Kingair Type Preference

[Crusaderbug]

Hi All

With all those experienced Kingair drivers out there, maybe some could debate the issue of whether to go for the E90 or C90A.

These are two possible options for an upgrade from pistons at the moment.
We fly into the usual short strips around Malawi,Zambia,Zim as well as within SA.

Many thanks

[Q4NVS]

Well both C90A and E90 fall under the same designator: BE9L

All differences will be small, just as much as you could get a C90 with PT6-20 Engines (550 Shp with Glow Plugs etc.) versus another C90 with PT6-28 Engines (650 Shp with Igniters etc.)

It's all about what you want and what you are willing to pay 4.

King Air 90 vs 200 - Now there is quite a difference.

:cool:

[Crusaderbug]

Understood.

Am I correct in that the E90 may be 680shp but is gearbox limited to 550. Hence, the only real difference is engine parameters at altitude and on start.

Will the C90A (even with all the ram air mods etc it now has) end up on red line limits quicker than the E90 - considering icing for example.

Do these pitot cowl improvements to the A model, actually improve performance that much in the real world?

[Mark J B]

Hi Crusaderdog. I am no expert on this myself, but I asked my previous employer (Engineer operating 90's and 200's) the same type of question when friends of mine where looking at buying one. Without hesitation he said the E90 is superior and he went into some detail but it was a few years ago and my memory is not so good anymore. It had to do with the engines and fuel systems. The E90 having a similar fuel system to the 200. Of course this type carries a higher price tag though.

[JetPark]

Crusaderbug, the E90 was produced between 1972 and 1981 with the PT6A-28 (still 550shp). The F90 has (1979 to 1986) 750shp and C90 550shp. The only advantage of the E90 is the ability to operate with higher ITT's as you mention regarding parameters at altitude. The C90 with the -21 engines (early model, up to 1975, has -20 engines) is the only 90 to consider in my opinion. The C90 is an easier seller and think you should consider this. Q4NVS is correct - the 200 is better!!!!:ok: