Engine STC Gives New Life to Old Hueys

British Columbia-based Trinity Aviation Services has acquired the STC to install the 1,679-shp Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67D engine into the Bell UH-1H Huey platform.

Trinity’s “Huey Talon” engine installation, which can be accomplished in 30 days, reduces fuel consumption by 30 percent—down to 60 gallons per hour—and increases available high/hot power compared to the stock T53 engine, the company said. Trinity forecasts fuel savings at $144,000 per 600 flight hours.

“We feel these aircraft are here to stay. They are well known, forgiving, maintenance-friendly, and with the proper TLC will keep on providing us with a cost-effective workhorse for many years to come,” said Trinity Aviation general manager Warren Malmberg.

The new engine comes with a four-year, 1,500-hour warranty and a 4,000-hour TBO. The line-maintenance interval is quadrupled to 600 hours/one year. Overall maintenance cost and hourly operating costs are predicted to be 30 percent less those of aircraft with the legacy engine. The new engine installation also yields a weight savings of 50 pounds, eliminates bleed-air requirements via installation of an electric oil cooler blower, and has a 15,000-foot relight certification.