december 2011 volume 11 • number 12 - American Bonanza Society

Forum ABS Idea and Information ExchangeABS extends condolencesto the family & friends of theseABS members who recentlypassed away.James DixonBowman, GeorgiaA member since 1990he flew a 1952 C35.Charles J. BornManhattan, KansasA member since 1979he flew a 1968 V35A.Robert W. KeeneWarwick, New YorkHe was a member since 1970.I just read an article in the August 2011 ABS magazine (“A Fix for the BonanzaDoor Hold Open Rod Problem”), and it reminded me of a similar article Ihad published in the September 2007 issue (pg. 10411). Mine can be done byanyone, costs pennies, and has worked “like a charm” for over six years.— Rob Weinberg(Members may read back issues of ABS Magazine by clicking on the link atthe left column at www.bonanza.org. A correction to the drawing Mr. Weinbergprovided was published on page 10605 in the January 2008 issue. —Ed)Here is a suggestion for avoiding the selection of landing gear up, rather thanflaps up, while taxiing: Leave the flaps down until pre-start checklist of the nextflight. This means never, ever reaching for the flap handle while on the groundexcept for going from full flaps to takeoff flaps just prior to engine start, when theairplane is not moving or even shaking from the engine running. It also meansless wear on the flap motor (eliminates one landing flaps retraction at shutdownplus one take-off flap’s extension at start-up). And it also means no damage tothe right flap hinge and/or actuator caused by heavy people stepping on theflap. When the flaps are full down, they have to step over the flap onto the wingwalk rather than stepping on the almost-vertical flap. Make sure “no step” isemblazoned on the flap’s wing walk material and just in front of it, on the paintthat is in view when the flaps are full down. I’ve done this for seven years onmy Baron and nobody (heavy or light) steps on the flap, ever. —Perry WilsonONE STOP SHOPfor all your engine needs!34 AMERICAN BONANZA SOCIETY DECEMBER 2011