Jeff Stewart is the third generation of his family to run Blue Star Gas, and he’s the third generation to be a pilot. He can be credited, though, with being the first to build the family’s propane business around aviation. Using business aviation has propelled Blue Star Gas from 38 employees with five locations when…
King Air Hall of Fame: 2023 Inductees
he 2023 King Air Hall of Fame inductees were announced at the King Air Gathering. Introduced at the 2022 Gathering, this award was long overdue to honor people – past and present – instrumental to building the Beechcraft King Air community. Hall of Fame recipients must meet one of two of the following selection criteria:…
King Air Gathering IN REVIEW
The King Air Gathering (KAG) held April 12-14 at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida, was considered a success by its new coordinators, King Air Nation. Attendance and sponsorship numbers were up from last year with 132 King Air owners/operators joining the Gathering, along with 31 companions. There were some updates to the…
You Should Fly a King Air Across the North Atlantic: 10 Reasons Why
There was a seminal moment in my life about 10 years ago when I was in the throes of changing jobs; that moment changed my life. I was in the Army for about nine years in the 1990s and enjoyed it, but I knew I didn’t want to extend my service. I decided to join…
Beechcraft King Air 260 Chosen as New U.S. Navy Multi-Engine Training System (METS)
Textron Aviation recently announced it has been awarded the Multi-Engine Training System (METS) contract by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) through a full and open competition. The contract award is for up to 64 special mission King Air 260 aircraft, which will be known as the T-54A. The initial Lot I award will procure 10…
Taking it to a New Level – King Air Gathering April 12-14, 2023 • St. Augustine, Florida
The very first King Air Gathering (KAG) was held in April 2017 after a few King Air enthusiasts (King Air Expert Tom Clements included) discussed that it may be time to plan a “gathering” of King Air owners/pilots with the following goals guiding them: 1) get a group of like-minded owner-pilots together to share information…
The King Air Market – Strength in Stability
The current aircraft market is enough to make your head spin! Is it getting better or is it getting worse? Are inventory levels actually going up or is it just a bunch of junk listed on Controller.com? What will I pay? Am I able to complete a prebuy inspection? Is it still a seller’s market?…
Soaring with Condors – Flying To and Touring Pinnacles National Park
As we approached the summit of the High Peaks Trail, menacing Turkey Vultures circled overhead. Their inky black feathers and scarlet heads contrasted sharply against the pale blue sky as they effortlessly soared over the cliffs surrounding us. Riding thermals between and around the craggy spires, then crossing the valleys again to repeat each circuit,…
Registration is Open! King Air Gathering April 12-14, 2023 • St. Augustine, Florida
Registration is now open for King Air Gathering 2023 being held at the World Golf Village (WGV) in St. Augustine, Florida, Wednesday, April 12 through Friday, April 14. It is expected to be a sold-out event, so register soon! After flying into Jacksonville Executive (Craig) Airport (KCRG) in Jacksonville, complimentary transportation will take attendees to…
Expert Level Aviating: Deliberate Practice
Aviation, like most activities, requires a certain level of expertise. However, it can also be pursued at a wide variety of levels, from recreational for a few dozen flight hours a year, to professional for a thousand flight hours (or more) per year. Thus, “expert” is a loaded term that can mean a variety of…