It’s late June and we’re standing on the dock of Isle Royale Seaplanes’ home base, Torch Lake, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Our pilot is chatting with his six waiting passengers while passing out life vests. He’s trying to sort out who should be seated where within the vintage De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver that will carry…
Collins Aerospace Upgrades King Air 200 & 300 Series Flight Decks
In December, Collins Aerospace announced a comprehensive avionics upgrade and modernization program for Beechcraft King Air aircraft and two of its most popular systems. Designed to enhance aircraft operability, safety and efficiency, the initiative introduces several new safety features to both avionics suites and makes it possible to convert King Air 200 and 300 aircraft…
What Is This MON Thing Anyway? With the VOR minimum operational network as a backup, basic conventional navigation will be possible if GPS fails
For many King Air pilots, most of our flying utilizes the Global Positioning System. What would happen if the entire National Airspace System (NAS) relied solely on GPS and the system broke down due to technical issues or nefarious intent? GPS is susceptible to interference, jamming, spoofing or solar events, any of which can disrupt…
Navigating the Changing Tides of the King Air Insurance Market
The King Air insurance market has been on a tumultuous journey over the past several years with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. This has not necessarily been the most expensive hard market the King Air community has navigated through, though it has certainly been the longest. Since 2018, most of you have likely seen…
KA Gathering: Agenda Revealed & Registration Open, March 19-22 at Cutter Aviation PHX & Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
King Air Gathering co-hosts King Air Nation and BLR Aerospace announced the speakers, companion activities and a full list of educational and networking events attendees can expect during the 2025 King Air Gathering happening March 19-22 in Phoenix, Arizona. “King Air Gathering is perfect for fueling your knowledge and building connections,” said Carl Davis, vice…
Time to Say Goodbye
This is my last article for King Air magazine. I have been a regular contributor here since 2011 … 13 years. The magazine has provided a perfect forum for sharing my 50-plus years of King Air flying and instructing experience. I will always be grateful for the leadership and guidance of the magazine’s editor, Kim…
King Air Gathering: March 19-22, 2025 Phoenix, Arizona
Save the date and start making plans to attend King Air Gathering 2025, the only event of its size dedicated solely to the Beechcraft King Air. Co-hosts King Air Nation and BLR Aerospace are finalizing an agenda that embraces what past attendees say they want most when connecting, collaborating and sharing a passion for aviation…
Pause for Paws: 350 used for law enforcement activities helps relocate orphaned black bear cubs
Photography by Chelsey Schartz/Sedgwick County Zoo Two black bear cubs orphaned this summer in the Oregon wilderness quickly found a new home in Kansas with the help of a rescue mission flown by a 2001 Beechcraft King Air 350. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife discovered the male and female cubs when their mother…
Spike in Engine Temperature Got Your Attention? Check the temp stick when an engine temps out before making full power
Years ago, a King Air 200 was in a shop for phase inspections and the owner was waiting for it to be released. It was the first phase inspection since he had purchased the aircraft. Unfortunately, the shop found both engines would not make book power – they temped out before reaching max torque –…
Gift-giving Guide: Aviation-inspired works of art
Whether buying for yourself or a fellow aviation enthusiast, consider gifting art inspired by flight. Let this list inspire you to purchase from one of these artists or discover an artist local to where you live. The Art of Aircraft Abstract painter Frank Martin creates colorful collages, from paintings showcasing specific models (he has two…