The twin-prop seven-seater can be ready to go in time to whisk its new owner home for Thanksgiving. That's right about the time a powerful state senator, who's been pressuring the executive branch to downsize its air fleet, is expected to take over a budget committee.

 

The Department of Management Services hopes that sealed bidding will start at just under $2 million for the 1985 Beechcraft King Air 300 and that the deal can be sealed on Nov. 25. DMS plans to advertise the aging plane in Trade-a-Plane magazine next week.

 

State Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, called for a cost analysis of the three-plane state motor pool early this year. The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability responded with a report that said DMS could save $700,000 to $2.5 million by selling one or all of the planes.

 

"In light of our current economic conditions and future financial challenges, it is imperative that the department use its executive authority to take immediate action to downsize the state's aircraft fleet," Alexander wrote to DMS Secretary Linda South this week.

 

He also asked DMS to "publish detailed flight usage reports on its Web site," including "detailed reporting by passenger, destination and cost of each trip." OPPAGA estimated that it costs the state about $8,613 to make a round trip to Miami in either King Air.

 

South wrote back to Alexander that the sale of the King Air 300 was already in the works.

 

The sale of the King Air would leave the state with a 2003 Cessna Citation Bravo jet, which OPPAGA valued at $4.67 million, and an eight-year-old King Air 350 worth $3.63 million.