Refurbished 1980 Cessna 207 Serving In Cameroon
Soloy Aviation Solutions has delivered its 85th Cessna 206/207
Mark I turbine conversion to JAARS, the non-profit organization
that provides technical support services such as aviation,
information technology, and local language media to advance Bible
translation and language community development worldwide. The newly
converted Cessna 207 will be deployed in Cameroon, a coastal
country in central west Africa.
The aircraft was originally a 1980 Cessna 207 that JAARS
purchased. Once purchased, JAARS (originally called Jungle Aviation
and Radio Service but now known simply as JAARS) completely
refurbished the aircraft, outfitting it specifically for its
demanding missions throughout remote Cameroon.
The Soloy Mark I certified engine conversion replaced the
original Continental TSIO-520 piston engine with a Rolls Royce
250-C20S turbine engine mated to Soloy's Turbine Pac prop reduction
gearbox. Although the new turbine powered Soloy 207 will have
significant increases in flight performance such as take-off
distances, climb rates, and better cruise speeds…the primary
reason for the Soloy conversion was operational cost efficiency and
the ability to burn more available Jet A fuel.
Chuck Daly, VP Global Transportation Services for JAARS realized
the cost advantage of the Soloy conversion. "We operate several
PT-6 powered aircraft throughout the world. These are typically
larger aircraft that can seat up to 10 people. The majority of our
missions are better suited for up to six passengers. Most of our
missions simply don't need the extra size (and the associated cost)
of these larger airframes and their greater fuel burn. Plus, these
heavier PT6 powered aircraft are increasingly subject to very
expensive landing fees. The Cessna 207 is the ideal sized airframe
for our needs." he said. "In addition to the size advantage of the
Soloy Mark I, the availability of Avgas is becoming increasingly
expensive and difficult to get in many parts of the world. The very
efficient Rolls Royce 250 lets us take advantage of the greater
supply of Jet A fuel. For these reasons, the Soloy conversion was
the clear decision."
Daly says JAARS has been researching and studying the Soloy
conversion for close to 10 years. Initial impressions of the Soloy
product and its flight characteristics are quite
favorable…so favorable, JAARS is considering two additional
Soloy 206 or 207 turbine conversion packages. "Soloy's engineering
and product support have been excellent and we've found the people
at Soloy to be very easy to work with."
For Soloy, the JAARS aircraft marks the 85th Mark I conversion
put into service since 1985. Of the 85 delivered Mark I aircraft 64
have been converted on the Cessna 206 airframe and 21 for the 207.
Dave Stauffer, Soloy's CEO is pleased JAARS took the time they did
to study the Mark I conversion. "JAARS performs wonderful
humanitarian and missionary work around the world. Everyone at
Soloy is proud to deliver this important aircraft. The Rolls Royce
powered Mark I conversion is the ideal platform for reliably
operating in remote and demanding areas. Dollar for dollar it gets
the job done better and more efficiently than any other piston or
turbo prop option on today's market new or used," he said.
Soloy has developed a second generation turbine conversion for
the Cessna 206H airframe utilizing the Rolls Royce 250 B17F engine.
It is designated the Soloy Mark II. Currently there have been seven
Mark II's produced.
JAARS will be hosting an open house May 7 at JAARS Townsend
Airport (N52) in Waxhaw, North Carolina. The Soloy Mark I 207 will
be on display.