Month: April 2021

Beechcraft Bonanza Commemorative Interior

“The 75th Anniversary Edition Beechcraft Bonanza blends modern technology with retro styling. Its custom interior and paint scheme were inspired by Olive Ann Beech’s signature blue color. Textron says, the retro scheme is a nod to Mrs. Beech’s strength, vision, pioneering leadership and her well documented style. The interior color combination reflects classic trends from the 1950’s when Mrs. Beech assumed leadership of the company. She adopted the color on advice of fashion designer Oleg Cassini. The color became her brand and could be found on everything from her dress suits and office furnishings to her automobile paint and personal aircraft interiors.”

“The commemorative Bonanza G36 stylishly incorporates the color on the exterior paint scheme and the interior’s window panels, carpet and accents. The seat upholstery lines and sidewall and table contours add a sporty, modern interest to the retro color palette. Other details include a “Bubble B” logo registered in 1954 on the carpet entry and her signature used as a metal piece above the cabin table and as an exterior graphic below the pilot window.”

Refer to last week’s post for illustrative pictures of the 75th anniversary edition exterior and interior.

The seventy-fifth anniversary of the Beechcraft Bonanza will be commemorated

In 1932, Walter and Olive Ann started Beech Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas and 15 years later in 1947 the Bonanza airplane entered the market. It’s the now the longest continuously produced aircraft in history. More than 18,000 Bonanzas have been manufactured.

To commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary in 2022, a limited-edition Beechcraft Bonanza G36 has been announced by Textron Aviation. “The special-edition Bonanza will be powered by a 300-horsepower Continental IO-550-B engine driving a three-blade, constant-speed propeller. The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 176 knots, boasts a maximum range of more than 920 nautical miles, can loft a 1,060-pound payload, and has a service ceiling of 18,500 feet msl.” The flight deck includes Garmin’s G1000 NXi next generation avionics.

2022 Special Edition, Beechcraft Bonanza G36
2022 Special Edition, Beechcraft Bonanza G36
2022 Special Edition, Custom Interior Beechcraft Bonanza G36
2022 Special Edition, Custom Interior Beechcraft Bonanza G36

© 2021 Connecting Aviators® Above and Beyond

Thoughts on forming airplane co-ownerships

The American Bonanza Society monthly magazine has a good article “Thoughts on Forming Beech Clubs” written by Paul Lilly, President ABS. Paul shares his story about airplane co-ownership and the lessons learned along the way. He says, there are a lot of people who wish there was a high-performance airplane club nearby; however, he never hears anyone say they are willing to start one. Starting a club requires a fair amount of work.

There are 3 types of pilots and 3 airplane co-ownership situations:

  • Seeking: Pilots just seeking to join a club or co-ownership want share in the costs of owning an airplane but don’t have the time or experience to start a club.
  • Starting: Pilots starting a new airplane co-ownership have made a commitment to the formation and they’re willing to put in the time, experience and/or learning. They may want to find another pilot to join the group before acquiring a plane.
  • Existing: Pilots of an existing co-ownership from time to time will want to find another member to join. Over the years, pilots move in and out of shared ownerships as their needs and missions change.

Paul’s story covers the following topics: “Take the Lead.” It’s not difficult to start a club it just takes some work. Be a leader. “Define your airplane first.” If you’re building a club around an airplane you already own or have selected, you’re ready to go. But if you’re trying to decide, Paul reviews the pitfalls of too many cooks trying to select a plane. “Size Matters.” Paul says, the ideal club is from two to a maximum of five people. Each pilots’ share of fixed and acquisition costs is divided by the total members. But more members usually limits the airplane’s availability and has insurance cost implications. “Making Your Intentions Know.” Usually, the higher the price of the airplane the longer the time to find the right pilots. Connecting with pilots interested in co-ownerships needs to be easier.

You can find Paul’s full article in the American Bonanza Society magazine, March 2021 publication on page 2.

© 2021 Connecting Aviators® Above and Beyond

Soar We Now . . . 2021

It’s Good Friday.  I hope you can take some time off and indeed say  “Christ the Lord is Risen,”  As Charles Wesley wrote, circa 1739 –

Soar we now where Christ has led;
Following our exalted Head;
Made like him, like him we rise;
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies. Alleluia!

Your Glory hidden in creation is now revealed in Christ.

1 Cor. 15:1-8; & 12-28; 1 Tim 1:17

Clouds rising. Tribute to Soar we now, Charles Wesley, 1739
Clouds rising. Tribute to “Soar we now . . . . ” Charles Wesley, 1739