The Beechcraft King Air 350: A Turboprop Powerhouse for Discerning Buyers

Top Features of the King Air 350

The Beechcraft King Air 350 stands out as a premier choice in the turboprop market, offering a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and versatility. Here are the top features that make it an attractive option for prospective aircraft buyers:

Impressive Range and Speed
Spacious and Comfortable Cabin
Exceptional Short-Field Performance
Advanced Avionics Suite
Fuel Efficiency and Low Operating Costs
Versatile Mission Capabilities
Proven Reliability and Safety Record
Excellent Resale Value

In-Depth Look at Key Features

1. Impressive Range and Speed

The King Air 350 boasts a maximum range of 1,550 nautical miles and a cruise speed of 312 knots. This combination allows for efficient travel across a wide variety of routes, making it suitable for both regional and long-distance flights.

2. Spacious and Comfortable Cabin

With dimensions of 19.2 feet in length, 4.5 feet in width, and 4.10 feet in height, the King Air 350's cabin provides ample space for passengers. The aircraft can comfortably accommodate 8-11 passengers, depending on the configuration.

3. Exceptional Short-Field Performance

The King Air 350 excels in short-field operations, with a takeoff distance of 3,300 feet and a landing distance of 2,692 feet. This capability allows it to access smaller airports and runways, expanding its operational flexibility.

4. Advanced Avionics Suite

Equipped with the Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system, the King Air 350 offers pilots advanced navigation, communication, and situational awareness tools. This modern cockpit enhances safety and operational efficiency.

5. Fuel Efficiency and Low Operating Costs

The twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A engines provide an excellent balance of power and efficiency. This contributes to lower operating costs compared to many jet aircraft, making the King Air 350 an economical choice for businesses and private owners.

6. Versatile Mission Capabilities

The King Air 350 is adaptable to various missions, including executive transport, air ambulance, cargo, and special missions. This versatility makes it an attractive option for diverse operational needs.

7. Proven Reliability and Safety Record

With over 7,300 King Air variants produced over more than 50 years, the aircraft has established a strong reputation for reliability and safety. This extensive operational history provides peace of mind for potential buyers.

8. Excellent Resale Value

The King Air 350's enduring popularity and proven performance contribute to strong resale values, making it a sound investment for aircraft buyers.

Comparison with Turboprop Competitors

To illustrate how the King Air 350 stacks up against its competition, let's compare it to two other popular turboprops:

Feature	Beech King Air 350	Competitor 1 (e.g. Pilatus PC-12)	Competitor 2 (e.g. Cessna 208)
Max Takeoff Weight (lbs)	15000	11000	8500
Max Landing Weight (lbs)	15000	11000	8000
Operating Weight (lbs)	10000	8000	5000
Fuel Capacity (lbs)	3611	3600	2400
Max Range (nm)	1550	1800	900
Cruise Speed (knots)	312	290	180
Cabin Height (ft)	4.10	4.10	4.00
Cabin Width (ft)	4.50	5.00	5.00
Cabin Length (ft)	19.2	16.8	16.5
Passenger Capacity	8-11	6-9	6-9

As the comparison shows, the King Air 350 offers superior performance in several key areas, including takeoff weight, speed, and passenger capacity.

Conclusion

The Beechcraft King Air 350 continues to be a top choice in the turboprop market, offering an exceptional blend of performance, comfort, and versatility. Its impressive features, combined with a strong track record of reliability and efficiency, make it an attractive option for prospective aircraft buyers. Whether for corporate travel, regional transport, or specialized missions, the King Air 350 stands out as a capable and cost-effective solution in its class.