Page 10 - Dec24

Audiobook update
The audio version of “The King Air Book” – narrated by Tom Clements – is now available on audible.com.
The King Air books
In addition to my many years of writing for this magazine, I also contributed articles to other publications from as early as the 1990s. They were well-received, and people kept asking, “When are you going to put those in a book?” In 2019, at our new summer home in Westcliffe, Colorado, I finally compiled the many articles into a 385- page, 81⁄2-by-11-inch, self-published book, “The King Air Book.” (Catchy title, eh?) It sold well, and I called it my “401(b)” retirement plan, a minor modification to the popular 401(k) programs.
Ten years later, I had amassed enough additional articles to compile them into “The King Air Book, Volume II.” I am happy to report that both books continue to sell quite well. As I write this, we are in the process of making the books available in an audio format.
On the dedication page of Volume I, I wrote, “To my hundreds of students, who taught me as I taught them.” How very appropriate that is! It perhaps contributed to my gaining the positive reputation I have enjoyed as a King Air and Duke instructor.
Older versus newer King Air models
If I were to fly a new King Air 260 or 360 it would probably be the safest flight anyone could undertake. Why? Because I’d never leave the ramp! I am quite sure that I’d still be trying to tune ATIS and then obtain my IFR clearance using the latest Pro Line Fusion avionics long after my proposed ETD!
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That is a significant factor in deciding to “hang it up” now and end my King Air training endeavors. I feel quite proud to think that my depth of knowledge about King Airs is second to none, yet I realize that this depth ends with about the B200GT model and the earlier 350s.
I am passing the baton on to Zach Cleaver, Pete Marx and Kevin Carson, the leaders of the King Air Academy in Phoenix where I’ve mentored the instructors since 2014. They have a great depth of King Air knowledge, including the latest and greatest models. The King Air Academy’s motto is “We will teach you to fly any aircraft as long as it is a King Air.” This specialization truly shows in the excellent training they provide. If you haven’t already done so, give them a call at 602-551-8100 and consider doing your next recurrent training session with them.
Look for their new monthly column, “From the Training Center,” in this magazine starting next month.
And so ... so long!
I will turn 80 years old next February. This year has provided some medical challenges that are being treated well but have slowed me down a bit. I have never been reluctant to provide my email address (twcaz@msn.com) and phone number (602-625-9132). One of my joys in life remains to help people know and operate their King Air as best they can. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me this coming year if I may help with any questions you may have.
I’ll sign off the way I autographed many a King Air book – Best wishes for safe and happy flying. KA
Columnist Tom Clements (right) is retiring and leaving the readers of King Air in good hands. Zach Cleaver (left) and Pete Marx (center) from King Air Academy, where Tom has mentored instructors for the past decade, will launch a new column in January.
DECEMBER 2024