Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Textron Aviation subsidiary Beechcraft is commemorating the 50th anniversary of its King Air this week at the Sun ’n’ Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Fla. The current-production King Airs—the 350i, 250 and C90GTx—are on static display at Beechcraft’s exhibit area along the flight line, flanked by the Baron G58 piston twin and Bonanza G36 piston single. On Wednesday at 2 p.m., the company will celebrate the anniversary with cake, refreshments and giveaways at its static display.


“We’re certain that among the 200,000 attendees expected in Lakeland, many will join us to honor 50 years of innovation in durability, utility and comfort while looking ahead to the future with all of our current-production King Airs on display,” said Christi Tannahill, Textron Aviation senior vice president of turboprop aircraft. “We’re also looking forward to joining in the celebration of the 40th birthday of Sun ’n’ Fun, an event that always offers an excellent chance to connect with our many enthusiastic pilots and owners.”


Company pilots first flew the conforming prototype of the King Air 90 on Jan. 20, 1964. Since then, Beechcraft has delivered nearly 7,200 King Airs, which have cumulatively logged more than 60 million flight hours.

Beechcraft Celebrates King Air’s 50th at Florida Airshow

Textron Aviation subsidiary Beechcraft is commemorating the 50th anniversary of its King Air this week at the Sun ’n’ Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Fla.

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