Piloting, Owning and Operating a Beech Bonanza A36 - www.gotoair.com

Bonanza A36 to Cumbernauld

2012-03-13T21:23:00.002Z

I took the Bonanza to Cumbernauld near Glasgow today to attend a meeting.

There was a 2000ft cloud base at Cumbernauld but with some fairly hefty hills around there I had to plan my descent carefully. On the way back Blackpool had a 1000ft cloud base so I flew an ILS approach which was great. I don't often to that in anger.

I took a couple of pictures of mountain tops in the Lake District as I flew back and a video. It just shows off the beauty of flight when you can climb on top in perfectly still air. I really think us pilots are incredibly lucky to be able to do that.

and a video

I flew the Bonanza at 23/23, that's 2300rpm and 23 inches of manifold pressure. That's a mid cruise setting. My true air speed was 176 knots. I think in the video you can a CAS of 164 knots. I was at 5100ft and the air temperature was 11 degrees C. That's pretty impressive as the max cruise speed is supposed to be 176 knots at 6000ft although I think that is quoted fully laden but I was on my own today. Nonetheless a pretty impressive plane.

Also the take-off distance at Cumbernauld was only 303 metres without any flap and no short field techniques.

New landing light (yet again)

2012-03-03T15:11:00.000Z

We have just replaced the landing light for 10 millionth time at a cost of about £50. I have now ordered a new LED landing light which costs about £500 but lasts forever. I guess I should do the taxi light as well but maybe that can be done in the future.

G-FOZZ Beech Bonanza A36 Annual Inspection

2012-01-18T08:35:00.000Z

Well we have had yet another annual inspection completed on our Beech Bonanza A36 and this time a few small issues to be dealt with that cost an extra 25 hours labour.

Here is the bill below

To Annual Check and ARC Renewal of A36 Bonanza G-FOZZ

Entering all flights for journey log into Aircraft log books. 60.00

2 x Inline Filters (Pressure System) 84.44

2 x Inlet Filters (Pressure System) 60.00

1 x Induction Air Filter 22.00

10 Qts W80 Oil 66.00

1 x Undercarriage Uplock Cable 125.00

Paint and Sundries, Screws, Split Pins Etc 65.00

Standard Annual Check (Complex) 1600.00

Radio Annual Check / Certification 200.00

ELT Battery 85.69

Static Wick 37.00

Additional Defect Rectification:-

Fit undercarriage Uplock cable, Retraction Tests,

De-corrode and re-paint undercarriage retract links,

De corrode and paint engine, repairs to rear door mechanism.

25 hours labour. @ 40.00 1000.00

Survey by xxxxxxxxxxxxx 600.00

CAA ARC Fee 108.00

SUBTOTAL. 4113.13

VAT. 822.63

TOTAL £4935.76

Flying again. It was just the best day.

2012-01-14T19:36:00.000Z

Having not managed to get out in G-FOZZ for a good few weeks I took the opportunity today to go on a short flight to stretch my wings. I was in for a treat.

The weather was perfect. Cold, severe clear for miles and completely still air. I tried a max power cruise and got a TAS of 184 knots at just 3000 feet. Not something I normally do due to rising fuel costs but I am glad I did. It is just amazing the effect that cold air has on that engine.

I landed at a wonderful little airfield owned by ex superbike racer Jamie Whitham and had a cup of tea with some of the local flying members in the international arrivals cabin/static caravan. What a very nice bunch. Mr Whitham popped in soon after and was equally charming.

I don't know what is around the airfield but I strongly recommend you drop in to say hello.

I quick journey back and

after I parked G-FOZZ in the hangar at the wonderful Hangar 3 facility.

Insurance Renewal for G-FOZZ A 36 Beech Bonanza

2011-08-26T16:34:00.000+01:00

Its that time again and the insurers have decided that despite being a loyal customer and never having a claim they were going to ask for £600 extra premium this year. I wasnt happy with that so I have shopped around and managed to get another quote to cover the plane at the same price as I paid last year, Around £3600.

Now on the face of it I should be pleased but it begs the question why it costs so much to insure a plane that flies about 60 hours each year and little chance of being stolen against my Maserati Gran Turismo that cost 60% of the price that it cost to buy the Bonanza but costs less than £700 to insure and is driving on busy roads on a daily basis.

