Production Manager

Martha Jercinovich

West Star Aviation specializes in airframe repair and maintenance, engine repair and maintenance, major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, paint, parts, surplus avionics sales, window repair and accessory services.

West Star Aviation, in partnership with Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics, is helping Embraer Legacy 450/500 and Praetor 500/600 operators address important maintenance and aircraft availability concerns regarding the standby emergency power supply battery.
The True Blue Power® TS56 Emergency Power Supply provides operators with a modern, cost-effective alternative to the original OEM battery system. West Star Aviation serves as a Mid-Continent dealer for these emergency power supplies, providing operators with access to both the equipment and the installation expertise of West Star’s experienced Embraer teams.
<h2>A Direct Replacement for Legacy OEM Batteries</h2>
The TS56 Emergency Power Supply is designed as a direct replacement for OEM-installed batteries P/N 6450LS-00 and 7450LS-00, providing operators with a straightforward path to more modern battery technology.
Operators do not necessarily need to replace both emergency batteries simultaneously. The units can be replaced one at a time, provided the second existing battery remains in airworthy condition.
That flexibility allows operators to address battery replacement based on aircraft condition and maintenance requirements rather than unnecessarily replacing a serviceable unit.
<h2>Moving Beyond Traditional NiCad Technology</h2>
The TS56 replaces traditional nickel-cadmium (NiCad) battery technology with a modern nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) solution. The original article identified improved reliability and simplified maintenance as two of the primary benefits of the newer technology.
One significant advantage is the elimination of the memory effect associated with traditional NiCad batteries. Memory effect can negatively impact usable battery capacity over time, adding another maintenance consideration for operators.
Eliminating this characteristic helps improve battery reliability while reducing maintenance requirements that can affect aircraft operational readiness.
<h2>Reduced Maintenance Requirements</h2>
Another significant operator benefit is the extended capacity-check interval.
The original OEM system requires an annual capacity check, while the TS56 requires a capacity check only once every two years.
For operators, that can mean:
<ul>
<li data-list-item-id="e29dd1cfe81b9a353744f5f18f1d4e8e9">Fewer scheduled battery maintenance events</li>
<li data-list-item-id="ea96c5856a74f60e9c6f37a27cfc55239">Reduced maintenance labor</li>
<li data-list-item-id="edb53d9921fe0536060139b05dec6065f">Less aircraft downtime</li>
<li data-list-item-id="e7c70bf388cb30657b0debb3697f9296e">Improved operational availability</li>
<li data-list-item-id="ece27e8280a216e23fc5cd4c7c097a755">Lower long-term maintenance costs</li>
</ul>
The TS56 also uses aircraft power to recharge and maintain battery readiness, helping ensure the emergency power supply remains fully charged and available when required.
<h2>Simple Installation with STC Data Included</h2>
The compact, lightweight TS56 is engineered for straightforward installation and maintenance. The system provides easy installation, simplified maintenance access, and rapid field replacement.
The STC data package is included with the purchase of the batteries, further simplifying the process for operators planning the modification.
Combined with the direct-replacement design, this provides an efficient upgrade path without turning a battery replacement into an extensive aircraft modification.
<h2>An Economical Alternative</h2>
In addition to the maintenance and reliability advantages, the TS56 offers an attractive economic benefit.
The replacement power supplies are priced at approximately half the cost of the OEM emergency power supply, providing operators with an opportunity to address an obsolescence and reliability concern while controlling maintenance expense.
