Beech V35b Bonanza
The history of general aviation is replete with iconic moments. Aviation enthusiasts anchor their memories around their first takeoff, or the time they saw Concorde, or their best greased landing with someone else on board to watch.
You can never escape the tail
The V-tailed Bonanza holds a certain amount of sway in this history of memorable features. Beech designed it in response to a flourishing interest in general aviation, and it was always notable for its performance, comfort, and distinctive design.
This model, a 1972 V35b, has barely over 1700 hours total time on the airframe. Previously owned by a senior UPS pilot, it underwent extensive updates during the pandemic, before its caretaker of the time set his sights on a Baron as his next project.
When it arrived in Warrenton, it was equipped with an overhauled IO520 with about 350 hours on it, with the same time on the McCauley 3-blade prop. It went through shakedown flights and some initial usage, but during its annual in January 2024, a crack was discovered in the light 520 case which triggered a grounding in accordance with the relevant AD. After much discussion, the decision was made to build up a zero-time IO550 and, coupled with the relevant STCs from D’Shannon Aviation, also upgrade the baffling arrangement for both the engine and the engine compartment. Taken together, 1736W re-entered service with more power, better reliability, and a 180-pound gross weight increase.
N1736W at Udvar-Hazy Innovations in Flight, June 15 2024. And some other heap in the background.
It also now features a maximum useful load of 1373.9 pounds. With full tanks (80 gal / 74 gal usable), you can still carry 893.9 pounds in the cabin so long as you don’t fall out of Aft CG. And during engine breakin, at lower power levels, it posted 177 kts ground speed on a downwind leg, and 172 on a corresponding upwind.
It’s also benefited from some other important upgrades. First was a dual yoke to enable checkout flights and instruction. To complement the GFC500 autopilot, the Garmin yaw damper was added to smooth out the “Bonanza Boogie”, and it works a treat. Bose/Lemo jacks were added for both front seats, and replacement throttle and prop control cables were fitted as well.
As it stands, 1736W is a beautiful example of the type. Fully modernized inside, it features a 10”+7” G3X Touch panel with engine monitoring, the aforementioned GFC500 autopilot, a GTN650xi nav/comm GPS with GNC255 secondary unit, GTX345 transponder, GMA345 audio panel, and a G5 backup flight instrument. The pilot’s yoke is equipped with the autopilot disconnect and electric trim in addition to PTT, and a second PTT is mounted on the panel in front of the right seat.
Resplendent in white with maroon accents, 1736W strikes a pose on the ramp
While this pic predates the dual yoke, it’s otherwise how you’ll find the panel today
This way to memories