Per the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rule expanding safety management systems (SMS) to Part 135 on-demand operators, certain Part 21 certificate holders and 91.147 air tour operations may pose challenges to business aircraft operators as they work to adapt the rule’s requirements to their specific operations. The 160-page…
It’s a beautiful day to fly “CAVU” over the desert Southwest. As a diligent pilot, you keep your eye on the map for the nearest airport should there be an emergency. You glance out the side window to take in the beauty of the Grand Canyon when suddenly you hear a “BANG” and a rush…
I’ve been asked about engine ice vane usage on the ground. Specifically, a concern was expressed about a temperature restriction stated in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) for the model 200-series. Is a limit being violated at times when ice vanes are being used? I’ve had a similar concern for the 300-series. I plan to…
In the late 1950s, the U.S. Army’s inventory of the versatile L-23/U-8 Seminole series of light military transports ended with introduction of the L-23F – the versatile Beechcraft that set a new standard for fixed-wing Army aviation. Thirteen years after the end of the bloodiest conflict on earth known as World War II, Americans were…
The Hartzell Service Center in Piqua, Ohio, is introducing a purchasing program for used serviceable propeller cores and serialized parts directly from aircraft owners, fleets and MROs. The enhancement aims to help reduce overhaul lead times, while giving customers more buying options when acquiring parts. At Hartzell’s discretion, customers can reduce the purchase price of…
Western Aircraft of Boise, Idaho, has officially become an authorized dealer and installer for Starlink, the satellite-based internet service developed by SpaceX. Starlink’s technology enables inflight 4K video calls, streaming, online gaming and secure virtual private network (VPN) connections. With more than 6,000 satellites in low Earth orbit and more being launched regularly, Starlink boasts…
SmartSky recently announced that Aero Center Atlanta has joined the SmartSky dealer network as a sales and installation partner. With seven FBO locations across the U.S., Aero Center is a full-service management, charter and FBO provider, which also offers Part 145 maintenance services – including connectivity upgrades for business aircraft – at the Atlanta location.…
Three weeks after purchasing a 1996 Beechcraft King Air 350 in the summer of 2017, Daniel Herr was off on the first of many grand family vacations. His family of four took off from their home airport of Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown, Pennsylvania, headed for a West Coast adventure. He had ideal weather…
The 2024 King Air Gathering (KAG), held May 15 – 18, was unforgettable, bringing together King Air owners, operators, pilots, mechanics and enthusiasts from around the globe. Hosted by King Air Nation and co-host BLR Aerospace at the historic Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, this year’s Gathering was a success and possibly…
Take a look at the wheel bearing in Figure 1 (below) – it’s dry as a bone – there’s not a speck of grease or lubrication to be found. It looks like it sat in a solvent tank for a month, then tossed on a junk pile. The crazy thing is this wheel bearing came…