The King Air line of business aircraft has been in continuous production through gradual upgrades since 1964. The first proof of concept model was the model 87, a modified Beachcraft Queen Air. The development of the aircraft proceeded through the model 90 series, model 100 series, the model 200 series and currently the model 350i series with stepwise progression of features, capacity and capability. All the King Air planes are powered by twin Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines, produced by Pratt & Whitney Canada.
Each iteration of the King Air brought an increase in capacity and flexibility of seating. The C90Gti could carry between 6 and 8 passengers. The B200 the newer B300 and 350 models have a normal cabin capacity of 8 with a high density seating option of 13. The cabin includes two pilot seats and a restroom.
The King Air is considered one of the most reliable and energy efficient business aircraft. The new King Air 350i is billed as
“The segment’s greenest business aircraft.”
A survey of direct operating costs including maintenance costs for medium range (1500 km) planes is about $1,200, about the same as other aircraft. The King Air 350 has a load capacity of 5,100 pounds. That is more than 20% higher than the average of other turboprop planes in its class. The King Air engines generate 1,050 SHP, more than 20% more than other turboprop business aircraft. It’s ceiling altitude is 35,000 feet, which is higher than the average turboprop plane.
King Air Maintenance is a complex procedure. The points manual includes dozens of points that have to be checked and serviced. Although it is hard to get exact figures on the maintenance records of the aircraft, the Beechcraft King boasts the best safety record of any business aircraft. The King 350 has never been involved in a recorded accident in the United States since it entered service in 1990. The Beechcraft King is uniquely certified as a commuter class aircraft under federal airworthiness standards. This means it has to operate under the same takeoff rules as jets.