WELLINGTON, KS (February 25, 2020) – Air Plains Services, a world leader in general aviation engine and avionics upgrades, will feature its newest avionics packages as well as its industry-leading line of Cessna engine upgrade STCs at the AOPA Fly-In in San Marcos, Texas, May 29-30. “We’ve added new lines of avionics components in the past year as well as new parts and services we are eager to share with customers in San Marcos,” said Katie Church, head of marketing for Air Plains. “We are very excited to showcase our new online store. The design makes it easy for people to see at a glance our FAA PMA parts, along with a photo and a list of approved models, making it easy for customers to make a decision while purchasing replacement parts.” The company will have a flight line exhibit featuring two aircraft: a Cessna 180XP with a 300 hp upgrade, a new custom instrument panel, and a new composite propeller that is expected to gain STC approval in the near future (watch for more news soon); and a Cessna 182XP, also featuring a 300 hp upgrade along with a tip-to-tail refurbishment that was managed by Air Plains Services. The 182XP on display, N182AP, was a milestone aircraft for Air Plains as its 500th 300 hp XP upgrade. The complete story of the project written by owner Mike McRobert was featured in a three-part series in Cessna Flyer in 2018. In the past year, Air Plains added Dynon, Guardian, and BendixKing (including TruTrak) avionics to its array of of avionics suppliers including Avidyne, Genesys, Appareo, L3, and Aspen, giving Air Plains advisors even more options to pair with a customer’s unique requirements. Air Plains recently gained Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) from the Federal Aviation Administration to manufacture new replacement airboxes for a variety of Cessna 180, 182 and 188 aircraft. The airbox, Part Number APS0750144-33, is certified for use on Cessna 180s produced since 1960 (C thru K), Cessna 182s produced from 1959 thru 1986 (B thru R), and Cessna 188s produced from 1966 thru 1975 (thru B). Earlier this month, Air Plains launched an online store for many of its STC and PMA parts including the new PMA-certified airboxes. The store is at https://shopairplains.com/. Air Plains is well-known for its popular 180, 260 and 300 horsepower engine upgrades for Cessna 172, 180 and 182 aircraft which can be installed by Air Plains or shipped worldwide. The XP line of upgrades consists of a 300 hp upgrade for Cessna 182 H through R model aircraft, a 300 hp upgrade for Cessna 180s, a 300 hp upgrade for Cessna retractable gear models R182, and two 180 hp upgrades for a large number of Cessna 172 models. The company also offers STCs for a 260 hp upgrade for Cessna 182 S and T model aircraft and a 260 hp upgrade for Cessna RG182. For more information about Hartzell propeller options or any of Air Plains other products or services, call 1-800-752-8481 or +1-620-326-8904, visit www.airplains.com. For online shopping, visit the new Air Plains web store at https://shopairplains.com.

Air Plains Services specializes in engine upgrades for Cessna 172, 180, 182, and 182RG aircraft. Air Plains holds the STC to improve the useful load for 172D-R aircraft equipped with Air Plains 172XP-180HP. See options below. Air Plains’ gross weight increase STC SA2196CE is available for 172 D thru P and R aircraft equipped with engine upgrade STC SA4428SW. 172D thru L Gross weight increase of 200 lbs available for aircraft equipped with Air Plains 180 Horsepower engine upgrade, STC SA4428SW. If not already in place, this requires a one-time installation of three stringers in the tailcone, flap limitation, airspeed indicator, placards, and 6 ply tires. A diagram of the stringer location is available upon request. 172M, N 172 M, N Gross weight increase of 250 lbs available for aircraft equipped with Air Plains 180 Horsepower engine upgrade, STC SA4428SW. 172P 172 P gross weight increase of 150 lbs available from 2400 lbs up to 2550 lbs gross weight. 172R Gross weight increase of 100 lbs is available for aircraft equipped with Air Plains 180 Horsepower upgrade, STC SA4428SW or SA10406SC. Engine replacement not required. 172N Without STC SA4428SW(engine upgrade) Keep the existing O-320-H2AD engine and improve the gross weight from 2300 to 2400 lbs. Replace the O-320-H2AD with O-320-D2J, STC SA2714CE, and also receive 100 lbs useful load. 182P, Q Gross weight increase of up to 150 lbs. This STC is offered by Troll Tune Corporation and requires no modifications. The useful load improvement pairs nicely with Air Plains 300 Horsepower engine upgrade, or can be installed during routine maintenance. 