Blog Archive

Olathe, KS (April 1, 2021) – KCAC Aviation is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Blair to the newly created position of Client Relations Manager. In this role, Blair will serve as the primary point of contact for KCAC’s Pilatus and Piper Aircraft customers following the delivery of an aircraft.

As an aviation industry veteran with an extensive background in aviation maintenance and customer support, Blair will provide the highest level of personal care to KCAC’s customers. He will ensure that all customer communications are handled in a timely manner in order to provide a seamless aircraft ownership experience.

A United States Air Force veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, Blair began his career as a structural repair technician at Lockheed Martin. Over the past two decades, he has served in a variety of aviation-related roles, where he honed his skills in field service, trouble shooting, and technical support.

Most recently, he worked as a senior field service engineer for Honda Aircraft Co., in North Carolina, where his duties included managing post-delivery communications with customers. As a certified A&P Technician, Blair has completed multiple aviation training courses, including repair, maintenance and customer service.

Media Release:
OLATHE, KS (March 11, 2021) – KCAC Aviation announced today it has appointed Arapahoe Aero in Englewood, CO, as a Piper Factory Authorized Satellite Service Center for Colorado and western Kansas.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to have Arapahoe Aero as part of the Piper Authorized Service Center network,” said Mark Riley, General Manager of KCAC Aviation. “They have developed an excellent reputation over the years for providing quality service to their customers. The synergy between our two organizations and the emphasis that we both place on elevating the customer experience will reinforce our commitment to providing outstanding service and support to our Piper customers.”

“Arapahoe Aero has been providing aircraft maintenance on single, multi-engine piston and light turbine aircraft since 1984,” said Scott Utz, President of Arapahoe Aero. “We value the relationships that we have built over the years with our customers, our employees and with partners like KCAC Aviation. They have a long-standing history with Piper Aircraft, and we look forward to working with them to expand our services within the Piper Aircraft community in Colorado.”

During a recent expansion for KCAC Aviation, Colorado joined Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma as part of KCAC’s Piper sales and service territory. This addition of a Piper Factory Authorized Satellite Service Center located at Centennial Airport (KAPA) near Denver will allow customers convenient access for maintaining their aircraft at a facility that is well respected within the aviation community.

“We are delighted that KCAC Aviation has chosen Arapahoe Aero as an authorized satellite service center,” said Ron Gunnarson, Piper Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support. “Making sure that our Piper customers have convenient access to a service and support network is important to us, and given Arapahoe Aero’s considerable experience working on Piper Aircraft, this will certainly benefit our customers in Colorado and western Kansas.”

KCAC Aviation is a full-service aviation company headquartered at Johnson County Executive Airport (KOJC) in Olathe, KS, with a Pilatus Sales Office at DuPage Airport (KDPA) in West

Chicago, IL. Dave DeWalt, an aviation industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience, manages new and pre-owned Piper Aircraft sales for KCAC.

“As a Piper Aircraft dealer since 1966, we understand the importance of service beyond the sale,” DeWalt said. “With the growth of our territory, we want to make sure that we do not lose sight of providing our Piper customers with an exceptional ownership experience. We are grateful that our customers have trusted KCAC with their Piper aircraft year after year, and we are confident that Arapahoe Aero will meet and exceed those same standards of excellence.”

For information regarding Piper sales, please contact Dave DeWalt at 816-863-8600 or ddewalt@kcac.com.
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KCAC Aviation: 913-324-1250
Arapahoe Aero Maintenance and Parts: 303-799-8386 Arapahoe Aero Avionics: 303-799-6289

About KCAC Aviation:
KCAC, which opened in 1966 as KC Piper, is a full-service aviation company with headquarters at Johnson County Executive Airport (KOJC) in Olathe, KS, a Pilatus Sales Office at DuPage Airport (KDPA) in West Chicago, IL, and now a Piper Authorized Satellite Service Center at Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Englewood, CO. KCAC is a Factory Authorized Sales and Service Center for both Pilatus and Piper aircraft in the Midwest. KCAC’s Piper territory includes Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

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Pilatus Offers PC-24 With 10-Seat Commuter Interior

PC-12 NGX Flight Training Device for Pilot Training Certified

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OLATHE, KS. (June 16, 2020) – KCAC Aviation has delivered its first PC-12 NGX, the new single-engine turboprop from Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. The PC-12 NGX was delivered to a customer in Oklahoma, marking another milestone in KCAC’s 54-year history in the aviation business.

