Whatz Up Beech? | FerrariChat

Whatz Up Beech?

Discussion in 'Aviation Chat' started by rob lay, Sep 17, 2007.

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  1. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
    Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

    Dec 1, 2000
    63,971
    Southlake, TX
    Full Name:
    Rob Lay
    #1 rob lay, Sep 17, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I'm a little interested in low wing single pistons right now. I've pretty much figured out what's going on with Cessnas and the modern composite low wings because I've been flying Cessnas and all the flying magazines mostly cover the new composite planes like Cirrus, Columbia, and Diamond.

    Something got my attention this weekend when that old civilian pilot said that the Cirrus is a pretty plane, but that his Debonair way outperforms it and is 1/4th the cost. Says the Cirrus can't perform to factory specs and that's even at full throttle. The Debonair he had was gorgeous and I was surprised when getting back to see they are only priced $70-100k.

    Below are the specs pulled from Trade-a-Plane...

    BEECH 33-C 33A DEBONAIR
    Engine: CONT IO-520-B 75% Cruise: 173 kts Wingspan: 32.83 ft
    Horsepower: 285 Stall: 53 kts Length: 25.50 ft
    Rec'd TBO: 1700 hrs Range: 520 nm Height: 8.25 ft
    Svr Ceiling: 18300 ft Empty Wt: 1775 lbs
    Std Fuel: 50 gal Rate of Climb: 1200 ft/min Gross Wt: 3300 lbs
    Max Fuel: 80 gal
    Takeoff (over 50 ft obstacle): 1225 ft
    Landing (over 50 ft obstacle): 1150 ft
    Takeoff: 880 ft
    Landing: 632 ft

    Is that real? 173 kt. Cruise, 1,050 lbs. payload w/full fuel, and < 1225 ft. TO & Lnd over 50ft. !?!

    As a low hour pilot and scaredy cat I guess my first concern would be age of Debonair's and also the RG. What more modern Beech models would have similar performance?

    How can I make sense of all the low wing single pistons? Is there a pecking order which are considered best, like maybe Mooney?

    Here's his plane...
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  2. rfking

    rfking Formula Junior

    Nov 16, 2003
    785
    Italy
    I love Debs - used to teach instrument flying in them when I was at La. Tech 25 years ago.

    Great airplane - dependable and a joy to fly. Typical Beech Ferrari-like class and quality (except maybe the mousketeer).
     
  3. planeflyr

    planeflyr Karting

    May 27, 2006
    174
    Beech makes a fine airplane, to be sure. The Debonairs and later Bonanzas have certainly withstood the test of time and with good reason. They are strong, comfortable dependable and relatively fast airplanes.

    Not all is roses,though. You will find that the advertised 285 HP is time limited for takeoff after which power MUST be reduced. By contrast, most Lycoming engines of similar horsepower can be flown at full power all the way to cruising altitude.

    In the Beech Bonanza (and I presume its forerunner) the pilot must pay carefull attention to weight and balance. Due to the way fuel is stored in the wing, it is very easy to take off within the CG limits and be beyond aft CG upon landing.

    Early short fuselage Bonanzas fish-tail a lot which makes for an uncomfortable ride for the rear seat passengers. This does not apply to the conventional tail F-33's of A-36's.

    Once again they are the Lincoln Continental of single engine aircraft as far as roominess and comfort goes.

    Mooneys are also excellent airplanes. They have one of the strongest wings built. For all you Ferrari guys, you'll feel quite comfortable in a Mooney as you have to wear it rather than sit in it.

    Supurb performance and crisp response due to the controls using push-pull rods vs. cables. Fast, fast, and fast. 'nuff said. A true sports car.

    They are a mechanics nightmare due to everything so tightly packed. Watch out for AD's on the older ones.

    Gotta put in a plug here for Comanche's (ask the guy who owns one) :)
    Not the greatest for looks, not the best for speed, but once you take this gal to the dance you won't look at another one. (or at least not in her presence)

    This airplane is built like the proverbial brick privy, has plenty of room, can be quite comfortable if the seats are redone, but more importantly, will do anything you ask of it. Kind of like a '55 Chevy. Can't throw it out of CG unless you place cement bags on the tail. Has flown at 3000 pounds OVER GROSS without modifications! (just read up on Max Conrads record setting exploits) That airplane still exists today on loan to the Liberal, KS. Air museum.

    There are others to consider as well. Some are minor players. Cessna 210's, Rockwell (or whomever owns the TC) Commanders, old Navions and Meyers, etc.

    As for the retractable gear issue, not to sweat. Just use a damn checklist....Always!!! Simply saying out loud GUMP(s) and checking and touching the corrosponding lever or switch will keep the wheels where they need to be for landing. One last word on retracts. Never, let me repeat this with emphasis... NEVER! buy into the oft repeated cliche of "those that have and those that will" Decide at the outset that you will be part of the group of "THOSE THAT WON'T" (land gear up, that is)

    Can't wait to see the contraversy that this one starts. ;)

    Good luck in your search.

    Planeflyr
     
  4. Bob Parks

    Bob Parks F1 Veteran
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2003
    8,017
    Shoreline,Washington
    Full Name:
    Robert Parks
    All good stuff, Roy but my favorite will always be the Cardboard Connie, Bellanca 230 Cruisemaster. Yeah, I know, old stuff but that airplane could beat them all in speed efficiency and speed range. Great fun to fly but admittidly cramped.
    Switches
     
  5. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

    Feb 22, 2003
    10,213
    San Antonio
    Full Name:
    Russ Turner
    Debbies are terrifically great planes and I think quite undervalued for what they are you won't go wrong. For those of us who are wide and not in a huge big hurry, the roominess of the Commanders has a lot of appeal - and with trailing link main gear most every landing is pretty smooth.

    And a debbie is quite comfy and A LOT less 'rustic' on a X-C than a T-6 ... just not as manly. :)
     
  6. rfking

    rfking Formula Junior

    Nov 16, 2003
    785
    Italy
    I'm waiting to talk to my friend who should be getting back with his T-6 from Reno today after 12+ hours in the saddle - I suspect he will be glad to be out of it for a few days.
     

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