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CAT Names Industry Veteran to CEO Post

H. D. (Darryl) Wilkerson has been appointed president and chief executive of Commuter Air Technologies (CAT) a leading aerospace product development and systems integration company.  

Wilkerson has served the aerospace and defense industries for nearly 30 years and has extensive experience in aircraft maintenance, and modernization. Prior to joining CAT he held senior management positions at major industry firms including L-3 Communications and Teledyne Brown Engineering where his responsibilities spanned an array of technical and business process disciplines.

“Darryl Wilkerson has a distinguished career in aerospace with particular emphasis on business development, strategy and operations,” said Rick Nagel, a Partner in Acorn Growth Equities and previously serving as CAT’s interim-president. “We are elated that he has joined our team and look forward to his leadership as CAT extends it reach in the light aircraft special mission systems segment.”

Renowned for it’s innovative, FAA certified, performance improvement products such as the internationally acclaimed CATPASS 250 wrap-around for the King Air series of aircraft, CAT also offers a wide range of professional services including aircraft brokerage, consultation, pre-purchase inspections, engineering, program management, and specialized technology insertion and aircraft modification services. Additionally, in early 2006 CAT formed a Special Mission Systems division to extend and leverage its twenty-year history of delivering high performance product and service offerings to the defense and law enforcement market segments.

Wilkerson will serve concurrently, as vice president of Acorn Growth Companies and its affiliate Acorn Growth Equities supporting long-range corporate strategies. Acorn Growth Companies is a private, enterprise development firm that accelerates the growth and evolution of small, niche-specific companies. Acorn Growth Equities is an acquisitions firm positioned to acquire, operate, and maximize mission-critical systems and services companies across a focused array of industry.

 About Commuter Air Technology Special Mission Systems
Commuter Air Technology (CAT), founded in 1986, is focused on aircraft modifications, which include performance and flight enhancement, commuter and high density passenger systems, military and special missions support, corporate reconfigurations, and cargo conversions.

The Special Mission Systems division was formed in early 2006 and offers services such as aircraft acquisition, engineering, modification, program management, in-theatre maintenance and supply chain support. For more information, please visit the Commuter Air Technology website at www.commuterair.com or www.specialmissionsystems.com.

Commuter Air Technology Acquires Downtown Airpark Special Mission Assets

Oklahoma City based Commuter Air Technology announced today that it has acquired the Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) previously held by the Downtown Airpark. The STCs, relating to modification of various airframes, include the Cessna Caravan.

“This intellectual property acquisition expands our special mission capability beyond the King Air airframe and firmly establishes Commuter Air Technology’s (CAT) Special Mission Systems division as the “go to” firm for compact mission and light aircraft intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance solutions,” said Rick Nagel, President of CAT.  “We are excited that CAT will be able to continue the proud tradition of enhancing and modifying this airframe for the United States and its Allies.”

The Cessna Caravan is a favorite platform for short duration missions and preferred by law enforcement and border security organizations around the world. The STCs acquired by CAT allow for the modification of the airframe to accommodate cameras, FLIR devices (Forward Looking Infrared) and other equipment used for special missions operations.

About Commuter Air Technology Special Mission Systems

Commuter Air Technology (CAT), founded in 1986, is focused on modifications to the King Air platform, which include performance and flight enhancement, commuter and high density passenger systems, military and special missions support, corporate reconfigurations, and cargo conversions.

The Special Mission Systems division was formed in early 2006 and offers services such as aircraft acquisition, engineering, modification, program management, in-theatre maintenance and supply chain support. For more information, please visit the Commuter Air Technology website at www.commuterair.com or www.specialmissionsystems.com.

Special Mission Systems Announces Retractable FLIR Mount STC

Oklahoma City, OK - Special Mission Systems, a division of Commuter Air Technology (CAT), announced today that it has been granted a supplemental type certificate from the FAA to install a retractable forward looking infrared radar (FLIR) unit into a B200 King Air.

“We are extremely pleased that this STC has been granted,” said Rick Nagel, CAT President. “With the global war on terror intensifying, the need for special mission aircraft to monitor borders, essential infrastructure and enemy movement is vital. This STC will give far greater flexibility to users and further enhance the effectiveness of the King Air 200 as the leading platform for this mission.”

The STC allows for the installation of a L3 Wescam FLIR unit into an extended fuselage nose of a King Air 200 airframe. This newly issued STC joins numerous other performance enhancing and special mission application modifications owned by CAT. Together, these enhancements make up a formidable special mission system with capabilities that extend well beyond any other platform available today.

