If you take the total number of systems sold as an indicator of popularity, Raisbeck’s Dual Aft Body Strakes are the most popular performance system in the Raisbeck arsenal for making a great airplane—Beechcraft’s King Air—even better.

INCLUDING OEM SALES of systems installed on new King Airs coming off the Wichita production line, the three top sellers of 2011 to date are, in order:
1. Dual Aft Body Strakes
2. Wing Lockers
3. Ram Air Recovery System

One might conclude that, because strakes and lockers have been factory-standard equipment since 2001 and 2004, respectively, those two systems would ‘naturally’ enjoy top-seller status. And now that the new King Air 250s are all being equipped with Raisbeck’s Ram Air Recovery System, one should expect it to be among the Big Three.

BUT THAT’S NOT THE WHOLE STORY.
To King Air owners and operators, DUAL AFT BODY STRAKES [DABS] offer an unmatched benefit-to-cost ratio. What else can you do to improve a King Air for around $20K that increases performance, improves handling, enhances passenger comfort, and modernizes the look of your King Air? Indeed, strakes were the first performance system to be adopted by the factory as standard equipment on all new 350-series King Airs.

WING LOCKERS [CWLS] represent excellent utility and value as well. It’s no wonder they take second place on the sales list. FAA-certified to carry 600 pounds of cargo in 16 cubic feet of external, watertight space, they return the cabin to your passengers, keeping aisles and seats clear and uncluttered. Many operators use the right locker to store airplane gear and their own luggage, reserving the left locker for easy loading and unloading of passenger luggage as they board and deplane. Moreover, the lockers handle skis, snowboards and other equipment that are too large to legally carry inside.

RAISBECK POWER PROPS [TFPS] deliver better thrust, overall performance and value than any other available King Air propeller. The props are often purchased by King Air owners when it’s time to overhaul or replace their OEM props. Noted for their quietness and virtually vibrationless operation, they meet the most stringent noise regulations around the globe. Plus, operators enjoy trouble-free operation between the 6-year, 4,000 hour overhauls.

Raisbeck’s RAM AIR RECOVERY SYSTEM [RARS] significantly increases climb and cruise performance in both normal and anti-ice operation modes. Because RARS reduces torque loss with ice vanes deployed, and can be deployed for all ground, take off and landing operations, the system offers excellent protection against foreign object damage (FOD)—even when using dirt and gravel airfields.

The ideal combination of Raisbeck Performance Systems is, of course, EPIC PLATINUM + LOCKERS. By deliberate design, EPIC performance is greater than the sum of the contributions of the separately available systems.

These and other King Air upgrades are available at Banyan Air Service.
For more information on enhancements for your King Air, contact ebracero@banyanair.

Recently, our fuel provider, and one of our closest partners, the Avfuel Corporation, invited a delegation from China to tour the Banyan complex.  The delegation was made up of aviation business leaders and aviation government officials from Chengdu, China, one of China’s largest cities. The purpose of the visit was to introduce the delegation to one of the premier U.S. FBOs that partners with Avfuel under their brand. AvFuel’s C.R. Sincock gave a presentation about their business model, followed by an FBO question and answer session and a tour of the Banyan complex led by Don Campion.  The delegation was extremely impressed with the AvFuel presentation and the Banyan complex. While oceans may separate us, the passion for aviation exists all over the world!

I was probably the most excited person at AirVenture this year when I heard the news that the government of the Bahamas was going to allow sport pilots to fly over there using a drivers license instead of a medical. I have flown as a sport pilot and sport CFI since 2005 and my flight school is strictly sport aviation. I have logged hundreds of cross country hours flying LSAs all over the US and now I can fly to my favorite place on earth. I set about planning my trip as soon as I returned to Lakeland from Oshkosh. I invited my friend Roger Sherrod and his wife Chady to fly a second Breezer. Roger had flown with me to AirVenture and we’ve flown together a lot at Wallaby Ranch as tug pilots. I was accompanied by my friend Chris Parker of the Caribbean Weather Service. There was much to do We had to get Radio station licenses for the planes as well as radio telephone operators licenses for the pilots, customs user decals, and register with eAPIS for customs manifest filing. Both airplanes were thoroughly inspected as we were going to be flying a long way over water. Ours was not just the 55nm jaunt to Bimini but a trip down to the prettiest place on earth, the Exumas.

The government of the Bahamas works with gateway FBOs to help pilots navigate the formalities at both ends of the trip. We used Banyan Air at Ft Lauderdale Executive (KFXE), who were very helpful making sure that we had our paperwork right and answering last minute questions. We traveled as a flight of 2 and used flight following. Nassau approach separated us for traffic separation. The controllers at Nassau were quite interested in our little planes. Lynn Brown at Odyssey guided us through the customs and immigrations formalities, then helped us with everything from fuel to flight plans and even served us fresh cookies.

