General Aviation Beechcraft King Air 260 archives FAA type certification

Textron Aviation´s latest addition to the Beechcraft aircraft line-up, the King Air 260, has officially received the type certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration FAA. This certificate paves the way for the first customer deliveries.

In the coming weeks, Textron Aviation will deliver the first aircraft to the launch customer. This entry into service will mark a new era for the King Air 200 series aircraft. Beechcraft has been constantly upgrading its King Air aircraft over the years.

In December last year, Textron Aviation announced the Beechcraft King Air 260 as latest addition to the aircraft family. The aircraft is equipped with latest technologies that reduce operational costs and promote more environmentally friendly operations.

Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering and Programs, commented: “The continual conversations we have with our customers play an integral role in the decisions we make about the design of new aircraft, as well as enhancements to our existing fleet [...] With the King Air 260, we utilized that valuable feedback and truly elevated the flying experience for both pilots and passengers. And now, with certification complete, we are looking forward to getting the King Air 260 into the hands of so many eager customers.”

Back in December, Ron Draper, president and CEO said about the aircraft: “These investments reflect our commitment to providing superior upgrades and engineering innovation that create the best flying experience for Beechcraft King Air 260 owners and operators around the world [...] We place an immense value on our conversations with our customers, and the investments we make in our aircraft are a direct result of listening to their input. I’m proud of the impressive effort by our team for taking a legendary aircraft and adding technological advancements that will allow customers to achieve their varied missions.”

Compared to its predecessors, the King Air 260 now features an Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle and new digital pressurization controller. It has a range of 1,720 nautical miles and a top cruise speed of 310 ktas. Customers around the world are using the aircraft for various missions.

The King Air 260 is being designed, manufactured and delivered by Textron Aviation, which is a Textron company. To date, 7,600 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been delivered to customers since 1964.