The demand for flight training has increased in the last few years as airlines struggle to find qualified pilots. Flight schools are busy providing training to the new generation of pilots and finding a competitive advantage is quintessential to sustain growth. Flight Schools are required to modernize to attract young pilots and are faced with the predicament of purchasing new OEM aircraft and equipment and further delaying the return on investment. In the last 45+ years, Air Plains Services has enabled several flight schools to become more profitable with the legacy Cessna 172 aircraft. Fleet operators are pleased with the substantial decrease in operation costs, enhanced safety and dedicated support they receive, consequently, they are able to make better decisions to invest profits. All business owners are aware that operation costs must be controlled. Utilizing a modernized legacy fleet of aircraft provides much better ROI when compared to new OEM aircraft because the initial investment is substantially less. On average the payoff is achieved in half the time. The cost of replacement of OEM parts is very high and the lack of availability could ground an aircraft for a few days. Our STCkits are produced with certified parts that we manufacture in our own facility with controlled costs and a fraction of OEM prices. We stock over 1200 of our kit parts to enable our customers to get back into the air safer and reduce downturn. Fleet standardization enhances safety with added simplicity and cross-training between different aircraft. We strive to make our flight manuals standard and we provide operators with additional data when necessary. The added horsepower and lighter airframe weight provide a better margin of safety to reach pattern altitude quicker and perform well on hot, sunny days. Utilizing the most famous trainer aircraft, the Cessna 172 with added power and superb handling characteristics, enables students to learn the basics of stick-and-rudder flying. Air Plains is also equipped with the ability to provide a modern cockpit environment with glass instruments, metalized panels, and a new interior that is customized and branded. The best advantage Air Plains can provide is a partnership and dedicated support. We take care of the fleet support while the customer can concentrate on running the business operations. Customers prefer one place to call to get parts on the shelf and use our expertise to find solutions fast. Our excellent relationship with Lycoming Engines and Continental Motors enables us to take care of maintenance items and provide a fleet discount. We strive to provide continual engineering and improvement to our kit parts and our goal is to provide the quickest turnaround possible even when custom parts need to be fabricated for customers. A prudent manager must consider all available options to sustain growth and stay competitive. Investing in legacy aircraft that are safe, modernized, and maintained by an industry expert to meet customer demand is an excellent strategy for a healthy operation and provides much steeper growth when compared to the initial investment necessary to purchase new OEM aircraft. Air Plains is well-positioned to support flight schools to pursue this strategy and we offer several packages that are customized to work with flight schools of different sizes.

Our friend Kent Orr, just north of us in Nebraska, was recently profiled in Cessna Flyer. Read about his salvage business and his "weekend" project, Frankenhawk.

Cessna 172 Battery Tray Kit for manifold style battery with Air Plains 180HP engine upgrade, STC SA4428SW. The original battery box may be replaced with a manifold battery as approved under type certificate or PMA for serial numbers 17272885 thru 17274009. This installation is recommended for new and previous installed 180HP engine upgrades. Air Plains new battery tray design is lighter than the original Cessna design and has less corrosion potential. The simplicity of the tray makes it easy to access the battery for maintenance or charging. Also there is more clearance to access the LH magneto. Complete kit includes new tray, bolts, new venting tube, and installation instructions. Manifold style battery is required and sold separately. Part Number: 1728509-KIT Applicable serial number range: 17269310 thru 17272884, 24V. For more information, visit us at www.airplains.com Call: 800-752-8481 or (outside the U.S.) +1-620-326-8904 Email: sales@airplains.com

Air Plains Services is pleased to announce the FAA PMA Approval for replacement airbox arm. This new arm is one piece billet machined and comes complete with the hardware shown in the photo. This is a replacement for part number: 0750111-19 Model Eligibility: 172Q, 175, 175A, 177, 177A, 177B, 180 S/N: 30000-53203 182, 182A, 182B, 182C, 182D, 182E, 182F, 182G, 182H, 182J, 182K, 182L, 182M, 182N, 182P, 182Q, 182R, F182P, F182Q, A182 S/N: 0001-0136, 185, 185A, 185B, 185C, 185D, 185E S/N: 658-1149, A185E S/N: 1150-1300, 188, 188A, 188B Assembly Includes: APS0750111-19, Arm APS0750111-19-1, Clamp MS16562-16, Pin AN960-10L, Washers, two MS21083N3, Nut ICA available for download below For more information, visit us at www.airplains.com Call: 800-752-8481 or (outside the U.S.) +1-620-326-8904 Email: sales@airplains.com

The three-part story of Mike McRobert's tip-to-tail refurb of his legacy Cessna 182, starting with an Air Plains 300hp engine upgrade. Reposted with permission from Cessna Flyer.

