King Air Gathering 2021 Approaches
by Kim Blonigen
Available spots for the 2021 King Air Gathering (KAG) held September 23-26 are filling up fast. If you think you might like to attend, register now as space is limited. The Gathering is being held this year at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum located adjacent to the Tullahoma, Tennessee Regional Airport (THA). Those flying in will have reserved parking.
If you arrive early enough on Sept. 23, starting at 1 p.m. and running every hour until 5 p.m., there will be guided museum tours from “special” tour guides – four people who have personal knowledge of Beechcraft history. That evening enjoy is a Welcome Cocktail Reception sponsored by Blackhawk Aerospace, with heavy hors d’oeuvres compliments of the King Air Academy. Friday and Saturday will be filled with seminars given by top-notch speakers including:
- Vice-chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Bruce Landsberg
- Textron Aviation Senior Air Safety Investigator Peter Basile
- Textron Aviation Manager of Turboprop Product Support Kim Burton
- King Air expert, pilot and author Tom Clements
- King Air maintenance expert Dean Benedict
- President and CEO of Crutchfield and King Air pilot and owner Bill Crutchfield
- Founder of Raisbeck Engineering James Raisbeck
Among the breakout sessions are avionics presentations from Garmon and Collins Aerospace, tips for pilots using EFBs ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot, and a deep technical dive into PT6 engines or a closer look at the various autopilots on the King Air models. There will also be time to meet with King Air-specific vendors who will have exhibits located in the conference area for face-to-face time during breaks.
Friday night will commence with the inaugural “King Air Hall of Fame” awards, followed by cocktails and Nashville barbecue with local entertainment hosted by Stevens Aerospace & Defense Systems. You won’t want to miss celebrating those who helped make the King Air what it is today while also enjoying the tastes and sounds of Nashville. To register and find more detailed information, go to kingairgathering.com.
First Citation Excel Eagle Delivered
CitationPartners and Yingling Aviation reported that the first Citation Excel Eagle was recently delivered to North Central Aviation in Blaine, Minnesota.
In January of this year, using an all-new process designed and developed by CitationPartners, a fleet of Citation Excels began its transformation to Citation Excel Eagles. The converted aircraft includes extensive inspections by the original manufacturer, numerous new parts and systems, Garmin G5000 avionics, new interior and a complete strip and paint.
“This is light years beyond your typical, garden variety re-furb; it is a true nose-to-tail transformation of the aircraft,” said Russ Meyer, Chairman Emeritus Cessna Aircraft Company.
The marketplace has responded enthusiastically. All six Eagles scheduled for delivery in 2021 are under contract. Phase Two of the Citation Excel Eagle program is coming soon with deliveries planned for 2022. For more information visit citationpartners.com.
