US-based Rampart Aviation has taken on-time delivery of the first commuter category Ikhana RWMI DHC-6-300HG STC, which supports operations at 14,000 lbs MTOW. Chief pilot Scott Tripp says: “The aircraft performs very well with the payload increase. Our specific mission parameters require an aircraft that can provide maximum payload with the capability to operate safely out of a variety of airfields and during all weather conditions. The DHC-6-300HG fits that bill perfectly. Ikhana delivered the aircraft ahead of schedule and it has performed flawlessly during the very aggressive testing and training phase of its employment. The aircraft was just used as the vehicle to receive an FAA Check Airman designation for myself and the first approval for full passenger transportation services in the 19 seat configuration. I can’t say enough about the capabilities of the 300HG. I look forward to adding more of these workhorses to our fleet in the very near future.”

Ikhana president and CEO John A Zublin adds: “An initial group of four pilots have successfully completed type training and have received their FAA approved type rating to operate aircraft equipped with our RWMI DHC-6-300HG commuter category STC at 14,000 lbs MTOW. This payload increase provides a capability that is unmatched by any other aircraft in its class. As we started taking orders for the upgrade, we established our DHC-6-300HG type rating class programme to efficiently and quickly bring customers online. The training programme integrates classroom instruction with hands-on use of a DHC-6-300HG aircraft to implement group type ratings in a short time period.”

The RWMI DHC-6-300HG STC increases the payload capabilities of the basic DHC-6-300 and, potentially, DHC-6-400 Twin Otter series aircraft from 12,500 lbs (5670 Kg) to 14,000 lbs (6350 Kg) MTOW. As a standard and passenger commuter category STC with both FAA and EASA approvals, the DHC-6 series 300 aircraft can be approved to operate in revenue service without special purpose restrictions. By contrast Ikhana's other RWMI DHC-6-300RG/-400RG STC is limited to special missions operations, constraining operators from carrying passengers for revenue service.

Rampart Aviation is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), FAA Part 135 and DoD Commercial Airlift Review Board (CARB) certified company that conducts operational, maintenance and aviation training support across the US and internationally, 24/7, 365 days per year. Rampart provides specialised, comprehensive and diverse experience that allows the entire team to quickly and efficiently meet customer aviation support requirements worldwide. Operations are based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and a private airport facility in North Raleigh, North Carolina. Rampart aircraft are operated and maintained to the highest FAA and/or Department of Defense standards with experienced flight crews supporting special capabilities that include short takeoff and landing (STOL) flight operations. Rampart’s staff is comprised of industry experts with certified formal training as well as numerous years of first-hand experience across the aviation services and business spectrums.

Ikhana Aircraft Services, a DBA of Ikhana Group, provides aerospace solutions through integration of new technologies, aircraft modifications, heavy maintenance, major repair and critical parts manufacturing. Headquartered at the French Valley airport in Murrieta, California, Ikhana holds FAA, EASA, Transport Canada and Fiji repair station approvals, FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA), and is a Viking Air factory endorsed service centre. Ikhana develops engineered solutions for DHC-6 Twin Otter, King Air and Gulfstream airframes. The company has been a key provider of enhancements for the worldwide DHC-6 Twin Otter fleet with products including the RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Wing Box, RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Fuselage, RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Flight Controls, RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Nacelles, RWMI DHC-6-200HG (allowing DHC-6- 100 and 200 series to operate at 12,500 lbs), enhanced air conditioning, upgraded avionics, VIP amenities, cargo handling, camera hatches and integration of surveillance/patrol systems. Ikhana's modifications support a variety of customers in executive transport, regional/commuter airlines and special missions operations.