We are often asked what is the recommended engine break-in procedure following the installation of a new engine. Whether it is a Lycoming O-360 or Continental IO-550 the first 25-50 hours are very important. During break-in procedure maintain 65% to 75% power. It is important to keep your engine developing power during the first three hours of operation. Adjust CHT temperatures with a richer mixture and cowl flaps, if available. Keep CHT temperatures between 300F and 380F when possible. Avoid long periods at idle and adjust descent profiles to maintain higher power settings when possible. Follow information and detailed instructions highlighted in the referenced document available for download here. Run at high cruise power levels for best piston ring-cylinder wall mating. The use of low power settings does not expand the piston rings enough and will leave a film of oil on the cylinder walls. Continue break-in operations for 50 hours or until oil consumption stabilizes. For additional technical support please contact Air Plains via email at tech@airplains.com

Air Plains Services, a world leader in general aviation engine and avionics upgrades, has developed a new three-point engine primer kit for its 180hp engine upgrade STC, providing enhanced cold engine starts compared with the standard single-point primer. “Our new three-cylinder primer is particularly effective in cold-weather locations, but it gives anyone a smoother, quicker start,” said Katie Church, Air Plains president. “If you have an Air Plains 172XP 180hp upgrade that was done prior to 2021, it’s very likely the original primer system was reinstalled with the new engine. While the previous process works just fine for most customers, we wanted to develop an option that was even more reliable for cold-weather customers.” Air Plains engineers worked directly with Lycoming to develop the new primer system to be compatible with the more than 2,700 existing 172XP 180hp upgrades, and to be an option for new customers. Air Plains also worked with Lycoming to develop the installation manual. The standard primer uses a single nozzle in the #3 cylinder for priming while the new kit adds nozzles for cylinders #2 and #4. The new three-point primer is one of the new products to be featured by Air Plains at the annual Sun ‘N Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Fla., March 28 through April 2. Air Plains will be in a larger exhibit space this year- MD-23 - and will show off several customer airplanes featuring various Air Plains upgrades. For more information about any of Air Plains products or services, call 1-800-752-8481 or +1-620-326-8904, visit www.airplains.com For online shopping, visit the Air Plains web store at https://shopairplains.com

Installation tips for Cessna 180 and 182 aircraft with Air Plains 300HP engine upgrade to assist in positioning the throttle body assembly correctly. Document number 1821601 is available for download and contains 11 step by step instructions with photos to assist. The required tools are included in our STC kit. If you have additional questions please contact our technical support at tech@airplains.com For more information, visit us at www.airplains.com Call: 800-752-8481 or (outside the U.S.) +1-620-326-8904 Email: tech@airplains.com

3 Point Primer Kit optional for installation with Air Plains 180HP engine upgrade, STC SA4428SW. If your geographical location is primarily cold weather adding two priming nozzles will ease the starting procedure. Adding two priming nozzles has proven a smoother start. Air Plains collaborated with Lycoming to provide a custom primer line kit for Air Plains new and existing customers. If you have an Air Plains 172-180hp that was done prior to 2021 it is very likely the original primer system was reinstalled with the new engine. While the previous process works just fine, Air Plains has added an option to the upgrade kit to now offer a three point primer kit. If you have an existing Air Plains 172-180hp installation you very likely have the single priming system that is original to the aircraft. The standard installation reuses the existing primer lines and reinstalls on the new engine. Increase the chances of starting your engine during the first revolution with the three point primer system installed. Part Number: 172-180-3P Primer Installation manual available for download For more information, visit us at www.airplains.com Call: 800-752-8481 or (outside the U.S.) +1-620-326-8904 Email: sales@airplains.com

