Perspective -- the dark side of the 35's?

[JoeMammah]

Hello all,

I'm new to the board. There's some great info to browse on this site!

I learned to fly in C172's, and after I got my ticket to learn, I spent time in the club Cherokees and Archers before they went all vanilla a few years ago (insurance) and got rid of all the Pipers. <sigh> So much for variety.

I have a question about the Beech 35's...with all the talk, bad press and disparaging comments (e.g. - 'fork tailed doctor killer'), how is it that there are still so many V-tail enthusiasts?

I've read the rumors. These are supposed to be very nice rides, and easy to control, but, stay away from turbulence and the upper reaches of the published performance envelope. I get it. However, in my neck of the woods (the mountain states) weather pops up while you watch.

Lately, I have been considering a middle-aged V-tail for purchase for a few reasons.

1. Relatively inexpensive (to buy and maintain...supposedly)
2. Performance
3. Capacity
4. LOOKS

I know this is like stirring up a hornets nest, but I'm really looking forward to reading all the different perspectives on this. Lust is fogging my glasses.

[navyretread]

I've done some reading up on the Bonanza owners web site. The biggie for me; aft CG constraints that prevent making use of the published useful load. For me, not being able to load 200-300# in the rear is the real deal killer. My CFI owns a Bonanza and tells me this is more the case with the V tails so you might want to investigate a Debonair or even an A36 if your budget allows. The Debs are pretty reasonably priced.

I mostly rent Warriors these days and like them but I have to say there is no comparison; the Beechs are so much more enjoyable. They say the light aileron forces come at the expense of lateral stability but that's a matter of getting accustomed. IFR might take a little more attention until your scan develops but I would make that tradeoff in a heartbeat.

I learned to fly in a T-34B and I loved it. Unfortunately, those are in very high demand and not practical for most people.

[JCarneal]

Hey Joe,

I'm no expert on the 35, but the downsides I've heard mentioned are aft CG tendencies as it burns fuel and the high price of Beech parts. The upsides, however, are that they are very attractively priced for the airplane you get and organizations like the American Bonanza Society to help with parts, technical info, etc.

Additionally, if you haven't already done so, you should join BeechTalk.com post any questions you have there.

I think you'll find a lot of knowledgeable Bonanza guys can help you there.

Hope this helps,
Jeff

[sternone]

I would advise you to look out for a descent F33A bonanza, that model came out as a cheaper version of the V-tail because it had a normal tail, turned out it was in fact safer if you look to the crash statistics...

What i have read they fixed the problems with the V-tails (check AD's!) but it's just bar-talk that they are bad planes.. in fact they aren't, thats why owner (who really know) tell you they are great

[JoeMammah]

I appreciate all of the excellent input so far, and will be checking back for more. I will have to peek at BeechTalk, and see if there are other perspectives.

I have to admit that I wasn't aware that the CG changed with fuel burn...something that could be a very nasty surprise after a long cross country. Especially if you've thrown a few duffles in the back.