PATS Aircraft Receives EASA STCs for CRJ-200 Auxiliary Fuel System and Interior

GEORGETOWN, DEL. (September 23, 2009) – PATS Aircraft Systems, a division of DeCrane Aerospace, has announced that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the Supplemental Type Certificates for the CRJ-200 auxiliary fuel system and VIP interior. The United States FAA approved the same interior and fuel system STCs in June 2009.

The newly approved interior and fuel system are fully compliant with all federal aviation regulations, including SFAR 88. The VIP interior and auxiliary fuel system have been successfully installed and approved on the Hemisphere 200XR, a joint development of Tailwind Capital, LLC and Global Principal Finance Co., LLC. The Hemisphere 200XR is an ultra-large cabin, customizable private jet based on well-maintained, low-time Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft.

The PATS Aircraft Systems CRJ-200 Auxiliary Fuel System is a two tank system that is installed within the fuselage pressure vessel forward of the aft cargo compartment of the CRJ-200 aircraft. The system weighs approximately 725 lbs., is equipped to hold 593 gallons of fuel and allows for an aircraft range of up to 3,000 nautical miles. PATS Aircraft is the auxiliary fuel system provider of choice for Bombardier with PATS’ auxiliary fuel systems installed at the factory on the Challenger platforms.

The baseline Hemisphere 200XR interior offers a 15-passenger layout with customer-selected interior finishes. The PATS’ VIP interior STC consists of fully integrated components from the DeCrane Aerospace group of companies including cabinetry from Precision Pattern Interiors, cabin management system from Audio International and VIP seating by DeCrane Aerospace Aircraft Seating.

The first Hemisphere 200XR was delivered to the Netherlands-based charter operator Solid aiR in July. PATS will deliver two more completed Hemisphere 200XR’s this year for Tailwind and GPFC.

PATS’ facility in Georgetown, Del. is an FAA authorized CRJ repair station and has multiple hangar slots available in late 2009 and throughout 2010 to accommodate CRJ-200 aircraft for maintenance, modifications and auxiliary fuel tank installations. PATS’ CRJ interior and auxiliary fuel system STC/PMA approved kits are also available to customers worldwide.