Page 14 - Volume 13 Number 11

annual recurrent training required great recurrent training each year, good vendor support and that
by the insurance industry, MMOPA has collective training opportunities too. And, all of this training is required to advance up the ladder of pilot awards in the Master Aviator Program, a tremendous safety initiative founded and funded by MMOPA. Bottom line ... the MMOPA community, like many other OPA communities is working cohesively and moving the safety needle.
Where does all of this collective training, maintenance information, vendor support and shared data exist within the King Air community? Heretofore, I did not know. I receive
but that is individual training focused on systems knowledge, emergency procedure training and IFR flying skills. I have a maintenance provider that does a good job of keeping our B100 and 300 in tip-top shape, but where does one find data on the latest avionics gizmos that can be bolted onto the airplane? Where do you find the newest upgrades to the interior? Who can I talk to that knows the true benefits realized by new STCs? Where can I talk to another B100 or 300 pilot to find out if they are having the same operational challenges that I experience? I found answers to those questions and many more at the King Air Gathering.
Want to know the latest and greatest upgrades to make your King Air better? All the major vendors supporting the King Air fleet were in attendance at the King Air Gathering. Along the periphery of the Hangar Hotel Conference Center were vendors that make the King Air better. The leaders of companies that sell auto-throttles, engine upgrades, window replacements, avionics upgrades, LED lighting, engine trend data management, and just about any other possible upgrades, were available for face-to-face talks. Pratt and Whitney and Textron were well- represented with knowledgeable staff and sample products. For those who might think this is all “just a bunch of sales talk,” they are right. But, make no mistake, any aircraft type needs a host of solid vendors that are healthy and strong to provide upgrades that make the airframe viable for the future. You show me an airframe type without
type will soon be headed for the boneyard. The vendor support at the King Air Gathering was exceptional, and that is a strong testament for the longevity and strength of the King Air fleet. I spoke with several vendors about their opinion of the benefit of the King Air Gathering and all stated the King Air Gathering is the one annual event they simply will not miss.
The speakers at the King Air Gathering were really solid, too. I enjoyed hearing from those who are the best in a particular area of expertise. Subjects such as weather, medical retention, and checklist use were enjoyable and beneficial but, to me, the two speakers that were a goldmine of information were Tom Clements (consultant to the King Air Academy and columnist in this magazine) and Robert Winchcomb (Pratt & Whitney (P&W) representative).
I’m not sure if there is a King Air pilot that hasn’t read “The King Air Book” by Tom Clements. I keep a copy onboard the B100 I operate and it has been a windfall of help to me over the years. I had not met Tom before the King Air Gathering, but I was totally blown away by his ability to stand before a crowd and tackle question after question in a totally professional manner. His knowledge of the various King Air airframes is astounding. Tom is a true gem to the King Air community and I now see why his name is synonymous with excellence to those that love the King Air. I so enjoyed Tom’s presentation and style that I pulled him aside for a private talk later
Vendors who have products/services to improve the King Air experience exhibit at the King Air Gathering. All there to answer specific questions you may have and highlight their offerings.
NOVEMBER 2019
KAG IV Sponsors
Platinum
Blackhawk Aerospace Textron Aviation
Gold
King Air Academy
AvFab (Aviation Fabricators)
BLR Performance Innovation
Bendix King
CenTex
Covington Aircraft
Davis Aviation
Garmin
Ice Shield De-icing Systems
Innovative Solutions & Support
Lee Aerospace
Luma Technologies
Pratt & Whitney
PWI
Raisbeck Engineering
Standard Aero
Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems
Trace Aviation
Event
Airtext
Circle Air Group
FreeFlight Systems
Genesys Aerosystems
KADEX Aero Supply
SierraTrax
Wenk Aviation Insurance Whelen Aerospace Technologies
12 • KING AIR MAGAZINE