The rate of oil consumption on a PT6 engine is a vital statistic for proper maintenance and accurate troubleshooting. Pratt & Whitney’s guideline regarding oil consumption for PT6s is 1 quart for every 10 hours of operation. This rate of consumption is the maximum allowable and it applies to every type of PT6 engine found…
Rudder Boost History and Usage
I sometimes get questions along the lines of “Why doesn’t my King Air have the rudder boost system?” Many pilots flying an E90 or C90 receive a demo flight in a newer C90GTx and observe that the newer model has rudder boost whereas their airplanes do not. “It must be due to the higher power…
The “Cookbook” King Airs
During the 1970s and 1980s, the Beech Aircraft Corporation served up the E90 and F90 King Air using special ingredients drawn from their library of recipes. As the decade of the 1970s arrived, the Beech Aircraft Corporation had built more than 1,300 King Air business and military airplanes since the introduction of the Model 90…
Dimming Control for Cockpit Map Light Now Available for All King Air models
PWI announced that it now offers an LED Variable Dimming Control System for the cockpit map light of all King Air models of aircraft. The PWI LED Variable Dimming Control System includes two PMA-certified LEDs for the overhead map lights, as well as an STC/PMA-approved Variable Dimming Controller. PWI also offers just the Variable Dimming…
Fleet Feat-Spring City Aviation adds a 360 to its all-King Air charter lineup
What started as a one-aircraft, father-and-son operated flight school in Waukesha, Wisconsin, 25 years ago is now a full service aviation company with 50 employees across three southeastern Wisconsin locations. Beyond flight training, Spring City Aviation offers maintenance on all types of general aviation airplanes, FBO services, aircraft sales, aircraft management and an all-King Air charter…
Registration is Open: King Air Gathering Sept. 23-26, 2021
Registration opened May 1 for the 2021 King Air Gathering (KAG) being held Sept. 23-26 at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum, located adjacent to the Tullahoma, Tennessee, Regional Airport (THA). If you arrive early enough Thursday, Sept. 23, there will be guided museum tours from “special” (a once in a lifetime opportunity) tour guides. That evening join everyone…
Understanding the Fuel Topping Governor
Last month’s article described the King Air’s reversing propellers and made the statement: A pilot cannot force the propeller to reverse; he can only allow it to do so. Reversing is accomplished by repositioning the propeller’s Low Pitch Stop (LPS). Therefore, unless the propeller’s blade angle is being determined by the LPS, then the blades…
The King Matures
Never content to rest on its laurels, in 1966 the Beech Aircraft Corporation launched a series of upgrades to the new King Air that drew increased sales from business aviation and military customers. By 1965, Beechcraft dealers and distributors were selling the Model 90 at an accelerated pace. Not only was the turboprop-powered airplane proving…
West Star Aviation Makes Improvements with Customers in Mind
West Star Aviation has recently introduced some changes that will be beneficial to aircraft owners. The company will be expanding second shifts at their four full-service locations at the St. Louis Regional Airport (ALN), Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), Perryville Regional Airport (PCD) and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) to improve overall efficiency and reduce turn…
Garmin Announces New Models of Compact USB Charger Designed for Aircraft
Garmin® International, Inc. recently introduced new models of its GSB™ 15, a powerful USB charger designed for a wide range of aircraft, now available with 27W USB Type-C charging ports. While maintaining the same compact and lightweight design, the new GSB 15 models include two USB ports that support up to 27W of power output…