Story ID: 
Soloy Acquires Turbine Bonanza Conversion STC
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: Soloy Aviation originally worked with Allison Gas Turbine Division to secure the original FAA STC for the Bonanza turboprop conversion.
Word Count: 198
Soloy Aviation Solutions has purchased the FAA STC approval for the Tradewinds Turbine Bonanza conversion package from Dan Brooks. Under the STC, the Bonanza’s piston engine is replaced with a 450-shp Rolls-Royce 250-B17 engine.

“I’ve owned a Tradewinds Turbine Bonanza for 10 years and it’s an efficient and fun airplane to fly,” Brooks said. “In fact, I liked the airplane so much I eventually purchased the STC. But with my relationship to Soloy, and knowing that the original development was accomplished by Soloy, I strongly felt this was the right time for the Tradewinds Bonanza and my fellow owners to have the ongoing technical service and support they deserve.”

Soloy Aviation worked with Allison Gas Turbine Division to secure the original FAA STC for the Bonanza turboprop conversion in 1986. “While we see a great future for the airplane, our initial priority is to initiate FAA PMA production of key replacement parts and begin updating the technical manuals,” said Soloy COO Dave Stauffer.

In the longer term, Stauffer said that once the spares backlog and technical support issues are on track, Soloy engineers will start an active upgrade program.