GENEVA, Switzerland – Viking Air Limited of Victoria, BC, Canada has now completed the heavy maintenance and engine upgrade contract awarded on behalf of the Government of Argentina by the International Civil Aviation Organization, and has reached an agreement for repairs on a second DHC-6-200 Twin Otter to be completed in co-operation with Argentine Air Force personnel.
The contract for the initial Series 200 Twin Otter (T-85) restoration was carried out at Viking’s repair and overhaul facility at Victoria International Airport, BC, Canada. It included aircraft inspection and overhaul, major “D” check, installation of up-rated Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27 engines and Hartzell 3 bladed propellers, complete strip and paint, new interior, flight testing and supplemental type certification approval to return the aircraft to service.
The preliminary contract was expanded in the fall of 2009 to include an avionics modernization package requiring new system design, installation, and regulatory approval. The avionics upgrade included dual Garmin G600 EFIS and GNS430AW with WAAS GPS/Nav/Com, stand-by electric horizon indicator, DME, ADF, Audio Selector Panel, HF Com System, 406MHz ELT, Transponder System and Davtron Clock.
Following AAF acceptance of T-85, the Air Force immediately opened negotiations with Viking for work on a second contract. The major repair of subsequent Twin Otter aircraft operated by the AAF is to be completed in country and will consist of type training and supervision by Viking’s technical, planning and materials personnel in combination with the AAF technical personnel. The purpose of this joint venture is to assist the AAF with developing an internal military maintenance and repair capability in-country, which can receive factory recognition.
Viking’s vp of business development and MRO general manager, Robert Mauracher, said, “Working side by side with our operators on projects such as the Argentina Air Force T-85 contract and in-country joint effort contract allows Viking to gain an understanding of the unique challenges facing maintenance organizations around the world.”
He added, “It is important that Viking continue to tackle extensive repair and overhaul projects such as this, not only to maintain Viking’s in house capabilities at a high level, but also to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to worldwide customer support.”
