The Last Beechcraft Starships

Aerospace Quality Research & Development keeps the last four airworthy Beechcraft Starships flying. Designed by Burt Rutan, the Starship introduced composite construction, a canard configuration, and a pusher turboprop design. AQRD recently hosted an event celebrating its engineers, showcasing all four remaining examples in a rare gathering.

Moreno Aguiari
Moreno Aguiari
The last remaining Beachcraft Starship in front of the AQRD facility in Addison, TX. Photo via Aerospace Quality Research and Development
Alan Armstrong 729

The Beechcraft Starship remains one of the most distinctive aircraft ever designed. Although it is not a typical warbird or vintage aircraft, its mystique, rarity, and the involvement of legendary designer Burt Rutan make it a compelling subject. A recent visit to Addison Airport by aviation influencer Brian Uretsky provided a rare opportunity to photograph the last four remaining airworthy Starships, highlighting their continued presence in the skies.

Beechcraft Starship
The Starship’s lifting surface was positioned aft of the horizontal stabilizer, making stalls unlikely. The forward surface would stall first, causing the nose to dip slightly and preventing the main wing from stalling. Image via Wikipedia

Aerospace Quality Research & Development (AQRD), an aerospace engineering firm and Part 145 repair station based in Addison, Texas, is responsible for maintaining and operating these final four Starships. The company’s advanced design and engineering capabilities ensure that these unique aircraft remain airworthy, preserving an important chapter in aviation history. In recognition of its engineers, technicians, and mechanics, AQRD recently hosted an event celebrating their dedication, showcasing the aircraft in a rare gathering of all four last examples.

The Last beechcraft Starship 4 1
The Starship’s lifting surface was positioned aft of the horizontal stabilizer, making stalls unlikely. The forward surface would stall first, causing the nose to dip slightly and preventing the main wing from stalling.

The Starship’s Innovative Yet Challenging History

The Beechcraft Starship was a groundbreaking aircraft when it was introduced in the 1980s. Designed by Rutan’s Scaled Composites, it featured a full-composite airframe, canard configuration, turboprop pusher design, and an all-glass cockpit—technologies that were far ahead of their time. Intended to replace the King Air, only 53 were produced before Beechcraft discontinued the model in 1995.

The Last beechcraft Starship N514RS
N514RS was the Primary chase plane for: Scaled Composites’ SpaceShipOne, Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer X-37, Virgin Galactic’s White Knight 2 and Predator-B Reaper

Despite its innovations, the Starship struggled commercially. Its radical design and high price, comparable to small jets, deterred buyers. Additionally, FAA-mandated structural reinforcements increased their weight, requiring pilots to obtain a type rating, which added a barrier to adoption. The aircraft also entered the market during an economic downturn, further limiting its success.

The Fate of the Fleet

After production ceased, Beechcraft’s parent company, Raytheon, decommissioned most Starships, scrapping or dismantling them in the early 2000s. However, a small number survived. Today, only five remain in active service. Enthusiasts like Robert Scherer have preserved the aircraft, maintaining a parts inventory to keep them operational. AQRD plays a crucial role in ensuring the continued airworthiness of two of these rare aircraft.  The last four (4) flying Beechcraft Starship NC-45 N45FL, NC-51 N514RS, NC-50 N723SC and NCC-1701 N903SC (NC-33). “Keeping the Starship dream alive is core to AQRD’s belief relative to supporting legacy aircraft,” says CEO Raj Narayanan. AQRD also owns, operates, and maintains two airworthy Beechcraft Starships. Currently, there are only four airworthy Beechcraft Starships in existence.

The Last beechcraft Starship N723SC

AQRD’s Commitment to Preservation

AQRD’s expertise in aircraft repair, engineering, and composite structures is essential in keeping the remaining Starships flying. The company recently expanded its facilities, adding a 60,000-square-foot hangar and component repair space in 2025. This state-of-the-art campus enhances AQRD’s ability to provide high-quality, efficient repairs, supporting both the Starship fleet and the broader aerospace industry. Pedro Alvarez, pilot and engineer, stated: “For the most part, these aircraft are equipped with their original avionics, power plants, accessories, and structural components. We have a large inventory of overhauled parts, so unscheduled maintenance is much like any other aircraft—troubleshooting, remove, and replace. We keep spare components on board for items prone to age-related issues, but overall, the Starship’s structure is built like a tank.”

The Last beechcraft Starship Brian Uretsky 2
Pedro shares an interesting fact: *”N903SC (NC-33), if you look up the FAA registration, you’ll notice that the model doesn’t say ‘Starship’ but rather ‘Enterprise.’ The serial number, NCC-1701, is a nod to the spaceship Enterprise from the Star Trek series.”*

A Legacy That Endures

Although the Beechcraft Starship was a commercial failure, its technological advancements helped shape modern aviation. Composite structures, pusher turboprop engines, and glass cockpits—once considered revolutionary—are now widely accepted. While only a few Starships remain in operation, their influence on aircraft design continues, ensuring their place in aviation history. For more information about Aerospace Quality Research & Development (AQRD), visit www.aerospaceqrd.com

The Last beechcraft Starship

Many thanks to Aerospace Quality Research & Development (AQRD),  Brian Uretsky, and  Pedro Alvarez for contributing to the article.

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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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