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Correspondence

Correction There was an error in the subhead of Ed Phillip’s historical article in the Feb-ruary 2018 issue of King Air, titled “Cabin Jobs.” The headline and subhead should have read, “Cabin Jobs; During the 1920s, airframe manufacturers in Wichita, Kansas, produced a series of airplanes that signaled the gradual demise of open cock-pit flying…

The New Tax Bill: How It Affects You and Your Aircraft

The New Tax Bill: How It Affects You and Your Aircraft

Editor’s Note: With the recent Tax Reform bill signed into law in the United States, and some of it strongly affecting prospective and current aircraft owners, a deeper explanation on what this means to the many U.S. King Air operators was imperative. The Tax Cut & Jobs Act (TCJA) signed by President Donald Trump in…

Minimizing the Risks of Selling your Aircraft or Spare Parts

Minimizing the Risks of Selling your Aircraft or Spare Parts

General aviation has had a great tailwind lately. Fuel prices have been low and stable, insurance premiums continue to be at historic lows, avionics manufacturers are developing new products, and there seems to be enthusiasm to upgrade cockpits in conjunction with ADS-B installations. There also appears to be quite a bit of action for people…

Who is Really the Pilot-In-Command?

Who is Really the Pilot-In-Command?

If you are flying alone, or with only non-pilots in the aircraft, you already know that the Pilot-In-Command (PIC) is you. However, what if there are two rated pilots in crew seats? Does it matter if one pilot has more experience, higher ratings, or is giving flight instruction? The answer might be as clear as…

Maintenance Tip: Maintenance Records – Logbooks

Maintenance Tip: Maintenance Records – Logbooks

In recent months I have been swamped with buyers considering King Airs for purchase. They have asked me to scrutinize the logbooks to figure out where the aircraft is maintenance-wise. In doing so, I encountered some really frustrating situations that could have been avoided if the log entries were clear, concise and complete. Over the…

Aviation Issues: An InFO, the ATC Bill and the FAA’s New Leader

FAA Issues InFO on Acceptable Procedures for PED Inflight Fires In late December 2017, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued InFO 17021, which clarified its policy on the use of fire containment products such as kits/bags and acceptable firefighting and containment procedures for inflight fires involving portable electronic devices (PED). Per the InFO, several manufacturers…

Ask the Expert: The Autopilot’s IAS Mode

If your particular autopilot/flight director system does not have the IAS mode – the mode that adjusts pitch attitude to hold a particular Indicated Airspeed – then this article is not for you. Turn the page; I’ll see you next month. But for those who have this mode, let’s talk a bit about its usefulness.…

Cabin Jobs

Cabin Jobs

During the 1920s, airframe manufacturers in Wichita, Kansas, produced a series of airplanes that signaled the gradual demise of open cockpit flying in favor of a comfortable, enclosed cabin. In February 1921, the indefatigable Jacob M. Moellendick announced to the Wichita newspapers that the Wichita Laird Airplane Corporation was planning to launch an air service…

Value Added: Gogo Business Aviation Announces Platform for Turboprops

Gogo Business Aviation recently unveiled AVANCE L3, a new inflight connectivity system that delivers the benefits of the Gogo AVANCE platform to passengers and flight departments in a small, lightweight form factor, with affordable pricing options. Gogo’s platform lets users customize their inflight experience based on their unique needs, and can be installed on business…

Value Added: PWI Announces Poster Promotion with LED Retrofit

PWI, the pioneer in airplane interior lighting systems, has announced that they will grant owners an 18 x 24-inch poster of their King Air with the purchase of an LED Retrofit. (Owners will need to provide a high-quality photo for the poster.) PWI’s line of LED cabin lighting retrofits are available for King Air 300,…