That's a really great needs analysis write up - agree with all your points - and it looks like you've got a really perfect 601B for your needs. Us Baron drivers will wave as you pass by....

Left Gainesvile (KGNV) early Saturday AM, @FL230 had a nice tail wind on the way back to Norfolk (KORF), 2:10 wheels off to wheels on (burned 70 gallons). Ground speed in cruise was over 270Kts.

OAT was -25C

Bleed heat did its job, I left my jacket in the back with the dog.

No significant weather enroute.

Nice trip.

Ted Smith designed a very nice airplane.

Pictures:

An earlier Ted Smith design was parked next to me in Gainesville.



The fuzzy dice are a nice touch.


Couple more pictures:



It would be cool to own both, one for long trips and one to sneak into little out of the way grass strips.

Check out the cowlings on that Shrike. There's more than Lycoming IO-540's lurking underneath me thinks....

Those are 540's. The inside cowel doors are open.

Morning Jerry, I think not. Blow that photo up - it's not an inboard cowl door that's open - looks like an intercooler airscoop (??) on the top of the cowling. Also look at the badge aft of the pilot door.... Maybe a Merlyn conversion?

It's a Merlyn 350 Turbo Shrike. That bird used to be set up for aerial photography, had dual cameras in the cabin.

http://www.merlynproducts.com/350c.html

Was for sale couple years ago @ Eagle Creek.

http://www.eagle-creek.com/wp-content/uploads/cutsheets/aero-commander-500s-shrike-for-sale.pdf.

That Citation in the back also set up for taking photos and has a search radar installed.

Merlyn Shrike Commander - 350hp a side from Lycoming TIO-540-J2B(D) engines.

This is the one to have on short airstrips. The only two other ones that have a shorter t/o is the 520 and the 560F, probably.

You are correct Sven. There was one at my airport for a while. It was a maintenance HOG and nightmare. The owners traded for a condo in Florida . I think the buyer and seller both got a bad deal.

Fun video for the weekend:
http://youtu.be/mggdWAVKgR4
Enjoy.

Started researching Aerostars for maybe next adventure - any hangar, ramp, towing quirks to look out for? Would electric golf cart work for moving n towing?

Thanks.

Jim,

The top of the rudder is higher than many aircraft 13-14'. May or may not fit in a T-hangar due to the wings being at the mid-point in the fuselage. Where are you located? A golf cart would be OK but could be difficult if there is ice/snow on the ground.

It's a great choice for a next step up in aircraft

Glenn

Thanks Glenn,

Northern IN. Hangar is big enough 'cept for door height. Figure a ramp will lower tail to get in n out. Wasnt sure on turning nose wheel due to taxi steering system.

Aerostars have perhaps narrower nose limits for towing than many others. Normally they're marked on front of nose. Make sure you don't exceed those limits as it might break stuff.

Aerostars are great aircraft. I have only good things to say about them. They rock.