Jack’s airplane is a 680... same engine as a 700 but without the shortened props (shortened / twisted props add the additional 10 hp I *think* because it allows another couple of inches more at takeoff power). I’ll leave it to those who have passion for either view, but some feel the original prop delivers more thrust at climb and cruise power setting at the expense of noise reduction. Jack’s airplane is a truly cool piece...saw it in person once and was really impressed with what he has done.

I need some help with a G100UL unleaded avgas issue - - and it involves Aerostars!

I need the Weight and balance data on a representative aircraft.

The FAA wants us to calculate some changes in empty W & B due to the slight difference in fuel weight.

I know this is trivial - - but we are being asked to jump through the hoops. Because of the aft location of the fuselage fuel tank, I think the Aerostar is probably an "extreme" corner of the envelope in this unfortunate exercise.

George

PS> Ran into an engineer the other day that was telling stories about working for Ted Smith at Santa Maria. We shared stories as we both knew some of the same people from my days working for Ted and Ron Smith in the summers of 1967, 68 & 69.

George, I just PM'd you a link to my 601P/SS700.

Jason

A friend took this on my way back into the airpark yesterday. I find it interesting how little up elevator is required, even with a forward CG. Now, for those that have flown an A* the control authority comes as no surprise, but I still am amazed as small and as little movement there is in the elevators just how effective they are even at this low of airspeed.

If I had know I had an audience I probably would have screwed up!

Hello All,

I've been calling on a couple of 600A's. I have a few of questions for the group. I apologize if this has been discussed elsewhere. I did read this entire thread; that took a couple of days.

- I keep my current airplane at KSGR, Sugar Land TX. I've become accustomed to the high level of care David Beaver at KDWH provides "Juliet". As David only does Beech, could anyone provide recommendations for the closest highly knowledgeable/experienced Aerostar shop that can provide me with a comprehensive pre-buy, annuals and ongoing maintenance? I'm not a guy, beyond oil changes, that wrenches on his own airplane.

- There are a cornucopia of modifications on this aircraft. Any must haves I should be looking for?

- I might, might, have a desire to operate out of a 2900’ paved sea level runway with clear approaches each end. From some reading I’ve been doing I’m beginning to wonder if that’s wise, even with a below gross 600A. However, what performance information I’ve found online seems to indicate it’s doable. I’m about to order the POH from AAC. Thoughts?

Thank you in advance for your time and thoughts!

Mike

Aerostar Owners Association keeps a comprehensive list of experienced A* wrenchers in each state. It's money well spent to join that club.



Yes, there are quite a few for the pressurized models, but the 600A has less. But on my list would be:

6-puck brake system
VG's
Aux. tank
Engine driven A/C
Machen exhaust mods (most have them by now)



It can be done, but doesn't leave ton of margin. I know a guy who was based out of a 1900ft strip, so it's certainly possible. My 601P needed about 2000ft for takeoff, but they're sluggish climbers before they reach blue line. 3500ft is more comfortable.

Mike L.,

I occasionally still visit https://aerostar-forum.com/
There is a fair amount of overlap with Aerostar Owners.

The mechanic I used for a little while for some AOG issues in KJYO used to maintain and fly an Aerostar charter/check service in the 70s and 80s out of Smoketown PA S37.

Tim

Adam, thanks. I just got off the phone with the service department at Aerostar Aircraft and they were scratching their heads about anyone in the greater Texas area. I'll have to put some more thought into it, but The Flight Shop in Utah or AAC in Idaho looks to be the closest.



That list seems to be the consensus . Thanks.



I just ordered a POH for the 1979 or later models. I will have to sit down with it and the accelerate-stop charts to see where the numbers would be with the margins I add and the reduced take off weight I would use. Fortunately one runway end has a 500' grass overrun and then a long distance over water.

Adam, I've enjoyed your YT videos. Looking forward to your next updates.

Tim,

Thanks. I joined a few days ago and posted a similar inquiry there. KJYO would be a bit far. But I appreciate the recommendation.

My geography skills might not support this, but I think Aerostar World in Alabama would be closer. Don Smith worked for the factory in Santa Maria in the 70's, sells and services Aerostars only, as well as does initial and recurring training on them. He has closer to 20000hrs in them alone. Nobody knows more about them than him and his shop is reasonable in price. I recommend him highly. But it might be further than Utah from Texas.

Your geography skills are spot on. Aerostar World is by far the closet - under 3 hours in a 600A. Even after living in the Houston area for over 12 years, I still forget sometimes how far east we are.

Look for JG earlier in the thread. He "trained" up his mechanics and JG just sold his Aerostar. So they likely are still "current"

Tim

You want to be careful here. Wing extensions alone provide a 200 lbs. useful load increase for the 600 models. Roughly a 170 lbs. net increase in useful load. For the most part this is not available for the P models. They already have the longer wings.
In addition, most P models on average weigh (the real POH weights) 400 lbs. to 500 lbs. more that the 600s. You will feel the difference in all phases of flight as you will with the wing extensions before and after installation on the 600. Winglets are also a serious consideration if you plan on doing extensions. Do your homework and ask a lot of questions.

Mike, The best guy in the area is Wes Wright at Flies Wright at KCXO. He worked at Aerostar and knows the plane.

Eric, thanks. Yes, Wes’s name has come up several times now. KCXO would be convenient as my avionics shop is there also.