New Technologies on Display
The annual National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) Convention & Exhibition, held this year in Long Beach, California, from December 5 to 8, combines the camaraderie of a close-knit industry with excitement over emerging technologies that are helping redefine the industry.
“The NAAA has always been an opportunity for industry players to gather and renew old acquaintances, so there is definitely the element of personal and professional networking,” says Ryan Densham, Senior Marketing Account Manager, General Aviation, Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC). “There is also growing excitement and a belief that fundamental changes are coming that will greatly enable the profession.”
It’s common now, says Ryan, to find digital tools in the cockpit and advanced GPS systems that reduce pilot workload and enhance operational efficiency. “It’s no coincidence that the announcements we will be making at the NAAA concern the introduction of new technologies,” he says. “There have been some important developments with our advanced prognostic health management FAST™ [Flight, Acquisition, Storage and Transmission] solution that we will be unveiling at the show. We’re also using the gathering to launch another new technical capability that will revolutionize the delivery of support in the field and the speed at which we can provide it.”
In keeping with its focus on new technology, P&WC will also shine a spotlight on its new PT6A-140AG engine by displaying, for the first time, a cutaway of the powerplant at P&WC’s booth (#739) in the exhibition space. “The PT6A-140AG is the most advanced engine of its kind in the industry,” says Ryan. “It sets new industry benchmarks for performance and efficiency in the agricultural segment. That means 15% more power at 5% lower specific fuel consumption and the best hot day performance compared to other turboprop engines in its class. We see the engine as being a generation ahead of expectations.”
As has been the tradition for several years, a new PT6A-34AG engine will be auctioned off at the show to raise funds for the NAAA.
Long-time PT6A expert Yves Houde will also lead a PT6A engine maintenance seminar, which qualifies for mechanics to claim Inspection Authorization credits. For the first time, this seminar will include a dedicated focus on engine rigging in association with P&WC’s training partner FlightSafety International.
Check back here next week during the show for more details on P&WC announcements.