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 (Aug. 15, 2019) – Air Plains Services, a world leader in general aviation engine and avionics upgrades, will be exhibiting a Cessna 180 with one of the company’s signature 300hp XP engines and talking aircraft transformation at the AOPA Fly-In in Tullahoma, TN, September 13 and 14. “We’re excited to be traveling east, getting to know aircraft owners in a different part of the country than we normally do,” said Mike Kelley, Air Plains owner. “Tullahoma, like our own Wellington, Kansas, has an interesting history and strong ties to aerospace, making it an ideal spot for an AOPA Fly-In.” Air Plains is widely known for its industry leading range of high-horsepower piston engine upgrades, including its famous XP line of extreme performance upgrades for Cessna 172, 180 and 182 models, as well as new STCs for 260hp upgrades for Cessna 182 S/T and Cessna 182RG models. Air Plains is unique in the industry as it also ships complete engine upgrade kits anywhere in the world. The company’s kits include not only the engine and propeller (for most kits), but every part, baffle and bolt needed for installation. Air Plains has delivered or installed more than 3,000 engine upgrades in more than 40 years in business. “Just as in Wellington, engine technology is a specialty in Tullahoma, thanks to Arnold Air Force Base,” Kelley said. “Beginning in the 1960s, they’ve tested just about every important jet or rocket engine used by the Air Force, so we’ll find a knowledgeable audience there.” Tullahoma Regional Airport is also home to the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. Walter Beech was born in nearby Pulaski, eventually relocating to Wichita, Kansas, just north of Wellington, where he went on to fame as a pioneer in general aviation. Air Plains experts on hand are also ready to discuss its range of Dynon, Avidyne, Guardian, Appareo, L3, Aspen, FreeFlight, and TruTrak avionics systems and components. Air Plains also specializes in spare parts, offering more than 500 PMA part numbers, including certified airbox replacements at prices on a par with repaired boxes and at a fraction of OEM prices for new boxes. The Cessna 180 on display by Air Plains features the Inpulse ADI system, allowing piston aircraft owners the option to safely use unleaded 91/93 octane fuel (MOGAS) in certain high-compression aircraft engines, offering a long-term solution to the uncertain future of 100 low lead aviation fuel. For more information on the Fly-In in Tullahoma, visit AOPA. For more information about any of Air Plains products or services, visit www.airplains.com or call 1-800-752-8481 or +1-620-326-8904.

By Al Rice Chief Pilot Silverhawk Aviation Academy People look at upgrading their 172 engine for a number of reasons, and there’s a great deal of validity for them all. It’s not that much more expensive than a rebuild for TBO. It goes faster, climbs faster, and gives the owner a bit of bragging rights on the ramp. For Silverhawk Aviation Academy, there were more practical reasons. We just added our sixth 172, and all have the Air Plains 180hp upgrade, known as the 172XP. We think the added horsepower gives us the best utility and value from the airframe for our requirements, which are not unlike those of many other flight academies. Silverhawk is Idaho's leading flight academy for rotor and fixed-wing aircraft. We offer a variety of Part 141 degree programs through our association with Treasure Valley Community College as well as Part 61 training for U.S. and international students. We also offer FBO and charter services, all at our facilities at Caldwell Industrial Airport (EUL/KEUL), just outside Boise. We started as a helicopter flight school just over 20 years ago. As our reputation grew, we expanded our service and fleet, now operating 14 Robinson helicopters, six Cessna 172s with the Air Plains 180hp upgrade, one Cessna 172RG and one Cessna 177RG, and a Beechcraft BE-76 Duchess. The company has more than 30 flight instructors, administrators and mechanics, all with a passion for training and helping people begin new careers in aviation. But back to our 172s. When we started to add fixed-wing aircraft, we specifically targeted the Air Plains 180hp Cessna 172 modification, primarily because both the mod and the company have solid reputations. Caldwell is at the western entrance of the Treasure Valley, and although our home field elevation is not all that high (2432 ft. MSL), the surrounding area has airport elevations up to 5000 ft. MSL. During the summer months, this can equate to density altitudes up to 8000 feet. The 180hp engines add an additional safety margin when operating at the higher DAs. The Air Plains 172XP upgrade also brings a gross weight increase that gives us more than 1,000 pounds of useful load. That makes it a true four-place aircraft that is so useful for lessons with more than one student. Because of the unique nature of Silverhawk, we found another useful reason to employ the Air Plains. The Lycoming O-360 engine used on all six 172XPs gives us commonality with nine of our Robinson helicopters that are powered with either an IO-360 or O-360. This makes for a much more manageable parts inventory and maintenance knowledge and familiarity. The annual flight time for the school continues to grow and in 2018, we flew over 10,000 hours. The Cessna fleet flew 3000 of those hours, with most of those flown by the 172s. From the start, we’ve opted to go after 172s already upgraded with the Air Plains upgrade, and even though we purchased our aircraft with various amounts of engine time, we have had few issues. When we do have issues, the Air Plains staff has always been friendly and helpful. For us, the STC is well designed and trouble-free . The market for the Air Plains 180hp upgrade seems to be getting tighter and they are harder to find. But for Silverhawk Aviation, I have no doubt that when we need another aircraft, we’ll have Air Plains at the top of our list.

