Whatz Up Beech?

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).

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.