While it goes through the certification process for its turboprop single, Kestrel Aircraft is planning to help owners of older high-performance aircraft update them to modern standards. Kestrel Aeroworks will install Avidyne R9 panel packages in existing aircraft, starting with Piper Meridians. “The purpose of Kestrel Aeroworks is take existing aircraft and make them into more modern, more comfortable, more pilot friendly aircraft,” said CEO Alan Klapmeier. Other modifications are also in the works, including ergonomic enhancements, speed mods and airframe tweaks. Meanwhile, design and other preliminary work continues on the company’s own airplane, which Klapmeier said he hopes will be available in three years.
The company is now taking “expressions of interest” from those who think they may want a Kestrel and Klapmeier said those who complete one will be the first to be able to put a deposit on one. He expects to be taking deposits in about six months.
