Flying a C90A

[TDK90]

Might have a job opportunity to fly one in the near future, I'd be interested to hear former 90 drivers opinions on the airplane and how easy or difficult it is to fly. I'd be transitioning from a PA44T and would be going to Simcom for an initial course. I'd also have a babysitter for a while to meet the insurance mins.

Thanks

 

[Rick1128]

While going from a Seminole to a KA90 is a step, you shouldn't have too many problems. King Airs, especially 90's are quite forgiving. Beech has never been know for being too close to the cutting edge. That might be one of the reasons for the failure of the Starship. It was too cutting edge for the Beech people. While the 90 is a fairly basic aircraft, it is sill a systems aircraft and needs to be approached in that manner. You will also need to think a little further ahead than you did in the Seminole. You also need to remember that this aircraft has more momentum than the Seminole. But over all you should have too many problems.

 

[CL600Pilot]

The reason the Starship failed was because it was too cutting edge for the FAA - not Beech. Anyway - I've been out of the King Air biz for a while and I've never flown the C90A but have a bunch of time in the C90B and only bad thing I really remember is that when you pull the power levers all the way to idle the props go all the way to flat pitch or something and add ALOT of drag so if you're not ready for it it can catch ya and you end up pitching down or being slower than you wanted to - just keep a touch a power so that it's not adding any thrust but not adding that big drag either. I **think** the C90A still had the 3 blade prop and I've been told it isn't that much of a factor with 3 blades so you may not even encounter it.

CL

 

[400A]

C 90 A

Spent many hours in the C-90A and B. 3 blades were standard on the A but many now have 4 blades.

It is a fantastic transition airplane. Only complicated system on the aircraft is the tripple fed electrical system. It is all automatic but you will need to know it well. The airplane should give you a solid 235 to 240 knots. It is happiest in the low to mid 20's. They are very reliable and docile. The big fat tires will make you look good while you get used to it. as the pevious post said just leave a little power in. Get your speed under control and if my memory serves me correct 3-400 ftlbs of torque per side works well.

It is docile and flies well. It will fly on one engine, auto feather is great.

Set high minimums for your self and get used to it and you will be fine. Hand fly it alot and get to know it. Dont be autopilot depandant, that is usually one of the first things to go.

 

[kingaira90]

a90's

I have some hours in A & B90's, mostly A though. I thought it was a great aircraft to fly. I went from a piper Seneca to an A90. I think it is probably the best multi turbine aircraft to move into. It was docile and easy to land as long as you hold a little power. I seem to remember the nose gear was some kind of chain driven thing, that can have problems. They fixed that on the C Model. The systems just added more layers if you are going from light twins. As in 3 governors, more complicated electrical etc. We had 3 and 4 blade aircraft, I really couldn't tell much difference. I think something was slightly different in the governor check. I have pretty low time so it might just be the inexperience talking. Have fun at your new job and good luck! The aircraft isn't anything to worry about, just take it one step at a time

 

[Rick1128]

C90

No, they didn't fix the problem on the C's. It is still a bicycle chain. On the really late models I believe they changed over to hydraulics, but an not sure. And there is a kit to convert the aircraft to a hydraulic gear system. With the chain system you have to watch your gear speed when you operate the gear. Also it is a major item on the preflight. Too much slack and the chain jumps the sprockets and then NO nose gear. The chain does strecht and much be checked regularly. The slower you are when you operate the gear the better.

 

[400A]

The C-90-A&B are hydraulic... smooth & quiet

 

[Lrjtcaptain]

I enjoyed flying the C90. It wasn't the fastest turboprop by any means but was a great kingair to start in. Very easy to fly, was good in and out of small runways and high DA. I always thought it could have had more power but the pt6-21's did there job just fine. If you are transitioning in from a PA44 then the systems are gonna be overwelming at first. Simcom/Flightsaftey will take care of that and make it all make sense.

Just remember.....300lbs of tourque will give you 102 on final.
if i remember correctly. Havent flown one for about 2 years.

 

[TimsKeeper]

very sweet airplane to learn and fly in.

 

[Kingairrick]

It's a Baron with enough power.

 

[mavrck]

C90's are alot better if u get a relatively newer model. We fly a 1998 C90B. Full EFIS, 4 bladed prop, Raisebeck modification. The Raisebeck mod makes a big difference and makes it a bit more stable than the non-mods. Its a relatively simple airplane. The biggest thing to know is the Elec system, which IMHO, i think Beec went overboard in making. Fuel pumps need to be turned on and left on prior to start, which is the biggest diffence to a Be-200. Gear is hydraulic.

Ours is rigged real tight and i think you'll find it as a very responsive airplane. GL with it. You should have no problem. The folks at SimFlight or FlightSafety i think u said u were going to, wont let u out of there w/o fully making you understand it all.

 

[wingnutt]

do you know the year/model? the older ones werent much to crow about, but a newer A with the glass is a great airplane to prep you for a jet transition later on.

yea, the biggest thing i recall also was keep about 400 pounds per side all the way to the fence. the lag incurred any lower than that for the engines to spool up was just not worth it, more than one seat cover went missing after the new guys tried to go to idle on short final

congrats...now you get to deal with things like pressurization, auto feather, rudder boost, etc. but not to worry, if you can handle the 90 solo (single pilot ops, right?) you should have no trouble moving to a light jet