SmartSky Networks, the next generation mobile broadband network, recently announced it now has live nationwide coverage. Utilizing the unlicensed 2.4GHz spectrum band, SmartSky’s network employs patented know-how that combines advanced 4G and 5G technologies to optimize scalability, transmission range, and power to and from the aircraft even in the high-interference environments over congested cities. SmartSky’s…
I fly some version of a Piper PA-46, a Daher TBM or a Beechcraft King Air five to six days a week. I’m either instructing, examining or sometimes I get to fly those beauties all by my lonesome. Not a bad gig, eh? I love my job and would not choose to do anything else. My…
I thought you might enjoy reading about some memories I have of a couple of events in my life … tied to King Airs, of course! I think it was 1974; I was in my third year as a ground and flight instructor at the Beechcraft Training Center in Wichita and the center’s manager, Don…
New Location for AD Databases The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has developed a new site for several of its Airworthiness Directives (AD) databases. Effective Aug. 16, 2022, Emergency Airworthiness Directives (EAD), Airworthiness Directives (AD) and Airworthiness Directives: Biweekly (AD Biweekly) will only be available by going to the recently developed Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) at…
Throughout its 84-year history, Beech Aircraft Corporation designed and built a number of experimental airplanes intended to set the pace for competitors to follow. Some designs eventually took wing, but others never made it past the drawing board and faded into obscurity. In 1940, Walter Beech’s chief engineer, Theodore “Ted” Wells, and his staff were…
McCauley Propeller Systems recently announced that testing is rapidly progressing on its new 105-inch diameter propeller, featuring four aluminum swept blades for the Beechcraft King Air B300 series aircraft. The company says the new propellers will reduce noise in the cabin and cockpit, and provide a weight savings of more than 50 pounds per aircraft thereby…
Garmin International Inc. announced the addition of new features to the Garmin Pilot™ application for iPad® or iPhone® mobile devices. The new enhancements include the graphical weight & balance feature, support for the uAvionix Sky Echo 2 has been added and additional documents are now available within the document viewer for European users. Graphical weight &…
Elliott Aviation is expanding its nationwide footprint. The company recently announced the addition of its fifth MRO location with the recent acquisition of Four Points Aero on Love Field (DAL) in Dallas, Texas. Elliott Aviation is an authorized service center for several airframes, including the King Air. The new facility at DAL delivers full-service airframe,…
Circling the globe in a Beechcraft King Air on an extended five-month mission is a profound and addictive pursuit. Talking with Inuit people living in the stunning remoteness of Canada’s massive but sparsely populated northern territory of Nunavut. The happy greeting with smiles visible through hazmat suits in Bangkok, Thailand, after getting the sense an…
I got a call from a King Air B200 owner/operator. He had been a regular customer of mine when I had my maintenance shop, but we hadn’t spoke for several years. He always made time to chat with me whenever dropping off or picking up his King Air, and I was glad to hear from…