January 16, 2008
EXECUTIVE BEECHCRAFT MAKES AVIATION HISTORY
First Authorized Service Center in Nation Delivers
First Beechcraft King Air C90 With Garmin's G1000 Avionics Retrofit
KANSAS CITY - Three Kansas City based companies formed a triumphant trifecta as they announced an aviation industry "first" at the city's downtown airport earlier today. Executive Beechcraft, Garmin International and Data Systems International, Inc. (DSI) all shared the spotlight in doing so.
Specifically, Executive Beechcraft became the first facility in the nation authorized to retrofit the King Air C90 with the Garmin G1000 all glass avionics suite. The first airplane in the country to have the system installed is owned by Data Systems International, Inc. (DSI) founder and CEO Mike McGraw, who took delivery today.
"This is the culmination of a two year effort," according to Scott Tychsen, Executive Beechcraft president. "We've worked closely with Garmin to bring the G1000 to market for the King Air C90, and we are very proud of our partnership in making this remarkable avionics system available to King Air owners and operators."
The Garmin G1000 avionics suite fully integrates all primary flight, navigation, communication, terrain, traffic, weather, and engine instrumentation on high-definition LCDs, replacing most older, traditional cockpit instruments.
A recently approved STC made the G1000 avionics system available for retrofit on the popular King Air C90 aircraft series.
DSI founder Mike McGraw learned about the panel upgrade, and was intrigued by the possibility.
"I wanted every bit of situational awareness I could gather in the cockpit," McGraw said. "And that's exactly what I get with the G1000 glass panel. I consider it my co-pilot in the safe and reliable operation of my King Air."
McGraw's airplane becomes the first King Air C90 in the nation to be so outfitted.
"This is history-making news in the aviation world, and it's happening right here among three well respected Kansas City companies," adds Tychsen. "It's a proud moment for all of us involved."
The King Air C90 Series business aircraft is known for its trusted reliability and unmatched performance - even considered to be the most successful business aircraft design ever engineered. It continues to be a favorite business tool for companyies and owner/operators who rely on airplanes to conduct business efficiently, and those who dislike the rigors of commercial airline travel.
Although the King Air C90 aircraft design is tried and true, says Tychsen, avionics technology continues to advance, making the Garmin G1000 a perfect fit for this popular aircraft.
"The G1000 avionics package solidly positions the King Air for the 21st century," Tychsen said.
Executive Beechcraft will deliver a second aircraft later this week, and has additional King Air C90's currently scheduled for this upgrade at both their Kansas City and St. Louis locations.
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About Executive Beechcraft:
Since 1938, Executive Beechcraft has been helping American business and industry climb to success with an unmatched business tool: the airplane. They are established as one of the premier flight service, sales and support networks in the nation's heartland.
Now a BBA Aviation company, Executive Beechcraft offers the world of business world-class aviation resources, affiliations and partnerships across the globe. They do it all from their Midwest headquarters of Missouri and Kansas.
About Garmin: www.Garmin.com
About Data Systems International: www.DSIOnline.com
Data Systems International, Inc., (DSI) provides complete, integrated data collection software, services, infrastructure, and devices used by manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, and services companies worldwide. Based in Overland Park, Kansas, DSI serves clients globally through its offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, and through its network of business partners around the world.
