See Photos of Piper Aztec Tail Removal
We have posted photos of the Piper Aztec tail removal that was executed last week.
Follow this link to view them. http://rides.webshots.com/album/574596625CLvpNi?vhost=rides
Videos of Piper Aztec Tail Removal

Removing the tail section using a plasma cutter
The crew at Diamond Aire separated the tail section from the fuselage on a Piper Aztec. We have posted videos of the operation on YouTube. We have many parts in stock for Piper Aztec, Piper Apache and Piper Geronimo. Please visit www.diamondaire.com for more info.
Our New Website

Our Updated Website
We have given our website a new look! The updated site is now viewable in all browsers. www.diamondaire.com
Complete Piper Aztec Overhaul- Paint Application
We are now in the process of applying the final coats of paint to the Piper Aztec that has been one of our projects for over a year. The custom paint scheme will be finished within the next few days.

Pre-paint taping
Aztec Start Up Video
Check out our engine startup test of our current project- complete Aztec overhaul.
Oshkosh EAA AirVenture
Members of our local Montana EAA chapter are visiting Oshkosh Wisconsin for the annual Airventure fly in. You can see photos of this event at www.eaa102.org.

Oshkosh Airventure fly in 2009
Space Shuttle Lauched Delayed For The Fifth Time!
The space shuttle Endeavor’s launch was scrapped again today due to thunderstorms in the Kennedy Space Center area. We have been in Florida for the past few days and this was our second attempt to view the launch. The only video that we were able to capture was the Endeavor sitting on the launch pad. Today’s mission was aborted 9 minutes before lift-off.
We have made use of our time in Florida by visiting Disneyworld and making new friends in the Clearwater area. Still undecided whether we will make another attempt to view Endeavor’s launch on Wednesday evening.
Check out these photos of our trip!

In Florida Gator mating season is in full swing so these guys will show up just about anywhere!Mickey and Fred
Give Your Piper Aztec a Nose Job!

Extended Nose for Piper AztecExtended Nose for Piper Aztec
Another great enhancement to overall appearance by Montana Diamond Aire. This modification adds about 14 inches to length compared to stock nose. Reduces noise levels and extends baggage compartment space. Looks identical to Aztec E & F nose. Includes streamlined landing-light lens and improved ventilation intake. This mod is highly recommended when using any nose-mounted slaved compass and is a must for any radar installation. We have noticed that slaved compass “swing” caused by electro-magnetic interference (landing light turned on) is minimized after nose installation.
We can ship our fully STC’d nose kits almost anywhere in the world. Please visit our website for pricing, additional photos, and more info. www.diamondaire.com or email john@diamondaire.com.
Complete Piper Aztec Overhaul
![]() Piper Aztec Complete Overhaul and Restoration Before
The Piper Aztec pictured above is currently undergoing a complete restoration and overhaul. Upgrades will include a new interior, custom paint job, new engines and nacelles, and instrument panel. We will be posting the final “after” photos of this project once finished. At Montana Diamond Aire we not only perform complete Piper Apache to Geronimo conversions but all types of modifications and upgrades for Piper Aztecs and Apaches. Visit our website for a listing of our fully STC’d modifications www.diamondaire.com or email john@diamondaire.com . Please note the performance chart below for the Piper Aztec if you are considering a twin-piston aircraft purchase. |
|
| Performance |
Piper Aztec |
| Take-off Distance, 50-foot obsacle (Ft) |
1250 |
| Landing Distance, 50-foot obsacle (Ft) |
1250 |
| Gross Weight |
5200 |
| Useful Load |
2150 |
| Max Payload (Full Fuel) |
1286/998 |
| Fuel Capacity |
144/192 |
| Range @ 65% Power |
950/1350 |
| Cruise Speed @ 65% Power (Kts) |
180 |
| Rate of Climb (Sea Level) |
1490 |
| Single Engine Rate of Climb (Sea Level) |
240 |
| Service Ceiling |
21,100 |
| Single Engine Service Cieling |
6400 |
| Engine/Horsepower |
Lycoming 250 Hp IO-540-C4B5 |
| Total Fuel Burn/Hr |
26 |
Piper Geronimo Conversion Safety and Stability

Like This Classic Car, a Meticulously Maintained Piper Geronimo Conversion By Montana Diamond Aire Will Provide Safety and Stability For Years to Come!
When we overhaul an Apache airframe, we completely strip the aircraft inside and out. All of the tail surfaces are removed including the vertical and horizontal stabilizers. We have STC SA2793SW which is a rudder bracket reinforcement, SA4007SW which is a structural improvement parts kit for the flaps and elevators. The whole aircraft is powerwashed inside and out, all surfaces are inspected. The landing gear gets updated (much-stronger) drag links, the tail system attach areas get a doubler added and all new attachment hardware before the tail components are reinstalled. All hoses are replaced, control surface hinges/bearings…all hydraulic components overhauled, all moving parts in the whole airframe get re-bushed or bearings replaced as applicable….the list gets pretty long. In short, we are very thorough with our airframe overhauls.
Montana Diamond Aire has several Piper Apache airframes available for made-to-order Piper Geronimo Conversions. Order today and we can have you in the air by early 2010!
Please email john@diamondaire.com for more info. Please visit our website as well www.diamondaire.com

