banner
banner

28 Mar 2024, 14:25 [ UTC - 5; DST ]


Concorde Battery (banner)



Reply to topic  [ 11 posts ] 
Username Protected Message
 Post subject: New Member Ronin Aviation Ptly Ltd and Musketeer VH-LSS
PostPosted: 10 Oct 2021, 22:51 
Offline

 Profile




Joined: 08/25/21
Posts: 5
Company: Between engagements
Aircraft: BE23 Musketeer
Dear BeechTalk members, my name is Roy Manchip and I have just purchased a low time 1963 BE 23 (A23) Musketeer, serial number M-353, which is registered in Australia as VH-LSS. Our ‘Baby Beech’ has been in hangar storage for over five years at West Sale aerodrome (YWSL) in Victoria, Australia. LSS had been partly stripped by its previous owner for inspection and requires some minor repairs, restoration work and upgrades to return it to an airworthy condition.

Once restored, VH LSS will be long term leased to a new flight school, Southern Flight Training, at West Sale as a basic trainer.

This is my first aircraft ownership and I want to operate VH-LSS as a business, so I formed a company Ronin Aviation Pty Ltd, with my two adult sons as directors. Some would say that we are jumping in at the ‘deep end’ by having to fund and project manage a restoration before VH-LSS takes to the air, but it is in good hands. West Sale is also the base of Southern Aircraft Services a well-regarded aircraft maintenance facility and Beechcraft specialist. The airframe and engine are low time and he/she in sound condition overall, and based on information from detailed inspection, we believe that VH LSS will be returned to airworthy with a retrimmed cabin and some minor upgrades (LED lighting, alternator) and a modest avionics upgrade. We are liaising with the owner / CFI of Southern Flight Training on their requirements for a basic trainer, and he is part of our project team.

Looking at the school’s requirements, we are also considering other aircraft purchases, possibly a second Musketeer or a Sundowner and also a BE24 Sierra.

Wish us and VH LSS luck! We hope that our ‘Baby Beech’ will enjoy getting out pushed out of the hangar into the sunlight and into the air, in a couple of weeks, and will be a safe and happy aeroplane to fly.

Some pics of VH LSS in its current state, when in flying condition in 2008 and mocked up in Southern flight Training livery.

Roy Manchip MD Ronin Aviation


Please login or Register for a free account via the link in the red bar above to download files.


Top

 Post subject: Re: New Member Ronin Aviation Ptly Ltd and Musketeer VH-LSS
PostPosted: 11 Oct 2021, 01:07 
Offline


User avatar
 Profile




Joined: 06/02/10
Posts: 7236
Post Likes: +4509
Company: Inscrutable Fasteners, LLC
Location: West Palm Beach - F45
Aircraft: Planeless
Good luck, Roy. For Baby Beech specific topics, I'd reach out to the Beech AeroClub. They have a huge repository of info on the Muskateer line, and membership is only $50. Well worth it.

https://www.beechaeroclub.org/bac-visitors/

I might be different in Aus, but in the states, "leaseback" arrangements such as what you are proposing have fallen somewhat into disfavor. They used to print money back in the 70s & 80s for host of reasons, but these days they can be a somewhat maybe/maybe proposition due to the corporate landscape. MX/fuel/insurance and even finance costs were moderated significantly by sweetheart deals from FBOs that cut rates on just about everything and most were dealers so break so on purchase/financing were not uncommon.

Changes in tax laws, and the separation of rental/schools from FBOs is one cause. Now everything an owner pays is full retail and the tax benefits are greatly reduced. Owners can really get stuck if they don't watch the paperwork.

Watch out for "mandatory/minimum" charges and good luck!

Best,
Rich


Top

 Post subject: Re: New Member Ronin Aviation Ptly Ltd and Musketeer VH-LSS
PostPosted: 11 Oct 2021, 02:31 
Offline

 Profile




Joined: 08/25/21
Posts: 5
Company: Between engagements
Aircraft: BE23 Musketeer
Thanks Rich, we'll see how it goes. I'll keep you posted.

Best
Roy


Top

 Post subject: Re: New Member Ronin Aviation Ptly Ltd and Musketeer VH-LSS
PostPosted: 11 Oct 2021, 02:33 
Offline

 Profile




Joined: 08/25/21
Posts: 5
Company: Between engagements
Aircraft: BE23 Musketeer
BAC acknowledged, we are members. As you say, some very useful info at that site.


Top

 Post subject: Re: New Member Ronin Aviation Ptly Ltd and Musketeer VH-LSS
PostPosted: 11 Oct 2021, 03:15 
Offline


User avatar
 Profile




Joined: 05/17/10
Posts: 4402
Post Likes: +1719
Location: canuck
Aircraft: x23mouse
A23 here started in 64 & meant an IO346 Continental engine, that only came in the musketeers, then was orphaned after a few years, early models had manual flaps with 2 settings 15 & 30.

A major consideration with Sundowners is a 180 Hp lyco engine & for a low wing, having an additional pilot side door. They are also wider than prior models known as slab sided.