Special Mission Systems offers services such as aircraft acquisition, engineering, modification, program management, in-theatre maintenance and supply chain support. Nine CAT-SMS aircraft are in service with government clients around the world.

 “With the addition of our newly approved STC for the installation of the Wescam FLIR unit installed on a proven platform, The King Air B200, this aircraft now has the capability to perform a series of special missions. The retractable FLIR, combined with our radar pod, can perform a multitude of missions simultaneously,” said Ken Haley, Executive Vice President of CAT.

About CAT

Commuter Air Technology (CAT), founded in 1986, is focused on modifications to the King Air platform, which include performance and flight enhancement, commuter and high density passenger systems, military and special missions support, corporate reconfigurations, and cargo conversions.

For more information, please visit the company web site at www.SpecialMissionSystems.com.

CAT Establishes Special Mission Systems Division

Oklahoma City, OK - Commuter Air Technology, (CAT) announced today the formation of a Special Mission Systems Division to provide focused program support to the growing special mission customer base.

“CAT has long been a provider of special mission solutions for government operators around the world, according to Rick Nagel, CAT President. “With the global war on terror intensifying, the need for special mission aircraft that allow for effective surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities is essential.”

“CAT’s Special Mission Systems division will focus on extending our end-to-end solution to customers seeking quick deployment of a reliable and cost efficient aircraft platform,” said Nagel.

Special Mission Systems offers services such as aircraft acquisition, engineering, modification, program management, in-theatre maintenance and supply chain support. Nine CAT-SMS aircraft are in service with government clients around the world.

CAT first introduced the special mission package several years ago for customers seeking reliability, performance, endurance, low operating costs and a very high level of readiness.

Government and special mission operators may choose to improve the performance of their King Air 200s with enhancement packages from CAT. These aircraft may be used effectively for surveillance, maritime patrol, search and rescue, counter-terrorism, electronic reconnaissance and light cargo roles.

Enhancements offered for these special purpose applications include extended nose with retractable FLIR mount, soft-touch tires, extended range fuel tank, 60 cubic foot radar pod and various other performance modifications.

According to Nagel, the King Air/C12 is a proven, stable workhorse that has a great history of being adapted to a variety of requirements and operating conditions. 

About Commuter Air Technology

Commuter Air Technology (CAT), founded in 1986, is focused on modifications to the King Air platform, which include performance and flight enhancement, commuter and high density passenger systems, military and special missions support, corporate reconfigurations, and cargo conversions.

For more information, please visit the Commuter Air Technology website at www.commuterair.com. CAT’s newest division, Special Mission Systems (www.specialmissionsystems.com) , provides similar services for the special mission community.

About Acorn Growth Equities

Acorn Growth Equities Leads Acquisition of Commuter Air Technology

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, December 15, 2005 – Acorn Growth Equities, an affiliate of Acorn Growth Companies, completed the acquisition of privately held, Arizona based Commuter Air Technology, (CAT).  Founded in 1987 by Sharon Thuell and Keith Nickels, the company is renowned around the globe for its performance-enhancing modifications and aftermarket support of Raytheon’s Beechcraft King Air aircraft and military C12 variant.

 “Commuter Air Technology is an industry leader in the area of enhancing the performance of this highly versatile aircraft system worldwide,” said Rick Nagel, Partner in Acorn Growth Equities.  “We are excited to have the opportunity to expand its special mission capabilities in concert with our on-going effort to support the changing requirements of the US Department of Defense and its Allies worldwide.”

Marco Capital Group, a Texas based investment firm with offices in Oklahoma City joined Acorn as an equity investor in the transaction. Arvest Bank provided long-term debt financing for the acquisition.

“This was a very complex transaction completed in a short time frame,” said Nagel. “We are very appreciative of the efforts of Marco Capital and Arvest to ensure that we were able to move quickly and thoughtfully.”

“The acquisition of CAT is an excellent example of the Acorn model, which is to identify latent value in aerospace and defense enterprises, apply our sector-specific knowledge and leverage our substantial business network to monetize that value,” said Jeff Davis, Partner in Acorn Growth Equities.

