TRU Simulation + Training, a Textron Inc. company, announced the opening of its new Aviation Maintenance Training Academy located on the Textron Aviation Mid-Continent campus in Wichita, Kansas. Courses currently offered include mechanical and avionics theory and practical for new production Beechcraft King Air 350i, 250, and C90GTx turboprops with the Pro Line Fusion® avionics…
Value Added: Database Updates Simplified with New flyGarmin App
Garmin has simplified avionics database updates such as navigation, charts and more with the new flyGarmin app for Windows, while also accommodating the distribution of Jeppesen charts. Using the flyGarmin app, pilots will enjoy a streamlined experience that makes database updates easier, requiring less time at their computer. Additionally, Jeppesen charts are available for ChartView…
Value Added: New Mobile Jeppesen EFB Features Introduced
Jeppesen recently introduced new features for Mobile FliteDeck version 2.7 to enhance situational awareness and provide data for both IFR and VFR flying conditions. A new VFR theme provides general and business aviation pilots with the ability to switch between IFR and VFR data on the real time, data-driven enroute map. The ability to import…
Value Added: Lightspeed Aviation launches Tango™, the world’s first premium wireless aviation headset
Lightspeed Aviation announced the launch of a breakthrough in cockpit communications. For the first time in history, pilots and their passengers can enjoy the untethered freedom of a wireless headset along with premium performance and features. According to the company, Tango uses a patent-pending combination of analog and digital technologies called Lightspeed Link™ to create a…
Technically: From King Air Model Communiqué 2015-07
Issued: November 2015 ATA 12 – Grease Change All AeroShell 33MS grease is used as a lubricant in several areas of the King Air airplane. AeroShell has renamed this grease Aeroshell Grease 64. These greases meet the same military standard, MIL-G-21164D. Operator concerns about the close similarity between the product names, AeroShell Grease 33 and…
Technically: ATA 30 – King Air B200GT/B200CGT (250) Propeller Heat-Blade Damage
BY-122, BY-124 and after; BZ-1 and after The King Air 250 is equipped with composite propeller blades. The propeller heat system heats the propeller blades anytime the Propeller Heat switch is in either AUTO or MANUAL position, whether in flight or on the ground. If the Propeller Heat system is left ON on the ground…
Technically: ATA 34 – ACSS TAWS+ System Flap Override Mode Operation
Recently, an issue was reported by a King Air operator whose Aviation Communication and Surveillance Systems (ACSS) Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS+) system faulted when the flap override mode was selected in flight. Analysis of the downloaded fault data revealed that the flap override mode was selected on descent while the airplane was traveling at…

Under the Influence
Unlike many relatively incomprehensible FARs, the one dealing with alcohol use is reasonably clear. FAR 91.17 prohibits any person from acting or attempting to act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft: 1) Within eight hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage; 2) While under the influence of alcohol; 3) While using any drug…

Cruising in the French Caribbean
Lifetime Pilot Considers King Air the Perfect Airplane for his Missions Simon Hayot has spent a lifetime accumulating over 12,000 flight hours in a variety of aircraft models as a Caribbean aviation pioneer, business owner and published author. According to Hayot, there aren’t many King Airs operating in the French Caribbean, but his King Air…

Aviation Insurance: Liability Rising – Use of Another Aircraft
Have you ever allowed someone else to use your King Air or have you used an airplane you don’t own? If you are like many individuals or companies, you have “non-owned exposure.” If you are a larger company, you likely have non-owned exposures you don’t even know about. Every time you let someone use your…