It shows that premiums in aviation are a rip-off pretty much like everything else in this industry I guess!

Damaged bracket for landing gear

2011-08-26T16:27:00.000+01:00

There was a fault with the A36 Bonanza landing gear that required a new bracket ordering from the States and a small repair. The total cost was £636.

New tyres and 50 hour check

2011-07-07T08:37:00.000+01:00

This week we needed to have a 50 hour check on G-FOZZ, our Beech Bonanza A36. While having the check it was deemed that we needed to replace all 3 tyres. The cost of the service and tyres was a shade under £1400.

The Prop was done beautifully by Brinkley

2011-06-25T09:08:00.000+01:00

We got the prop back from Brinkley Aviation last week and I have to say they did a beautiful job. Quite simply the prop looked new. The dent it had in one of the blades has magically vanished too.

It wasn't cheap at £3800 including VAT but that was one of the most competitive quotes I got. Also it was completed in pretty much the same time quoted which was just over a week. Much faster than any other company quoted.

I can't hesitate in offering a superb reference for Brinkley Aviation.

Propellor Overhaul

2011-06-07T09:06:00.000+01:00

The Bonanza has had its prop removed and shipped to Brinkley Aviation for its 6 year overhaul this week. They offered the fastest turn around and a competitive price and by far the best service on the phone with a clear description of what work was required and what it would cost. I will wait to see if they do the job as efficiently. This company did it 6 years ago too.

Bonanza, 6 people, one wheelchair and 4 ladies worth of luggage

2011-06-06T15:03:00.000+01:00

Last week we headed off for the annual Forrest family UK holiday in the plane which this year we decided was to be in Jersey. This was a great example of a trip that is made easier by owning a plane. Well it would be easier if we didn’t have to try to cram six people of which four are ladies and one has a wheelchair and two of the male species with the corresponding luggage for a week away and clothes for every kind of weather.

Surprising as it may sound it is definitely possible to cram all this in to a Bonanza A36 and stay within weight and balance requirements. To do this you need to practice however as the Bonanza A36 is not well endowed with storage space, the most being in the rear compartment but is limited to eighty pounds and the other compartment behind the pilot seat narrows quickly as you stack things up.

You can also pack smaller bags under the co-pilots feet and under all the seats but only so long as you put everything in smaller bags. Now we have done this before so this holiday we bought some very soft but strong holdalls and also packed much of our clobber in small bags which we then crammed in to every nook and cranny but it certainly was tight. To put it in perspective though when we got back we had to have bags on a laps in our Audi Q7 even with one of the seats folded down so the Bonanza ha actually swallowed an enormous amount but I would still like more room as the ladies in my life get bigger!

The journey to Jersey at economy cruise of about 155 knots took 1.9 hours. Parking A Beech Bonanza A36 at Jersey Airport for a week and including the landing fee was about £25. Absolutely incredible!

A strong crosswind and a Bonanza A36

2011-05-10T08:55:00.000+01:00

This weekend we went to a wedding in Wales. We landed at Aberporth airfield on Friday in what was projected to be a hefty crosswind. I had worried all week that we may need to drive the five hours instead of flying the 40 minutes but thankfully it never came to that. The wind on approach was low.

On Sunday when we were due to leave it was a lovely sunny and warm day but with a stonking crosswind that varied between 14 knots directly across the main tarmac runway and 20 gusting 34. I agonised as to what option to take as there was a grass strip that was uphill, only 540 metres and wet or there was the tarmac with the direct crosswind. As we were very heavy with luggage and people the tarmac seemed the best option. I decided to wait on the tarmac runway until the wind dropped for a minute or two and with the help of the tower who kept me abrest of the wind readings get the best opportunity to go.

Once the instant wind reading was below 17 knots I held the Bonanza on the runway until I hit eighty knots with the controls turned towards the wind and then when I felt the Bonanza could not stay on the ground any more I took off and turned immediately towards the wind. Apart from a few jolts of turbulence the take-off was pretty unremarkable. Once we turned back towards Blackpool at 2500ft we had a 40 knot tailwind!

On return to Blackpool the projected crosswind there was not apparent.