Commuter Air Technology developed an early modification package for the King Air that enabled small regional commuter airlines to use the aircraft for their passenger operations.  The enhancement package, called a CATPASS (Commuter Air Technology Passenger and Safety Systems) combines various FAA approved enhancements which maximize the utility of the aircraft by increasing passenger loads, cargo and carrying capacity, enabling operations in harsh or underdeveloped environments, while maintaining or improving flight performance.  The same modifications implemented for commercial and corporate use appeal to both US and foreign defense agencies in need of mid-sized special mission platforms to meet the needs of boarder patrol and drug enforcement programs, as well as other national security purposes.

“With the global war on terror intensifying, the need for special mission aircraft that allow for effective surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities is essential,” remarked Nagel. “This is a collective, coordinated effort, and the need for consistency and ubiquity is critical.  The C12 is a proven, stable workhorse that has a great history of being adapted to a variety of requirements and operating conditions.  We intend to leverage that track record and expand the scope to other comparable aircraft.”

Over 6,000 mid-sized, twin-engine turboprop King Air aircraft have been manufactured with production continuing to this day.  Foreign commuter airlines seeking to expand accessibility to many remote and difficult to reach areas, according to Nagel, are purchasing King Airs to fill that niche market, and the modifications and enhancements featured in the CATPASS have made the aircraft an ideal choice.

Acorn Growth Equities, an affiliate of Acorn Growth Companies, specializes in the acquisition of strategic, closely held later stage and corporate divestiture opportunities with an emphasis in sectors that support aerospace and U.S. Department of Defense initiatives and contracts.  Acorn Growth Equities is positioned to acquire, operate, and maximize mission-critical systems and service companies in the following applied areas; aerospace (maintenance, repair, overhaul, engineering and logistics), Environmental Sciences, and Communications.  For more information, please visit the Acorn Growth Equities website at www.acornge.com. 

CATPASS EGE Approved for King Air C- and E-90 Series Aircraft

Scottsdale AZ – August 30, 2005: After years of research and modifications, Commuter Air Technology (CAT) is proud to announce approval for the manufacture and installation of the Exhaust Gas Extractor (EGE) system for Raytheon Beechcraft King Air C- and E-90 series aircraft.

Benefits of the system include:
· Virtually eliminates exhaust stack cracking
· Virtually eliminates exhaust stack sooting and residue
· Improvements in aircraft performance
· Reduced drag
· Increased climb performance
· Lower engine temperatures
· Reduced fuel consumption
· Increased speed

The King Air 90 series EGE joins our existing product line, which includes EGEs already in service on King Air 200 aircraft. The EGE is designed as a venture-shaped stack with an elliptical exhaust exit area that is harmonically balanced and aerodynamically efficient. Structural integrity was further enhanced through the use of a stainless steel alloy in concert with an applied ceramic coating. The
King Air 90-series EGE comes with a 2 Year, 1000 hour warranty.

Commuter Air Technology also produces a complete line of safety and performance upgrades for King Air aircraft that include the CATPass 250, a full-blown modification of the BB-200 airframe encompassing leading edge mods, “turbofan” propellers, ram air recovery systems, dual aft body strakes, high density seating, extended nose, hydraulic landing gear systems, Cleveland wheels and brakes, wilderness tires, zero fuel weight increase kit, low oil pressure warning system, dual door cables, EGEs and lower wing spar reinforcement kit. Each of the above is available separately, as well.

For more information, contact Jennifer Amundsen or Ken Haley at 480-998-1235.

Ken Haley Joins Commuter Air Technology as Executive VP

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 13, 2005 -. Aviation industry veteran Ken Haley has been
named executive vice president of Scottsdale, Arizona-based Commuter Air Technology
by company President Sharon Thuell. Effective April 11, Haley will be responsible for all
aspects of the company's non-government business, including new product
development and sales and marketing.

The company, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, has delivered more than
100 of its signature CATPASS 250 airplanes to a variety of customers, including
commuter and regional airlines. The CATPASS 250 is a King Air 200 equipped with a
special package of 18 enhancements installed by Commuter Air Technology. The
aircraft enhancements . which range from Cargo Pods to Wilderness Tires . may also
be purchased separately, enabling King Air products to do more while operating more
effectively and efficiently. Commuter Air Technology has delivered more than 1800
individual enhancements to a variety of King Air operators.

Most recently, Haley managed the service department at Cutter Aviation in Phoenix,
Ariz., where he supported a variety of light and medium jets and turboprop aircraft,
including King Airs. In addition to aircraft maintenance and inspection, Haley has a
strong background in aircraft sales, customer service and management. .Ken is well
known and respected in the aviation industry,. said Thuell. .His specialized experience
and knowledge will be invaluable as we take Commuter Air Technology to the next level
of success..

