Today, with over 7,000 Beechcraft King Airs manufactured, we are naturally seeing a lot of higher timed aircraft in for maintenance. In just the last three to four years we have seen over 40 King Airs come through our shop with between 6,000 to 13,000 hours.
For most owners, getting as much life as possible out of their aircraft is top priority. One major item we’ve found operators concerned with was the Tight Inspection Frequency of the lower aft spar and the possibility of a spar replacement prematurely. If corrosion or cracks are found too late, owners could easily be looking at a six-figure repair bill.
The world’s largest fleet operator of Beechcraft King Airs had these same concerns regarding their aging King Air fleet. Working with the OEM, they developed an inspection program to extend the life of the King Air spar. Hampton Aviation has been implementing this program on high-timed King Airs over the last several years—turning life limited spars into life unlimited spars.
Our hope is to educate and support the community with information and experience surrounding this program. With inspection, NDI, cold working and factory kits, you, too, can reap the benefits as many others have with their high timed King Airs, provided the correct inspections are followed per the SIRM (Structural Inspection Repair Manual).
Next month, Hampton Aviation will begin a three-part series covering this inspection program and the procedures necessary to extend the Inspection Frequency of your lower aft spar. You won’t want to miss this.
Questions about whether or not this inspection program is right for you? Give Hampton Aviation a call today at 479-394-5290.
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About the Author:
Michael Montgomery: Sales Manager
Aviation Professional since 1992
Certifications: Airframe & Powerplant
In his 21 years of aviation industry experience, Michael has spent 15 years supporting the US Air Force and US Army Fixed Wing programs in various roles such as Lead Mechanic, Director of Maintenance, Project Manager, and Quality Assurance Representative. Additionally, he spent six years in Corporate Aviation in the following roles: Program Manager, Sales and Marketing Manager, and Director of Maintenance. Michael joined Hampton aviation in 2013 to spearhead sales efforts.