Hello BT, new and old. Joining feels like talking to a girl out of your league. Pilot 4 years. IFR a year ago. 400 hours. Rent an SR22 as no other capable aircraft available for comfort, speed, safety and family. 46, 4 kids but two in college. Fly out of Concord, CA ( Buchanan, KCCR ). Enjoy the Cirrus but when a 36 or a V-tail goes gear up on departure I can't help but sigh. Looking at a couple 35's in NorCal. Basic questions likely discussed a million times. 520 or look for a 550 upgrade ? Yaw a real issue for a sensitive wife who prefers the back seat ? Last: Any Buchanan pilots willing to talk, fly, rent, or partner up ? 33, 35, or 36.

Someone give this man a ride.

Now, Bryan, welcome to BT.

I have a 36 with a 520 and find it to be great. With that said, get a 550 if you can, but I would not overlook a 520 if it were the right plane and the right deal 550 is more than 520.

Now if you really want sexy ...you want a 35 - they are REAL Bonanzas.

-MO

Welcome to Beech Talk Bryan, hopefully you will find the right Bonanza for your mission.
Go on the American Bonanza Society web site and pull up the Ambassador program list, there are quite a few Bonanza owners signed up to give prospective owners a ride, etc. I'm sure there's someone in your area listed.

As to the tail wagging issue, worst case is you'll need a yaw damper ($5-6k for a new install) but for the vast majority of Bo drivers, learning to keep a foot or two on the pedals in turbulence combined with a tolerance for the motion built up in frequent passengers is sufficient.

new member. cirrus pilot.



around these parts it's cirrus driver

welcome aboard bryan

I used to have an SR22. I've been a pilot 4 years also. Welcome.

Welcome, Bryan.

Engine: I have a 520 and the airspeed runs up against the yellow arc in straight and level flight. They say the 550 improves climb and speed, but no one thinks the 520 is underpowered. You didn't hear it from me, but I sometimes think the most important thing is bragging rights -- "I've got the bigger engine."

Tail Wag: It's real, but a yaw damper makes it much better. It also happens in the 33's and 55 Barons; it isn't the V-tail. They say the long-bodies are better. I don't know.

All of the Bonanzas have a rather short body, which makes them all tail wag, most noticeable in the back seat, though members of this forum disagree on whether the 35 is the worst - probably is, but curable with the yaw damper. Some people install a rudder skeg but that appears to be useless.

The 550 is probably one of the best engines TCM has built. It appears to have slightly better fuel distribution than the 520 and so somewhat easier to run LOP, which saves big time on fuel cost. One other issue is whether you plan to head east over the Sierras/Rockies. I'd personally prefer a turbo for that, either 520 or 550.

Hi Bryan, I'm also based at KCCR. My hangar is row AA in the east ramp next to the 32R runup area. If you ever want to check out a 55 baron let me know.

Thanks for the welcome and helpful info. A very good start. I have compiled a list of pilots from the Ambassador program in my area and will reach out. I will add Adam to the list as well so thanks for the offer.

Bryan,

If the miss us likes to ride in the back, get the yaw damper. Trust me, I speak from experience having owned a 36 sans yaw damper. Can't tell you how many barf bags we went through. It will the best investment you will make.

On the 520 versus the 550, definitely the 550 on a 36. I did have a 520 black edition on a 33 and frankly it was the best plane I ever flew.

Lots of luck

Hi Bryan, I'm also based at KCCR. My hangar is row AA in the east ramp next to the 32R runup area. If you ever want to check out a 55 baron let me know.

Bryan -

I'm also at KCCR - and looking for an airplane and partner.

I'll send you a PM.

Jeffrey

Welcome to BT Bryan!

Bryan,,
I just gave a ride to another Concord guy last week.. jeffrey Davis..... do you know him? He just got his instrument ticket.......
Anyway..... if you want a ride..... come on over to Sacramento and I'll take you up...


Oh... I just noticed he's looking for a partner a couple of posts up... he must have like the bonanza....

Mike