Page 30 - January 2022

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Flight Testing Begins for Centex Halo 350 Conversion
CenTex Aerospace recently announced the start of the flight test program for its increased gross weight conversion for the Beechcraft King Air 350 and King Air 360 models. The milestone first flight was conducted at the Waco Regional Airport by company president Gregory Barnes and test pilot David Rogers. It was completed as planned and included initial testing of new systems designed to enhance flight operations and increase safety.
The Halo 350 conversion will allow the King Air 350 to carry an additional 900+ pounds of payload. Converted aircraft will have a maximum takeoff weight limit of 15,950 pounds, up from the standard 15,000 pounds. The conversion increases empty weight by less than 20 pounds and does not change the main landing gear.
Barnes said the airplane with the new systems performed very well and the Halo 350 conversion will provide safer operations during takeoff and in icing conditions. He also added that project completion is in sight, and the company will soon be able to provide operators with low-cost, increased gross weight conversion kits.
Also announced are the list of compatible avionics and the new safety systems added during the conversion. Compatible avionics includes Collins FIS 85, EFIS 85, Pro Line 21, Pro Line Fusion and Garmin G1000. The safety systems are an “Ice Mode” enhancement for the stall warning system and a takeoff trim warning system.
For more information, contact CenTex Aerospace, Inc. at (254) 752-4290 or go to: centex.aero/contact/
PWI Receives FAA PMA Certification for LED Ice Light and LED Right Angle Reading Light
PWI recently announced that the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) has given PMA approval for their LED Ice Light and Right Angle Reading Light for use
in a wide variety of aircraft including King Air models (specified below).
The company says their LED Ice Light provides 100,000 hours of life compared to only 165 hours of life available with bulbs. Also, when measured up to other replacement LED ice lights, the PWI Ice Light provides 210 more lumens providing better contrast, which aids in the visibility of ice formation. It is designed to be much more efficient and effective, as well as a benefit to overall safety by also providing situational awareness when on the ground. PWI’s LED Ice Light is a powerful alternative to factory installed bulbs. Regardless of outside temperatures, the Ice Light is perfect for use in dusk and night flights or when taxiing and during takeoff and landing.
PWI’s LED Ice Light Part No. 7310009-000 is a bayonet mount that is a direct drop-in replacement for bulbs A7079B24, MS25338-7079 and WA7079B24, and is approved for the King Air 90 series, 100 series, 200 series and 300 series aircraft.
PWI’s Ice Light
28 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
JANUARY 2022