Life Raft add to my A36 Bonanza

2011-04-20T17:59:00.000+01:00

I have often considered adding a life raft to the G-FOZZ Bonanza inventory but have put it off for various reasons. I have flown literally hours over water, mostly across the sea around Morecambe Bay and across to Wales but only ever had life jackets onboard. As I have an upcoming flight to Jeresy next month I decided now was to the time to add a life raft. Actually you could say that "now" is actually seven years later than I should have done!

Anyway I purchased a Survival Products Inc 4-6 man life raft with a hood which weighs a total of 13lbs and is the size of a small box file. A little more peace of mind when crossing water I guess. The cost was approximately £1200 from Harry Mendlesshon.

Leaning problem resolved. A beautiful flight

2011-04-17T22:17:00.000+01:00

We took the A36 for a jaunt today to West Wales Aberporth airfield. For those of you that have not been it is a lovely little airfield in would you believe West Wales!

They are an amazingly friendly bunch there. John who was on the radio today was a very pleasant man who helped us out with directions for our walk into Aberporth, cups of tea, biscuits and cakes. A truly great service.

Anyway back to the Bonanaza. As I said last time we had suffered a bit of rough running but since the new plugs etc this was the first time I had flown it and I have to say it is smoother now than it has been for years. I am not sure exactly what the problem was but it started like a dream which is not common for G-FOZZ and I was able to lean it both rich and lean of peak amazingly smoothly. Obviously something was wrong previously and that something has been fixed!

Leaning wasnt so smooth

2011-03-28T10:29:00.000+01:00

Recently I had noticed that when leaning my A36 Bonanza, the IO550b engine wasnt as smooth as it used to be. An engineer had a look and decided that it would be worth cleaning the fuel injectors (ultrasonic cleaning I believe) and then replacing the spark plugs. The bill for that came to £413.88 of which £264 was the spark plugs! I remember years ago that a spark plug for my Vespa was £1.95. I should have stuck to Vespas.

Garmins showing 15200 feet

2011-03-10T18:40:00.002Z

Bonanza at 15700 Feet

2011-03-10T18:31:00.003Z

I had to hold my breath to get my Bonanza A36 up to 15700 feet last weekend. I just wanted to see how it got there. It is not likely I will often fly at that altitude but it climbed impressively and was still going at 400ft per minute as I levelled off there.

Actually I was also wearing a mountain high oxygen kit as well and had a pulse oximeter to test my oxygen saturation levels.

A36 that only likes to turn left

2011-02-28T18:07:00.000Z

We had an issue with the Bonanza A36 G-FOZZ that it would only suddenly only turn left when on the ground (thankfully not in the air) and this was traced to a broken Spring for the Steering Bungee assembly apparently. This has now been replaced and the cost was approximately £200 including parts and labour.

Replacing A36 Bonanza Seat Belts

2011-02-24T18:03:00.000Z

This week we have replace the two front over the shoulder parts of the seat belts at a cost of £250. They had been on the plane since 1993 and were worn and twisted and tangled easily.

G-FOZZ repairs and the Bonanza A36 that liked to turn left

2011-02-09T10:41:00.000Z

Just to keep you updated, G-FOZZ had an issue with the on ground steering, apparently it only liked to turn left for a while due to a malfunction in the rudder pedal connection! The parts have been obtained and are being fitted today.

Also we are removing the over the shoulder part of the seat belts today to send them away to be re-webbed as they were very worn and twisted. I am a keen wearer of over shoulder harnesses and they were showing their age and often twisted and tangled as you let them in or out.

Beec Bonanza A36 Emergency Procedures Q and A

2011-02-06T19:36:00.000Z

I found these useful questions and answers to help a Beech Bonanza A36 pilot learn some of the more critical numbers. I found them very useful.

Obviously this is available in the POH but its a handy reference on here too.

