King Air Upgrade Choices Grow
Garmin isn’t the only company targeting the venerable King Air turboprop with modern glass avionics (see "Garmin reveals first retrofit package fo

Garmin isn’t the only company targeting the venerable King Air turboprop with modern glass avionics (see "Garmin reveals first retrofit package for popular G1000"). Rockwell Collins last month announced avionics retrofit programs for the King Air 200 and 300 (it already supplies the avionics systems in new King Air 350s), while a pair of relative unknowns have teamed to offer an upgraded cockpit for the King Air 90. The result of an installation and STC program launched by Collins and Superior Aircraft Maintenance of Medford, Ore., the Pro Line 21 IDS system for the King Air includes three 8- by 10-inch displays, weather radar and integrated flight information system for displaying e-charts and optional XM datalink graphical weather. The system interfaces with the original autopilot and sensors. Meanwhile, Seagull Aviation of Clintonville, Wis., has allied with Beaverton, Ore.-based Op Technologies to develop an IFR-certified, three-screen glass-panel cockpit for King Air 90s using Op’s Pegasus integrated avionics system. The companies expect to complete the STC and start deliveries early next year.