Page 12 - Volume 18 Number 3

engines. Then, on January 24, 1964, the 65-90 King Air took to the air, with Pratt & Whitney Canada’s new PT-6A turboprops. A new era had arrived, thanks to the basic attributes bequeathed by the Twin Bonanza. Fifty years later, the 90-series King Air continues, carrying much of the original Model 50’s heritage.Flying The Twin BonanzaAs would be expected of Beech airplanes, and most aircraft developed during the 1950s, flying the Twin Bonanza is free of surprises and vices. It’s simply abig, burly, honest airplane; trim it up, fly it by the numbers, and stay ahead of it, and it will reward you with outstanding performance, without requiring exceptional piloting skills.Preflight inspection is facilitated by the aircraft’s size and accessibility. Getting under the wings to the fuel sump drains is not difficult; there are three on each side plus the gascolators. Popping open the nacelle side doors allows a good view of the exhaust and accessories, as well as the engine and mounts. Oil capacity is 16 quarts,10 • TWIN & TURBINEMARCH 2014