Early Sierras were 2 door then a big pax/cargo door was added left side, many came with 6 seats (rears mostly for kids) & if relevant, u have to find one that came that way from the factory. Later models were cleaned up with speed mods so are faster. The nosegear had some minor issue but if not addressed, lead to a not fully locked down deal. Dunno what your regs are for logging complex time but could be an issue if over 200hp is a requirement.

Somethings to look out for, are the rubber landing gear donut/pucks shocks, that are likely shot if original and or high time. Original airflow ducting hidden away is known to deteriorate then eat away at alum. Mainframe and or wingspar corrosion can be an issue. There were also wing attach bolts area cracking issues.

There were a couple of aerobatic variants, the Canadian military even used them as primary trainers.

BAC is the way to go for sure.

_________________
nightwatch...


Top

 Post subject: Re: New Member Ronin Aviation Ptly Ltd and Musketeer VH-LSS
PostPosted: 11 Oct 2021, 04:15 
Offline



User avatar
 Profile




Joined: 08/09/08
Posts: 1588
Post Likes: +215
Company: Future Health
Location: Sydney, Australia (YSBK)
Aircraft: 1967 Debonair C33
Welcome to BT and look forward to the Progress of your Muskateer. Once flying, it will bring many enjoyable experiences and I am sure David P is helping out :thumbup:

_________________
AWOL-l- in the FL's
\_____O("")O_____/
........00 0 00

CPLA
CPLH
CFI
US CAN OZ licence


Top

 Post subject: Re: New Member Ronin Aviation Ptly Ltd and Musketeer VH-LSS
PostPosted: 11 Oct 2021, 09:18 
Offline



User avatar
 Profile




Joined: 02/03/11
Posts: 9022
Post Likes: +2501
Company: Gee Bee Aeroproducts
Aircraft: hang glider
Welcome aboard

Baffle seals and doors seals are being installed

Looking forward to pics when complete

GB


Top

 Post subject: Re: New Member Ronin Aviation Ptly Ltd and Musketeer VH-LSS
PostPosted: 12 Oct 2021, 05:08 
Offline

 Profile




Joined: 08/25/21
Posts: 5
Company: Between engagements
Aircraft: BE23 Musketeer
[quote="Jon Simik"]A23 here started in 64 & meant an IO346 Continental engine, that only came in the musketeers, then was orphaned after a few years, early models had manual flaps with 2 settings 15 & 30.

Thank you for your run down on the models. VH-LSS is a '63 with an O-320 engine. The previous owner had the Musketeer's undercarriage overhauled including new rubber shock absorbers, and purchased a new windscreen and side windows, that are being installed.

Re Sundowners and Sierras, acknowledged. The flight school CEO / CFI (now HOO in Australian CASA terminology) has been around the industry for 40 years and is a Bonanza 36 owner, so he knows Beech aircraft, as does our maintenance organisation. We have identified a couple of aircraft of each type for possible future acquisition to meet growth needs, but we are early in the process. See how as the Chinese saying goes.

Best,
Roy


Top

 Post subject: Re: New Member Ronin Aviation Ptly Ltd and Musketeer VH-LSS
PostPosted: 12 Oct 2021, 05:19 
Offline

 Profile




Joined: 08/25/21
Posts: 5
Company: Between engagements
Aircraft: BE23 Musketeer
Username Protected wrote:
Welcome aboard

Baffle seals and doors seals are being installed

Looking forward to pics when complete

GB


The work is proceeding well. Pics attached.

Best,
Roy


Please login or Register for a free account via the link in the red bar above to download files.


Top

 Post subject: Re: New Member Ronin Aviation Ptly Ltd and Musketeer VH-LSS
PostPosted: 12 Oct 2021, 06:42 
Offline


User avatar
 Profile




Joined: 05/17/10
Posts: 4402
Post Likes: +1719
Location: canuck
Aircraft: x23mouse
Here's a wiki breakdown
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beechcraf ... and_Custom

model 23 - Lycoming O-320-D2B engine of 160 bhp
Quote:
The first of the line was the Model 23. It was introduced under the "Musketeer" name as a 1963 model at an initial price of $13,300 and was powered by a Lycoming O-320-D2B engine of 160 bhp (120 kW). The next year this engine was replaced by the Continental IO-346-A engine of 165 bhp (123 kW). This engine was not a success and was in turn replaced by the Lycoming O-360-A4J engine of 180 bhp (130 kW) starting with the B23 Musketeer Custom of 1968.

then over at variants
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beechcraf ... r#Variants

model A23
Quote:
A23 Musketeer II
Four-seat light cabin aircraft, fixed tricycle landing gear, powered by a 165 hp (123 kW) Continental IO-346-A piston engine, gross weight of 2,350 lb (1,066 kg), first certified June 7, 1963.[2]

A23A
Quote:
Four-seat light cabin aircraft, fixed tricycle landing gear, powered by a 165 hp (123 kW) Continental IO-346-A piston engine, gross weight of 2,400 lb (1,089 kg), first certified November 5, 1965.

