Aviation Fabricators (AvFab) recently announced they have received Technical Standard Orders (TSO) approval for the installation of their multi-airframe STOWAWAY medical stretcher for use in all Beechcraft King Air models. Several models of STOWAWAY are available, including one version that adjusts to fit in all four aircraft approved for the installation. – besides the King…
Certification Coming Soon for BLR products on King Air E90, early C90s and the 100
BLR Aerospace recently announced that their winglet system for the King Air E90 and early C90 fleets, as well as the 5-bladed Whisper Prop® system for the King Air 100, are all scheduled to be Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified by the end of 2021. Increasing demand has created limited availability for both popular upgrades…
Textron Aviation expands King Air service capabilities in Germany
Textron Aviation recently announced additional investments in its European service network, with an expansion of its Stuttgart line station facility becoming a satellite service center. The company is expanding its factory-direct service options at Stuttgart Airport delivering shorter downtime and increased flexibility to its customers with twice the amount of hangar space and the expert…
Garmin offering new pilot training opportunities
Garmin® International, Inc. is pleased to announce new training opportunities that will benefit novice and seasoned pilots alike. Through multiple free videos, the Aviation Risk Management series will provide pilots with the opportunity to review common safety hazards and traditional risk mitigation strategies. Pilots will also learn how the features and capabilities on Garmin avionics, such…
A Missed Opportunity
Tom Clements’ article in the July issue titled, “Practice Demonstration of VMCA” was a missed opportunity to clarify that just because a manufacturer has an Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) “approved procedure” doesn’t mean it is always a good idea to follow same. The procedure as presented in the article and AFM is in conflict with…
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Honoring Aviation Innovator James Raisbeck Sept. 29, 1936 – Aug. 31, 2021
After working several years at Beech Aircraft, I had heard the Raisbeck name in relation to the King Air, but I didn’t realize the impact that James Raisbeck had on the ever-popular turboprop until I became editor of the King Air magazine. I interviewed James shortly after the magazine was launched in 2007. That conversation…
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A Passion for Performance
James D. Raisbeck’s innovative modifications to the Beechcraft King Air product line provide owners and operators with a series of upgrades that improve the airplane’s capability, utility and overall value. “Mr. Raisbeck has made our aircraft faster, given the owners of our airplanes the usage of more airports through lowered calculated landing speeds, and provided…
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GOOD VIBRATIONS — The Benefits of Dynamic Prop Balancing
When I ran my maintenance shop and got a new company truck, I kept the old one at the airport as a crew car. After several months of driving the new one, I used the old one to run an errand and was shocked at the slop in the steering. I didn’t remember it…
After Start Electrical Checks for the Five-Bus System
The expanded, first-flight-of-the-day checklist procedures in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) include a somewhat lengthy and hard-to-understand series of steps for confirming that the electrical system is fit for duty with all its safety devices operating properly. My guess is that this procedure is executed quite rarely and, when it is done, the pilot is…
EASA Certifies Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER and 260 aircraft
Textron Aviation recently announced the Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER and King Air 260 have both achieved European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification and will begin deliveries to customers throughout the region. “EASA certification begins a whole new era for the Beechcraft King Air in Europe,” said Tom Perry, vice president of sales for…