Textron Aviation Recruiting King Air Owners for 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Textron Aviation has put out the call for owners and operators to come together for the ninth Special Olympics Airlift, a monumental event the company coordinates to transport hundreds of athletes and coaches across the country to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota’s Twin Cities.
The airlift mobilizes hundreds of volunteer Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker pilots and aircraft from across the country to create the world’s largest peacetime airlift and provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Special Olympics athletes. Owners and operators who sign up to provide flights on Friday, June 19, 2026, and Saturday, June 27, 2026, will enable champions from all corners of the nation to travel to and from the host city regardless of financial or logistical challenges.
Since the inception of the Special Olympics Airlift in 1987, Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker owners have transported more than 10,000 athletes and coaches to various Special Olympics World and USA Games. Owners and operators in every state are needed to donate the use of Beechcraft King Air turboprops, Beechcraft Beechjet and Premier jets, Cessna Citation jets and Hawker jets.
“The airlift is more than just a flight; it’s about giving these champions the chance to shine and achieve their dreams on a national stage,” Ron Draper, president & CEO, Textron Aviation, said in a news release. “Seeing the excitement and anticipation on the athletes’ faces as they embark on their journey to and from the games is incredibly moving. We need Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker customers to join us in this heartfelt mission, volunteering their aircraft and time to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of these athletes and their families.”
During the 2026 event, participating aircraft known as “doves” are expected to touch down or take off from St. Paul Downtown Airport Holman Field (KSTP) every three minutes throughout a 10-hour period.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will be one of the biggest U.S. sporting events of the year, drawing tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of over 3,000 athletes from all 50 states as they compete in 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. Happening at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine, the sports competitions are a national celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit to rise above limitations.
Visit airlift.txtav.com to learn how to become a dove for this nationwide aviation event.
Colombia Approves STC 5-blade MT-Propeller on King Air 200 & 300 Series
MT-Propeller has received acceptance from Aeronautica Civil Colombia of its European Union Aviation Safety Agency supplemental type certificate No. 10050861 for the installation of the 5-blade Quiet Fan Jet Propeller on the King Air 300, 300LW, B300 and B300C powered by Pratt and Whitney PT6A-60A/67A. The company also received approval in Colombia for the STC (No. 10036196) for the 5-blade Quiet Fan Jet Propeller on the King Air 200 series aircraft powered by P&WC PT6A-41, -42, -52 and -61 engines.
In addition to EASA, installation for both STCs is already certified by the FAA, Transport Canada, ANAC Brazil, INAC Venezuela and DGAC Mexico.
According to the company, installation of the 5-blade MT-Propeller products provides aesthetic ramp appeal and general performance improvement (8% take-off & climb, 4-5 kts cruise on King Air 300/350 series aircraft and 5% take-off & climb, 3 kts cruise with 1,800 rpm for King Air 200 series aircraft), plus:
- Bonded-on nickel alloy leading edges for superior erosion protection of the blades
- No propeller speed restrictions on ground while operating in low idle
- More ground clearance for less FODs
- Significant cabin noise and vibration reduction
- No life limitation and are repairable in case of FOD.
McCauley High-Performance Propeller for B300 Series Certified in Brazil
McCauley Propeller Systems, a division of Textron Aviation, announced its newest C780 propeller for the King Air B300 series, featuring four aluminum swept blades and a 105-inch diameter, has successfully achieved certification from the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC). Brazil is the second-largest installed base globally for King Air turboprops.
“The high-performance McCauley C780 propeller, with its lightweight scimitar blade design, will improve the flying experience for over 700 King Airs in Brazil,” Jason Hull, vice president and general manager, McCauley Propeller Systems, said in a news release. “The propeller offers versatility and performance enhancements to equip customers in the region with smart solutions for their unique missions and circumstances.”
The company said the C780 propeller offers B300 owners and operators propeller weight savings of more than 50 pounds compared to previous options, increased takeoff and climb performance, reduced noise in the cabin and cockpit, and extended time between overhaul of 5,000 hours or 72 months. Textron Aviation service centers or authorized McCauley service facilities offer installation without additional modifications required, and the C780 comes with Textron Aviation’s 5,000 hours or 36-month limited propeller warranty.
Find more information at mccauley.txtav.com/featured-products.
Pilot Creates App for Finding Airport Eats
Rick Rzepka, a Northeast Ohio-based dentist and owner of a 1970 Beechcraft Bonanza V35B, combined two of his passions and believes other pilots can benefit from his work in developing what he believes is the only app dedicated to flying and eating.
“In my 22 years of flying, I have always loved an adventure that included both flying and eating,” Rzepka said in a news release. “For years, I had been unable to find a comprehensive, real-time, up-to-date resource to connect those two favorite pursuits, so I decided to create one. Whether the plan is a quick there and back or a longer journey, Fly-n-Eat is designed to be a helpful travel companion when you’re plotting a course for a satisfying meal along the way.”
Fly-n-Eat is designed to put a wealth of restaurant information at your fingertips before you even leave the ground. The app connects you with up-to-date information on more than 340 restaurants (and growing) either onsite or within a short distance of county and regional airports across the continental United States. Features include:
- your choice of trip planning options: fly-eat-back to home base for short hops or point-to-point when traveling longer distances or even cross-country journeys
- airport locations (city/state/region), call letters, time zones
- restaurant names, addresses, phone numbers
- hours of operation and descriptions of décor, ambience and other amenities
- links to restaurant websites and menus
The app also includes a CFI/CFII database to help pilots connect with instructors. “If a pilot is enroute to a destination and realizes that he or she needs a flight review, Fly-n-Eat sets them up for the perfect combination – flight certification and culinary adventure in a single trip,” said Rzepka, who has also flown a Cessna 182RG Turbo, Cessna 172, Piper Warrior, Piper Dakota and Piper Saratoga.
Fly-n-Eat costs $4.99/month or $49.99/year and is available on Apple and Google. Learn more at fly-n-eat.com.