Lycoming launches another successful Oshkosh

Oshkosh, Wisc. - July 27, 2009 - At 11 a.m. on the opening day of EAA Airventure 2009, Senior Vice President and General Manager Ian Walsh announced the iE2, Lycoming's breakthrough integrated electronic propulsion system, had flown to Oshkosh from Redmond, Wash. Thus begins a new era for piston-powered aviation in general and Lycoming Engines in particular.

Announced at EAA Airventure 2008, the system has been available to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to fly in demonstration form since 2007. Lycoming chose Lancair International of Redmond, Oregon, as its OEM non-certified final installation and test partner in 2008. Since then, the technology has been moving steadily to market.

"The promise of single-lever operation, automated preflight safety checks and automotive start simplicity will dramatically reduce pilot workload and revolutionize the general aviation landscape," Walsh said. "Baseline iE2 system testing is complete, the first OEM installations are being calibrated and the certification program is well underway."

"The iE2 system will increase fuel efficiency, reliability, and make alternative fuel consumption possible without major hardware changes, protecting the customer's investment," Walsh continued. "We believe it points to a bright future for piston-powered general aviation."

The iE2's maiden flight on an OEM airframe occurred July 2 when Lancair flew its TEO-540-EXP iE2-powered Evolution. After initial flight testing, the aircraft was flown east to Oshkosh on its way to Williamsport and the Lycoming hangar, where it will undergo further flight testing and calibration of all features on the iE2 system and the Lancair Evolution aircraft.

Oshkosh also marked the debut of the first IO-233-LSA light sport engine installation. T&T Aviation of Washington, Pa., is displaying its "Falcon" light sport aircraft at the Lycoming display. Upon leaving Oshkosh, the airplane will begin on-wing ground, taxi and flight testing with its IO-233-LSA.

Lycoming Authorized Service Centers announced

To service the two advanced technology engines, as well as provide a higher level of service to legacy engines, Walsh also announced the creation of the Lycoming Authorized Service Center network.

As a requirement to applying for Authorized Service Center (ASC) designation, facilities must meet specified equipment and facility requirements, maintain required staff training levels and be capable of handling fly-in customers. "We set these standards to identify the best service centers to handle these new technologies" Walsh said.

Lycoming will support its Authorized Service Centers with online training programs and by making them the exclusive source for service and support of Lycoming's soon-to-be available advanced technology - the new iE2 (integrated electronic engine) and the new IO-233-LSA Light Sport Engine.

Lycoming Authorized Service Centers will also be the primary source of Lycoming Echelon STCs, Lycoming's own supplemental type certificate.

A second Echelon STC announced

Lycoming announced the first Echelon Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) in May for the Cessna Cardinal C177-RG. Available exclusively through Cessna Authorized Service Centers, the STC includes either a new or rebuilt certified IO-390-A1A6 and McCauley governor.

At Oshkosh Lycoming has announced that it will soon certify a second Echelon STC, this one for the Mooney M20 family. The STC will follow quickly on the heels of certification for the IO-390-A3A6 engine. Hartzell has certified 2-blade and 3-blade propellers for the STC, which includes a new or rebuilt IO-390-A3A6, Slick Start System and required documentation.

Mo-gas and alternative fuels leadership

In 2008, Lycoming announced an unleaded automotive gasoline approval program for its standard compression ration O-360 and IO-360 product lines with the intended fuel being unleaded 93 AKI automotive gasoline conforming to either Euro Norm EN228 or ASTM D4814.

At Oshkosh 2009, Lycoming is continuing its alternative fuels leadership by announcing a biofuels research partnership and by giving the forum "Aviation Fuels Update '09" on Tuesday, July 28, at 1 p.m.

More Events and Seminars

Lycoming sponsored pilots Sean Tucker, Mike Goulian, Matt Chapman, Patty Wagstaff and Kirby Chambliss will be performing at Oshkosh this year. Autograph sessions will be scheduled during the week and specific times will be announced each morning after the daily pilot briefings.
Jim Doebler of Penn College will once more be conducting engine training at the Lycoming training tent throughout the week. Class schedules will be available in the booth and those who register can use classes for continuing education credits.
Steve Ranck will give an overview of Lycoming's Authorized Service Centers and the benefits of using them Tuesday, July 28, Friday, July 31 and Saturday, Aug. 1, at 11:45 a.m. in the Lycoming Training Tent. The public is invited.
Ken Kremer and Jim Morris will present the forum "Piston Engine Controls" Wednesday, July 29, at 2:30p.m. in 001 Drake Corporation Pavilion.

Media Contact

Communications
652 Oliver St.
Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 327-7001

Communications@lycoming.com