Student Pilot Attempts Short Field Landings in Old V-Tail Pt. 1

[@stevenwg2360]

Hey, I have about 150 hours in C172s and PA28s. How difficult do you think it would be to transition into a Beechcraft 35? Thanks a lot for talking us through your approaches! Great flying!

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

I can’t speak to the difficulty of transitioning to a 35 from a 172 as I’ve never flown one and don’t know their flight characteristics, but I had 30 hours in a warrior before transitioning to my dads B35 and it was a simple transition. If you can handle a PA-28 then I think a bonanza would be no problem. The differences to consider: 1. complex gear Goes without saying, but retractable adds a layer of complexity not seen with fixed gear. The good news is bonanzas are slick enough that an approach to landing with gear up is almost impossible because you can’t slow the plane down provided you follow the early bonanza gospel: never I mean never lower flaps before gear. If flaps are down with gear up it can simulate the drag of the gear resulting in a gear up landing. Always lower gear first when slowing the plane down. 2. Variable pitch/constant speed prop Depending on model of 35 you switch over to, you will be dealing with either an electric prop (variable pitch) or a Hartzell hydraulic (constant speed with governor I believe). This introduces the idea of controlling manifold pressure and rpms independent of one another. It was one of the more difficult things for me to understand when transitioning from fixed pitch, but you might not have that experience. 3. Higher speeds Not a big deal, and actually what makes the bonanza so appealing, but will be different than the slower planes you are used to. I still fly a 70-80mph final in our bo because of the short field ops I do so that feels very similar to the warrior. 4. Fuel management Beechcraft designers were way ahead of the curve when designing the bonanza so I’m sure they had good reason for designing the fuel system the way they did, but it’s a little weird when you’re first getting used to it. In the early models, all fuel directed toward the engine diverts a couple gallons an hour into the left main, I suppose to provide a natural reserve during long trips. As a result, I always fly the left main first until I get it down to about a half a tank and then switch to the right main. When I’m done flying, I generally have about 2/3 of a tank in the left. 5. Unique quirks between models The Bonanza is the longest running production single engine piston aircraft ever produced, and as a result you will find a variety of differences in each model depending on which model year you buy. The bonanza is also one of the most heavily modded aircraft in my opinion resulting in several differences between different bonanzas of the same model year. This is a good thing because it gives you a lot of options to choose from to customize the plane to your mission, but it can be a challenge to learn each individual bird’s quirks. 6. Different insurance costs Depends on your age, but if you want full coverage, insurance companies will jack up your rates pretty high if you don’t have high performance rating and usually 50-100 hrs in type. They may require 20 something hours with an instructor when you could really get checked out in 2 or 3. We don’t have that problem because we only have liability on our aircraft. A 20,000 dollar hull value just isn’t worth the premiums. The insurance companies just total these birds the second they sustain any damage anyway because they are so expensive to fix (unless you do the work yourself with IA supervision and use cheaper salvage parts). In conclusion, there are big differences between trainers and the big league bonanzas, but the added utility and speed more than justifies the switch (justified by the added ramp appeal alone in my opinion :) ). If you decide to switch (I highly recommend), log onto BeechTalk.com and get advice from the real gurus there. Be advised though, there is a bit of elitism there, because all bonanza owners think they are Gods gift to aviation (guilty lol) and they may equate bonanza piloting to flying spaceships. I promise it isn’t that hard. Anyway, BeechTalk is a very useful resource and there are some great guys on there. If you want more information you can PM me on BeechTalk. My user name is Benjamin Weeks, and I would be happy to help you any way I can. Good luck!

[@Stormcloakvictory]

@@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot informative comment, thank you for your time replying 👍

[@davidmangold1838]

@@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot what a great run/down for the 172 guy, wanting to get a Bonanza. All spot-on!👍🏻

[@daffidavit]

I remember when I was your age and flying single engine airplanes. I soloed soon after Apollo 11 landed on the moon at age 16. I had a flight jacket similar to yours, but the collar was not as cool. A few years later at age 21 my buddy would pick me up from college in a C-150 and fly me back to my home airport (CDW) so I could work at the flight school. A few years after that, I'd be at grad school just west of Chicago (DPA) and work as a CFI three days per week. My flight school was the largest Beechcraft dealership in the mid-west at the time (DuPage Aviation) and they would fly me to the Beech factory in Wichita to bring back brand new Bonanzas for customers. I got to fly the A-36 and the F-33s with about 2-3 hours on the plane. I guess I broke them in on the way back. Some of the Bonanzas had only the basic flight instruments with a factory installed Bendix autopilot. Being about your age, I was the happiest guy in the world flying such beautiful airplanes. Fifty years of flight has gone by pretty quickly. I can honestly say learning to fly was one of the best things I've ever done. Your video has brought me back to my younger years and encouraged me to comment here. The best advice I can give is to keep your eyes open and your head outside the cockpit ( no, it's not really a flight-deck) especially within the airport traffic area. BTW, the term ATA was a real FAA phrase back in the day before Class D airspace came along. Anyway, a nice video. Good luck to you and your channel.

