History | Philosophy | Testimonials

History

Texas Skyways, Inc. was incorporated in 1985. The name was selected because of the relationship with the original Western Skyways of Troutdale, Oregon. Texas Skyways was appointed as a distributor for the engines produced by Western Skyways.

Texas Skyways, Inc., Jack Johnson, and wife, Mickey operated successfully until Western Skyways ceased operating on August 10, 1987. Having customers but no engine supplier, Texas Skyways approached Piedmont Aviation in Winston Salem, N.C. A deal was made and Piedmont became the supplier of overhauled engines for distribution by Texas Skyways. Soon after the deal was made with Piedmont Aviation, US air purchased Piedmont. Again the supply of engines to Texas Skyways was disrupted.

Disgusted with disruptions, in 1990 Johnson purchased a 1976 Cessna with the intention of installing a more powerful engine. The Cessna 182 was selected because of previous experience with a Cessna 182 when Johnson was a traveling salesman for Chrome Plate Inc. of San Antonio, Texas.

The Cessna 182 was a fine airplane for the job, however if it was faster it would give more time for selling. This thought remained with Johnson for the next fifteen years. After consulting with engineers and other colleagues, an engineer was selected and aircraft engine upgrades began.

The first engine modification and installation Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) was issued to Texas Skyways, Inc. in 1994. Since that time, Texas Skyways, Inc. has continued to work on STC’s for Cessna aircraft. Not all of the engineering work and flight tests have been just for Texas Skyways, Inc. STC’s for the present Western Skyways, Inc. of Montrose, CO. were developed regarding the Cessna 421 and its engines.

Another STC was developed in conjunction with South Dakota State University for the use of Ethanol fuel in Cessna 180 and 182 aircraft up thru the 182R model.

Spending a large percentage of its annual income on engineering and testing, Texas Skyways, Inc. has obtained forty-seven STC’s to date, with more nearing completion and on the drawing board.

The company remains small, operating from a privately owned airport, “Boerne Stage Airfield” located in the Hill Country northwest of San Antonio, Texas. The goal of Texas Skyways, Inc. remains the same, make airplanes perform better and safer at a price that can be afforded.

The company slogan “Serving to Serve Again: seems to be working. Customers that come to Texas Skyways, Inc. for engine conversions often return to Texas Skyways, Inc. for routine inspections and repairs.

To date, over six hundred conversions are operating in the United States and several foreign countries. Most conversions are for higher horsepower engines and better performing propellers.

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Philosophy

You are the most important person in our business, not an outsider.

You are not dependent on us.  We are dependent on you.

You are not an interruption of our work.  You are the purpose of it.

You do us a favor when you come in or call.  It is our privilege to serve you.

You are not just money in our cash register.  We realize you are a human being with feelings, like our own.

You deserve the most courteous attention we can give you, for you are the life-blood of this and every business.  You pay our salaries.

Without you we would have to close our doors.

A wise man once said…
“No one likes to pay too much, but what’s worse is paying too little.
When you pay too much, all you lose is a little money.
When you pay too little, sometimes you lose everything because the item you bought could not perform the intended purpose for which it was bought.

The common law of business balance will not allow a high quality item to be produced and sold for a low quality price.
If you intend to buy the lower priced item, you should add something extra for the risk you are taking, and if you do, you will have enough to pay for something better.”

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Customer Testimonials

From Bill Brink

 “…During the 2400-RPM cruise, the airspeed indicated a good solid 165-MPH. That’s about 5 below the yellow band. This airplane has previously indicated 135 at 2300 RPM, full throttle, and cowl flaps closed.…”

 “…Another observation is at 120 MPH indicated full power climb, Guinevere (Aircraft Name) used to indicate about 400-500 FPM. The rate of climb at full power and the same indicated airspeed is now a solid 1100 FPM. That is with full fuel and two people on board….”
 
“…The performance of my aircraft is very close to your sale brochure predictions and like my Dad used to say, “It runs as smooth as a 16 cylinder Rolls Royce.” I am very pleased….”

Your Satisfied Customer
Bill Brink

From Irl Davis
 
“…During my flight from Boerne, Texas to Salt Lake City, Utah my average ground speed was 147 knots with a CAS of 150 knots!! This is only amazing when you consider I was flying at 65%-75% power….”