We left Nassau for Staniel Cay, Exuma where we spent the next 3 days snorkeling, kayaking, bike riding, and some aerial sightseeing. We captured some amazing pictures and video which can be seen at our website breezeraircraftusa.com. I was barefoot in paradise with an ice cold Kalick a mere 6 1/2 hours after climbing aboard at KPCM including fuel stops and clearing in. Each airplane had consumed less than 25 gallons of gas, I love LSA. Our trip home featured a nice tailwind and so took less time and fuel. Getting set up with eAPIS can be a little frustrating at first till you figure out how it works but, oh boy does it speed up clearing back into the US. The US customs and Immigration folks were really nice and were very interested in our planes too, this actually happened everywhere we went.

This was the best trip I’ve ever taken, I have spent a lot of time on my boat over in the Bahamas and over the years I made a lot of friends over in the out islands. The out islands of the Bahamas are some of the most beautiful places, inhabited by the friendliest people in the world, but can be difficult to reach by commercial transportation. Now with my LSA and a little pre planning these destinations have never been so close. Intend to participate in the LSA fly in on the 10th of December and I hope it will be well attended and it should be because flying to the Bahamas is a Breeze(r)

Story provided by: Michael Zidziunas

Traffic awareness is everyone’s concern so next time you are in the Banyan Pilot Shop be sure to check out the new ZAON side by side comparison display of the Portable Collision Avoidance Systems (PCAS) MRX and XRX. The XRX is the only portable device to offer 360° direction and MRX is the smallest, most accurate traffic alerter at the lowest cost. PCAS the best-selling traffic choice for general aviation.

The ZAON PCAS XRX Collision Avoidance System is the flagship model, providing a complete picture in a simple, easy-to-use device. PCAS represents their third generation of proven traffic detection technology. XRX is truly a “Plug and Go” device with its built-in antenna system and built-in display.

Key Features

• “3-D” view Quadrant Direction, 45° increments
• Instant traffic updates with no delays
• Tiny, unobtrusive size (3.9” x 3.6” x 2.7”)
• Completely portable and self-contained
• Digital range, scalable from 6NM to 1NM
• Audio voice alerts for threats and advisories are included, with both Headset-Direct™ hookup and in-cabin output
• Relative altitude, scalable from ±2500 ft to ±500 ft, with ascending/descending indicator
• Designed for metal, composite or fabric-covered airframes, high- or low-wing
• Displays top three intruders
• A built-in altimeter, a built-in compass, and built-in turn/bank and internal thermal sensing provide the highest, real-time accuracy available
• Built-in directional antenna
• Menu-driven interface, with selectable aircraft profiles and advanced calibration options
• Displays the local squawk code, pressure altitude, bank angle, bearing and temperature
• Integrates with third-party moving map and EFIS systems, including Garmin, Blue Mountain, and others.

The ZAON MRX Collision Avoidance System is the world’s smallest collision avoidance device at half the size, yet sacrifices none of the features upper-end systems have become known for.

Key Features

• Digital range, scalable from 5NM to 1NM
• Relative altitude, scalable from ±2500 ft to ±500 ft, with ascending/descending indicator
• Menu-driven interface
• A built-in altimeter provides the highest, real-time accuracy available
• Displays the local squawk code and altitude
• Audio alerts for threats and advisories
• Installation kits are available
• Super-bright red LED display is easily read, even in direct sunlight, and can be dimmed for night use
• Indestructible polycarbonate semi-translucent housing ensures cooler operating temperatures on the glare shield, even in direct sunlight (no burning your hands as with metal enclosures)

To learn more about the ZAON or to demo one, stop by the Banyan Pilot Shop today or visit www.banyanpilotshop.net.

by Chloé Foster

By day three, everyone was starting to feel the lack of sleep and constant running.  Everyone met for breakfast at 7:30, and during breakfast Greg Rolle provided another pilot de-briefing to prepare us for the flight to Exuma.  He presented an overview of the day’s activities, including flying to George Town, Exuma and plans for lunch.  By 9:00 am we were back on the ferry on our way to the airport.

Since not all of the planes had fueled up since we left, a number of the planes made a pit stop in Marsh Harbor to fuel before the longer leg of the flight.

The flight from Abaco to Exuma was the longest flight yet and by the time we landed everyone was ready for lunch. We were met by Rhonda Ingraham and loaded onto buses for the short scenic ride to the Palm Bay Resort. The ocean looked like a magazine spread. You could hardly tell where the teal ocean met the cloudless blue sky. Everyone was already anticipating the cool ocean water after the hot flight.

Walking up to the Palm Bay Resort did not do the resort justice; it was not until you walked out the back of the resort and headed for the villa that you realized the true beauty of the location. The Resort faced east and the sun sent its reflection running over the motionless ocean.  Everyone was pulled between the idea of lunch and the idea of a dip in the waters. We all dropped our stuff off and headed back to the bus so we could catch the ferries out to Stocking Island.

Pulling up to Stocking Island made you want to stay and never leave. It was a true Bahamas location, not a single person in the group wanted to leave when the time came to depart. We had lunch at Chat N’ Chill and everyone had the opportunity to watch the locals make Conch Salad, go snorkeling, and even feed and pet sting rays.

By 4:30 we were heading back to the resort where we had time before dinner to relax. A lot of people took naps or relaxed; others kicked back at the pool or relaxed on the beach.