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Thank you so much for the comment and the kind words! What an aviation legacy you have! So cool that you were getting into aviation when man was first setting foot on the moon. I have never been a huge space buff, but after listening to the Apollo 11: What We Saw podcast twice and following the incredible things SpaceX has accomplished recently, I’m really excited about the future of space exploration. I may never be an astronaut exploring the final frontier, but I can have a whole lot of fun boring holes in the sky in my Dad’s old Bonanza. Thanks for the advice on watching the skies in a 3 dimensional way. It definitely requires more spatial awareness than driving a car. Clear skies! 👍

[@daffidavit]

@@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot As they say, "keep the blue side up".

[@davemihalic256]

Great example of a "self-training" practice session. One thing you may wish to point out in your written intro (above) about the Bo's reputation (for those who don't know the plane) is that with first, the Mike Smith cuff, and then the mandated AD, the tails were "fixed." It wasn't non-proficient pilots always but more often continuing into lines of thunderstorms and loss of control in updrafts/downdrafts. Loss of control can still result with poor decisions. But, proficiency is certainly the best way to get to know your plane - good for you.

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Thanks for stopping by, Dave! It was probably a mistake to not add the airframe modifications in my description for this video, but reading over it again (it’s been a while since I put out this vid), I think my aim at that time was to focus on the pilot errors that led to the aircraft being put in an over-speed/over G condition leading to tail failure. Adding the cuff did strengthen the tail, but I have jokingly heard people remark that the cuff AD simply made it to where the wings failed before the tail during loss of control in IMC. The FAA focused on the tail when the real problem was the attitude of the pilots. This is just an opinion, and it’s worth what you payed for it, but it’s definitely a fun topic to talk about. I appreciate you reading the description. Most people comment thinking that I’m endorsing the derogatory nickname because they don’t read the description that I wrote. Clear skies! 👍

[@davidmangold1838]

Looking forward to a NEW video, Ben. Get your ATP yet? Did the bomber jacket keep you warm this winter? Dave

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Hey, David! The jacket kept me warm all the way to Colorado over Christmas break so it has definitely served me well. I sure will try to get a video posted soon. Have a new D35 project that could provide some content if I can find time to get over there and document it.

[@davidmangold1838]

@@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot glad you have gotten use out of that classic (and valuable) jacket! Others noticed the cool and unique collar. Dave👍🏻

[@melintexas4506]

Love your videos Ben. You keep everything real, no pretense. I can really tell how much you love that Bonanza!

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Thanks Mel! I’m glad you enjoy the videos. I really do love my Dad’s plane and I love sharing that passion with others.

[@jofido]

Good job with the vlogs, Ben. Try to keep it up despite your busy schedule. Your hard work is appreciated.

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Thanks, Joe! I’ve got more content coming as soon as I can get it edited together. Always something in the works. Stay tuned and thanks for the support 👍

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Sorry about the misplaced clip at 13:51. I might re-render the video but for one little clip I’m not sure it’s worth it.

[@jamesclark1169]

Enjoy your video a lot, do you and your dad have more than one plane? Really cool!

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

We actually have six airplanes at the moment. My older brother took an interest in bonanza projects so we now have my dads 1950 B35 (featured in most videos), my brothers 1949 A35 (red and white), and a 1951 C35 bonanza (white and brown in the back of the hangar with wings off). In addition to the three fly-able planes, we have three parts planes that we use to keep the other planes airworthy. In short, we have too many planes. 😅

[@mach37]

Ben, keep these videos coming. I did all my flying back in the 60s and 70s, back when your Bonanza was a lot newer, back when almost every airplane I flew was nearly new. This was a great take-me-back show; I'm impressed with your thought processes considering your low time. Your video editing is enjoyable, too; seems just right coordinating the captions with the video. I watched Part 2 before this one, and want to see more of your journey.

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

mach37 thank you for your kind words. I frequently wonder what it was like to fly when Bonanzas like my Dad’s were state of the art technology. I’m quite frankly enamored by them even now 70 years later and can only imagine what it was like when the paint was shiny and the seat upholstery not faded and cracked. I’m honored to be able to make videos showcasing this wonderful bird and I appreciate you complimenting my editing. Some people may not realize the work that goes into putting together the best video possible. I love it and try to keep improving with every new upload in both flying and cinematography.

[@markanthony653]

Nice landing!!! Great Bird!! 205hp??? Wowa! I like that plane.

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Thanks, Mark! Yeah she’s got the E185-11 Continental which is rated for 205 hp (2600rpm) for 60 seconds on takeoff and then 185 hp continuous (around 2300 rpm with I forget what manifold pressure). Most old Bos have the 225 continental, but I haven’t had the opportunity to fly one yet to compare the differences. I’ve heard there really isn’t much of a difference.

