Tanis Aircraft Products Gains STC and PMA for Engine Preheat System Covering Full Daher TBM 700 Series
Why It MattersCertifying a single preheat solution across an entire model lineage spanning decades shows how aftermarket suppliers can scale one approval into broad retrofit demand across an aircraft's full service history.
What happened
Tanis Aircraft Products, a division of Hartzell Propeller, has received a supplemental type certificate (STC) and parts manufacturing authority (PMA) approval for a complete engine preheating system covering the entire Daher TBM 700 model series, from the original TBM 700 through the recently certificated TBM 980. The approval applies to all serial numbers and model years across the TBM's more than 35 years of service.
The Tanis TBM system uses a multipoint, self-regulating configuration to deliver preheating to the turboprop's overall powerplant installation, including the engine, propeller reduction gearbox, oil cooler, fuel control unit, accessory gearbox and battery, among other components. The system also provides avionics and cabin preheating, and features LED power indication and circuit overload protection.
JJ Frigge, president of Hartzell Propeller, said the new system gives TBM owners and operators a comprehensive preheat solution designed to support easier cold-weather starts and protect critical aircraft systems, while also allowing the aircraft to be warm and ready for passengers before boarding. The kit will be available in both North American voltage (115 V) and European voltage (230 V), and can be ordered directly through the Hartzell Preheat website or through an authorised reseller or distributor. The system is backed by a five-year warranty.
Industry impact & what to watch
Aftermarket preheat and cold-weather protection kits are a recurring category in turboprop ownership, where a single STC/PMA approval can unlock sales across every airframe built under one type certificate rather than a narrow subset of serial numbers. Spanning the TBM 700 through the TBM 980 in one certification lets Hartzell and Tanis address owners of older airframes alongside buyers of the newest variant with the same part number, simplifying inventory and support for distributors and maintenance shops alike.
How this plays out next depends on uptake among operators in cold-weather regions and whether resellers report strong early order volume through the Hartzell Preheat website and authorised distributors. The five-year warranty and dual-voltage availability for North American and European markets suggest Hartzell is positioning the kit for international fleet coverage, and installation rates across the TBM fleet in the coming seasons will indicate how quickly the approval converts into revenue.
