Various King Air models have come and gone since the original 90 was introduced in 1964, but through the years and the changes, the 90 has soldiered on. It’s still referred to as the “”littlest”” or “”entry level”” King Air but it hardly qualifies as either small or a starter. What it does offer is big- cabin comfort, small-airplane handling, a stable ride, and Beechcraft sturdiness in a tidier, less expensive package than other King Air models.
Beech has just introduced a new version of the C90, the C90B. Savvy King Air spotters will notice that this newest 90 has four-blade, 90-inch- diameter McCauley propellers; the C90A carries three-blade Hartzells. New as well are longer prop spinners, which enclose improved low-friction hubs for more precise synchronizing and phasing of left and right props. The propeller blades are dynamically balanced to further reduce vibration. Other exterior changes over the C90A include an electronic outside air temperature probe, a new logo, and a new paint design.

Many more changes are evident in the cabin. Some address comfort and styling, others noise and vibration reduction. In fact, greater creature comfort is what the C90B is all about. The basic airframe and 550-shaft- horsepower Pratt & Whitney engines are the same as the earlier C90A; the new propellers yield some slight performance enhancements — and in certain flight regimes, losses but the real reason for the C90B is to give passengers and crew a quieter, smoother, and more comfortable ride.

The cabin interior has been restyled to bring it up to the standard of the 350. The headliner, sidewall panels, and floorboards are made of composite honeycomb panels for lower weight and better sound absorption. The C90A headliner with its metal channels has been replaced by a three-piece interlocking affair that makes for a smoother, seamless look. Window frames — unadorned plastic panels in the C90A — are now covered with stretched wool for a clean, sophisticated appearance. Concealed fluorescent lights provide bright or dim indirect lighting.
The 90 has never been the fastest, most fuel-efficient, or cheapest turboprop. But it always has been the one with the best handling and among the easiest to fly. Most importantly, the large cabin is in a class by itself. Even though the C90 has outlasted all of its competitors, Beech has made it a better airplane, particularly for those who will be riding around in the back of it.