Wichita, KS (May 2015) – Textron Aviation has recently issued several new Model Communiqués for their King Air
Issued July 2014, MC-KA-2014-01 documents the difference in the outboard wing deice boots on the King Air
MC-KA-2014-01 also provides kit part numbers for the removal of the Brake Deice systems on King Air
The final part of MC-KA-2014-01 addresses issues with fuel migration in both King Air
In October 2014, MC-KA-2014-02 highlighted ATA 28, and improper defueling procedures that have caused structural damage to the nacelle tank in 200 and 300 series aircraft. The appropriate AMMs are being revised to caution against the use of cross feed during defueling to avoid suction being created in the nacelle tank, as well as recommendations against extended aux fuel transfer operations with the engines shut down or while defueling. Textron also reminds operators that pressure defueling is not to be conducted on King Airs as it will collapse the fuel tanks.
Several operators have reported damage to the wire terminal adapters on the starter generators on the PT6 engines installed on all versions of King Air
The last issue addressed by MC-KA-2014-02 is a Raisbeck Engineering Service Bulletin (SB-14-BC-01) relating to their wing locker system. Raisbeck has identified issues with wing locker hardware chafing the upper flap skin on King Air
Beginning in 2014, “how to” videos have been created for Beechcraft and Hawker model aircraft. The videos are available directly on YouTube, or through a series of QR (quick response) codes included in certain technical documents. Scanning of these QR codes with a smartphone or similar device will take you to the related video. Communiqué MC-KA-2014-03 or www.txtavsupport.com has more information on the QR codes and the Beechcraft “how to” videos, as well as model specific pages.
Early in 2015, MC-KA-2015-01 was issued detailing several newly found maintenance issues. The first and most important issue relates to ATA 27 – lower rudder attach bolts. The bolt securing the rudder horn has been found bent on several in service aircraft.
This communiqué emphasizes the importance of locking the rudder when the aircraft is parked, as well as periodic inspections for bent bolts. While all King Airs are prone to this problem, it is of special concern in the T-tail aircraft.
MC-KA-2015-01 also has a notice related to changes to ATA 33 with the introduction of LED taxi and landing light kits, and ATA 61, detailing the availability of Propeller Synchronization test equipment for rental from www.propsyncsolutions.com.
Most recently Model Communiqué MC-KA-2015-03 was released to announce the addition of technology briefings to ATA 00, and their inclusion on the Global Customer Support website. Briefings are now available on the following topics:
- ADS-B Out
- Link 2000+ CPDLC (Europe)
- FANS 1/A in the North Atlantic Region
- SBAS GPS Receivers and ADS-B Out Capability
- SBAS and LPV Approach Capability
- TCAS II Version 7.1 (ACAS II Version 7.1)
- Flight Data Recorders and International Operations
- Performance Based Navigation (coming soon).
Finally, Beechcraft wants all operators and maintenance shops to know that Chapter 20 was removed from the AMM for all 90, 200, 300, and 300C models. This chapter has been rereleased as a standalone manual, allowing for easier and more frequent updates without revisions required to multiple chapters.
All Safety Communiqués, ADs, SBs, and current IML versions can be accessed with a subscription to the IML on www.beechcraft.com, or through a CD subscription service from the Beechcraft Technical Manual Distribution Center.