7-Blade Whisper Prop for King Air 300 Series Earns FAA and EASA Approval
The Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have granted MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH supplemental type certificate approval for the 7-blade Whisper Prop system, now available for the King Air 300 series aircraft.
BLR Aerospace LLC is the worldwide distributor of MT-Propellers on the King Air and Beech 1900 platforms and said of this advanced propeller option: The new 7-blade Whisper Prop is the quietest propeller available for the King Air 300 series. Its design is built on MT’s proven natural composite technology, previously used in the 5-blade propeller for the King Air platform. Each blade features a highly developed structural resin-infused wood core wrapped in carbon fiberglass composite skins, ensuring exceptional quietness, durability and efficiency.
In conjunction with the prop’s certification news, Blackhawk Aerospace announced that its upgrade featuring Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A engines is now certified with the 7-blade prop for King Air 350 series aircraft.
Blackhawk’s XP67A Engine+ Upgrade.
“At Blackhawk, we’re always looking for ways to help our operators get more performance, efficiency and value out of their aircraft,” said Edwin Black, president at Blackhawk. “The certification of the 7-blade Whisper Prop with our XP67A Engine+ Upgrade is a huge win. It’s quieter, smoother and makes an already incredible upgrade even better. We’re proud to offer this upgrade alongside MT-Propeller and BLR Aerospace to bring this innovation to the King Air community.”
A King Air 350 featuring the Blackhawk XP67A Engine+ Upgrade and the MT 7-blade composite propeller was on static display during FBO Day at the King Air Gathering in March in Phoenix, Arizona. BLR’s booth at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown also featured the 7-blade prop for the duration of the King Air Gathering.
According to MT-Propeller, the 7-blade system was introduced to the general aviation market in 2020 on the Pilatus PC-12 and more than 130 PC-12 aircraft have since had the 7-blade prop installed. The company initiated certification efforts for its MT 7-blade on the King Air 300 series in 2023.
Martin Albrecht, vice president of MT-Propeller, highlighted the following advantages for King Air 300 series operators and passengers flying with the 7-blade propeller system:
- General performance improvement (8% take-off & climb)
- No propeller speed restrictions on ground while operating in low idle
- Lower ITTs at high altitude, allowing a top speed increase up to 6 KTAS or longer engine life
- Unbeatable aesthetic ramp appeal
- Significant cabin noise and vibration reduction
- More ground clearance for less blade tip erosion and FODs due to a smaller diameter
- Nickel-cobalt leading-edge blade protection for superior resistance to erosion and damage
- No life limitation; they are repairable in case of FOD
The King Air Book Audio Version Available on Audible
Fans of Tom Clements might have wondered what could be better than reading his authoritative “The King Air Book.” The answer, thanks to the King Air Academy: Listening to Tom read “The King Air Book.”
KAA has published the book as an audio book, and it includes more than 17 hours narrated by Tom, a beloved and longtime columnist for King Air magazine. Find the audio version on Amazon and Audible, where it’s described as, “A treasury of 37 years of flying and teaching experience in the world’s most popular executive aircraft, the Beechcraft King Air. No pilot or owner of a King Air should be without this insightful, educational, illuminating and fun guide to the proper operation and care of this fine aircraft.”
Tom also is the author of “The King Air Book II.” He has been flying and instructing in King Airs for more than 50 years. He is a Gold Seal CFI with 23,000 total hours, including more than 15,000 in King Airs.
King Air Flap Roller Bearing Solution by Marsh Brothers Aviation Has FAA Approval
The Federal Aviation Administration has approved Marsh Brothers Aviation’s self-lubricating, grease-free bearing solution to replace seizure-prone greased needle flap rollers on U.S.-registered King Air aircraft.
Approval of the King Air Flap Roller Bearing kit for commercial use by U.S.-based operators and maintenance organizations follows Transport Canada’s approval in July 2024. According to Marsh Brothers, original equipment manufacturer greased needle flap rollers are prone to seizing up over time as the grease ages and stiffens. This then causes the flap rollers to slide in the track instead of rolling, which potentially can lead to abnormal track wear and damage along with unscheduled downtime and substantial repair costs.
Using MBA’s elastomer science know-how and incorporating its proprietary AeroTough material, the self-lubricating bearing has greater durability than OEM flap roller bearing materials, including Teflon.
South Carolina-headquartered Stevens Aerospace worked with MBA to develop the product and is the latest service provider set to offer the new bearing solution. The MRO provider carried out ground tests on a prototype bearing onboard one of its King Air 300 aircraft, helping to optimize the dimensions of the bearings prior to market introduction.
“What operators are finding once they have retrofitted our bearing technology is that they no longer need to buy phenolic or steel thrust washers. As our rollers incorporate a polymer washer as an integral part of the roller, operational and maintenance costs are reduced even further with this simplified installation,” said Juan Rivera, Marsh Brothers’ business development manager. “A seized flap roller can cost more than $20,000 in parts and labor alone if it leads to damage to other components in the flap system; going with polymer bearings avoids several problems.”
Companies that have installed MBA’s King Air flap roller kits to date include Texas-based CSI Aviation and Alaska’s Silver Sky. International customers include Rise Air, Sunwest, ASMC and Computel. Australia’s CJ Aerospace and FixJet have also installed the kit.
Collins Aerospace’s Venue Smart Monitor With Airshow HD Enters Market
At last month’s AEA (Aircraft Electronics Association) International Convention & Trade Show, Collins Aerospace announced it is preparing the first shipments of its Airshow HD entertainment system integrated into Venue smart monitors.
The all-in-one, standalone in-flight entertainment, or IFE, solution for business aviation, including King Airs, gives operators access to Collins’ Airshow HD interactive moving maps, streaming entertainment and 4K ultra high-definition resolutions in a singular hardware solution without needing to upgrade to a full Venue cabin management system.
The system includes the Airshow HD mobile application, with all the familiar controls, iconography and functionality from cabin monitors that are accessible with the touch of a finger on a smartphone or tablet. Android and iOS app users can interact with Airshow HD from their personal device or cast content to a nearby cabin monitor.
Collins, an RTX business, said the standalone IFE system is easy to install, maintain and upgrade as new technology becomes available. It merges with aircraft connectivity systems, allowing passengers to seamlessly switch between entertainment, information and personal content for a home-like experience from the comfort of the cabin.
Available for a variety of aircraft sizes and configurations, the system contains options for touchscreen smart monitors and can integrate with third-party applications like streaming services, satellite TV or personal carry-on content.
BSEL USA Acquires Turbine Standard
BSEL USA recently completed its acquisition of 80% of independent aircraft engine repair provider Turbine Standard Ltd., continuing a strategy to expand its turbine engine maintenance, repair and overhaul operations in the U.S.
A division of Bet Shemesh Engines, Ltd., BSEL USA provides comprehensive MRO services for engines including the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A series found in the King Air. With facilities in Holland, Ohio, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Turbine Standard will be integrated into BSEL USA’s MRO engine sector.