Beechcraft Starship in google maps?
12-22-2008 | 07:38 PM
#1
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From: CFI
Beechcraft Starship in google maps?
I was browsing around Google Maps and stumbled upon what looks like a Beechcraft Starship at KTHA, Tullahoma, TN. What does everyone think it is? I know there's still a few in the wild. I remember seeing Starships at Owensboro, KY and Salina, KS in the past few years. Oh, and does anyone know the type code ATC uses for the Starship?
12-23-2008 | 07:52 AM
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From: Engines Turn or People Swim
Sure it wasn't a Piaggio?
12-23-2008 | 08:21 AM
#6
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From: Curator at Static Display
From Wikipedia:
As of autumn 2008 only six Starships continue to hold airworthiness registration with the FAA. Three Starships are based in Oklahoma, one in Washington, one in California, and one is still registered to Raytheon Aircraft Credit Corporation in Wichita, Kansas.
Beech viewed the airplane as a liability as well as a financial loss to continue to support, so in 2003, they recalled all the leased airplanes and destroyed them at Evergreen's center in Arizona (by burning). Saw a news article on TV once about an eccentric individual who loved the things and owned 4, I think. He owned them and wouldn't give them back, no matter what the price.
Unfortunately, Beech built a composite airplane using aluminum techniques. It ended up too heavy and too expensive (time-consuming) to build. They only built 53 airframes. It was slower than comparably-powered twin turboprops, even though it looked like it was going fast.
Rutan used one to chase Starship-1 during it's re-entry.
Three have been certified for RVSM as of Mar 2008.
As of autumn 2008 only six Starships continue to hold airworthiness registration with the FAA. Three Starships are based in Oklahoma, one in Washington, one in California, and one is still registered to Raytheon Aircraft Credit Corporation in Wichita, Kansas.
Beech viewed the airplane as a liability as well as a financial loss to continue to support, so in 2003, they recalled all the leased airplanes and destroyed them at Evergreen's center in Arizona (by burning). Saw a news article on TV once about an eccentric individual who loved the things and owned 4, I think. He owned them and wouldn't give them back, no matter what the price.
Unfortunately, Beech built a composite airplane using aluminum techniques. It ended up too heavy and too expensive (time-consuming) to build. They only built 53 airframes. It was slower than comparably-powered twin turboprops, even though it looked like it was going fast.
Rutan used one to chase Starship-1 during it's re-entry.
Three have been certified for RVSM as of Mar 2008.
12-23-2008 | 10:41 AM
#7
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From: FO
Gorgeous airplane, just not the greatest of paint jobs.
Checko
12-23-2008 | 06:44 PM
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From: C172 Left
12-24-2008 | 08:02 AM
#10
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From: CRJ
The one at KTHA is part of the Beechcraft Heritage Museum