In addition to its success in the commercial marketplace, Commuter Air Technology has
opened new markets for CATPASS 250s, delivering aircraft to government and special
mission operators for surveillance, maritime patrol, search and rescue, counter-terrorism
and electronic reconnaissance roles around the world.

Commuter Air Technology Continues Role as Industry Innovator

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Oct. 12, 2004 — Commuter Air Technology (CAT) is powering into its milestone 20th year with new products, new markets, and plans for future growth fueled by ongoing research and development.
More than 100 CATPASS 250 airplanes have been delivered since the company was founded in 1985 by aviation industry innovator Keith Nickels. Today, the company is expanding its staff, certifying new products, and gaining acceptance among special mission operators worldwide.

The CATPASS 250 is a King Air 200 equipped with a special package of 18 enhancements installed by Commuter Air Technology. Nickels pioneered the CATPASS concept after identifying a need for a 13- to 15-passenger pressurized turbine aircraft for regional commuter airline operators who required additional speed, range and payload, as well as low operating costs. He developed and certified the revolutionary CATPASS 100 and, later, the CATPASS 250. The CATPASS 250 utilizes several of Raisbeck Engineering, Inc. performance enhancements. “We have had a strong relationship with Raisbeck for many years and we strongly believe in their products,” said Sam L. Jantzen, Jr., vice president of marketing and sales for Commuter Air Technology. “We are proud to serve as a dealer for Raisbeck.”
Today, the CATPASS 250 remains the company’s centerpiece and signature product, although CAT has adapted to a changing marketplace and has greatly expanded its sales of after-market enhancement products that improve the performance, capability and reliability of King Air airplanes. These products include exhaust gas extractors, cargo pods, and dual aft seats, to name a few.

At the same time, the company is developing and certifying new products, most recently improved passenger seats for the King Air 200, and a “no frills” 60-cubic foot cargo pod. “We have remained true to Keith’s vision for a product-development driven company providing quality enhancements that enable aircraft to do more while operating more effectively and efficiently,” said Jantzen. “This has always been, and remains today, our company’s driving passion.”
As this NBAA opens, CAT is working to certify some new products, among them exhaust gas extractors for the King Air 90, 100, 300, 350, and 1900 Series aircraft.

Additionally, the company has expanded its staff, adding a new chief financial officer and director of production and technical services.

Commuter Air Technology has also expanded into new markets, successfully selling CATPASS 250s to government and special mission operators for surveillance, maritime patrol, search and rescue, counter-terrorism and electronic reconnaissance roles around the world.

“We have remained a dynamic and vibrant company for 20 years, by listening to the needs of the aviation community, and responding,” Jantzen said. “This is our legacy and also our future.”

Commuter Air Technology, Home of the CATPASS, Introduces 2 New King Air Enhancements

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Oct. 12, 2004 — Commuter Air Technology (Booth 11725) will begin taking orders for two new King Air enhancement products at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention, Oct. 12–14.

Both products – the Classic 100 Cargo Pod and the CATPASS Plus 600 – are designed to increase the productivity and efficiency of King Air aircraft.

The Classic 100 is a new “no frills” 60-cubic foot cargo pod that is an excellent alternative to value-priced pods offering just 40 cubic feet of space, according to Sam L. Jantzen, Jr., vice president of sales and marketing for the company. The Classic 100 is so named because it weighs just 100 pounds, yet carries a useful load of 500 pounds.

The CATPASS Plus 600 is a package of two enhancements (Lower Wing Spar Strap Reinforcement and Zero Fuel Weight Increase) that enables operators to carry 600 pounds more. “On a typical King Air flight, this increased capacity would translate into a passenger in every seat and their baggage, too,” Jantzen said. “This is productivity at its best.”

Both products were developed to answer the needs of the marketplace. Commuter Air Technology is a product development driven company that provides quality aircraft enhancements for a full range of King Air products. Founded in 1985, the company will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.

The company is especially well known for developing the CATPASS 250, an exclusive aircraft available only from Commuter Air Technology. Through an exclusive Federal Aviation Administration Supplemental Type Certificate, a King Air 200 equipped with a special package of 18 performance and productivity enhancements installed by Commuter Air Technology, is considered a CATPASS 250.

At Commuter Air Technology, we’re always expanding our line of enhancement products and overall capabilities to better serve our growing base of clientele.

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