Page 32 - Volume 15 Number 4

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Beechcraft King Air 260 Achieves FAA Type Certification
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ap- proved Certification of the newly upgraded Beechcraft twin turboprop King Air 260. Manufacturer Textron Aviation says the King Air 260 combines the platform’s rich history of rugged reliability and versatility with state-of-the-art upgrades and next-generation capability, offering a greater ease of flying.
The upgraded cockpit features the Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle system, which supports pilots in their critical mission of delivering people or cargo by automatically managing engine power from the takeoff roll through the climb, cruise, descent, go-around and landing phases of flight. This enhancement reduces pilot workload and is designed to prevent over-speed or under-speed, over- temp and over-torque conditions. The ThrustSense Autothrottle system has been awarded special type certification (STC) approval from the FAA.
Another key update in the cockpit is the new digital pressurization controller, which automatically schedules cabin pressurization during both climb and descent, reducing pilot workload and increasing overall passenger comfort. The pressurization gauges have been integrated with the powerful Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck.
The Collins Multi-Scan RTA-4112 weather radar provides pilots with a fully automatic system that is optimized to detect short-, mid- and long-range weather. The system is designed to present an accurate picture of the weather around the aircraft, further reducing pilot workload.
Another upgrade is in the King Air 260 cabin and features newly designed seats created through an innovative pressure-mapping process that identifies
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ways to provide a more comfortable, relaxing journey for passengers.
Customer deliveries of the King Air 260 will be commencing soon.
King Air Ground Cooling Aftermarket Upgrade Approved for Model 200 and 300 series
Textron Aviation announced FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the new Beechcraft King Air Ground Cooling aftermarket upgrade for the Beechcraft King Air 200 and 300 series turboprops. The Ground Cooling system enables King Air operators to cool the cabin before crew and passengers board, by plugging in a Ground Power Unit (GPU) eliminating the need to power air conditioning systems via the aircraft’s engine.
The Ground Cooling system, offered exclusively for install at Textron Aviation, is available now. Textron Aviation offers factory-direct service and support through a global network staffed with nearly 3,000 employees. Customers have direct access to a team of expert service representatives offering maintenance, inspections, parts, repairs, avionic upgrades, equipment installations, refurbishments and other specialized services.
West Star Aviation Receives Mexican AFAC Repair Station Certification for Two More Locations
West Star Aviation has announced the recertification for both their East Alton, Illinois, (ALN) and Houston, Texas, (CXO) facilities as Mexican AFAC Repair Stations. This replaces the DGAC Certificate originally issued and provides safety and certification continuity between the FAA and Mexican aviation authorities.
APRIL 2021