While changing the voltage regulator is not a requirement with and engine upgrade; however, it is definitely a good time to consider it if the original voltage regulator is still present. 1. Generator to alternator. On earlier 'generator' equipped models it needs to be replaced to work with the alternator. 2. Visual condition and corrosion. Regulators can develop corroded terminals and otherwise look really bad. Corrosion can cause bad connections which can reduce performance and even introduce noise into the system that can be heard on the intercom. The visual condition of the regulator could so be a factor for a complete restoration of an aircraft. 3. Performance and reliability. The Plane Power voltage regulator that Air Plains prefers is solid state, meaning it has no wearing parts like the contacts on older style regulators. It also features over-voltage, field short, and reverse-polarity protection built in. 4. Preventative maintenance. When the regulator and engine wiring is replaced along with the new alternator the entire charging system is now new. For more information, shop our online store at www.shopairplains.com Call: 800-752-8481 or (outside the U.S.) +1-620-326-8904 Email: sales@airplains.com

R182 with McCauley three blade propeller with original engine can be reused with Air Plains 260HP engine upgrade. Here's how: McCauley STC SA00797CH approves the same propeller that Air Plains uses with the 260HP engine upgrade. The McCauley Propeller Model would be B3D36C431/80VSA-1 or B3D36C433/80VSA-1 depending on the aircraft serial number. So, what that means is when it comes time to overhaul the original propeller you could plan ahead for the 260HP engine upgrade and upgrade the propeller ahead of the engine. The propeller then can be reused with the new engine when you reach TBO. The blade angles would need to be set per the STC at the time of engine replacement. For more information, visit us at www.airplains.com Call: 800-752-8481 or (outside the U.S.) +1-620-326-8904 Email: sales@airplains.com

WELLINGTON, KS (Dec. 13, 2022) – Air Plains Services, a world leader in general aviation engine and avionics upgrades, announced today it would exhibit again in 2023 at the annual Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Fla., March 28 through April 2. “We’re eager to return to Sun ‘n Fun for our second year to visit with current customers and develop new relationships,” said Katie Church, Air Plains president. “We’ll feature our popular Cessna engine upgrades as well as new products introduced over the past year.” Air Plains will be in a larger exhibit space this year at MD-23 and will show off several customer airplanes featuring various Air Plains upgrades. Air Plains boasts eight engine upgrade STCs, the widest range of engine upgrades for Cessna single-engine pistons in the industry. Five of the upgrades are branded Extreme Performance, or XP upgrades: two STCs for the 180hp XP upgrade for the 172; a 300hp XP upgrade for the Cessna 180; a 300hp XP upgrade for the Cessna 182; and a 300hp XP upgrade for the Cessna 182RG. The company also offers a 260hp upgrade for both the Cessna 182S and T models and a 260hp upgrade for the Cessna 182RG. Earlier this year, Air Plains introduced the new 172XPα Advanced Instrument Panel developed specifically for Cessna 172 owners either planning to upgrade with its 180hp STC, or for the more than 2,500 172XP upgrades already in operation. The new avionics panel, like the engine upgrade, can be installed by Air Plains at its Kansas facility or shipped as a complete kit for local installation. “The new 172XPα panel combines the best from Dynon and Avidyne to completely transform the 172XP cockpit for 21st century operations and to take full advantage of the 180-horsepower engine upgrade,” Church said. “We’ve already installed a number of new panels and we’re very happy with the performance.” The 172XPα panel also enhances the utility of a 180hp upgraded Cessna 172 in a training environment as it meets all the requirements under FAA FAR 61.129(j) for a Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) needed for a commercial pilot rating. Air Plains added to its stable of aircraft components, including the addition of a vernier throttle control cable for Cessna 180 and 182 developed exclusively for Air Plains by McFarlane Aviation that allows more precise throttle settings by simply twisting the knob. Air Plains operates a full-service machine shop and will feature a number of PMA parts for a variety of aircraft parts including airboxes, adjustable airbox brackets and airbox gaskets, baffle assemblies, exhaust components, and a variety of miscellaneous parts, many available at the company’s online shop. Air Plains also offers a variety of propeller STCs from top brands including McCauley, Hartzell, Sensenich and MT. For more information about any of Air Plains products or services, call 1-800-752-8481 or +1-620-326-8904, visit www.airplains.com. For online shopping, visit the Air Plains web store at https://shopairplains.com.

