Page 8 - Dec24

Tom finished his flying career with 24,000 hours, including 16,000 in King Airs.
manufactured and sold as many King Airs in a month as Textron Aviation does now in a year!
The King Air model E90 was introduced in 1972, the 200 in 1974 and the C-12 (military version of the 200) in 1976. I had the fantastic fortune of being assigned as the lead instructor for all three King Air models. I got to communicate and work directly with engineers, test pilots and mechanics, and I learned so much.
Two additional comments about the Beechcraft Training Center: First, I am happy and proud that, with my engineering training, I created and improved many of the training materials still in use in multiple ground schools today. Second, at that time the BTC also provided ground and flight training in the Beech model 60, the Duke. I became quite knowledgeable and proficient in that lovely airplane too. (The Beech Baron 58P became a BTC subject just as I was leaving.)
I married in May 1972, my first year in Wichita. Mary was a fine woman, but our union produced no children and lasted only until 1985. In 1989, Pam became my wife and continues so today. We met while I provided recurrent B100 training for her and the other company pilot in Phoenix. Pam retired from corporate flying many years ago and returned to her first love – horses. She is all one could ever desire in a life mate!
Back to California
Mary and I had met at the Naval Officers’ Club on Mare Island, where the Nuke School was located, and she strongly desired to return to California. In late
6 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
Tom managed and flew this 1988 King Air C90A for 17 years. He was chief pilot for its owner, Gary Banker, shown in the inset photo with Tom on one of five trips the pair took to/from Alaska in Gary’s airplane.
DECEMBER 2024