Page 23 - June 2022

replace just the flat-spotted tire, and then he promptly squared off that new tire. Finally he got the message and allowed me to install two new tires on the R/H side. That solved his tire problems and I didn’t see him again until his next Phase came due.
The maintenance manual specifically addresses this issue and stipulates the tires on dual truck gear to be matched in both manufacturer and inflated diameter. The maximum allowable difference between the inflated diameters of the two tires is 0.25 inches. The moral here is: in the event of a flat-spot, you will save money in the long run by replacing both tires.
Carry a Built-Up Spare
Back to the above example: If you replace both tires after flat-spotting the outboard tire, what happens to that inboard tire with 25% tread remaining? Your shop will dispose of it, you can sell it to a retread shop, or even better, keep it as a spare for an emergency. Buy an overhauled wheel assembly outright and have that partially worn tire mounted. You will have a built-up spare wheel and tire ready to go if the need arises.
Everyone who flies into remote areas, uses strips that are less than pristine or visits airports without maintenance on-site, should give this idea some serious
thought. This would work for any King Air. Ignore the complaints about how much space that grimy wheel takes or how much weight it adds. As soon as you blow a tire in the middle of nowhere, the naysayers will be singing a different tune and you will have saved the day. KA
Note: This is an updated version of the article of the same name from March/April 2011.
Dean Benedict is a certified A&P, AI with over 45 years of maintaining King Airs. He’s the founder and former owner of Honest Air Inc., a maintenance shop that specialized in Beech aircraft with an emphasis on King Airs. Currently, with BeechMedic LLC, Dean consults with King Air owners, operators and maintenance shops on all things pertaining to King Air maintenance. This includes troubleshooting, pre-buys
and maintenance management. He can be reached at dr.dean@ beechmedic.com or 702-524-4378.
JUNE 2022
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 21