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Here at Hartzell, aviation is in our DNA. We’re passionate about helping pilots get the most out of their aircraft, which is why we collaborate with only the most trusted modifiers. This week, learn more about our featured partner, Air Plains Services.
In 1977, Mike and Carolyn Kelley opened Air Plains Services in Wellington, Kansas, as an aircraft maintenance shop serving South Central Kansas. Mike soon developed his first STC to install 180 hp engines in Cessna 172s and the business, well, took off.
Today, Air Plains specializes in transforming legacy Cessna pistons into powerful, high-performance singles. As a global leader in high-horsepower upgrades for Cessna aircraft, Air Plains offers eight engine STCs for Cessna single-engine pistons. The company has also expanded into a one-stop shop for avionics, including Garmin, PMA and STC spare parts, cabin interiors, specialty manufacturing, maintenance, and, of course, Hartzell propeller STCs.
One of the most exciting projects at Air Plains is the combination of the Continental IO-550 300 hp engine and the Hartzell Trailblazer or Voyager propellers for Cessna 182s and 180s, resulting in unrivaled performance, particularly for backcountry operations.
Recently, Air Plains expanded its upgrade STC kit to include A through G model Cessna 182s. Since the 1990s, the company has offered the 300hp upgrade for Cessna 182H through R models and is now excited to accommodate the entire Cessna 182 serial number ranges.
In December 2024, Air Plains completed the acquisition of Petersen Aviation, a global leader in developing STCs that allow general aviation aircraft to use less expensive, lower octane automobile fuel rather than 100LL AvGas. Petersen had developed a global market with STCs for 48 engine types powering more than 100 airframe types around the world, all of which now transfer to Air Plains and supplement its current Inpulse ADI system that allows high-horsepower engines to use auto fuel.
Since the very beginning, the owners and employees of Air Plains have focused on providing the same kind of customer service they expect as aircraft owners, and it’s become the cornerstone of the business.
Hartzell Propeller is proud to partner with Air Plains to help them develop innovative solutions that keep customer airplanes flying faster, farther, and higher. Request more information about Hartzell propeller STC upgrades available through Air Plains Services.
