There was a seminal moment in my life about 10 years ago when I was in the throes of changing jobs; that moment changed my life. I was in the Army for about nine years in the 1990s and enjoyed it, but I knew I didn’t want to extend my service. I decided to join…
Textron Aviation recently announced it has been awarded the Multi-Engine Training System (METS) contract by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) through a full and open competition. The contract award is for up to 64 special mission King Air 260 aircraft, which will be known as the T-54A. The initial Lot I award will procure 10…
The very first King Air Gathering (KAG) was held in April 2017 after a few King Air enthusiasts (King Air Expert Tom Clements included) discussed that it may be time to plan a “gathering” of King Air owners/pilots with the following goals guiding them: 1) get a group of like-minded owner-pilots together to share information…
The current aircraft market is enough to make your head spin! Is it getting better or is it getting worse? Are inventory levels actually going up or is it just a bunch of junk listed on Controller.com? What will I pay? Am I able to complete a prebuy inspection? Is it still a seller’s market?…
As we approached the summit of the High Peaks Trail, menacing Turkey Vultures circled overhead. Their inky black feathers and scarlet heads contrasted sharply against the pale blue sky as they effortlessly soared over the cliffs surrounding us. Riding thermals between and around the craggy spires, then crossing the valleys again to repeat each circuit,…
Registration is now open for King Air Gathering 2023 being held at the World Golf Village (WGV) in St. Augustine, Florida, Wednesday, April 12 through Friday, April 14. It is expected to be a sold-out event, so register soon! After flying into Jacksonville Executive (Craig) Airport (KCRG) in Jacksonville, complimentary transportation will take attendees to…
Aviation, like most activities, requires a certain level of expertise. However, it can also be pursued at a wide variety of levels, from recreational for a few dozen flight hours a year, to professional for a thousand flight hours (or more) per year. Thus, “expert” is a loaded term that can mean a variety of…
Plans are coming together for King Air Gathering 2023 being held at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida. Attendees will fly into Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport (JAXEX) in Jacksonville, Florida, and utilizing the FBO services of Sky Harbor Aviation. From there complimentary transportation (during designated times) will take attendees to the World…
Robert Johnson saw a Facebook post in August 2017 from friend Doug Jackson asking fellow general aviation pilots in the Dallas area to help in an effort he was leading to fly critically-needed relief supplies to small airports in coastal Texas. While ground transportation was unsafe due to catastrophic flooding, aircraft could land with basic…
John Glidewell likes to imagine having been a fly on the wall in the early 1960s at Beech Aircraft Corporation during conversations between company president Olive Ann Beech, her engineering executives and engine supplier Pratt & Whitney as they were considering combining the proven airframe of the Model 80 series Queen Air with the gas…