Beechcraft said this week that had received official recognition from the U.S. National Aeronautics Association for a record for a “Speed Over a Recognized Course,” set for a transcontinental flight by its special-mission King Air 350ER flying from San Diego, Calif. to Orlando, Fla. last October. The King Air flew the 1,853.97 nautical mile route at an average speed of 331.08 miles per hour.
“This recognition signifies not only the speed of this aircraft, it also solidifies the high-performance reputation and the multitude of capabilities of the King Air 350ER as we continue our growth in the special mission market,” said Dan Keady, senior v-p special missions. The Wichita-based airframer has several aircraft here in the NBAA 2013 static park at Henderson Executive Airport, including the special-mission King Air 350ER which flew from Santa Monica Airport in Los Angeles on Wednesday on a demonstration flight, which AIN was able to participate in.
At any speed, flights aboard new Beechcraft aircraft will now be safer. The company has also announced that it will provide a complete risk-management suite of medical and travel safety services provided by MedAire (Booth No. N3513) on all new aircraft delivered to business and general aviation customers. The MedAire Travel Risk Management services include access to aviation travel security briefs and the MedAire global network of security experts, local providers and logistics personnel.
“For decades, customers have turned to Beechcraft products for unmatched safety and security of their passengers,” said Sean Vick, Beechcraft executive v-p sales and marketing. “By expanding our MedAire offering to this fully integrated solution, flight crews, owners, passengers and operators now have the information needed to make informed medical safety decisions while onboard their aircraft.”
Beechcraft also announced here in Las Vegas the appointment of Kalamazoo Aircraft of Kalamazoo, Mich., as an authorized service center for Bonanza and Baron products. It also named John Keams as regional sales director for the central and West Texas region and Patrick O’Connell as regional sales director for the upper Midwest region of the U.S.