June 2002 - American Bonanza Society

N1397ZRichard BarnettWaldron, ArkansasA Beryl O'Shannon ponel wilh new avionics helped make N1397Z Richard Barnett's dream Bonanza.As a child I dreamed of becominga pilot and owning an airplane butnever believed it could become a reality.[ starred my flying hobby with ultralightsbut advanced to a Cessna 172 thatI purchased before I had even finishedmy flying lessons.In 1986, I got my private pilot'Scerrificate and began the years of enjoymentthat [ get from flying. Now I amable to integrate pleasure flying andwork from my trucking business whichoperatesout of two different areas.Since the 172, I have owned aCessna 182, another 172, a Piper Warriorand, most recently and my favorite, this1961 N35 Bonanza that my wife and Ipurchased in 1995.In August 2000 we had a slowspeedminor incident with a collapsednose wheel. Until that time, we hadflown the plane with only annual inspectionsand normal maintenance attention.Insurance was allowing funds for check:ing the motor due to prop strike, and anew prop, repairs to the underside andgear doors along with a small amountallowed for painting those areas. Sincerepairs were taking place anyway, wedecided we would take the opponunityto update.When all was said and done, wehad upgraded to a three-blade HanzellN1397Z's newly renovated interior.prop, rebuilt the engine to new specswith GAMIjectors, repainted the exterior,put in a new speeds lope windshield,had the interior recovered, had it paintedand recarpeted and installed a newBeryl D'Shannon panel with newavionics' cOllfilllled 011 page 7306Down and Richard Barnett atAirVenlure 2001 W/lereN 1397Z was recognizedas the 'OutstondingSingle·engine Beechcroft.'