BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 19 Oct 2012, 09:55

Hello,

I stumbled accross your group while doing some background research on C23 Sundowners. I've found a few online that look like potential alternatives to the legion of C172's out there. I'm a post solo student pilot that intends to begin my IFR training after I finish my Private.

I'd be very interested in hearing more about this plane from you folks!

Andrew

Username Protected · **Posted:** 19 Oct 2012, 09:58

Welcome to Beechtalk. I know nothing about the baby Beeches, but there's a Beech AeroClub that you should check out if you haven't already found it.

http://www.beechaeroclub.org

Username Protected · **Posted:** 19 Oct 2012, 10:04

Welcome Andrew. I don't know the plane well myself, but if you have any specific questions, ask away. There are some real knowledgable people that give freely of their time and advice, as you may have noticed. :thumbup:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Oct 2012, 10:10

There are many who do not like the baby Beeches as alternatives to comparable C & P models. Almost without exception these are people who haven't flown them.

They are solid, reliable AC that are more comfortable than anything else in a comparable class. If your mission is for an AC that makes a good trainer (primary or instrument), fixed gear, cruises 120kts, 2 with lots of bags (3 with light bags, 4 for day trip), and extra range with the option to carry almost 60 gallons (<10gph), then you should really look at the Sundowner.

The previous recommendation to join the Beech Aeroclub is spot on. If you want a tour, testimonials, or a demo flight, let me know where you are and how to reach you & we can probably get someone to meet you.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Oct 2012, 10:28

Andrew,

I am a very new pilot and very new to our Bonanaza so take my comments with that in mind.

When I first started flying, my initial lessons were in our Sundowner. After a 6 year hiatus I restarted lessons and flew a Piper Warrior. If the Sundowner had been available I would have much preferred that plane. The Sundowner always felt more solid.

We used the Sundowner like crazy before we got the Bo. We flew from Northern California to Idaho on a regular basis for work. We also did lots of fun trips. I loved that plane. Of course, now that I am flying the Bo I can't imaging flying a slower plane. Doesn't everyone love speed?

I think the Sundowner is a great plane and a great value.

Good luck

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Oct 2012, 23:51

Thank you all for your welcome and great information (already!).

I will definately look into the beechaeroclub.org as well.

I guess I'm attracted to the baby beech because of the Beech reputation for being a solid plane. (perhaps also because I like the idea of being a teeny bit different from the mainstream Cessna and Piper crowd)

I appreciate the information so far and I'll continue to monitor the threads here.

Thanks again for the warm welcome!

Andrew

Username Protected · **Posted:** 31 Oct 2012, 23:09

Well I took the plunge and now I am the proud owner of a 1974 Beech Sundowner!

I was very fortunate to find one near me in Southern CA. I had the pre-buy done with no big surprises and so soon I'll start my transition to my own airplane.

Perhaps in a few years, my Sundowner will grow up to a Debonair or Bonanza!?! LOL

Username Protected · **Posted:** 31 Oct 2012, 23:41

Congrats Andrew! :thumbup:

You better get those pics on here Quick!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 01 Nov 2012, 01:13

We rolled the pre-buy into the annual and then it's scheduled to get a nice detail job so it may be a few days before she wants to get pictures taken.

I'll be sure to get some pics up when she's all prettied up though!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 01 Nov 2012, 10:49

Welcome aboard and good luck. I used to rent a Sundowner and for a short while had a lease on a Musketeer super 3 which had the 200 HP fuel injected engine. I also flew a Sierra for a while which I really liked except for the jerk of an owner who did not fix things. All of them were nice roomy and easy to fly tanks. Not real fast but a great instrument platform. All of the aforementioned comments were spot on regarding how well built they are. That is probably why Beech could not compete with C&P, they just could not bring their standards down that low to make money on their low end line. It wont take you long to move up, believe me. I went from the Sierra to a Deb real quick.

Have fun with your instrument rating. you wont regret it at all

PL