Integrated Flight Deck Also Available For 200-Series King Airs

Avidyne Corporation and S-TEC Corporation told ANN this week the companies have received an FAA STC for the Alliant Integrated Flight Deck on Beechcraft King Air E90- and C90-series turboprop aircraft. The companies also hold an FAA STC for the Alliant system on King Air 200 series aircraft.

The Alliant Integrated Flight Deck is the first large-glass and autopilot retrofit Integrated Flight Deck to be certified and delivered on light general aviation aircraft.

The Alliant installation and flight tests for the 90-series STC were completed on a 1976 E90 is owned and operated by Standridge Color Corporation of Social Circle, GA.

"I made a commitment that if we can’t fly safely, we can’t fly," said Bob Standridge, founder of Standridge Color Corporation. "Our King Air 90 had autopilot problems, so we figured that if we were going to keep flying them, we needed to upgrade them."

The company operates two King Air E90s, as well as a King Air 350.

"EFIS systems have been available for King Airs, but they didn’t have the autopilot integrated into the system," said Don Young, Director of Maintenance for Standridge Color’s flight department. "Alliant has all the benefits of an EFIS upgrade with the new autopilot, flight director, ADAHARS -- basically it’s the complete package."

The installation of the Alliant Integrated Flight Deck into Standridge Color’s E90 for the STC was performed at S-TEC’s facility in Mineral Wells, TX. Future installations may be performed at authorized Alliant dealer locations.

"With the need to safely operate out of smaller, uncontrolled airports, Standridge Color’s flight department will really benefit from Alliant’s advanced capabilities and reliability," said Dick Lingner, Standridge Color’s Chief Pilot. "The Alliant package is going to give our E90s the same type display information as our King Air 350, so switching between the 350 and the 90s is not going to be as big a deal as it used to be."

"Receiving the STC for the 90-Series King Airs is another key step in the Alliant program," S-TEC’s President, Mel Hilderbrand said. "We truly appreciate Mr. Standridge’s confidence and cooperation in allowing us to use his aircraft as the King Air 90-Series STC platform."

FMI: www.s-tec.com, www.avidyne.com