N57VA Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
Turboprop performance from N57VA: 312 knots, 1,750 NM, and 35,000-foot ceiling. The King Air 300's 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A burn significantly less fuel per hour than jet alternatives, which is the category's defining advantage.
Mission Profile
N57VA handles the missions where turboprop economics make sense: short legs, unpaved or short runways, and routing to airports that jets cannot reach. The King Air 300's 9-seat cabin and 1,750 NM range cover these missions efficiently.
Charter Authorization
Charter authorization is active for N57VA. This King Air 300 operates under Part 135 for regional missions. Contact The Jet Finder for scheduling and pricing.
Insider Note
Turboprops remain the first choice for operations requiring unpaved runway access, cold-weather starts, and short-field performance. N57VA's King Air 300 airframe is built for exactly these conditions.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N57VA, a 1996 helicopter under SUMMER SKIES LLC, represents the vertical flight segment of aviation. Below is the operational and market context.
Fleet Position
Over 10,000 helicopters are on active U.S. registrations. FAA data shows N57VA based in WINSTON SALEM, NC. The U.S. helicopter fleet serves EMS, offshore oil and gas, law enforcement, utility, VIP transport, and flight training. Maintenance infrastructure is extensive, with turbine helicopter service available at most major airports.
Charter Availability
N57VA is Part 135 charter authorized. Helicopter charter rates range from $1,500 to $8,000 per flight hour depending on type and configuration. VIP helicopter charter serves urban transfers (Manhattan to JFK in 8 minutes), resort access, and event transportation where ground travel times exceed 2 hours.
Market Position
N57VA is a 1996 helicopter from the modern production era. Pre-owned values range from $1M to $5M. Modern helicopters benefit from improved safety systems, glass cockpit avionics, and engines designed for longer times between overhaul.
Modern helicopter acquisitions offer a balance of current technology and significant depreciation from original delivery price. For operators entering helicopter operations, modern pre-owned aircraft provide capable platforms at accessible price points.
Mission Profile
Core strength: access. Helicopters land where fixed-wing aircraft cannot: hospital rooftops, offshore platforms, mountain ridges, yacht decks, and city helipads. The value is not in speed over distance; it is in the elimination of the first-mile and last-mile problem that every other form of transportation faces.
When to Choose Something Else
Do not charter a helicopter for large groups. Most helicopters seat 4 to 7 passengers. For groups of 8+, a fixed-wing aircraft provides more capacity at lower per-seat costs.
Ownership & Operations
Part 91 operations cover owner-flown and company-flown aircraft under general operating rules. Part 135 governs on-demand air charter, requiring higher crew qualifications, maintenance standards, and operational oversight. An aircraft can operate under both parts: Part 91 for owner use and Part 135 when offered for charter revenue. Dual-use arrangements offset ownership costs by generating charter income during idle periods.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Pre-purchase inspections are non-negotiable in aircraft acquisitions. A qualified maintenance facility conducts a detailed review of airframe, engines, avionics, and records. Inspection costs range from $15,000 to $75,000 depending on aircraft size and complexity. Findings from the pre-buy determine final pricing, identify upcoming maintenance events, and reveal any damage history that affects value.
Charter Market Context
Charter demand for business jets follows seasonal and economic patterns. Q4 (October through December) sees peak demand driven by year-end business travel, holiday flights, and tax planning (asset purchases before December 31). Q1 starts strong with CES, Davos, and Super Bowl driving specific route demand. Summer leisure travel to resort destinations creates predictable seasonal corridors.
N57VA Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N57VA
This aircraft operates under an active FAA Part 135 certificate with FlyCarolina, LLC, making it legally authorized for on-demand charter. Contact us to check current availability and book your flight.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Registration | N57VA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY |
| FAA Model | B300 |
| Serial Number | FL-154 |
| Year | 1996 |
| Aircraft Type | Fixed wing multi engine |
| Category | Turboprop |
| Part 135 Operator | FlyCarolina, LLC |
| Owner (FAA) | SUMMER SKIES LLC |
| Location | WINSTON SALEM, NC |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engines | 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A |
|---|---|
| Cruise Speed | 312 ktas (LRC: 280 kts) |
| Approximate Range | 1,750 NM |
| Passengers | Up to 9 |
| Registration Status | Valid (FAA) |
| Charter Status | Part 135 Authorized |
| D085 Listing | Active |
Frequently Asked Questions About N57VA
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Raytheon B300
N57VA is a 1996 Raytheon B300 registered in the United States. It carries serial number FL-154 and is classified as a turboprop in the private aviation market. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 29 years.
N57VA is a Raytheon B300. This model serves the turboprop segment of the business aviation market. Raytheon has a well-established support network for this airframe.
N57VA is registered to SUMMER SKIES LLC according to FAA records. The registrant is based in Winston Salem, NC. Registration data is sourced from the FAA Aircraft Registry and may not reflect recent ownership transfers.
The King Air 300 was produced from 1983-1990. The type was succeeded by the King Air 350. This specific aircraft (N57VA) was manufactured in 1996.
The manufacturer serial number is FL-154.
N57VA is registered in WINSTON SALEM, NC.
Yes. N57VA holds an active Part 135 certificate under FlyCarolina, LLC, meaning it is legally authorized for on-demand charter operations. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability.
N57VA is operated under the Part 135 certificate held by FlyCarolina, LLC.
N57VA is a fixed wing multi engine classified as a Turboprop.
The King Air 300 has a maximum cruise speed of 312 knots. Long-range cruise is 280 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 936 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Raytheon B300 has an approximate range of 1,750 nautical miles. This translates to nonstop coverage of coast-to-coast routes such as New York to Los Angeles, or Miami to Seattle. At a cruise speed of approximately 312 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The King Air 300 seats up to 9 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 16.7 ft long, 4.5 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. The cabin accommodates productive work or rest on flights of typical duration.
N57VA maintains a valid registration status with the FAA and is listed on the D085 Part 135 Aircraft Listing.
N57VA is listed on the FAA D085 Part 135 database under FlyCarolina, LLC. This confirms the aircraft is authorized for on-demand charter. Availability depends on the operator's schedule and positioning. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability for this specific aircraft or similar models.
Contact The Jet Finder for acquisition inquiries regarding N57VA. Our advisory team handles both on-market and off-market transactions.
You can verify N57VA directly on the FAA Aircraft Registry.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
Contact us about charter availability or acquisition. If this aircraft does not suit your needs, we have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.