Maintenance and Modifications
ThrustSense Autothrottles Now Available in King Air
The Innovative Solutions & Support autothrottle system for PT6A-powered turboprops is now available in the King Air B200.

Two years ago, Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) certified the first autothrottle designed for Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-powered light turboprops, the ThrustSense system in the Pilatus PC-12. In May, IS&S received FAA approval for installation of ThrustSense autothrottles in King Airs, the first such system available for the Beechcraft twin turboprops. AIN recently got the chance to observe the system in flight.

While pilots who haven’t flown with an autothrottle might not fully appreciate its benefits, the King Air ThrustSense system adds more than just easier speed control and engine management. In the King Air, the IS&S autothrottles also offer a significant safety benefit in case of failure of one engine, especially on takeoff. This hazard has come under the microscope as a result of a pair of King Air takeoff accidents: in Wichita in 2014; and Addison, Texas, on July 1 this year.