Columbia Regional airport, Missouri-based avionics, modifications and maintenance company Blackhawk Aerospace Technologies has received the FAA's sign off for Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) authorisation. This PMA allows a manufacturer to produce and sell modification and replacement articles for installation on type certified products. This addition to Blackhawk Aerospace Technologies' capabilities will support upgrades and allow its vendors to have a shorter downtime for these projects.

“With Blackhawk Aerospace Technologies obtaining PMA authorisation, we can enhance our services to our customer network,” says vice president of sales and marketing Conrad Theisen. “We will have the ability to not only provide custom avionics electrical interface drawings, but also to provide kits that support installation shops with wire harnesses, antenna doublers, instrument panels and kitting up parts to facilitate an easier installation, allowing for shorter downtime and fewer man hours on the project.”

With this PMA authorisation, Blackhawk's initial focus will be to design articles to pair with the STCs for CitationJet 525 Garmin avionics modernisation, and Citation S550/560 Garmin G700 and GTN to include its 550/560 glareshield modification.

Articles include wire harnesses and sheet metal parts to support the upgrade. Blackhawk will also be producing King Air enhancements in the future. The company is committed to growing its PMA capabilities and support and looks forward to working with its dealer network on these efforts.