If you have a Cessna 172N with the original Lycoming O-320-H2AD it's very likely that you've dealt with the issues that come along with the single housed dual magneto. If you are a rare breed where performance is just not what you are after, but are approaching TBO this may be a good option for you. Air Plains developed a solution many years ago to replace the original -H2AD engine with the -D2J or -D3G series. This is very similar to an engine remove and replacement and reusing many components on condition including the propeller. STC SA2714CE approves the removal of the original Lycoming O-320-H2AD and installation of Lycoming O-320-D2J or -D3G engine. This alleviates the problematic single housed mag with a more desirable engine. Air Plains provides a STC package for this optional solution. Contact us today. For more information, pricing and availability please contact us today or shop our online store: www.shopairplains.com Call: 800-752-8481 or (outside the U.S.) +1-620-326-8904 Email: sales@airplains.com

WELLINGTON, KS (August 8, 2022) – Air Plains Services, a world leader in general aviation engine and avionics upgrades and an Authorized TRIG dealer, is now offering the new TRIG TX56 and TX57 stack Nav/Com unit. “The availability of the TRIG Nav/Com gives aircraft owners and flight schools a second option in the current market for new units,” said Eric Papon, manager of O&M Services for Air Plains. “It provides a lot of functionality in a small package and integrates smoothly with almost any panel.” Trig’s EASA and FAA certified TX56 and TX57 Nav/Com units are an ideal platform to update legacy avionics and at only 1.3 inches high, the unit saves valuable space while containing an impressive selection of practical features for any pilot. The TX56 family of products is available with 8.33 kHz channel spacing or conventional 25 kHz spacing and 10-watt (TX56) or 16-watt (TX57) transmit power. The TX56A and TX57A are 760 channel radio versions (non 8.33 kHz for use outside Europe). Features of the Nav/Com unit include a clear, bright display showing both primary and secondary frequencies along with airfield/VOR identifiers, and a ‘Push Step’ knob that allows the fastest change from 8.33 kHz to 25 kHz (TX56/TX57) or 25 kHz to 50 kHz (TX56A/TX57A) so you can tune the Nav/Com quickly while focusing on flying. The Dual Watch feature allows you to monitor two Com or Nav frequencies at the same time. The radio has a ‘Say Again’ feature where a single button press replays the last radio transmission, ideal for student pilots. Both the TX56 and TX57 will decode Morse, identifying VORs or ILS. The Nav receiver can monitor a second VOR which significantly enhances route navigation. This means that a standby VOR radial can be displayed in addition to the primary VOR, allowing the pilot to quickly calculate an accurate position fix. The unit display features a graphical CDI (course deviation indicator) that allows the pilot to navigate without an external CDI. The TX56 also provides support for various display options, using a range of external cockpit instruments. For more information about the new TRIG TX56 Nav/Com family or any of Air Plains products or services, call 1-800-752-8481 or +1-620-326-8904, or visit www.airplains.com. For online shopping, visit the Air Plains web store at https://shopairplains.com.

The benefits and increased performance offered for the Cessna 180 and 182 aircraft by either the Continental IO-520-D engine or the IO-550-D engine are impressive, with a few differences. The IO-520-D engine generates 300 horsepower at an RPM of 2850, which is allowed for 5 minute intervals. On take off, at full throttle, 300 horsepower are available for five minutes, then a power change is made to bring the engine back to 285 horsepower (maximum continuous horsepower). The IO-550-D engine generates 300 horsepower at 2,700 rpm, and has no limitations. The basic difference between the IO-520 engine and the IO-550 engine is the stroke of the piston within the cylinder, the 550 being longer, thus creating more cubic inches, and 300 sustainable horsepower through increased torque. Both the IO-520 and 550 engine is fuel injected, equipped with a new starter, Bendix 1200 series magentos, harness and plugs, heavy duty non-congealing oil cooler, high capacity oil pump, VAR crankshaft, Heavy crankcase (7th Stud), integral oil filter and Continental Warranty. For more information on engine upgrades contact Air Plains today. Phone: 1-800-752-8481 Email: Sales@airplains.com

