Writer

Amy Laboda

There is no question about it, Art Spengler and Fred Ahles are excited about the newest offering from Premier Aircraft Sales: upgrading primarily R and S model Cessna 172s from Lycoming to Centurion 2.0 diesel power, coupled to a German MT or U.S.-manufacturered Hartzell Bantam propeller. The program, deemed the Premier Edition 172 upgrade, is a chance to revive the C172 market, if you ask Spengler and Ahles.


“It's a direct response to what our customers have been asking for,” Spengler told AIN at Sun 'n’ Fun 2014, where the program was introduced. “With the Centurion running jet-A the fuel burn of the Cessna 172 is cut in half, and for most models the weight penalty in useful load is just 40 pounds,” he continued. “As a leading Centurion master service center and authorized Cessna service center, we know both the engine and the airframe, and we know that together they are a combination that is hard to beat.”


Performance increases include a quieter engine, reduction in cruise fuel consumption from the Lycoming's 9 gph to the Centurion's 5 gph, and with the new Hartzell Bantam propeller, 50 to 75 fpm increase in climb and 5- to 7-knot increase in cruise speeds.


The Premier upgrade can be undertaken in steps, cafeteria-style, and yes, you can bring your own airframe (Model F through S) to the party. But Spengler anticipates that most of the company's customers will prefer a soup-to-nuts makeover of an airframe procured by Premier. The cost? “Our demonstrator is a soup-to-nuts package that runs $289,500,” said Spengler. That said, it's not for sale—yet. “We need it for a while to demonstrate the product!” The demonstrator is currently undergoing interior work at Premier Aircraft Sales Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport facility.


The upgrade entails a firewall-forward complete teardown and rework of the cowling, as well, to fit the new engine and prop. Inside the cabin a complete interior, including avionics package (Garmin 500 and Garmin 750 Garmin 255 and GDL-88 ADS-B) are installed. New paint and corrosion protection finishes the project, which comes with a two-year warranty.


The company is also studying its next diesel retrofit project for the Piper Warrior II and Piper Warrior III.

Premier Aircraft Sales Offers Centurion Diesel C172 Conversion

Sipping jet-A at 5 gph, a Premier Centurion C172 may be just what the world is looking for in a four-place, light general aviation aircraft.

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