TRACE to Complete Caravan Conversion

MIDLAND, Texas (Jan. 11, 2012) - TRACE Engines L.P. is excited to announce STC Aircraft Conversions LLC has delivered a Cessna Caravan 208B to TRACE to begin a new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to install the new TRACE-manufactured 750 horsepower (TE750) V-8 engine.

The Caravan STC program will be TRACE’s third STC program. TRACE has obtained STC certification for the Air Tractor 401 and 402 agricultural aircraft. TRACE is currently working to complete certification for the Air Tractor 301 and the de Havilland Beaver (freight and passenger) aircraft.

For the engine conversion kit, TRACE will remove the firewall forward kit, which includes the propeller, turbine, and cowlings. TRACE will then install the TE 750 and firewall forward conversion kit and replace instrumentation in the aircraft.

The TE750 engine will have state-of-the-art Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC) incorporating electronic ignition and timing for smooth operation and maximum economy. “Although Caravans are typically equipped with a 600 or 675 horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A turbine engine, the TE750 engine will provide Caravan operators with better fuel economy, as well as lower maintenance and overhaul costs. This translates to lower hourly operating costs, saving the operators thousands of dollars a year,” stated TRACE Engines Chief Operating Officer David Czarnecki.

The Cessna Caravan is a workhorse in the freight industry. TRACE believes its engine package can provide substantial value in this market. The goal is to certify the TE750 in 2012 and the Caravan-TRACE STC by early 2013. This first aircraft is already slated to begin freight service with an established freight operator in Texas upon completion of certification.

Located in Midland, Texas, Texas Reciprocating Air Craft Engines (TRACE) L.P. is a privately held manufacturer of aircraft V-8 engines that offer a high performance, economical alternative to turbines. For more information about TRACE and their products, visit http://www.traceengines.com/.