 “…Leaving Farmington, NM for Salt Lake City, Utah it was 98 degrees. I was still off the ground in less than 800 feet (no flaps) and climbing at 800 feet a minute at 100 knots. What a difference!”

 “…Returning to Tacoma, I removed the cowling for an oil change.
This gave me (and a number of other on-lookers) an opportunity to view the installation. Beautiful!”

Sincerely
Irl Davis

From Ken Plunk

 “…Just thought I would include a note to let you know how much we like the work you did on N3752U. The engine is very strong, and every pilot who has flown her since returning, has commented on the performance. We are very satisfied with the job you and everyone at Texas Skyways, did on out plane….”

 “…Other shops could take a lesson from your staff….”

 “…This engine project was certainly not the least expensive option we had. But now that we see the results, the cost was worth it. If anyone ever asks me about engine shops, I know what my recommendation will be….”

Sincerely
Ken Plunk

From David Hess

 “…I have come to like 21” and 2450 for cruise power. At those settings, in calm air, at 6000’ through the valley I show IAS of 140knots/160 mph, all the way up and back. That works out to TAS of157 knots/180 mph in my old 1969 182M….”

 “…A very good friend and I often fly tandem flights; he flies a 1984 206 turbo. About a month ago, we were headed to Sun Valley Idaho for breakfast. He took off first, and when we leveled off at 8500 feet, we started talking, and looking for each other. I was three miles ahead of him, and had to throttle back on the trip, for him to keep up. Can you believe that?! I like to take people for a ride, and not tell them about the engine upgrade, then watch their faces. They are always amazed at the torque, power, and speed. It will sustain a climb at 2000 fpm if I hold 85 mph. All this on 13 gallons per hour….”

 “…My friends are amazed, and I love it….”

David Hess

From George Campbell (O-470 U/TS)

 “…After seeing your engine and installation in action, not only I, but my mechanic also has recommended your engine to others. It is a great engine….”

 “…Increased performance has been a great benefit for my plane. My 1957 Cessna 180A now performs like the Super Cub I owned
before.  With 180 lbs. of fuel, 400 lbs. of people and 50 lbs. of gear a 300 foot takeoff is not unreasonable. Once airborne I climb at over 1500 fpm. On floats I climb about 1200 fpm….”

 “…Airspeed at cruise is up slightly, about 7 mph. I am using the two blade propeller for takeoff performance, so speed is sacrificed….”

Thank you for the great engine!
George Campbell

From Philip L. Wolfe

 “…my 1968 C180H in June of 1999. After one year and 125 hours of operation, I can say I am 100% satisfied with the conversion. It is all you said it would be and more. I absolutely love it! Having done the installation myself, I can attest that it was no more work or effort than replacing the original O-470-R engine; simply a bolt on operation using all the existing parts and accessories….”

 “…Take off and climb performance is nothing short of spectacular and cruise has increased about 15 knots as well. Fuel consumption remains a reasonable 14.3 gph…”

 “…The engine and prop combination is smooth with very little vibration, even without having balanced the prop on the airplane”

Sincerely
Philip L. Wolfe

From Kyle & Kristine Takakjian

 “…Since we have now had your engine in our 182 for about 9 months I thought this was a good time to report on how it has worked out for us. To sum it up in a few words (I won’t) …INCREDIBLE!”
“…The climb performance is great! Even though out here on Cape Cod we are at 008’ M.S.L. It gets hot in the summer. Have no fear, load it, point it up and go….”

 “…As far as the engine is concerned, it to has been all that we
wanted and more. During the take-off roll as the power is advanced past 2300 to 2600 RPM the torque really takes effect and the plane is yanked down the runway. The engine is very smooth….”

 “…My goal is to hit the 2500hr. TBO and the oil is a big part of
it….”

 Fuel consumption leaned 100deg. Rich of peak is as follows, 23”
sq. 12.5gph. And at 21” & 2300rpm it’s 11.5 gph. One last point and a very important one. Yourself and all of your staff were always as helpful, prompt and friendly as can be….”

Kyle Takakjia

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