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Superior Air Parts Introduces Skyhawk Engine

Expected to cost about the same as an overhaul.

If you, like many pilots around the country, own a Cessna 172 Skyhawk with a run-out engine, you may soon have a new option when you reach TBO. Superior Air Parts has partnered with Christiansen Aviation in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on a supplemental type certificate program for the new 180-horsepower Vantage Engine to be installed in the R and S models of the popular four-seat, single-engine airplane. If successful, the STC will provide a complete replacement, with all new parts, for approximately the same price as overhauling an existing engine.

In addition to 100LL, all of the engines in Superior’s certified and experimental product line, which range from 150 horsepower to 215 horsepower, can operate on unleaded fuels. However, ethanol-based fuels are not recommended.

“We believe that whether it’s a private owner or a flight school, Skyhawk owner/operators today are looking for a true value alternative to the standard engine overhaul,” said Scott Hayes, Superior Air Parts’ vice president of sales and marketing. “By enabling Skyhawk owners to install a brand new engine for the same price as a rebuilt, the Superior Skyhawk SV powered by the Vantage Engine STC will give them that option and more.”

The first Vantage Engine has been assembled and is waiting for an FAA inspection at Superior’s facility in Coppell, Texas. Once the inspection is complete, the STC process will begin at Christiansen Aviation’s facility.

Hayes hopes to be able to deliver the Vantage Engine for less than $25,000. Keith Chatten, Superior’s executive vice president and general manager said the company’s lean production processes enable it to produce the engines at a very low cost. “For the past three and a half years we have put every part of our operation under the microscope and scrutinized every process from product design through vendor audits to quality assurance, production and delivery,” Chatten said.

Superior Air Parts has a mock up of what it calls the Skyhawk SV at its booth at AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

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