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.
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 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.
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.
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.”
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