Emergency High Speed descent IAS 154 KIAS

Emergency descent configuration Power - IDLE; Propeller - HIGH RPM; Landing Gear - DOWN; Flaps - APPROACH

Maximum range glide speed 110 KIAS

Maximum range glide configuration Landing Gear - UP; Flaps - UP; Cowl flaps - CLOSED; Propeller - PULL LEVER FULL AFT (LOW RPM); Airspeed - 110 KIAS; ELT Switch - ON; Air Conditioning - OFF; Nonessential Electrical Equip. - OFF

What is the glide ratio and glideslope in the proper configuration 1.7 NM per 1,000 of altitude;

What is an important note for the landing gear during a maximum range glide, landing without power, or propeller overspeed? The landing gear will not retract unless the throttle is in a position corresponding to approximately 17 in. Hg manifold pressure or above as there is a built in protection to not put the gear up during landing configuration.

Give an example where the pilot would have to remember the note about the landing gear during a maximum range glide? One possible scenario would be an engine fire that requires the pilot to perform an emergency descent. While in the descent the fire is extinguished and the pilot must then transition into the maximum range glide configuration, which will increase his time to locate a suitable landing spot. While in the emergency descent the throttle is brought to idle. If the pilot forgets to adjust the throttle position forward while configuring for maximum glide, then the landing gear will not retract thus decreasing the glide ratio.

What are the most probable causes of engine failure Loss of fuel flow, ignition system malfunction, or blockage of the induction system.

What is the correct procedure for an engine failure during takeoff ground roll? Throttle - CLOSED; Braking - MAXIMUM; Fuel Selector - OFF; Alternators - OFF; Battery - OFF

Initially, what is the correct procedure for an inflight engine failure? Airspeed - IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF-85 KIAS, WITH SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE-110 KIAS; Landing Site - QUICKLY DIRECT THE AIRCRAFT TO THE MOST FAVORABLE SITE; Fuel Selector Valve - SELECT OTHER TANK; Magnetos - CHECK BOTH; Aux Fuel Pump - HI; Mixture - FULL RICH, THEN LEAN AS REQUIRED

If the engine does not restart after your initial attempt, then what do you do? Aux Fuel Pump - OFF; Mixture - FULL RICH; Magnetos - CHECK LEFT, RIGHT, THEN BOTH; Alternate Air T-Handle - PULL AND RELEASE

If the engine still does not restart after your second attempt, then what do you do? Select most favorable landing site. Use of the landing gear is dependent on the terrain. Proceed with the LANDING WITHOUT POWER checklist.

What is the correct procedure for landing without power? When landing is assured: Fuel Selector Valve - OFF; Mixture - IDLE CUT-OFF; Magnetos - OFF; Flaps - DOWN (30 DEG.); Landing Gear - DOWN or UP (DEPENDING ON TERRAIN); Airspeed - 85 KIAS; Alternators - OFF; Battery - OFF

What is the correct procedure for a rough running engine? Aux Fuel Pump - LO; Mixture - FULL RICH, THEN LEAN AS REQUIRED; Magnetos - CHECK LEFT, RIGHT, THEN BOTH; Alternate Air T-Handle - PULL AND RELEASE

What is the correct procedure for an inflight engine fire? Firewall Air Control Knob - PULL TO CLOSE; Fuel Selector Valve - OFF; Mixture - IDLE CUT-OFF; Alternator - OFF; Battery - OFF; Magnetos - OFF; Engine - DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESTART; See Maximum Glide Configuration, Landing Without Power, and Landing Gear Manual Extension Procedures

What is the correct procedure for an engine fire on the ground? Fuel Selector Valve - OFF; Mixture - IDLE CUT-OFF; Alternator - OFF; Battery - OFF; Magnetos - OFF; Fire Extinguisher - EXTINGUISH FIRE

What is the correct procedure for landing with power and with the gear retracted? When landing is assured:Throttle - CLOSED; Mixture - IDLE CUT-OFF; Alternators - OFF; Battery - OFF; Magnetos - OFF; Fuel Selector Valve - OFF; Maintain wings level during landing; Evacuate the airplane as soon as possible after it stops.

What is the correct procedure during a propeller overspeed? Throttle - RETARD; Airspeed - REDUCE UNTIL RPM IS AT OR BELOW 2700 RPM (start with 120 KIAS); Oil Pressure - CHECK; Land - AS SOON AS PRACTICAL

What is the correct procedure when the "START" annunciator illuminates? During Ground Operations: Alternators - OFF; Battery - OFF; DO NOT TAKEOFF; Mixture - IDLE CUT-OFF

What is the correct procedure when the "LOW BUS VOLTS" and "STBY ALT ON" annunciators illuminate? There is no need to perform this by memory. Take your time and pull out the checklist in the POH.

