CAV Ice Protection announced it has achieved Supplemental Type Certification (STC) approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to install aftermarket TKS® systems for the Beechcraft G36 – allowing flight into known icing (FIKI).
Already a proven system, CAV Ice Protection earned Federal Aviation Administration certification for the Beechcraft G36 FIKI configuration on 4 April 2011.
“We are pleased to offer G36 owners in Europe an additional piece of mind with the FIKI approval”, said Ken Weaver, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “The TKS system makes a classic, high-performance aircraft even more capable and flexible.”
The CAV Ice Protection system for the Beechcraft G36 FIKI utilizes a fluid-based technology known as TKS that either prevents the formation of ice or chemically breaks the ice bond and allows ice to shed.
TKS fluid exudes from laser-drilled titanium panels on the leading edges of the wings, horizontal and vertical tail surfaces. A traditional slinger-ring provides ice protection on the propeller. The windshield is also protected by two on-demand pumps. For emergency or failure conditions, a backup mode is provided. The fluid flows over the protected surfaces and keeps the aircraft virtually ice-free.
The TKS system for the Beechcraft G36 FIKI weighs 54 pounds (24.49 kilograms) without fluid and 119 pounds (53.97 kilograms) with a full tank of fluid. A full tank of ice protection fluid at 7 gallons (26.49 litres) provides up to 2.5 hours of operation.
Minimum upkeep is required. As the TKS system is used, it flushes out any accumulation of debris on the panels. Glycol has cleaning properties and will not harm the paint finish of the aircraft. There is also no performance loss; only significant ice protection capabilities are added.
Jeff Holden, Sales Manager, noted the importance of flight into known icing capability to customers globally.
“Flying when ice forecasts make travel impossible is now possible. The addition of the TKS system enhances the safety and utility of the aircraft, truly creating a personal airliner for the owner.”
CAV Ice Protection provides proven ice protection systems for numerous aircraft manufacturers including Beechcraft Corp., Cessna Aircraft, Cirrus Aircraft, Commander Premier Aircraft, Diamond Aircraft, General Atomics, Hawker, Mooney Aircraft, Piper Aircraft, Quest Aircraft and Socata EADS.