Hi Jesse, congratulations on buying that fine machine. I've owned my 1968 PA310 for 8 years, and absolutely love it. I agree with all the positives that you've brought up. Another one is that it can safely carry a lot of ice unlike the twin Cessnas and Barons. That's one of the reasons they're so popular in Canada. Replacement parts are easy to come by if needed.

Departed Big Bear today.

DA was 9,300'. I had 110 gallons, two guys, some stuff, and a full ice chest on board.

130kias and 1,500fpm initial off the runway.....juicy! We were 2,000 AGL on downwind departure at midfield.

Landing, I think I could stop this plane in under 1,000'. I'm slowly working down to a short short-field and 1,500 is easy.

The cabin is louder than my Baron. I have a very quiet Baron, but I'm surprised this plane will require headsets in the back. Maybe it needs soundproofing at the next annual.

It looks like my Copilot AI is going to go soon. The joys of getting a plane up to speed. BTDT.

I'm getting lots of compliments and questions. The tail is 1.5' higher than my 421 and it has very nice ramp presence. It sits up more like a -90. The interior is narrower and taller than the 421. The entry door is wider, plus with the cargo double door access is greatly improved for loading. Nose baggage is similar to a Baron. The 421 could smuggle 4 big dudes in the nose...

Hangar clearance is 4.5" on either side. We made track with aluminum angle and bolts for pins that keep you from causing hangar rash...works great! One man operation with a golf cart.

This is not what I need to be hearing.

On another note though, would you prefer the pressurization of the 421?

This is not what I need to be hearing.

On another note though, would you prefer the pressurization of the 421?

I flew the Baron today. Yikes, the Navajo is a dump truck compared to the Baron.

Beechcraft are truly special airplanes.

I have been searching the interwebs looking for an advertising video of a Panther Navajo doing touch and goes with one engine feathered. I'm pretty sure I am not imagining this, but maybe the lawyers had them stop using it for fear owners would try it.

Flies like a dump truck....politically incorrect .....should be' " stable instrument platform".

It is hard to find a light twin that is as nimble as a Baron...Beech doesn't become "a stable instrument platform" until the 350....

Before everyone flames, a Baron is a great instrument airplane....and yet, nimble.

Jeff H.

Jeff,

If smooth and stable is the goal, the Navajo is King Daddy. During my initial I don't think we ever came off altitude more than 20' during maneuvers. It is very stable and very easy to fly precisely....but, it was almost shocking going back to the Baron after 15 hours in the Navajo...

How else could you go back to the potty with the plane trimmed out if the Navajo wasn't so stable ?

Some thoughts and a little info:

1: Nice looking bird! They really are good airplanes...aka workhorse

2: It aint never gonna fly like a Baron

3: The material used around the window trim plastic is called ultraleather

4: Don't make a decision too fast on getting rid of the 58 unless you absolutely must
have the additional space.

5: I hope the mechanic on the first pic is NOT the woman mechanic

1. Its a truck

2. You ain't kidding

3. Thank you

4. Too late. A BTr chased me down and threw money at me. Honestly, I feel a little hesitant giving away such a great Baron loaded with options.

5. She's got a great personality :)

I don't think you would have room for winglets.

Whatever a big hangar's gonna cost you - add onto your purchase price. You'll get sick of that setup pretty soon.

Looking forward to hearing about your new giant hangar.

Congrats! I have a bit of time in the Chieftain, and enjoyed every minute of it.
jh

Hey John,

Surprisingly it goes in and out in a minute. I've got dots on the ramp and its no hassle. The DEA added a quick release to the drag link so ground ops are simple with a very tight turning radius. The tracks make it brainless.

The wings are high (around 5') so they are easy to walk under and.... I love my hangar. Its right on the runway (airshow every Saturday morning) and has an RV door in back so the vehicle pulls in one side and the plane comes out the other. Tough to justify $180K for a couple feet of walkaround. Hangars aren't cheap here and I own this one.

This is a cool airplane. Its getting a new AC compressor, expansion valve, and a few other odds and ends today. It has a heated windshield which was inop. Turns out the circuit breaker switch was bad. The only problem is its so hot outside I can't test it on the ground anyway since the system shuts the glass off at 100dF :D

AC work today. I gotta have cold air!

We are installing an OHd compressor along with a new expansion valve and dryer. The system was cooling, but the pressures indicated a weak compressor. After removal its obvious that was the culprit.

We flushed the system with some nasty stuff. "Don't inhale" - yeah good luck with that when you are the bucket man.

Everything ready except Aircomm missed our shipment of the expansion valve so it will be tomorrow before I can wear my parka on the ramp.

I had a few probes that were giving poor indications on the JPI. I discovered loose connections and as usual the star washer was not installed correctly. I also trashed the spark plug ring probe on the #6 and installed bayonets. I'm looking forward to Gami spread testing tomorrow.

I had an intermittent issue with the RE shower of sparks. The system uses a single vibrator that is routed to either engine via the start switch. I pulled the panels and found a molex connector with a crummy looking pin. Cleaned up the connections and used the PFM Stabilant. I expect all is well since the switch and wires all rang out without issue.

New main tire, new CB switch for hot windshield, fuel cap orings...a few other odds and ends.

I love working on these beasts. Therapy.

Please keep posting.
I love reading about it!