Commuter Air Technology Experiences Important Milestones

In recent weeks, Commuter Air Technology (CAT), has had some significant milestones. As we noted back in July, one of these was the completion of a civilian surveillance aircraft integration for the State of Arizona Department of Public Safety(AZDPS) Aviation Unit.

CAT modified a King Air® B300 for AZDPS efforts concerning border enforcement, rural search and rescue, and urban tactical tracking. Device installs included a new radio and satellite communications suite and a high altitude electro-optical/infrared camera.

“This contract expands CAT’s services to the law enforcement market. CAT has been an experienced integrator of King Airs for private, commercial and government customers around the globe,” said Darryl Wilkerson, President of Commuter Air Technology, “We are thrilled to apply our expertise in support of public safety efforts here at home.”

Retired General Thomas P. Stafford Visits

In another milestone for the company, CAT was also honored to have Thomas P. Stafford, a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General and NASA astronaut, tour the CAT facility and met with several company executives to learn about what CAT is doing around the globe in support of US Special Operations Forces.

“We were honored to have General Stafford visit our facility and share his experience in the advancement of aeronautics,” commented Darryl Wilkerson, CAT President.  “He is a true aviation hero and a proud Oklahoman.”

Wilkerson and his staff introduced General Stafford to several performance enhancements engineered by CAT including its Maximum Endurance Fuel Tanks and Special Mission Cargo Pods equipped for the Beechcraft King Air® 350.  General Stafford recalled many of his flight experiences during his service with the U.S. Air Force and was impressed with the advancements by CAT and its sister company Valair Aviation. 

“I initially learned about Commuter Air Technology through my grandson who had met Darryl Wilkerson,” recalled General Stafford.  “I am impressed with the level of technology available through CAT and how the company has used it to greatly improve the performance of small airframes that work abroad,” he stated.

Commuter Air Technology receives EASA Approval for Exhaust Gas Extractors

CAT has also has extended its list of product offerings by receiving design change approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).  Under the certificate, CAT is now fully authorized to sell their proprietary Exhaust Gas Extractors (EGEs) to European operators of King Air® B300 series or B200GT aircraft.

CAT’s EGEs are designed to increase fuel efficiency, improve cruise and climb performance, reduce nacelle sooting and virtually eliminate exhaust stack cracking. These were previously EASA approved for most King Air® 100 and 200 series models.  With the addition of the B300 audience, CAT will be able to bring European owners a venturi-shaped trailing edge and aerodynamically efficient exhaust gas system that optimizes the performance and functionality of their King Air®.

“We are pleased to expand the offering of our EGEs in Europe,” comments Darryl Wilkerson, CAT President.  “CAT has been engineering industry-leading King Air® enhancements for customers globally since 1988 and specifically our EGEs have been in service since 1994 with over 150 ship sets operational today,” Wilkerson added.

CAT Sister Company Valair Partners with Skandia, Inc.