Dinner was held at Splash (the resort bar and restaurant). The dinner was delicious and afterwards the Bahamas Tourist Office presented Bahamas Gateway FBO specialist certificates to everyone and Bahamas jackets to the Flying Ambassadors and special guests. We also had two individuals on the trip who were celebrating their birthday, and it was arranged for two cakes to be brought out for everyone to share.

After dinner it was time to get some rest for the next morning’s 9 am departure from Exuma back to Florida.

Overall the trip was beneficial and helpful. All those who attended learned something new and have wonderful stories to share and ideas to get more pilots flying to the Bahamas. With so many islands so close to Florida, it is an opportunity you don’t want to miss, because it is truly Better in the Bahamas!

by Chloé Foster

Thursday 8-26-10

Today was the first day of the Familiarization Trip to the Bahamas, over 40 people with a total of 9 planes met at SheltAir at FLL. SheltAir provided a continental breakfast of juice, coffee, and bagels while Greg Rolle from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism debriefed the group. Greg went over the plans for the trip, handed out name tags and agenda booklets. A representative from both SheltAir and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism spoke to the group and after everyone had filed their eAPIS we were ready to go.

The flight was only about 45 min long, and we enjoyed perfect conditions. We landed in Freeport at the Grand Bahamas Airport and were greeted by a representative of the airport, line service technicians and a photographer. The line tech took our bags and after a few snap shots we were whisked off to Customs. Right outside of Customs the feel of the Bahamas was already in the air as we were greeted with Bahama Mamas and conch fitters. The passengers enjoyed the sun and music, while the pilots went inside to meet with Customs. After everyone went through Customs we boarded a bus to The Radisson Our Lucaya Resort.

The bus ride from the airport to the resort was short and the driver gave a nice overview of the island and what it had to offer for both pilots and tourists. Looking out the bus, you knew you were in the Bahamas. The houses were bright Caribbean colors of green, pink and blue.

Upon arrival at the Radisson Our Lucaya Resort it was obvious that it was a five star hotel. Checking in was quick and simple and the resort representatives directed everyone to their rooms. We all received ocean view rooms and the view was spectacular. It over looked the horse shoe pool that ran up to the ocean front.

Lunch, hosted by the Grand Bahamas Ministry of Tourism was a working lunch and Round Table Seminar. Greg Rolle led the discussions and Karen Seymour from the Grand Bahamas Ministry of Tourism welcomed us to Grand Bahama. We went around the table and everyone introduced themselves and the company they represented. There were over 40 aviation representatives.

After a short detailed presentation from James Turner, the Commerical/Business Development Director for The Grand Bahama Airport, about the island and all it has to offer, a number of the pilots/groups who lead fly-ins to the Bahamas had a lot to say about today’s reception at the airport. A number of concerns were addressed as well as a lot of positive feedback.

After the round table everyone was given about 1 ½ hours for leisure time so they could explore the island, sit by the pool, take a dip in the ocean or go shopping.

Everyone met back in the lobby later that afternoon to be transported to the Airport for a happy hour outside of thetower. We had the opportunity to tour the inside of the control tower, something that many of us had never had the chance to do before. The Grand Bahama Fire Department did a demonstration and everyone watched the sun set over the runway.

Then it was back to Port Lucaya for dinner at Luciano’s. Dinner was hosted by the Grand Bahamas Tourist Office and the Grand Bahama Promotion Board. The restaurant was excellent and the food was delicious. Everyone had a wonderful time and it gave everyone a chance to mingle.

After dinner several people chose to enjoy the night life, and others headed back to the hotel to rest up for an early start Friday morning.

Saturday June 12, Hangar63 (Banyan’s Aviation Store) donated half of the days gross profits to Angel Flight. Angel Flight is a non-profit volunteer pilot organization involved in “public benefit flying.” They arrange free air transportation by private aircraft to distant medical facilities when commercial services are not available, impractical or simply not affordable. To encourage pilots and passengers to participate in this fund raising event, Banyan agreed to provide $1.00 off per gallon of gas and Jet Runway Café provided $5.00 off any Hangar63 customer’s bill for that day. Banyan’s Line Service team provided every landing aircraft with information about the event and encouraged customers to stop by and help out the cause.

Members of Angel Flight held a meeting in the Sabal Palm conference room and before wrapping up for the day presented Banyan with a Humanitarian Award for the helping the organization. Chuck Speakman, Hangar63’s manager, was proud to accept the award and thanking Angel Flight for all they do.

Hangar63 (Banyan’s Aviation Store) was pleased with the outcome and looks forward to making this an annual event.

“We hope this type of partnership will be considered by other aviation groups who support our mission.  Partnerships with for-profit groups are a great way to team and be successful in the current economy”, says Blake Mathis, President/CEO of Angel Flight Southeast.

To find out how you can help Angel Flight, visit their website.

To keep up on all the latest Banyan events, news and more, fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

For a limited time and while supplies last, any flight bag purchased will include a free large cooler bag and any Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) purchased will include a mini flashlight combo pack. Purchases must made online at www.banyanpilotshop.net.

Click here to view flight bags
Click here to view PLB’s