Amy Wilder is a private pilot with more than two decades of experience as a writer and editor in a career spanning journalism, marketing, and communications. 
She has worked in aviation journalism since 2023, combining a lifelong passion for flight and a love of the aviation community with a penchant for storytelling. As a licensed pilot, she brings firsthand insight to the stories she covers, lending an authentic, on-the-ground perspective to industry coverage.
She holds a Master of Arts in Eastern Classics and a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts, both from St. John&#039;s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Culture.

Writer

Beechcraft King Air 300, 350, and 360 series

Amy Wilder

Defense technology provider Bird Aerosystems has been granted an Israeli CAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for modifications to the Beechcraft King Air 350C. This expands the aircraft’s capability for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and special missions.
According to Bird, the certification allows integration of a broad range of ISR payloads such as EO/IR sensors, multimode radars, and NATO-standard 30-inch pylons, turning the aircraft into an adaptable, multirole platform.&nbsp;The STC complements Bird’s airborne surveillance, intelligence and observation system, which integrates multiple sensors and communications to deliver real-time intelligence.
The new configuration includes center fuselage hard points rated for payloads up to 860 pounds and forward fuselage hard points supporting 220 pounds. Additional provisions include four GNSS antennas, datalink antenna, and cabin wiring for intercom and crossover panels to enable power and data integration between sensors and operator workstations.
“By providing our customers with a flexible, multirole platform that can be rapidly adapted for ISR and special missions, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for every mission and every challenge,” said Bird Aerosystems v-p of solutions Tal Haloutz.&nbsp;
In June, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-06-10/head-state-bbj-get-birds-missile-defense-system">the company secured a contract to install</a> its airborne missile protection system (AMPS) on an undisclosed head-of-state Boeing BBJ under an EASA STC. The AMPS package is designed to protect aircraft from ground-to-air missile or rocket attacks.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Bird Aerosystems Secures Israel CAA STC for King Air 350C ISR Configuration

Solution enhances surveillance and intelligence operations

Bird Aerosystems has received CAA certification for a King Air 350C STC supporting ISR and special mission payloads including EO/IR sensors and radars. 

Bird Wins Intelligence STC from Israel for King Air 350C

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Kerry Lynch

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

Executives share their experience with system

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

In this article

King Air 300 Series

Hawker Beechcraft

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Executives share their experience with system

Australian Regulator Approves Textron Service Centers

Textron operates service centers in Melbourne, Perth, and Gold Coast

C&L Aerospace Tapped for Challenger Flutter Damper Mx

The company was selected by OEM Héroux-Devtek

Avcon Delivers Aerial Weapon in Florida Mosquito Fight

The Kansas-based company specializes in modifying airframes

Duncan Aviation Authorized for Honeywell APU Repairs

MRO’s Lincoln facility expects to bring work online in early 2027

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