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How much fuel does a King Air 200 burn per hour?

Published in Aircraft Fuel Consumption 3 mins read

A King Air 200 typically burns around 620 pounds of fuel per hour when cruising at an altitude of 24,000 feet.

Understanding King Air 200 Fuel Consumption

The fuel consumption of a King Air 200, like any aircraft, is not a fixed number but varies significantly based on numerous operational factors. However, an established average provides a useful benchmark for planning and operations. For cross-country flights, particularly at higher altitudes, the King Air 200 demonstrates efficient fuel burn.

The average fuel consumption for a King Air 200 during cruise flight at 24,000 feet is approximately 620 pounds per hour. This figure represents a common operating scenario for this versatile turboprop aircraft.

Here's a quick summary of the average cruise fuel burn:

Parameter Value
Aircraft Type King Air 200
Flight Phase Cruise
Altitude 24,000 feet
Average Fuel Burn 620 lbs./hr

Factors Influencing Fuel Burn

While 620 lbs./hr is a good average for a specific condition, the actual fuel burn rate can fluctuate. Several key factors contribute to these variations:

  • Altitude: Higher altitudes generally offer better fuel efficiency due to thinner air and less drag, up to an optimal cruising altitude.
  • Weight: The total weight of the aircraft (including fuel, passengers, and cargo) directly impacts the power required to maintain flight, thus affecting fuel consumption. A heavier aircraft burns more fuel.
  • Speed: Flying faster typically increases drag and requires more power, leading to higher fuel burn. Conversely, flying at a slower, more efficient speed (often referred to as long-range cruise speed) can reduce consumption.
  • Engine Settings: Power settings (e.g., torque, prop RPM) chosen by the pilot for different flight phases (climb, cruise, descent) have a direct correlation with fuel flow.
  • Weather Conditions: Headwinds increase the effective ground speed required to cover a certain distance, thus increasing fuel burn per nautical mile. Tailwinds, conversely, can improve efficiency. Air temperature and density also play a role.
  • Aircraft Configuration: Factors like landing gear extended, flaps deployed, or ice protection systems activated can increase drag and lead to higher fuel consumption.
  • Maintenance and Modifications: A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Additionally, aftermarket modifications, such as winglets or performance enhancement kits, can sometimes reduce fuel burn.

Fuel Burn Conversions

For practical purposes, pilots and operators often convert fuel burn from pounds per hour to gallons per hour, as fuel is typically purchased and loaded by the gallon. Jet A fuel, commonly used by the King Air 200, has an approximate density of 6.7 pounds per U.S. gallon.

To convert 620 lbs./hr to gallons per hour:

620 lbs./hr ÷ 6.7 lbs./gallon ≈ 92.54 gallons/hour

Therefore, a King Air 200 burning 620 lbs./hr is consuming approximately 92.54 gallons of Jet A fuel per hour.

Optimizing Fuel Efficiency

Pilots and operators can employ several strategies to optimize fuel efficiency in a King Air 200:

  1. Optimal Cruise Altitude: Planning flights at the aircraft's most efficient cruise altitude for the given weight and conditions.
  2. Performance Charts: Utilizing the aircraft's performance charts to determine the most fuel-efficient power settings for various speeds and altitudes.
  3. Weight Management: Reducing unnecessary weight can significantly improve fuel economy.
  4. Efficient Flight Planning: Taking advantage of favorable winds, avoiding adverse weather, and planning direct routes can minimize flight time and fuel use.
  5. Regular Maintenance: Ensuring engines and airframe components are well-maintained for peak performance and efficiency.

By understanding these dynamics, King Air 200 operators can effectively manage fuel consumption for both cost efficiency and operational planning.