North Dakota legislators are considering their options for replacing two state-owned aircraft. The planes are used to reduce travel time for state officials, often enabling them time to attend multiple meetings in a day.
The two planes that might be replaced are Beechcraft King Air B200 models that are twin-turbo prop aircraft with a combined retail value of $4 million. The planes were manufactured in 1998.
The reasons for replacing the planes include improved safety features, the ability to land and take off at all 45 state airports, and enhanced electrical systems. The current Beechcraft King Airs can land at all 45 airports, but for various reasons can take off from only 27.
As planes age, just like other motor vehicles, they require more maintenance and repairs. A propellor on one King Air failed inspection and a propellor on the other plane narrowly passed. Both propellors are recommended for replacement. The interior doors are warping and are being repaired.
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Fortunately, the planes haven’t encountered any emergencies while in service. But they have had to undergo repairs after nonemergency problems occurred during flights.
Members of the legislative Government Finance Committee recently toured the Beechcraft planes. Robin Rehborg, deputy director of driver safety for the state Department of Transportation, stressed safety during the tour.
The DOT hired a consultant group, ARGUS International Inc., in Ohio to evaluate the Beechcraft and a third state-owned plane. The state has quite the fleet when you consider the planes in the University of North Dakota’s aviation program and planes at other state agencies.
Over the years governors have been questioned about their use of state planes. Overall, having the planes has been useful for state officials. During the oil boom there has been extensive travel from Bismarck to western North Dakota.
New planes don’t come cheap. Jet-engine planes can range from $9.4 million to $29.8 million. The new King Air planes range from $6.5 million to $7.9 million. Operational costs for the new planes also are higher.
While the planes are expensive, the state is well-positioned budgetwise to upgrade its fleet. The state shouldn’t downplay the importance of improved safety features. Legislators should examine how well planes in different agencies are being used. Are they being shared?
If used in the right way planes can make government more efficient. At the moment the question seems to be: Why shouldn’t we upgrade the two planes?