[@markanthony653]

Ya ben, I wanted a V tail for my 1st plain but it looks like a Tomahawk or a skipper that will be in my price range at least I get to fly I'll get A v tail later Or when I get rid of this girl I got.

[@blancolirio]

Good job Ben. Good level of respect for the old Bonanza and her intricacies...Juan 1952 C model.

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Great to hear from you, Juan! A big fan of your channel! I’m honored that you took the time to stop by! I love your C model. Very clean Bonanza. 👍

[@THEChadBooker]

Thanks for sharing! I’m out in California, learning in a 172 and going to solo soon. Going to be buying a Bonanza 35 soon, not sure what year, got a line on an E, but we’ll see. Keep up the great flying and videos. It’d be great to meet you someday in person.

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Thanks for watching, Chad! I’m glad you enjoyed it. You’ll be amazed at how wonderfully the Bonanza flies compared to a Cessna or piper. You’ll never regret purchasing one. I don’t know if I’ll ever find myself out in California, but if you ever find yourself in the Midwest don’t hesitate to reach out. 👍

[@1212CRMD]

Great job young man! Keep up the videos. I enjoyed also to watch the farmland and your home. Take good care of your neat Bonanza classic. And I wish you always nice and safe flying.

[@dongallagher7756]

Always good to be high on final, if you happen to turn into a glider.

[@rowekmr]

I had my hands full with a 172 on a 6,000 foot runway when I was a student pilot. I can’t imagine handling a high performance/complex aircraft on soft/short field back then. Kudos to the pilot for his skills starting out!

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Thanks for the compliment. I’m still a student pilot but I arguably should have my license by now. If anything my messing around on short strips has distracted me from getting to my check ride. As far as the skill it requires, well I have had two very good instructors and I’ve learned a lot from my Dad who has operated out of an 1800’ strip in this same bonanza for over 30 years.

[@nicholasseaman4858]

Man, time flys!(pun intended) Doesn't seem long ago you were just a wee lad catching softshell turtles and bluegills for your homemade pond, but here you are flying an airplane and using terms such as exassasterbated. Awesome video!

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Thanks Nick! A lot has changed but I’ve still got an aquarium with a bluegill in it. Hope you liked the video!

[@nicholasseaman4858]

I think I had too many letters on that word. Lol

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Nicholas Seaman lol whaaaaaaat?

[@nicholasseaman4858]

@@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot when I quoted exassasterbated. Lol

[@superblivet3924]

Ben Weeks, These old Bo's love grass. I operate off of grass in E. Tx. with my '47 straight 35.

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Superblivet they sure do!

[@flyinwithbrian9753]

Fun video Ben! Looks like you're handling the short field quite well. I've heard of the "wire", but haven't heard of "the tube" before. Curious about the difference. It looks like you're flying a pretty nice glideslope to me. With a short field I wouldn't worry about a smooth touchdown as much as flying a precise glideslope (spoken like the true ex-Navy pilot that I am!). Just be careful about pulling the nose up to arrest sink rate when you don't have a lot of excess energy. Obviously I wasn't in the cockpit, but I think that's why you "plopped" on the second one. Maintain an on-speed attitude and use power to cushion. Enough arm chair instructing. I'm impressed that you're going into 2000 feet in a Bonanza before even having your license (although the Bonanza has better short field than lots of folks realize - especially when light). You seem very comfortable in the plane. Keep it up and good luck on your checkride!

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

My instructor (Former Airforce Pilot) says a lot of people fly a “wire” approach where they allow themselves to sink in the middle of final and have to add power to get back on glideslope. He advocates for a “tube” approach where you maintain glide without sagging in the middle. I’m sure you two would get along great with both of you being former military. You are right about the second landing. I was slow on final and you can even hear a slight chirp from the stall warning about 50 feet off the ground. I could have added a little burst of power and it probably would have been a bit softer. I was definitely too concerned about “buttering” the landing when a rougher landing is preferred in a short field situation. If it stalls onto the ground then I have that much less airspeed to bleed on the rollout.

[@flyinwithbrian9753]

@@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot ahhhh... in that case I advocate for the "tube" as well!

[@ronwade2206]

There's brave, then there's foolish.

[@km4lkx497]

Elevator trim will keep you at a constant altitude even with the engine at full power. Trim is your friend. As my instructor used to tell me, trim for airspeed and altitude; don’t be a throttle jockey.

[@richterdfr]

Hi Ben, The windsock indicates that you landed down wind. Say it ain't so Ben.

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Not sure what time point you’re looking at, but it looks to me like the wind was predominantly out of the north. Around the ozark hills the winds can get a bit wonky at times though so who knows. I have landed with a light tailwind before at this strip on purpose, and 2000’ disappears pretty quick. I definitely try my best to use the wind to my advantage. Too strong of a tailwind, and my day could go bad real quick.

[@cliffwiggins1150]

Love that jacket!

[@BrittaProducts]

“Regardless” not “irregardless…”

[@BenWeeksBonanzaPilot]

Yeah so apparently irregardless isn’t even a word. Lol oops.