By Al Rice Chief Pilot Silverhawk Aviation Academy People look at upgrading their 172 engine for a number of reasons and there’s a great deal of validity for them all. It’s not that much more expensive than a rebuild for TBO. It goes faster, climbs faster, and gives the owner a bit of bragging rights on the ramp. For Silverhawk Aviation Academy, there were more practical reasons. We just added our sixth 172, and all have the Air Plains 180hp upgrade, known as the 172XP. We think the added horsepower gives us the best utility and value from the airframe for our requirements which are not unlike many other flight academies. Silverhawk is the leading flight academy in Idaho for both rotor and fixed wing aircraft. We offer a variety of Part 141 degree programs through our association with Treasure Valley Community College as well as Part 61 training for U.S. and international students. We also offer FBO and charter services, all at our facilities at Caldwell Industrial Airport (EUL/KEUL), just outside Boise. We started as a helicopter flight school just over 20 years ago. As our reputation grew, we expanded our service and fleet, now operating 14 Robinson helicopters, six Cessna 172s with the Air Plains 180hp upgrade, one Cessna 172RG and one Cessna 177RG, and a Beechcraft BE-76 Duchess. The company has more than 30 flight instructors, administrators and mechanics, all with a passion for training and helping people being new careers in aviation. But back to our 172s. When we started to add fixed wing aircraft, we specifically targeted the Air Plains 180hp Cessna 172 modification, primarily because both mod and the company have solid reputations. Caldwell is at the western entrance of the Treasure Valley, and although our home field elevation is not all that high (2432 ft. MSL), the surrounding area has airport elevations up to 5000 ft. MSL. During the summer months, this can equate to density altitudes up to 8000 feet. The 180hp engines add an additional safety margin when operating at the higher DAs. The Air Plains 172XP upgrade also brings a gross weight increase that gives us more than 1,000 pounds of useful load. That makes it a true four-place aircraft that is so useful for lessons with more than one student. Because of the unique nature of Silverhawk, we found another useful reason to employ the Air Plains. The Lycoming O-360 engine used on all six 172XPs gives us commonality with nine of our Robinson helicopters that are powered with either an IO-360 or O-360.  This makes for a much more manageable parts inventory and maintenance knowledge and familiarity. The annual flight time for the school continues to grow and in 2018, we flew over 10,000 hours. The Cessna fleet flew 3000 of those hours, with most of those flown by the 172s. From the start, we’ve opted to go after 172s already upgraded with the Air Plains upgrade, and even though we purchased our aircraft with various amounts of engine time, we have had few issues. When we do have issues, the Air Plains staff has always been friendly and helpful. For us, the STC is well designed and trouble free. The market for the Air Plains 180hp upgrade seems to be getting tighter and they are harder to find. But for Silverhawk Aviation, I have no doubt that when we need another aircraft, we’ll have Air Plains at the top of our list.

SANTE FE, NM (Sept. 15 2018) – Air Plains Services, a world leader in extreme performance upgrades for a variety of general aviation aircraft models, today announced at the AOPA Regional Fly-In in Santa Fe it has added three engine upgrades approved through supplemental type certificates (STC) for Cessna single-engine piston aircraft to its existing range of popular STC-approved engine upgrades. The addition of these three STCs gives Air Plains one of the industry’s widest ranges of engine upgrades for Cessna’s most popular single-engine piston aircraft. As with all Air Plains engine upgrades and spare parts, these upgrades can be installed at the company facility in Kansas or shipped as a complete kit anywhere in the world. The new STC upgrades consist of a 260 hp upgrade for Cessna 182 S and T model aircraft, a 260 hp upgrade for Cessna 182RGs, and a 180 hp upgrade for Cessna 172R models. “We’ve had a tremendous amount of interest and support for adding more options to our range of engine upgrades and these three, the 260-horsepower upgrade for S and T model 182s in particular, are going to satisfy a lot of the global demand for better performance for these popular aircraft,” said Mike Kelley, founder and owner of Air Plains. “Air Plains is known for expert customer service and our experience with engine upgrade STCs comes from years of doing our own installations, as well as providing ongoing support for customers who choose to do the installation themselves. Customers for these new STCs can expect the same level of expertise and commitment to total customer satisfaction.” Cessna 182S/T 260HP The engine upgrade for Cessna 182 S and T models uses a new Lycoming IO-540 260 hp engine for a 13 percent increase in power over the original 230 hp engine. The upgrade can use the existing three-blade propeller to save cost or use a new McCauley propeller. The existing propeller governor is converted to 2700 