Air Capital Interiors, Inc. received its Federal Aviation Administration repair station certificate on July 1, 2015, for maintenance, repair and refurbishment of aircraft interior panels, cabinets, seats, floor coverings and interior-related components. According to the company, the repair station certificate provides the FAA’s approval to sign their own aircraft maintenance back into service, which makes…
Technically: King Air Communiqué 2015-4 RVSM
Issued: July 2015 ATA 34 – Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum RVSM Capable In 2005, Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) became a requirement for aircraft operating in the airspace from Flight Level 290 to Flight Level 410 in the United States. Currently, RVSM airspace can be found all over the world. Aircraft operators operating U.S.…

Feature: Making the Best… Even Better – Pro Line Fusion
New Production King Airs Get State-of-the-Art Avionics and Upgraded Cabin Features Beechcraft Corporation recently announced that new production King Air turboprops will soon feature the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics system as standard equipment. As a further investment in the popular King Air aircraft line, the company is also upgrading the aircrafts’ cabin features. Advanced…

Feature: Current Avionics Retrofit Options for King Airs
When talking about King Air avionics retrofits, it is important to understand the difference between integrated and non-integrated systems. An integrated avionics retrofit is a system that is operating off of all its components in a similar generation. These components are all made to work together as a group. This includes a new autopilot system.…
Aviation Insurance: With so many carriers to choose from, which one is right for you?
I recently attended the Aviation Insurance Association’s annual conference in Colorado Springs. Working in the insurance segment of the aviation industry, this is an excellent event to attend and stay abreast of changes in the marketplace. The senior management team of every aviation insurance carrier doing business in the United States is in attendance, as…

Aviation Issues: Plan to Propose an FAA Reauthorization Bill Unveiled – Aviation System
On June 15, Rep. Bill Shuster (R-9-PA), House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee chairman formally revealed his plan of an FAA reauthorization bill to the Aero Club of Washington. Shuster has been hinting for weeks about the direction he feels the United States should go with its next aviation bill and in his prepared remarks noted…
Ask the Expert: That Pesky Fuel Arm – Aircraft Weight and Balance
Throughout my many years of conducting initial and recurrent King Air training courses, a topic that consistently stirs some consternation is the fuel calculations associated with the Aircraft Weight and Balance form. The problem arises because the fuel tanks in a King Air do not all reside at the same location in the wing.…

Walter Beech and the “Pineapple Derby”
Three months after “Lucky Lindy” landed in Paris, eight airplanes took off from California westbound toward Hawaii in a free-for-all race to win $25,000. Two of those airplanes were built by Travel Air, thanks to company CEO Walter Beech’s optimism that at least one would win the prize. Hawaii – sun, surf and hula girls.…
Value Added: AvFab Receives Russian Approval for King Air Traveler Airline Seats
Aviation Fabricators (AvFab) recently received Russian approval for the installation of their Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approved King Air Traveler Airline Seats for the Beechcraft King Air B300 and B350 series aircraft. The Airline Style Seats were designed for high density applications, and are available in two models, Econo Seat and Traveler Seat. Both also…
Value Added: West Star Aviation’s Satellite Facility at Chicago Executive Airport Now Operating
West Star Aviation recently announced they are operating a satellite facility at Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK) in Chicago, Illinois. A Class 4 Repair Station, CRS PAZD068H, West Star will provide maintenance and avionics troubleshooting and repairs, minor inspections, customer assistance, as well as support the AOG and mobile repair activity in the area. The satellite…