Initially, what is the correct procedure when electrical smoke or fire is present? The action to be taken must consider existing conditions and equipment installed. Usually the following items should be accomplished. Alternators - OFF; Battery - OFF; Heading Control - MAGNETIC COMPASS; Firewall Air Control - PULL TO CLOSE (if smoke or fire is present in the engine compartment); All Electrical Switches - OFF

What can you do to aid the dissipation of smoke once the source of fire is extinguished? Firewall Air Control - FULL FORWARD (if engine is not source of smoke); Forward Sidewall Ventilation Outlets - OPEN; Overhead Fresh Air Outlets - OPEN

Once the electrical smoke and fire has ceased, how do you restore electrical power to isolate the defective equipment? Battery - ON; ALTERNATORS - ON; Essential Electrical Equipment - ON ONE AT A TIME

If smoke persists of if extinguishing of fire is not confirmed, what should you do? Pilot's storm window - OPEN; Land - AS SOON AS PRACTICAL
In most cases, what is the correct correct procedure for manually extending the landing gear? There is no need to perform this by memory. Take your time and pull out the checklist in the POH.

What is the correct procedure for an unlatched door in flight? Maintain control of the airplane. Do not attempt to close the door until after landing. All Occupants - FASTEN SEATBELTS. Land as soon as practical using Normal Procedures. If occupant can assist from right seat, then have them hold the door during and after landing to prevent it from swinging open.

What is the correct procedure if a spin is entered inadvertently? Control column - FULL FORWARD, AILERONS NEUTRAL; Full Rudder - OPPOSITE THE DIRECTION OF THE SPIN; Throttle - IDLE; Rudder - NEUTRAL WHEN ROTATION STOPS; Execute smooth pullout.

Annual cost a shade of £3000

2011-01-24T17:39:00.000Z

I got my bill for the annual today, it was a shade over £3000.

This year also G-FOZZ needs the propeller overhaul as the six year rule applies and it is likely to need a new blade as one of them is down to minimums. A propeller overhaul is very expensive!

The Bonanza is flying again

2010-12-08T14:05:00.000Z

Finally after a enforced bureaucratic delay the Bonanza A36 G-FOZZ is flying again. I am looking forward to getting out in it again. If it snows I am going to go and take a look at the country from above!

EASA Waste of time and money

2010-12-02T18:17:00.000Z

Now on the whole I could be seen as a supporter of greater European integration. I like the idea about Europe acting as a large force and having cross border rules that make it easier to travel and do business.

but.........

Despite initially liking EASA I have this year and last year been able to enjoy paying the extra costs of the Continuous Airthworthiness nonsense that adds a huge bundle of paperwork to getting the annual done but for zero benefit to me (or indeed anyone as far as I can see).

This year is especially great. I cant get the man who signs off the paperwork and inspects the Bonanza to come because of the weather so although G-FOZZ has had its annual completed a week ago it is still sitting in the hangar waiting for this extra paperwork. The annual has been done by the same man for 6 or 7 years and nothing has changed, apart from the rules. No I pay higher bills for the annual and there are more forms filled out but it is still the same Beech Bonanza A36 in the hangar. And to cap it all it always takes longer (based on two years) and so the plane sits in the hangar longer.

It costs roughly the value of me doing ten more hours of flying in the Bonanza A36 to pay for the extra paperwork so perhaps I do ten hours less flying so how does that make me safer?

New Plastics

2010-11-23T15:55:00.000Z

There comes a time in life when we all look tired and just lately I have been looking at the Bonanza and thinking despite her teenage years, her interior plastics are looking like they have had their day so it was time to splash out.

During the annual service we have decided to replace a fair few of these tired parts with nice new plastics. We purchased around $1000 of them to replace the cracked and broken ones and they will be making their debut soon.

The prop was fine

2010-11-01T10:03:00.001Z

Actually realised I hadn't updated this blog since I posted that we had a problem with the prop but it turned out it was a crankshaft oil seal which sounds serious but apparently wasn't as bad as a problem with the prop and was fixed within a couple of days.