Page 21 - October 2022

a few leaks I did not fix, such as the air conditioning plenum drain, because of the major disassembly required to gain access. It would have cost a fortune for minimal gain.
Summary
If you can’t make max differential, you probably have inflow and outflow problems. I usually address the flow packs first to eliminate that variable. Then I go after cabin leaks with a huffer and I choose my battles wisely.
Caution: This is by no means a comprehensive discussion of King Air pressurization. There is much more to it. My goal here is to give you, the owner-operator, a glimpse into how your maintenance technician would approach such a problem so you can assist him/her effectively and keep your maintenance costs under control.
A Little More...
Do you have a pressurization problem? If so, chances are it’s NOT the controller. If you take away that much from this, then I’ve accomplished my mission.
If, however, you are wanting a little more information, please see my article in the December 2018 issue of this magazine, “Looking at Pressurization.” It digs a little deeper into the subject and has a few more tips. That article was inspired by a shop trying to pinpoint cabin leaks with a household vacuum cleaner. (I’m not joking.)
If you can’t find it online, please email me. I’ll be happy to send you the pdf file. Most importantly, to anyone out there with pressurization questions or any others, I’d love to hear them and see if I can help. As always, I wish you many hours of enjoyment in your King Air. KA
Dean Benedict is a certified A&P, AI with over 45 years in King Air maintenance. He’s the founder and former owner of Honest Air Inc.,
a maintenance shop that specialized in Beech aircraft with a laser focus on King Airs. He’s an inaugural inductee to the King Air Hall of Fame as of June 2022. 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, prebuys and maintenance management. He can be reached at dr.dean@beechmedic.com or 702-524-4378.
OCTOBER 2022
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 19