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in below 62-65 percent N1 (the exact setting may vary). They don’t want to taxi in low idle and nudge the R/H engine a little higher to get the A/C going, because they don’t like the right side wanting to pull ahead. I understand the reasoning, but if you’re concerned about containing your maintenance costs, consider taxiing in low idle only.
Burn Them In, Part 2
When the Cleveland conversion was completed on that B200, it was understood that I would burn in the new brakes. Since I wasn’t familiar with the airport, I asked the regular pilot to come along with me sitting right seat. And guess what? He fires it up and taxis out in high idle. Whoa Nelly! He was riding those virgin brakes like crazy, which is the last thing you want to do to new brakes before they’re burned in. It was an awkward moment, but I got him to switch to low idle.
As I mentioned in my earlier article on brakes, the proper burning in of brand-new brakes “ensures they have the proper stopping capacity, reduces the possibility of noise or chatter, and makes them wear better.” They wear more evenly and last longer if done properly. When you taxi out to burn in brand-new brakes, use low idle and touch them as little as possible before the burn-in run.
In My Humble Opinion
I never use the brakes when taxiing because: A) I’m never in high idle, and B) I’ve got props to make the turns. Most King Air pilots I know do the same.
The only time I would set a parking brake is when the tower tells me I’m number five in line for takeoff. I say: “Set it, but don’t forget it.” Be on the lookout for creep. It’s common with many aircraft, not just King Airs. Then, when it’s finally your turn to take off, push that parking brake all the way in, roll out and have a great, safe flight in your King Air. KA
Dean Benedict is a certified A&P, AI with over
40 years of experience in King Air maintenance. He’s the founder and former owner of Honest Air Inc., a “King Air maintenance boutique” (with some Dukes and Barons on the side). In his new venture, BeechMedic LLC, Dean consults with King Air owners and operators on all things King Air related: maintenance, troubleshooting, pre-buys, etc.
He can be reached at dr.dean@beechmedic.com
or (702) 773-1800.
JUNE 2018
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 13