Mark Rosenker, a former acting chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, said Honeywell is pursuing "a very interesting idea, that could be particularly relevant at very congested" airports.

WSJ: Honeywell Tests Autopilots for the Tarmac

Also on Tuesday, Bush lauded his administration's efforts to cut down on flight congestion, particularly at New York's major airports -- LaGuardia, John F.

CNN: Bush hopes to ease holiday travel congestion

While only slightly slower, the King Air 250 requires about one-third less runway at sea level than most small-cabin jets, and it is particularly adept at short, rugged or unimproved airstrips and high and hot mountain airports, which allows for greater access to hundreds of additional small communities.

FORBES: The Most Successful Aircraft Design Gets Even Better