Hi All:

I've been a member of BeechTalk for a few years now, but have never introduced myself. Well, now I have a reason to speak up a bit. Previously I had owned 1976 Beechcraft Bonanza V35b N1844L. She was my first plane, and a great first ride she was. I purchased her in the spring of 2012 when she had about 2200 hours. She had a 430W, a GMX200, and some other nice equipment as well as a recent leather interior and carpet. I kept looking however. I wanted to find a dream plane that was extremely low time, no damage history, and one that was suitable for IO550 conversion. Well, earlier this year, I happen to find 1979 V35b N2065Y. She had ELEVEN HUNDRED TWELVE HOURS and excellent original paint when I found her! Even her vintage interior was in wonderful shape--very reasonable tan naugahyde side walls (some of these had orange, red, and other colors that are definitely 1970s) that are just find. She has had a few nice upgrades to the panel, including a Garmin 530W/430W stake with the Garmin GMA347 audio panel and the GTX 330 Transponder. She also has an HSI and the KFC200 auto pilot. The previous owner also install the Icarus roll steering unit (which I would love someone to teach me how to operate!). The owner had also upgraded to the large LED beacon as well as the LED landing light, both of which I am delighted with.

I couldn't believe it when I saw her come up on controller on Monday. I live in Ohio, but was headed to Phoenix for meetings that week, and was the first to see it that Wednesday. We were able to come to a deal almost on the spot, and I was elated when we signed the papers before I left for home the following Thursday. We had a bit of a renegotiation after the inspection like most do, but I was absolutely delighted to fly her home from Phoenix to Ohio not long afterward.

I didn't have her long in Ohio. I sent her right off to Bill Cunningham of PowerMaster Engines to do the IO550 upgrade, and he did a marvelous job! We upgraded to the Super Scimitar Prop as well, which delayed things because there was a fairly long line ahead of me. Bill did an amazing job! Absolutely meticulous workmanship (I am very picky about things). I picked up about 11 knots in cruise and the climb performance at 120ktas is amazing. FOR ANYONE CONTEMPLATING A CONVERSION, BILL IS THE MAN! He even facilitated the sale of my old 3-blade prop to one of his customers coming in behind me who wanted to move from a two to a three-blade prop. Bill is pictured below in one of the photos of N2065Y.

All in all, I couldn't be more proud to own N2065Y--"The Cardinal" (my six year old daughter dubbed N1844L "The Bluebird" and came up with the name for N2065Y when she first saw it). I have been enamored with the V-tail since I was a small child. Frankly, I can't believe I own one, and I certainly can't believe what has to be one of the LOWEST TIME, BEST SHAPE V35bs out there! As I said, DREAM PLANE. The panel photos show a single yoke, but I traded that out for my double that was in N1844L. The next upgrade has to be the flying V antenna removal. And perhaps I'll put the G600 in it at some point, and maybe even TKS. But I don't foresee ever selling her. I think she'll be my ride until by toes are pointed skyward!

Please enjoy the photos below (some from when I found her in AZ and then a few after the engine upgrade). Again, Bill Cunningham is pictured below. He gave me a couple hours lesson on how to run the new ride lean-of-peak. Give him a call if you're in the market. I couldn't be more pleased!

By-the-way, if it weren't for Neal Schwartz of Latitude Aviation I would probably still own two planes, so kudos to Neal for helping me find a great home for N1844L. He did a phenomenal job, gave great service, and was very easy to work with. If I ever need to sell (which isn't likely because as noted, I plan to keep N2065Y for a LONG time), I will absolutely turn to Neal.

Mark Taylor

Welcome Mark. I've had Bill do a few engines for me over the years and he is the best. Are you based at Portage Co in Ravenna? Nice looking V tail

Very nice! Nothing like a V tail.

Yep, KPOV. Moved there from KCGA when I found N2065Y! You familiar with Portage?

I got my PhD at UA Steve. We lived north of Ina a ways off of Shannon. Fond memories of those days. I was enamored with LaCholla Airpark. Dream is to live there someday, but not sure I'll ever make it!

My Dad has been at Portage for 20+ years. Has a wonderful 66 V35 along with a J3 Cub and Pitts. Based on the north side near Jerry Novak's shop. I will be there in my baron next month (courtesy of Powermaster IO-550s!) and will let you know when I'll be there in case you're around. Look forward to meeting you

Would love to meet you Steve! Let me know. Would love to meet your dad. I'm on the south side in the newer hangers. Frankly would love to get one of those condos on the north side though!

Looking forward to seeing you. Would love to show you N2065Y and anxious to see the Baron. Bill's the man when it comes to engines. Gees....I'm amazed. So glad I didn't go with factory new and went with Bill instead.

Nice, what did you do with the original engine?

David, the original engine was converted by power masters...

Sounds like you have been lurking here longer than I so, not sure who welcomes who.

Love the activity here. There is a forum for my specific airplane but, there are not enough members to have any meaningful input. The forum at times takes a year for a response to a thread. Makes for a very diconnected dialog.

Sweeeeeet ride by the by, love the red case.

Steve, I think you haven't yet posted any airplane pictures..

Ok, I will post some on my welcome page.

Steve

I could tell that was a Cunningham engine a mile away.
Work of art.