My father joined Ozark National Life Insurance back in 2000 as their Chief Pilot flying a 1985 Beechcraft King Air 300. Ozark has owned numerous Beechcraft aircraft starting from the Queen Air’s into the King Air’s as well as a Baron. In 2004, the company was in the process of buying a new Beechcraft King Air when we spotted a Premier Jet on the delivery floor at a Beechcraft facility. At that time, we changed our minds on the King Air and bought a Premier. Of course the transition to a jet was a new and exciting experience, and we quickly began to appreciate the speed and altitude we gained. We also however, began to notice the range reduction and inability to fly into our regular airports due to runway length. After some time, business steadily picked up and we were flying 450- 500 hours annually all over the United States in one airplane with executives needing to go two different directions. We managed to convince the company, with very little arm twisting, that we needed another airplane. We instantly suggested a Beechcraft King Air 200, but upon further research, we found out that the new King Air 250 had been released and we pursued the purchase of one. Since our purchase, we have fallen in love all over again with the King Air. It’s built so well and fits a wide variety of missions, not to mention the updated Rockwell Collins ProLine Fusion and XM weather. The cabin is quiet and luxurious, and the bigger engines push it faster than its predecessor.
In 2007 I, was enrolled to attend Spartan School of Aeronautics for flight school and college. During this time, the companies other pilot ended up going to fly for the airlines. It was then that my father, Stan, knowing I was about to attend flight school, asked if the company would give me a shot. They asked that I attend an accelerated course to get my Commercial Multi-engine Instrument. Of course I said yes, canceled plans at Spartan College and rushed off to flight school! After I finished, I was put in the Baron and flew it 700+hrs before getting a shot at the Premier, which I mostly fly now. After more than 2000 hours in the Premier, I was excited to get my hands on the King Air finally. I was not disappointed with everything I had heard about flying this aircraft. It has such smooth flying characteristics and the power really make it down right fun to fly. I was also introduced to a new friend I have come to love, the trim wheel! Every Beechcraft King Air pilot I’ve talked to has said how much they like having that big metal wheel.
Since we had two airplanes now and only two pilots, it was time to bring on another pilot. We typically flew the Premier with two pilots and my brother, David, just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Presented with the ability to fly right seat in the Premier as well as fly the King Air, he jumped at the opportunity like I did! Now, there is the three of us doing what we love and doing it together, what more could you ask for?! Flying with family members presents its advantages and disadvantages. One of the advantages, of course, is that you know them well and can spend a 14 hour work day or a week long trip stuck in a hotel somewhere together relatively easy. Communication in the cockpit, in our opinion, is much more transparent. It’s not near as hard to tell your brother that you don’t feel comfortable with a situation rather than a new Captain that dare not be crossed. As far as having a father as your Chief Pilot and boss, I feel the same way. We know our places and our jobs, but do not allow our ego or pride to override safety, as no one should. A big disadvantage is that we can’t take family vacations, camping trips, or worse, attend Oshkosh, together any more. It clearly doesn’t help the company out when all the pilots leave together for the week. Same goes for birthdays, holidays, and the like.
Operating a Beechcraft King Air has reminded us of the important role it can play in a small business. It has enabled us to fly into smaller airports without sacrificing speed and efficiency all the while maintaining a high standard of cabin comfort. With it’s lower operating cost and fantastic maintenance record, one would be foolish to not consider it an essential part of any flight department. It’s wide range of missions, short field capability, and safety record make it front of the line for consideration.
By: Stephen Rutherford