RPM and the upgrade comes with a new tachometer. Performance enhancements include a 10 percent takeoff distance reduction and a 20 percent increase in rate of climb. The new engine weighs essentially the same as the original so there is little or no reduction in useful load, and no airframe modifications are required. Cessna 182RG 260HP The retractable gear Cessna 182 now has a second engine upgrade option from Air Plains, this one using a 260-hp Lycoming IO-540 engine. Air Plains can install the upgrade in Kansas – no airframe modification needed – or ship it anywhere in the world as a complete kit, ready to be installed by your local mechanic. The kit includes a new McCauley three-blade propeller and spinner, a new electric fuel pump, governor, tachometer and fuel flow/manifold pressure indicator. A new Slick dual magneto replaces the D2000 magneto which is no longer supported by the manufacturer. With the new fuel-injected engine, owners will have access to 25 more horsepower for improved take-off distance, climb and cruise speed. Fuel injection also improves fuel economy while eliminating the chance of carburetor ice, and it eliminates the horizontal carburetor, resulting in a more reliable, even fuel distribution. Cessna 172R 180HP The new 180 hp STC for Cessna 172R models is similar to Air Plains’ existing 180 hp upgrade and not only increases performance, but increases the useful load by 100 lbs. Since the upgrade uses the original engine, there are no airframe modifications required. The kit includes a new propeller, tachometer, airspeed indicator, and fuel flow/EGT indicator. “We are very excited about adding these new upgrades to our product range,” Kelley said. “This means more options and more opportunity to get the most out of your airplane for years to come.” In the past year, Air Plains celebrated delivery of both its 2,500th 180 hp XP upgrade for Cessna 172s and its 500th 300hp XP upgrade for Cessna 180s and 182s. The three new STCs were originally developed by Alamo Aerospace and purchased by Air Plains. For more information, visit us at www.airplains.com or call 800-752-8481 or (outside the U.S.) +1-620-326-8904.

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.

Wellington, KS. (Nov. 15, 2017) – Air Plains Services, a world leader in extreme performance upgrades for a variety of general aviation aircraft models, marked a major milestone in September with its 2,500th 180 HP engine upgrade for Cessna 172 piston aircraft. The milestone 172XP Extreme Performance engine upgrade was installed on N733EA, a 1977 Cessna 172N. “The rate of climb with the new O360 engine is fantastic and the customer service at Air Plains was really great,” said Brandon Johnson, who spends his work hours flying international hops in a G550 for a Fortune 100 company, and is based in St. Paul, MN. “The Air Plains solution was the most reliable for us and gives us the biggest bang for the buck.” Johnson managed much of the upgrade process for the 172N, owned by his parents, Scott and Patty Johnson. Scott is the police chief in Grand Rapids, MN. Brandon logged many of his 6,000 flight hours on the aircraft (about 15 hours already on the new engine) and is set to take ownership down the road. “TBO was looming so I started running the numbers on our options – overhaul the original O-320-H2AD or get another new or overhauled 160 horse power engine, or go for the 180 horse power,” Johnson continued. “I did a lot of research through the many forums out there and talked to a lot of owners and A&Ps. Dad wanted a new engine and the Air Plains 180 horse power solution was the most comprehensive. When I talked to them on the phone, I was sold.” Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Air Plains’ most well-known line of business comes from its range of Extreme Performance (XP) kits designed for a large part of the world’s population of Cessna 172s, 180s and 182s, including the 182RG. The company not only performs installations at its Wellington facility, but ships complete, ready-to-install kits around the world, supported through a global distribution network and round-the-clock customer support. “Their customer service is awesome,” Johnson said. “They worked with me on scheduling, and then kept me in the loop through every step of the process. Their customer service is really on par with Gulfstream.” Specifically, Air Plains offers 180 horsepower engine upgrade solutions for the Cessna 172 based on the Lycoming O-360, and 300 horsepower engine solutions based on either the Continental IO-520 or IO-550 for the Cessna 180 and 182. The resulting 172XP, 180XP and 182XP aircraft all share increased cruise speed, range, rate of climb and gross weight, as well as lower lifecycle maintenance costs. Air Plains is an FAA Certified Repair Station, a Certified Cessna Service Center, owns 20 Supplemental Type Certificates including five for engine upgrades, and its machine shop can produce any of more than 500 PMA part numbers for a variety of aircraft. Air Plains also performs a wide array of scheduled maintenance and inspection activities, custom airframe and interior work and specializing in custom avionics panels, avionics upgrades including ADS-B, airframe repair, and complete tech support.