February 2007 - American Bonanza Society

BY GENE TONERONALASKA, WASHINGTONf one has never flown a straight 35,~one has not truly flown a Bonanza. Myfanner 1947 Bonanza SIN D-414 wasan outstanding airplane, especiallywhen compared to airplanes of that era.I do not have the words to conveythe feeling ihat you and the airplane areone, which was ever-present whenflying this Bonanza. No matter themaneuver, the airplane seemed to sensemy intention and did it with astonishingease. The lightness and responsivenessof the controls has to be experienced tobe believed.The efficiency and performance ofthe straight 35 could not be matched; adelight to cruise at 175 mph true at 10gph (C I85-11 with 88" electric prop).And what fun to accompany otheraircraft while using less fuel, carryingsimilar loads and arriving first!The airplane took us to many farawayplaces throughout our country,Canada and even as far south as PuertoVallarta, Mexico. But the most fun forme was enjoying the many mountainand short, out-of-the-way airstrips inWashington and neighboring states. Theexcellent cross-country capabilities ofthe straight 35 masked its truly outstandingshort-field performance. One didhave to work at descending if thermalswere present, as the airframe is so light.Stories concerning cost of owning acomplex aircraft did not prove to be truewith my straight 35 at the time. If fact,the engine had 1600 hours on it withouta cylinder being removed and the airframerequired very little maintenance.But the beauty of this red-trimmed,natural aluminum aircraft could not beignored. For some not-understoodreason, people just had to rub theirhands on the polished wi ngs.T have a picture of our airplanebeside N35VB , the IO,OOOth Bonanza,when we attended the ABS Conventionin Milwaukee in 1977. There were 16people around the straight 35, and threelooking at the new Bonanza. What agreat feeling to own such a fine airplane.The early 355 had nice designtouches such as flap gap doors and fuelcap covers. However, maintaining orservicing the instrument panel is not ajob to wish on anyone. My neck achesjust thinking about it, as do my elbowsand shoulders when looking at apolished aluminum airplane! @JOHN KLEIN. Indianapolis, Indiana. earned TED LEWIS, Phoenix, Arizona, earned 170Colorado, earned 110 points by 100 points by completing BPPP and three points with a new Commercial Pilot - Singlecompleting BPPP and tive recognized semi- AOPA Air Safety Foundation online courses: Engine Sea rating, by aMending Advancednars at the 2006 ABS Convention, including GPS for IFR Operations, Soy Intentions and Pilot Seminars' engine managementthe BPPP Mountain Flying ground school. Runway Safety. course, and by completing online training:RAYON WILLIAMS, ScaMs Volley, California. BERT BORNGESSER, Raleigh, North CarOlina,earned 100 paints by completing BPPP earned 110 points by completing hisrecurrent training and the Savvy Aviator Single Engine Sea rating and a tailwheelseminar.endorsement.King Schools' Practical Risk Managementfor Weather and AOPA's Runway Safety.@Page 10045www.bonanza.orgABS February 2007