Lakeland, FL (Sun 'N Fun, D-041, D-042) – April 5, 2006 – Lycoming Engines announced today that Aerodyme Corporation has successfully tested the IO-580-B1A engine in efforts to achieve a 315 horsepower application for the Commander 114 aircraft via Supplement Type Certificate.

The Commander 114 originally hosted a 260 horsepower IO-540 engine. Upon reviewing the specifications for the newest power plant option from Lycoming, Aerodyme opted for a new, certified IO-580-B1A engine as its engine of choice. "The airplane loves the engine," stated Jim Richards, Aerodyme's president. "It's unbelievable, almost magic! There have been no down sides to this conversion. It's a perfect marriage between engine and airframe."

Lycoming's general manager, Ian Walsh stated, "Lycoming's mission is to be the premier aviation engine company known for our products, innovation, and customer service. Our engine design and manufacturing innovations resulted in this new and more powerful engine, perfectly suited for the retractable gear Commander 114 aircraft."

According to Aerodyme, the IO-580 engine has outperformed expectations on many fronts. Performance estimates for this new engine were delivered or exceeded. With a slight increase in overall engine weight, the engine offers additional horsepower performance. Aerodyme reports that the modified Commander 114 can fly on old or new performance settings. The fuel consumption has a large range--from 118lb/hr at 100% to 78lb/hr at 60% and the cruising altitude that has been reached with this new engine has been exceptional. The test aircraft achieved over 22,000 feet within a 30-minute climb, with oil temperatures remaining within limits.