Page 11 - Volume 11 Number 3

The -52 or -61 engines are very similar, with the -52 providing a slight cruise speed increase over the -61. In either case, you can expect to realize a 17-knot increase in cruise speed for the -61, and a 26-knot increase for the -52.
Raisbeck Modifications for the King Air 200
Ram Air Recovery is available on the King Air 200 series. This modification improves airflow to the engines, decreasing the engine Interstage Turbine Temperature (ITT) and increasing the available horsepower, delivering significantly improved climb and cruise performance.
Enhanced Performance Leading Edges is another modification available to King Air 200 series owners. This system is a modification to the leading edge of the wing between the fuselage and nacelle. According to Raisbeck, this modification significantly improves climb and cruise performance and reduces stall speeds.
King Air 350 Market
The King Air 350 debuted in 1990. Although the model was largely unchanged until upgraded Collins Pro Line 21 avionics were added in 2004, there are still some areas of segmentation, often with different activity levels at either end of the market.
Even though the 350 is largely unchanged from 1990 to 1997, the newer models perform differently in the used market than do the older ones. For this market segment, there are roughly 180 airframes with 14 retail sales in 2016. This equates to about eight percent of the fleet in this segment. Compared to 2015, there were two additional sales for this segment. The average days on the market was 169 days. Pricing on this part of the 350 market was in a decline for 2016; expect to pay between $1,500,000 and $1,900,000 for an average aircraft. This represents about a 10 percent drop from 2015.
For the 1998 to 2003 model years, there are around 195 airframes still in service with 14 retail sales last year – down six units from 2015. This represents seven percent of the fleet, with an average hold time of 187 days. Prices in this market segment have
also softened a bit in the latter half
of 2016. Expect to pay $1,950,000 to
$2,300,000 for an average aircraft; a
decline of approximately 10 percent
from 2015.
The 2004 to 2009 market segment included the change to Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. There are 255 of these aircraft in service with 14 retail sales in 2016, which is the same as 2015. This represents six percent of its market segment with an average hold time of a lengthy 297 days. Pricing on these 350s
MARCH 2017
are still relatively soft. Expect to pay $2,400,000 to $3,200,000 for an average aircraft, which is a drop of over 15 percent from 2015.
There have been 340 King Air 350i’s produced with 10 retail sales last year, one fewer than in 2015, representing three percent of the total fleet. Average hold time was a scant 63 days on the market. The 350i market is still trending downward. Prices have fallen over 15 percent from 2015. Expect to pay between $3,500,000 and $4,500,000 for an average aircraft.
As you can see, prices are down for all of these King Airs. The newer models tend to take the biggest hit, as they are still on the steep part of their depreciation curve. After an unprecedented nine years of price declines, there doesn’t appear to be any relief in sight. The good news is that the King Airs have generally held their values better than their jet counterparts. Until we can see a healthier new King Air sales market, we will most likely continue to see annual price declines.
Engine Upgrades – Coming Soon
Although engine upgrades are not currently available, Blackhawk’s XP67A engine upgrade is currently in the works. It is expected for the upgrade to have an increased rate of climb, shorter high/hot takeoffs, faster cruise speeds and higher single engine service ceiling. The installation will include two factory new MT five blade composite propellers. KA
NOTES: Figures for average days on the market and aircraft transaction numbers are courtesy of JETNET L.L.C.
Jim Becker is a graduate of the Aviation Institute at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and holds an FAA Airframe & Power Plant (A&P) mechanic license. With over 25 years in the aviation industry, 20 of those years have been with Elliott Aviation in the capacity of valuing aircraft. Jim is also an Accredited Senior Appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers. For any specific questions on the value of your aircraft, you can
contact him at jbecker@elliottaviation.com or call (515) 285-6551.
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 9