IPR’s Large Door ATR Conversion gets certification [video]

On 23 May IPR Conversions received an STC from EASA for its Passenger-to-Large Cargo Door conversion program for the ATR 72-200 and ATR 42-300 families.

IPR, which acquired Alenia’s ATR conversion programs last year, has already received approval for Structural Tube (that is, bulk load) conversion of ATR 72-200 and ATR 42-300 aircraft. The first IPR freighter-converted ATR 72-200 (241) was delivered to Canada’s Summit Air in December 2015.  Later this month, the company expects to complete its first large-door, freighter-converted ATR 72-200, also destined for Summit Air (444). Moving forward IPR expects certification for freighter conversion of ATR 72-500 series aircraft in July.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Hawaiian Airlines’ Ohana subsidiary is awaiting FAA approval to put three recently-acquired ATR 72Fs into service. Although the three aircraft have already undergone conversion (albeit, not by IPR), the FAA has yet to issue the necessary STCs, but is expected to do so by the end of the year. Like Ohana’s three ATR 72-500s in passenger service, the ATR-72Fs will be operated by Idaho-based Empire Airlines on the airline’s behalf.

Now for a few videos of these versatile turboprops in action:

Cockpit views of ATR takeoffs (Passenger aircraft at what is now Stobart Air)

A potpourri of takeoffs and landings, including several turboprop, some small jets, and also Lufthansa and Martinair MD-11Fs.

A variety of turboprops (including some freighters) landing at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport

Interested in learning more about the world’s turboprop freighter fleet? Stay tuned for our annual turboprop analysis in the upcoming June issue of Cargo Facts.