium Battery STCs Underway for Popular Bizjets

Kerry Lynch

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

MRO, defense, flight test are at capacity, taking over from work vacated

Bombardier Evolving in Wichita with Busy Base

Charles Alcock

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

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

NBAA-BACE 2025

In this article

TBM 700/850 Series

BlackHawk Aerospace

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Maintenance Track Participants Earn IA Renewal Credits

Five maintenance-related sessions will meet the eight-hour training requirement

Lithium Battery STCs Underway for Popular Bizjets

Approvals due next year for various Bombardier and Gulfstream models

Bombardier Evolving in Wichita with Busy Base

MRO, defense, flight test are at capacity, taking over from work vacated

Rolls-Royce Expands CorporateCare Engine Cover

Foreign object damage to some fan blisks now covered by program

Aero Star Aviation Introduces AI Maintenance Assistant

Virtual assistant “Ava” is designed to reduce downtime and boost accuracy and efficiency

ASI Adds Ultrasonic Testing and New Product Lines

Gripedge tools and PM Research PMA products are now available

PC-24 Adopts AeroSync Max for Flight Data Connectivity

This is the first fixed-wing application for the Astronautics system

Yingling Aviation Reaching into New Horizons

The company is expanding space, capabilities, and workforce

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