WACO, Texas, July 19, 2011 – Blackhawk Modifications, Inc., a leading provider of engine performance upgrades for a range of popular turboprop aircraft, is adding personnel and expanding its product line in South America.
Blackhawk President Jim Allmon announced today that Hudson Rodrigues has joined the company as Director of Sales–Brazil, reporting to Edwin Black, Director, Global Sales. In his new position, which began July 18, Rodrigues will oversee Blackhawk’s Brazilian distributor network and focus on growing the company’s market share throughout the strategically important region. Rodrigues brings more than 20 years of aviation technical and managerial experience to his new responsibilities. He is a certified aviation electronics technician and holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in international trade and strategic management.
In addition, Allmon announced that Mike Alexander, who was originally responsible for bringing Blackhawk to Brazil, has accepted additional responsibilities and has been promoted to provide Strategic Market Development services for all of South America, reporting to Allmon effective Aug. 1. Alexander has served with distinction for eight years as Blackhawk’s marketing representative in Brazil.
Members of the region’s aviation community are invited to meet with Alexander and Rodrigues in Blackhawk Exhibit 1027 at the Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (LABACE), August 11-13 in São Paulo.
“Together, Mike and Hudson have a wealth of experience and knowledge that will help our company expand its reach and customer focus throughout South America,” Allmon said. “This is especially important as we introduce an exciting new product to the Cessna Caravan operating community.”
Blackhawk is working with the National Civil Aviation Agency to gain Brazilian certification for its XP42A Upgrade Package for the Cessna 208B Caravan.
The XP42A received FAA Supplemental Type Certification in June, and a fully upgraded Caravan will be on display for the first time at AirVenture Oshkosh next week.
South America is the second largest market for Cessna Caravans, with about 14 percent of the global Caravan fleet, nearly 300 aircraft, flying commercial, civil and military roles. Central and South American nations flying the Caravan in military service include Brazil, Chile, Columbia and Mexico.
The XP42A Upgrade Package includes installation of a factory-new, fully warrantied Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42A turbine engine, rated at 850 continuous shaft horsepower, a new cowling to accommodate the larger power plant and other modifications that combine to transform aircraft’s performance and capabilities. The upgrade package increases true airspeed and rate of climb, reduces time and fuel to climb and takeoff distances, while improving maximum range. In addition to making legacy Caravans more productive, the upgrade lowers operating costs.
Blackhawk Modifications, Inc., founded in 1999 in Waco, Texas, and with facilities in Waco, and Elizabethtown, N.C., is a recognized aviation leader in providing engine performance solutions to the turboprop fleet. The company has the largest installed fleet of STC twin-engine turboprop engine upgrades, and is the world’s largest non-OEM buyer of new Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprop engines. A worldwide network of independent distributors sell, install and support the company’s growing portfolio of upgrade products.
