Eagle Creek Delivers a Deluxe Grand Commander

Eagle Creek Aviation Services, based in Indianapolis, has completed and delivered one of its signature Grand Renaissance Twin Commanders to Kern County, California. The county will use the revitalized twin turboprop in two distinct roles; as a command-and-control aircraft for spotting and fighting wildfires; and as VIP transport. Grand Renaissance Twin Commanders incorporate upgraded Honeywell TP331-10 engines and a Meggitt Magic glass avionics suite-including the Meggitt Magic 2100 Digital Flight Control System. To fulfill its special roles, the aircraft has special purpose avionics installed, including an Avalex mapping system, tactical radios for communicating with ground forces, AFS tracker system and Aircell telephone service. According to Eagle Creek, the Kern County project consumed more than 8,500 shop hours. The company will provide two technicians who will travel with the aircraft for the entry-to-service period.