Air Plains 180HP upgrade for the 172R takes full advantage of the horsepower originally designed into the Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine. The new propeller allows the engine to turn 2700 RPM, the full value of your engine is utilized. This simple upgrade pairs nicely when aircraft is down for engine overhaul. Or, can also easily incorporate 172R models into a fleet of 172S models. This upgrade is approved for Cessna 172R aircraft 1996-2004 without the G1000. Air Plains offers two options for the upgrade and if you're considering the upgrade it is worth considering both great options. Background There are two options to consider. STC SA4428SW was approved in 1998 originally offered and still offered today by Air Plains Services. STC SA10406SC was approved in 2005 and offered by Alamo Aerospace. Air Plains Services acquired STC SA10406SC in 2018 and now offers it as an optional installation. The Comparison STC SA4428SW includes the installation of an optional alternate air system enables positive control of the alternate air system in the event that induction ice or the filter is blocked by ice, or other foreign material. The STC kit includes the airbox assembly, duct, clamps and cable. This option also requires the remarking of the existing airspeed indicator and tachometer per STC SA4428SW. This installation uses McCauley propeller 1A170E/JFA7658. This option is EASA validated. STC SA10406SC does not require the installation of the alternate airbox. This installation does require remarking of the existing airspeed indicator, tachometer, and fuel flow/EGT indicator per STC SA10406SC. McCauley propeller 1A170E/JHA7660 is used. Most commonly this is carried out with flight schools or other operation to provide similarity among the fleet. Both options allow for 100 lbs gross weight increase. The Air Plains 180 HP offers increased climb and cruise performance, along with the ability to increase your overall payload. Our upgrade flight tests have proven a 300-400 foot per minute increase in the rate of climb! For more information, visit us at www.airplains.com Call: 800-752-8481 or (outside the U.S.) +1-620-326-8904 Email: sales@airplains.com

This installation instruction was written with the intent to help the installer position the throttle body assembly in its correct configuration. Following the instructions carefully will facilitate the rigging of the controls and assure that the throttle body is in the correct position. 1. Installation Tools The two tools shown below are used to place the throttle body into the correct position. The wood spacer tool 182TB01-TOOL is used to position the throttle body with the proper distance from the oil sump. Tool 182TB02-TOOL aids the installation of the engine controls and positioning of the induction air box. 2. Oil Sump Spacer Place the wood spacer (182TB01-TOOL) between the oil sump and the throttle body. Loosen the clamps on both ends of the intake elbows to place the throttle body into the correct position. Twist the elbows to break the bond between the elbow and the intake hose. This will allow the throttle body to float into position. 3. Position Place part number 182TB02-TOOL over the engine studs as shown in the picture. Removal of the nuts is not necessary. With the spacer 182TB01-TOOL in place between the oil sump and the throttle body and 182TB02-TOOL in position fasten the intake clamps as needed. 4. Support Straps Once the induction air box has been installed and the support straps bolted to the oil sump recheck the throttle body location and adjust as needed. 5. Mixture and Throttle Control Cables With the throttle body in the correct position the engine controls will clear the intake tube approximately ¼ inch during the rigging process. Prior to securing the engine on the firewall it is strongly recommended that installer completes the throttle and mixture cable rigging. Installer should support the engine with an engine hoist and route the control cables according to the installation instructions making sure that there is an adequate clearance between components. The picture above shows the mixture and throttle in idle cutoff position. If the controls cables contact the throttle body at any position it will result in increased wear of components. 6. Balance Tube Remove the clamp on the balance tube and secure with cable ties. Clearance between the balance tube and the intake duct is minimal. If the balance tube interferes with the cowl move the tube up, towards the oil sump. Light taps with a rubber mallet is the best way to move the balance tube into the desired position. Still have a question on the induction installation? Please contact our technical support at tech@airplains.com

A well balanced spinner will reduce cabin vibration and give you a more comfortable ride. Often the forward spinner bulkheads is damaged under stress because of an improper installation. For additional installation support please send an email to our technical support. Tech@airplains.com or call 1-800-752-8481

