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Dylan Phelps 8/31/23 Dylan Phelps 8/31/23

The Elusive Starship

A spontaneous sighting of the iconic Rutan design!

Ever had a spontaneous moment that turned into something highly memorable? Well, that's exactly what happened to me during a quick stop at Addison Airport yesterday evening while testing some camera gear.

While pulling up to the airport, I was exhilarated to hear "Starship 1" call for taxi to runway 16. Moments later, the iconic Burt Rutan-designed executive transport came into view as it taxied out for runway 16.

After a quick run up, the 1994-built Beech 2000A Starship took to the skies with its recognizable popping sound, a byproduct of the rear mounted propellers cutting through the airflow coming off the exhaust and nacelles ahead. This particular airframe, number 51 of 53 ever built, is based in Aspen, Colorado, but appears to be getting some kind of work done in Addison, which is home to two of the incredibly rare Starships itself.

After a short time flying east of the DFW area, N514RS headed back for Addison and I was able to catch its arrival and taxi in, which showcase the aircrafts incredibly unique design features including the large nose mounted canard and push props.

A brief history on this fan favorite.. The Beechcraft Starship is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft built by Beechcraft in the 1980s and 90s. It was one of the first aircraft to use composite materials extensively, with its entire airframe made of carbon fiber. This construction technique allowed for a sleek and aerodynamic design, which contributed to the Starship's high speed and fuel efficiency. However, due to its high cost and limited market demand, production of the Starship was discontinued after only 53 aircraft were built. Today, the four remaining airworthy Starships are highly sought after by enthusiasts around the world and always turn heads.