Second Grand Renaissance for Colombian Army

Dec. 7, 2011
The two Grand Renaissance Twin Commanders will serve dual roles in the Colombian Army as military executive transports and medevac aircraft.

Creedmoor, NC – The second of two Grand Renaissance Twin Commanders has been delivered to the Colombian Army by Eagle Creek Aviation Services, which performed the work. The first Colombian Grand Renaissance was delivered in August.

The two Grand Renaissance Twin Commanders—a Jetprop 980 (model 695) and, more recently, a 1000 (695A)—will serve dual roles in the Colombian Army as military executive transports and medevac aircraft.

Along with the extensive Grand Renaissance upgrade, Eagle Creek completed service bulletin work, interior refurbishments, and managed the exterior repainting of the two aircraft. Both aircraft received an extensive avionics panel upgrade including dual Garmin G600 Flight Displays; Garmin touch-screen GTN750 and 650 Comm, Nav, and GPS units; Garmin GMA 35 Audio Panel; dual Garmin GTX 33 Transponders; Garmin GWX68 Weather Radar; and a Meggitt Avionics Engine Instruments Display System.

Eagle Creek devoted about 11 months and an estimated 14,000 man-hours to the two Grand Renaissance makeovers.

The Grand Renaissance process involves disassembly of the aircraft to its aluminum shell, followed by a comprehensive refurbishing of all systems and virtually all components using new or overhauled components. Optional Honeywell TPE 331-10T engines are fitted to Commander models powered by standard TPE331-5 series engines. The result is a certified aircraft of superlative quality, performance, safety, and long-term value that is backed by Twin Commander LLC’s worldwide service and parts support network.

Twin Commander Aircraft has an interactive website that shows the extent of the work scope that goes into a Grand Renaissance completion (go to http://www.twincommander.com/renaissance_value/) and the value that the finished airplane offers.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of the two Grand Renaissance completions for the Colombian Army,” said Matt Hagans, Eagle Creek’s CEO. “They look, fly, and perform like brand new aircraft. They will serve the Colombian Army well for years to come.”

“Congratulations to Eagle Creek on their superb performance in completing and delivering the two Grand Renaissance Twin Commanders,” commented Twin Commander Aircraft LLC President Matt Isley. “Eagle Creek has been a leader in Grand Renaissance completions for both individual owners and government and military operators. The Grand Renaissance appeals to the full spectrum of operators because of its overall value. That’s why we are seeing continued interest in the program both domestically and internationally.”

The delivery of the second Colombian airplane marks the fourth Grand Renaissance completion for Eagle Creek in less than three years. The Mexican Navy took delivery of a Grand Renaissance last year, and in early 2009 Eagle Creek delivered one to the County of Kern, California.

The Colombian aircraft refurbishment project was conducted in cooperation with Asesorias Y Representacion Para Ingenieria S.A. (ASERPA) of Bogota, Colombia. ASERPA is a Colombian aviation advisory company and a provider of aviation parts, maintenance, repair, training, logistics, and other services for non-regular operators using helicopters and small aircraft, and for the army in Colombia. Eagle Creek said that ASERPA has been a valued partner and an important resource for engaging with the Colombian Army.

For more information on Twin Commander Aircraft, contact Matt Isley at 919-956-4323 or [email protected]