Waco, Texas – December 2, 2021

CenTex Aerospace announces the beginning of the flight test program for its increased gross weight conversion for the Beechcraft King Air 350 and King Air 360.  The milestone first flight was conducted at the Waco Regional Airport by company president Gregory Barnes and test pilot David Rogers.  The flight was completed as planned, which included initial testing of new systems designed to enhance flight operations and increase safety. 

The Halo 350 conversion will allow the King Air 350 to carry an additional 900+ pounds of payload.  Converted airplanes will have a maximum takeoff weight limit of 15,950 pounds, up from the standard 15,000 pounds.  The conversion increases empty weight by less than 20 pounds and does not change the main landing gear.

Barnes adds “I am very grateful for the efforts that my team and the Fort Worth FAA ACO staff have made to make this first flight possible.  The airplane with the new systems performed very well.  The new safety systems will provide safer operations during takeoff and in icing conditions.  Project completion is now in sight, and we will soon be able to provide operators with low-cost, increased gross weight conversion kits.” 

Also announced are the list of compatible avionics and the new safety systems added during the conversion.  Compatible avionics includes Collins FIS 85, EFIS 85, Proline 21, Proline Fusion, and Garmin G1000.  The safety systems are an “Ice Mode” enhancement for the stall warning system and a takeoff trim warning system. 

For more information, contact CenTex Aerospace, Inc.