Cheers

_________________
nightwatch...


Top

 Post subject: Re: New Member Ronin Aviation Ptly Ltd and Musketeer VH-LSS
PostPosted: 12 Oct 2021, 06:59 
Offline


User avatar
 Profile




Joined: 05/17/10
Posts: 4402
Post Likes: +1719
Location: canuck
Aircraft: x23mouse
Username Protected wrote:
A23 here started in 64 & meant an IO346 Continental engine, that only came in the musketeers, then was orphaned after a few years, early models had manual flaps with 2 settings 15 & 30.

Thank you for your run down on the models. VH-LSS is a '63 with an O-320 engine. The previous owner had the Musketeer's undercarriage overhauled including new rubber shock absorbers, and purchased a new windscreen and side windows, that are being installed.

Best,
Roy

Waay better off with the 63 model 23 Lyco 0320 -tons of parts & support in a flight school environment vs the good 64 up A23 variants, but with the orphaned TCM IO346 motor,

Note, the 160 hp O320 was 1 year only in the line, all other O-320s were 150hp in the Sport 19 variants. Tho only a 10hp diff, made a BIG DIFF in useful load.
https://www.aviationconsumer.com/aircra ... musketeer/
Quote:
Not So Hot
The 19/23 series was never a hot performer. Indeed, by 1973, the FAA determined that, when flying at its certificated maximum gross weight of 2250 pounds, the B19 couldnt meet the certification climb performance minimums. In response, AD 73-25-04 was issued, limiting the B19s gross weight to 2000 pounds, a heavy performance hit. A Beech kit raised max gross back up to 2150 pounds, but it the airplane was no load hauler. After 1973, Sports which rolled out of the factory came with the mods already installed.

The model designation can get funky, particularly with the 150hp Sport 19 variants.
B23 can mean Beechraft model 23 but there is also a B23 variant (~68) think 1, maybe 2 year, with an O-360 180hp lyco. It was around that time a pilot side door became optional so there are some early slab sided 23s out there with 2 doors before it became standard when the Sundowner & other variants came online, with an updated body style.

At the end of the early slab sided fixed gear model 23 line, a rare 'Super' variant was available with a 200hp IO-360 Lyco, even rarer some had C/S props.

All Sierras went with the injected 200hp IO-360 Lyco C/S prop.
_________________
nightwatch...


Top

Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Reply to topic  [ 11 posts ] 




You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Jump to:  

Terms of Service | Forum FAQ | Contact Us

BeechTalk, LLC is the quintessential Beechcraft Owners & Pilots Group providing a forum for the discussion of technical, practical, and entertaining issues relating to all Beech aircraft. These include the Bonanza (both V-tail and straight-tail models), Baron, Debonair, Duke, Twin Bonanza, King Air, Sierra, Skipper, Sport, Sundowner, Musketeer, Travel Air, Starship, Queen Air, BeechJet, and Premier lines of airplanes, turboprops, and turbojets.

BeechTalk, LLC is not affiliated or endorsed by the Beechcraft Corporation, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. Beechcraft™, King Air™, and Travel Air™ are the registered trademarks of the Beechcraft Corporation.

Copyright© BeechTalk, LLC 2007-2024

.kingairacademy-85x100.png.
.blackhawk-85x100-2019-09-25.jpg.
.headsetsetc_Small_85x50.jpg.
.AAI.jpg.
.jandsaviation-85x50.jpg.
.planelogix-85x100-2015-04-15.jpg.
.Wentworth_85x100.JPG.
.kingairnation-85x50.png.
.pure-medical-85x150.png.
.gallagher_85x50.jpg.
.centex-85x50.jpg.
.one-mile-up-85x100.png.
.aircraftassociates-85x50.png.
.midwest2.jpg.
.sierratrax-85x50.png.
.chairmanaviation-85x50.jpg.
.lucysaviation-85x50.png.
.aircraftferry-85x50.jpg.
.avionwealth-85x50.png.
.pdi-85x50.jpg.
.concorde.jpg.
.wilco-85x100.png.
.Rocky-Mountain-Turbine-85x100.jpg.
.wat-85x50.jpg.
.Genesys_85x50.jpg.
.tat-85x100.png.
.MountainAirframe.jpg.
.ssv-85x50-2023-12-17.jpg.
.geebee-85x50.jpg.
.airmart-85x150.png.
.ABS-85x100.jpg.
.blackwell-85x50.png.
.daytona.jpg.
.Latitude.jpg.
.CiESVer2.jpg.
.tempest.jpg.
.avfab-85x50-2018-12-04.png.
.shortnnumbers-85x100.png.
.cav-85x50.jpg.
.bpt-85x50-2019-07-27.jpg.
.Marsh.jpg.
.stanmusikame-85x50.jpg.
.camguard.jpg.
.SCA.jpg.
.Foreflight_85x50_color.png.
.kadex-85x50.jpg.
.aeroled-85x50-2022-12-06.jpg.
.Wingman 85x50.png.
.aviationdesigndouble.jpg.
.jetacq-85x50.jpg.
.saint-85x50.jpg.
.ei-85x150.jpg.
.boomerang-85x50-2023-12-17.png.
.dbm.jpg.
.temple-85x100-2015-02-23.jpg.
.traceaviation-85x150.png.
.bullardaviation-85x50-2.jpg.