Story ID: 
Flying Colours Earns Q400 Conversion Contract
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: The project includes designing, installing and certifying a system of interchangeable, mission specific cabins for the commercial turboprop twin.
Word Count: 218
Canada-based MRO and completions specialist Flying Colours has signed an agreement with Conair Group to modify six Q400MR turboprops to support the company's multi-purpose missions.

Flying Colours is tasked with engineering, fabricating, installing, and certifying four interchangeable interiors to support passenger, cargo, combi-transport, and medevac missions. In the passenger configuration, the aircraft will accommodate up to 64 people, while the full cargo version will transport up to nine tons of material. The combination cabin will carry 19 passengers and freight, while the medical transport format will support up to six stretchers along with associated medical equipment and clinical staff.

“This is the first time that a Q400 has had all these interior types configured for a single fuselage,” said Flying Colours executive vice president Sean Gillespie. “It’s a unique project and we are delighted to have been awarded the contract.”

As part of the modifications, the company will integrate a customized Inmarsat Cobham Aviation 700 communication and connectivity system, and will equip each with an upgraded version of Conair’s proprietary fire retardant delivery system, which can be field installed or removed in a matter of hours.

The first aircraft will enter Flying Colours’ St. Louis facility next month, with the others to follow over the next several years.