Author Archives: Doug Carmody

Reflective Heat Shields

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Doug Carmody

QUESTION: Should I place reflective heat shields in the windshield of my BE200 when I leave it parked on the ramp? ANSWER: Unlike your car, the windshield of the King Air has a polyvinyl layer sandwiched between two plates of … Continue reading →

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Cycles Defined

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Doug Carmody

Many King Air pilots are confused about how to define an aircraft cycle. For maintenance purposes a cycle is defined as the period of time from initial start to shutdown of the engine that includes a start up, an increase … Continue reading →

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The Secret to Keeping your Windshield Shatter Proof

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Doug Carmody

QUESTION: Will using windshield heat consistently reduce the chances of my windshield cracking? ANSWER: King Air windshields are constructed of two layers of glass separated by a polyvinyl inner layer. Contrary to popular belief, turning on the windshield heat does … Continue reading →

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FOD or “When to Deploy the Ice Vanes”

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Doug Carmody

During ground school, several students have told me about their engines having to go into maintenance for first-stage compressor F.O.D. In each instance, a single blade has been bent with the damage being caused by a soft or dull object. … Continue reading →

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Why is my cabin door hard to close with the engines running?

Posted on May 30, 2011 by Doug Carmody

QUESTION: I recently flew into PDK and dropped off two passengers. It was a quick drop off so I left the engines running. After they deplaned, it was very hard to close the cabin door. I noticed the door seal … Continue reading →

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