So much has been written about the aviation history of North Carolina that one wonders what is left to be covered there. One of its state mottos is “First in Flight” with obvious reference to the Wright Brother’s history making flight testing and ultimate successes in the Outer Banks, Kittyhawk and Kill Devil Hills areas.…
This article first appeared in the January 2012 issue of this magazine. It is also a chapter in The King Air Book – Volume II. It is significant enough to merit reprinting here both to enlighten newer readers, as well as to provide a review for seasoned King Air veterans. The original King Air, the…
Boeing Aircraft Company’s Wichita division created the X-100, X-120 and X-90 monoplanes that were state-of-the-art in their day, but whose wings were clipped by the frenetic pace of wartime combat aircraft design. The invasion of Poland by Germany in September 1939 gave the world its first glimpse of the bludgeoning power of the Nazi Blitzkreig…
Garmin® International, Inc. recently announced that the G1000® NXi flight deck is now available for integration with the Blackhawk Aerospace XP67A Engine+ Upgrade for the King Air 300 and King Air 350, adding a significant benefit to those looking to maximize these aircraft. Additionally, Garmin has expanded its Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval to now…
I’m on the telephone with Leslie J. Weinstein, who is calling from Idaho, where he lives and operates his business, True-Lock LLC, and a nonprofit he founded, Turtles Fly Too. He feigns surprise when I ask about the irony of learning that a sea turtle rescue is based in a landlocked state known for its…
The aviation insurance industry has officially entered the “hard market.” King Air owners and operators are seeing sharp increases in premiums with reduced ancillary coverages. Unfortunately, you can expect this trend to continue throughout 2021. In addition to the hard market affecting price, it can also impact how strictly insurance carriers adhere to exclusions within…
After a long, hot summer, cooler temperatures have finally arrived. You might think the air conditioning system (AC) in your King Air deserves a vacation after all of its hard work in the blazing heat. But before you send your AC into hibernation for the winter, I’ve got a surprising tip that could pay off…
FAA Issues SAIB Regarding Aircraft Interior Disinfection In early November, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) NM-20-27 regarding Aircraft Interior Disinfection. Although it was primarily focused to transport category airplanes, the SAIB states “the information and guidelines may also apply to other categories of aircraft.” With increased frequency of use…
Are you familiar with the title’s term, “Catching the Cabin?” It usually refers to the action, in a descent, of having the airplane’s altitude match the cabin’s altitude. Why does this happen? Three reasons come to mind. First, the pilot forgets to set the cabin altitude properly for the landing condition. Especially when flying as…
At the National Air Races in September 1929, the Travel Air Type “R” monoplane turned the world of air racing upside down by conquering its military opponents, much to the delight of Walter H. Beech. Douglas Davis climbed aboard the Type “R” racer and squeezed into the small cockpit. Time was of the essence as…