Seattle, WA - Wal-Mart Aviation and Raisbeck Engineering have signed an agreement consisting of an additional 14 ZR LITE Performance Systems for their fleet of Learjet model 31’s. Installation commenced in July 2007. Raisbeck Engineering renewed its relationship with Wal-Mart Aviation in the spring of 2006 while reviewing the possibility of using one of their Learjet’s for the ZR LITE model 31 Certification Program.
Soon after, Raisbeck engineers traveled to Wal-Mart’s home base in Rogers, AR, to further explain the fuel savings and range improvement associated with the ZR LITE. In the spring of 2006, a ZR LITE prototype test article was installed on a Wal-Mart Learjet model 31. The ZR LITE benefits impressed Wal-Mart Aviation officials, and Raisbeck was asked to return upon receiving certification for the ZR LITE for the Lear31, which was granted in January 2007.
Wal-Mart Aviation’s line pilot, Paul Garrett, who typically flies the Lear within the continental US and occasionally to Canada and Mexico states: “At cruise altitude, we get a higher indicated mach speed at a lower power setting. Before the ZR LITE we would set 795 ITT and typically be at .77 Mach, now at 795 ITT we are getting .79 Mach. Some trips that we knew we had to make fuel stops along the way, we are able to make now in a non-stop flight.”
Before Wal-Mart, Garrett flew for Horizon Airlines and ASA/Delta Connection, and has been flying for over a decade. He joined Wal-Mart in 2004 and has been flying their Learjet ever since, and appreciates having “more range and a lower fuel burn” since installing ZR LITE.
Sam Jantzen, Vice President and General Manager of Raisbeck Engineering states, “We are pleased about the opportunity to work with a company such as Wal-Mart. With ZR LITE their fleet will save millions of gallons of fuel and make many one stop flights into non-stop trips.”
Raisbeck Engineering was founded in 1973 and continues to dedicate itself to improving the productivity, safety and performance of Business and Commercial jet-powered aircraft. More company information can be found at www.raisbeck.com.