Air Plains has provided reference performance data for Air Plains Cessna 172-180HP installations in PDF format. This data is to be used as reference only and reflects performance for aircraft at 2550 Lbs. Takeoff distance, maximum rate of climb, time, fuel and distance to climb are all included in this reference only document. If you have additional technical questions please contact our technical support at tech@airplains.com For more product information view our online store or other blog posts within our site. Call: 800-752-8481 or 620-326-8904 Email: Sales@airplains.com

WELLINGTON, KS (June 28, 2022) – The Air Plains Services popular 180hp engine upgrade for Cessna 172s – the 172XP – is about to get even better. The company is now offering an Advanced Instrument Panel Kit – the 172XPα – developed specifically for Cessna 172 owners either planning to upgrade with its 180hp STC, or for the more than 2,500 172XP upgrades already in operation. The new avionics panel, like the engine upgrade, can be installed by Air Plains at its Kansas facility or shipped as a complete kit for local installation. “Our engine upgrade customers almost always consider adding a new instrument panel as well to really complete the upgrade experience for legacy Skyhawk airframes,” said Katie Church, president of Air Plains. “That led us to develop a new, advanced panel kit, available to be shipped along with the engine upgrade, that’s easy for your mechanic to install at the same time, giving the customer essentially a new airplane at a fraction of the cost of a factory model.” The 172XPα Advanced Instrument Panel Kit arrives wired, interfaced, plumbed (pitot-static), and configured for the Air Plains 172XP 180hp engine upgrade STC SA4428SW and STC SA2196CE, if applicable. The instrument panel will be test fit for instrumentation, powder-coated and laser engraved, with pilot holes pre-drilled for final fitment and installation. The installer will need to finish the remaining installation items in the aircraft including antenna, magnetometer, coax cabling, mic/phone jacks, radio & transponder rack, leveling, and return to service. Mechanics will find Air Plains technical support quick and easy to access for any questions that come up during the process. The 172XPα Advanced Instrument Panel Kit includes: Avidyne IFD540 GPS/Nav/Com* Avidyne AMX240 Bluetooth Audio Panel w/ 4 place Intercom Dual Dynon HDX 10” PFD & 7” MFD Dynon EFIS-D10A Backup Flight Instrument Dynon ADS-B In Traffic and Weather Dynon Mode S Transponder with 2020-Compliant ADS-B Out Dynon Com Radio Dynon Autopilot Dynon Engine Monitoring Air Plains Custom Pilot & Copilot Instrument Panels * IFD540 may be substituted for IFD440 or IFD550. Flight schools that want to take advantage of the performance enhancements of the 180hp engine in a training environment will see an added payoff with the 172XPα advanced instrument panel kit since it meets all the requirements under FAA FAR 61.129(j) for a Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) needed for a commercial pilot rating. “Training academies are finding benefits in the 180hp upgrade that set their programs apart from the competition, such as greater reliability, more efficient operation, fleet standardization, better aircraft performance, and, with the Gross Weight Increase, they now have a true four-place trainer,” Church said. “With the Alpha avionics upgrade, they can offer a wider range of training programs in one airframe, and they get a trainer that meets a student’s idea of 21st century flying.” Expert avionics panel fabrication, a company specialty, is key feature of the Air Plains 172XPα.“We take the guesswork out of fabricating the panel,” Church said. “Most maintenance facilities do not have the capability to fabricate and powder coat an instrument panel. With the 172XPα, we deliver a new, modern panel to your mechanic for final fitment and installation.” Church said another benefit of adding the 172XPα advanced instrument panel kit to an Air Plains engine upgrade order is it can be installed at the same time the mechanic is installing the engine with no need to wait on other parts or vendors to complete the project. “You didn’t get your airplane for it to be worked on,” Church said. “If you’re planning on a new Air Plains 180hp upgrade, get the most out of your planned downtime during your engine upgrade and leave the maintenance facility with an essentially new 172. “Over our 45 years in business, we’ve sold more than 2,500 180hp engine upgrades to customers worldwide, making it one of the most popular engine upgrades around. And with our new 172XPα Advanced Instrument Panel Kit, it just got better.” For more information about any of Air Plains products or services, call 1-800-752-8481 or +1-620-326-8904, or visit www.airplains.com. For online shopping, visit the Air Plains web store at https://shopairplains.com.