Originally Posted by
David Puddy
Some questions:
1. For those transitioning to the Kingair without that specific experience, how do they like flying the KA350? Easy/fun to fly? Are pilots flying both the PL21 and the ProLine Fusion Kingairs? Will all Kingairs use Fusion eventually?
2. For someone meeting minimums as an FO, what is the likely upgrade time to Captain on the KA? Seems like you guys are expanding quite a bit.
3. Lastly, any new rumors regarding potential larger jet aircraft than the Excel? I would expect your customer base wants nonstop transcon capability at some point............
I didn't have any 350 time coming in, and only about 100 hrs KA time coming in. I like it, not as fast as the Piaggio I flew before, but a good solid aircraft. Some people are doing differences training at there scheduled training event (I did) but I think once you transition, you get a few tours in the Fusion before being scheduled back in the 21. However, I haven't flown the Fusion yet. No not all the KingAirs will be Fusion. The rumor is that textron will be transitioning to a Garmin product in the near future.
I started in late February, I've only flown just under a couple hundred hours and I'm in the upgrade process. A lot of weight is put on merit. I also have quite a bit of 135 PIC experience, though.
There's always rumors of different aircraft, but we aren't in charge of that. We don't own the aircraft. Wheels Up does. We work for Gama Aviation. The customers like flying on the KingAirs, I flew a couple from NC to Fresno, CA a couple weeks ago.