The combination of lower acquisition cost, reduced capacity-check requirements, and simplified replacement can provide meaningful savings throughout the aircraft’s operating life.
<h2>Installation Across the West Star Network</h2>
West Star Aviation locations can perform the installation, giving Legacy and Praetor operators flexibility when planning the modification. The upgrade can also be incorporated into a scheduled maintenance event to further minimize aircraft downtime.
As a Mid-Continent dealer, West Star can support customers throughout the process — from equipment procurement and applicability review through installation, documentation, and return to service.
<h2>West Star Aviation: Embraer Authorized Service Center</h2>
West Star Aviation, an Embraer Authorized Service Center, brings extensive experience supporting Embraer aircraft across avionics, electrical systems, STC installations, troubleshooting, maintenance, interiors, and exterior paint.
That broad aircraft knowledge is particularly valuable when evaluating upgrades such as emergency power supplies. Rather than simply replacing a component, West Star’s Embraer specialists can help operators evaluate aircraft configuration, maintenance requirements, installation timing, and opportunities to combine work with other scheduled events.
<h2>A Smarter Emergency Power Solution</h2>
For Legacy 450/500 and Praetor 500/600 operators, the True Blue Power TS56 provides a practical alternative to traditional OEM emergency batteries with several important advantages:
<ul>
<li data-list-item-id="ef3501648e21910ca174c773d4c63ba34">Direct replacement for OEM P/N 6450LS-00 and 7450LS-00</li>
<li data-list-item-id="e0ba31a639bc679429e58cb962165c577">Ability to replace batteries individually when the second unit remains airworthy</li>
<li data-list-item-id="e2ed1669ad28358fb2956f1d81be5ebf6">Modern NiMH battery technology</li>
<li data-list-item-id="e5a98567f075162be393f3dbbd3d952bf">Elimination of NiCad memory effect</li>
<li data-list-item-id="e673552507323435e0b655ad1705fa000">Capacity checks required every two years rather than annually</li>
<li data-list-item-id="e67b7f7742d09bbe12f1bc64845afac6c">Reduced maintenance and downtime</li>
<li data-list-item-id="e72ec677d324f4fe77a579c2b2bf1085e">Improved operational readiness</li>
<li data-list-item-id="e20c9dd43af98bbcee1c437dbeaaebbca">Approximately half the cost of the OEM power supply</li>
<li data-list-item-id="ed63eb10c3539a4db58dee5ab697c4e1d">STC data package included with battery purchase</li>
<li data-list-item-id="ec4efc5a6f68bca4922168fb1fc29f6ef">Installation support throughout the West Star Aviation network</li>
</ul>
<h2>Connect With an Expert:</h2>
Curtis Tuminaro Technical Sales Manager - Embraer Cell:&nbsp;<a href="tel:4232434529">423.243.4529</a> <a href="mailto:curtis.tuminaro@wsa.aero">curtis.tuminaro@wsa.aero</a>
Kevin Hand&nbsp; Technical Sales Manager, Embraer&nbsp; Cell:&nbsp;<a href="tel:6188233062">618.823.3062</a> <a href="mailto:khand@wsa.aero">khand@wsa.aero&nbsp;</a>
Mark Hand Technical Sales Manager, Embraer Cell:&nbsp;<a href="tel:9708128828">970.812.8828</a> <a href="mailto:mhand@wsa.aero">mhand@wsa.aero</a>
Jeff Messmer Technical Sales Manager Cell&nbsp;<a href="tel:3146074069">314.607.4069</a> <a href="mailto:jmessmer@wsa.aero">jmessmer@wsa.aero</a>
Mark Crotty Embraer Business Development Cell:&nbsp;<a href="tel:2163373637">216.337.3637</a> <a href="mailto:mcrotty@wsa.aero">mcrotty@wsa.aero</a>
Bob O’leary Director, Embraer Business Development Office:&nbsp;<a href="tel:6182588847">618.258.8847</a> <a href="mailto:boleary@wsa.aero">boleary@wsa.aero</a>

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Economical, Reliable Emergency Power Solution for Legacy 450/500 and Praetor 500/600 Aircraft

Reduce maintenance, downtime, and battery replacement costs with the True Blue Power® TS56 Emergency Power Supply. 

Reduce maintenance, downtime, and battery replacement costs with the True Blue Power® TS56 Emergency Power Supply. Learn how West Star Aviation is helping Legacy and Praetor operators upgrade to a more modern, reliable emergency power solution.

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