Coppell, TX, (Nov. 22, 2005) – Superior Air Parts has announced that after an extensive review and approval process the FAA has issued the company a full Production Certificate.
Superior now has FAA approval to begin full production of the general aviation industry's newest FAA certified 180-horsepower piston engine. "This is something that everyone in the company has worked very, very hard to achieve," said Superior's elated President and CEO Tim Archer. "When you make the commitment to a project as involved as bringing a new clean-sheet engine to market, you dream of this day. But I can tell you that there are plenty of times when you feel like it will never come."
Prior to awarding the Production Certificate, Superior Air Parts developed an internal Quality Control System that details component manufacturing, assembly, testing, quality assurance, and documentation processes and procedures for the Vantage Engine. This system was developed to fulfill all requirements of FAR 21.143 and was officially approved by the FAA on Nov. 18, 2005.
"Now that we have full production approval in hand, we get down to the business of building and delivering this truly advanced engine to our OEM customers," Archer added. "The first of which are to American Champion Aircraft for their new High Country Explorer model." Archer also said that Superior could now begin the process to obtain an Supplemental Type Certificate for the Vantage Engine as a replacement on the 180-horsepower Piper PA-28 series and the Cessna 172.
"Since we announced the Vantage Engine, owners of these types of aircraft have been asking us when the new engine would be available to them as an STC," he explained. "They realize that along with the ability to run on automotive gasoline, the Vantage offers significant performance and economic advantages over the half-century old design it will replace. Now we will be able to get the STC and deliver the engine they really want."
Company Background: Superior Air Parts, Inc., is the manufacturer of the new FAA certified Vantage Engine. The company is also the world's leading manufacturer of FAA approved aftermarket cylinders and replacement parts for Lycoming and Continental aircraft engines. In addition, the company manufacturers the XP-360 Engine family for experimental and sport aircraft builders. For more information www.superiorairparts.com.