The NGX has been highly sought after since being introduced last fall at the 2019 National Business Aviation Association-Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas. “We’re excited to be part of the next chapter of the PC-12 story,” said Mark Riley, KCAC Aviation’s General Manager. “You don’t get to introduce a brand-new aircraft very often, so we’re especially proud to be one of the first U.S. deliveries among the Pilatus Authorized Sales Center Network. Pilatus has definitely taken the NGX’s predecessor, the PC-12 NG, to a whole new level with the NGX.”

Already considered one of the best single-engine turboprops in its class, the NGX commands attention thanks to upgrades throughout, including a more powerful PT6E-67XP engine from Pratt & Whitney Canada, smarter avionics and a complete redesign of the cabin interior. The NGX also boasts a breakthrough for turboprops with the first full authority digital engine control, which eases pilot workload and provides greater control and responsiveness.

The eye-catching interior is brought to life by the expert artisans at BMW Designworks. Inspired by the modern design of the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, the new executive seats on the PC-12 NGX feature full recline capabilities, taller seat backs and adjustable lumbar support. Passengers will especially appreciate the expanded headroom, leg space and upgraded cooling system. The cabin also has 10 percent larger windows allowing more light to stream inside and greater visibility.

“The NGX has something to offer for everyone, including several industry firsts that keep it a step ahead of the competition,” said Michael Kolman, KCAC’s Regional Director of Pilatus Sales for Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma “The new electronic engine controls are a pilot’s dream, and passengers will enjoy the more modern and spacious cabin. For versatility, safety and comfort, nothing in its class can match the NGX.”

With more than eight million flight hours and 1,750 aircraft in operation since it was first introduced a quarter century ago, the PC-12 is the preferred choice of pilots worldwide. The NGX is the third generation of aircraft designed on the reliable PC-12 airframe.

KCAC’s exclusive Pilatus sales and service territory includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

About KCAC Aviation
KCAC Aviation is a full-service aviation company located at the Johnson County Executive Airport (KOJC) in Olathe, KS, with a Pilatus Sales Office at DuPage Airport (KDPA) in West Chicago, IL. KCAC is an Authorized Sales and Service Center for Pilatus and Piper aircraft. KCAC also offers Part 145 repair services, avionics installation and repair, private charter service and aircraft management.

Pilatus Sales: IA, KS, MO, NE & OK
Michael Kolman, Regional Director, Pilatus Aircraft Sales
Call 913.324.1250 or email mkolman@kcac.com

Pilatus Sales: IL, IN, MN & WI
Keith Plumb, Regional Director, Pilatus Aircraft Sales
Call 913.324.1250 or email kplumb@kcac.com

For additional information:
Carrie Gicante, Marketing Manager
Call 866.359.5222 or email cgicante@kcac.com

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Flying Magazine Article

Pilatus Delivers First PC-12 NGX Advanced Turboprops to Launch Customers

First Garmin Autoland Equipped Aircraft to Receive Type Certification

VERO BEACH, Fla., May 18, 2020 – Piper Aircraft announced today that the company’s newest flagship, the Piper M600/SLS, has received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its new HALO safety system -making it the first Garmin Autoland equipped aircraft in the world to receive certification. Deliveries begin immediately. Piper Aircraft, Inc. made the announcement today at the company’s headquarters in Vero Beach, Florida.

“We are delighted to announce the certification of the M600/SLS with the HALO Safety System by the FAA”, said Simon Caldecott, Piper Aircraft President and CEO. “This is the first aircraft to be certified with one of the most significant advancements in general aviation history. As a company that has always held safety at the forefront of our culture, we are proud to be first to market with Autoland. Additionally, it is our great honor to pave the way for others to follow with this new technology.”

“The FAA certification of Autoland is a day of celebration for the entire aviation industry as we redefine the expectations of not only the pilot, but more importantly the passenger, and what should be standard equipment on general aviation aircraft,” said Phil Straub, Garmin executive vice president and managing director of aviation. “Our congratulations to Piper for certifying this safety enhancing technology on the M600 and delivering one of the industry’s most significant innovations to our respective customers.”

The HALO Safety System with Garmin Autoland is standard equipment on all M600/SLS aircraft. The Safety System includes a compilation of innovative technologies unique to the M600 SLS and the Garmin G3000 avionics suite. The system includes Auto-throttle, Emergency Descent Mode, Electronic Stability and Protection, Surface Watch, Safe Taxi, Flight Stream connectivity and more. However, of greatest significance is the addition of Garmin Autoland – digital technology that safely lands the aircraft at the nearest suitable airport in the event that the pilot is incapacitated. The M600/SLS is available for purchase now through the Piper Dealer Network.

About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M600SLS, M500, and M350 – offers businesses and individual’s elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Seneca V, Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100/100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, Arrow, Seminole and Seneca V aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.