As the aviation world continues to evolve, so does the community surrounding one of its most beloved aircraft – the Beechcraft King Air. With an impressive legacy spanning more than half a century, the King Air series has become synonymous with reliability and versatility, making it a favorite among owners, pilots and operators alike. As…
Thinking of having your King Air painted? No doubt the first thing that comes to mind is the cost. New paint is pricey and you’ll want to shop around. Ten years ago, I saw quotes ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 or more to paint a 90 series King Air. With today’s prices, I bet those…
Tragic flash flooding at summer camps in Texas, storm surges destroying villages in western Alaska, a Category 5 hurricane devastating Jamaica – King Air pilots have had the opportunity this year to make a difference for people and communities facing difficult situations. Beyond these natural disasters, the ongoing need continued to grow for the aviation…
Textron Aviation has integrated Sensos Smart Labels into its parts distribution process, offering customers the option to purchase access to real-time location data and shipment status updates for select parts orders. The Sensos labels are available for purchase for orders through the Textron Aviation Parts website at ww2.txtav.com/parts. The labels are lightweight, wireless trackers that…
Beechcraft aircraft are saving lives in Peru. The government recently expanded its emergency response capabilities with a second Beechcraft King Air 360C air ambulance, equipped with vital sign monitors, incubators, stretchers and cold chain systems for organ transport. Since October 2024, more than 100 Peruvian Air Force aeromedical flights have evacuated over 145 critically ill…
Originally published in 2010 by Mary Lynn Oliver, the youngest daughter of Walter and Olive Ann Beech, the book “The Barnstormer and The Lady” chronicling the personal lives of the aviation pioneers has been out of print for a decade. Mary Lynn’s daughter, Jennifer Pitt, has updated the first edition and reprinted a 15th anniversary…
On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed into law comprehensive tax-and-spending legislation that the White House dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Among the included policies was reinstating 100% bonus depreciation for qualified business aircraft acquisitions retroactive to Jan. 20, 2025. The 100% bonus depreciation provision allows businesses to purchase capital equipment, including aircraft,…
There I was, shortly after takeoff, gear up, climbing out. While performing the after-takeoff checklist, I noticed that the cabin rate of climb was the same as the aircraft rate of climb. The cabin altitude was climbing with the aircraft altitude, hmm. No, I didn’t forget to turn the bleed air valves on, at least…
An Airbus innovation center uses a King Air C90 to collect data that drives its approach to incorporating rapid technological advancements in commercial aviation. Acubed, pronounced A-cubed, is Airbus’ Silicon Valley innovation center that specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning applications for aviation. The organization is actively conducting flight testing in a specially modified…
From Tennessee farm boy to famous aviator and respected entrepreneur, Walter was a driving force in the commercial aviation industry for 33 years. When the United States entered World War I in April 1917, Walter Herschel Beech was working as a trained chauffer and automobile engine mechanic for the White Motor Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota.…