Sundowner Mission

[PilotRPI]

Thinking about a Sundowner. I'm never going all that far, so 105-110 kts doesn't bother me. I have a bunch of F33A time, so why not keep it in the family. I like the idea of 4 seats so I can take my family on short hops. Any reason I wouldn't want to use this to go for my commercial and CFI? Also, the ground runs seem a bit longer per the book than my old 145hp 172. Would you hesitate on this plane if you were out of a 2200 ft paved strip at sea level? The approaches are pretty clear. Thanks!

 

[ChopAndDrop]

Thinking about a Sundowner.

Hi! The Beech Aero Club is where you need to join, they got all the info on how to do a pre-buy, etc.

Would you hesitate on this plane if you were out of a 2200 ft paved strip at sea level? The approaches are pretty clear. Thanks!

I have a Sierra, which is the retractable version of the sundowner.

when I flight plan a cross-country trip (flying heavy), I want a 3000 foot paved runway for my plane.

You might take off in 2200 feet if you were lightly loaded with just yourself on board and there’s no obstacles at the departure end of the runway, but there’s another issue about this:
the possibility of bounced landings when you come back to land on that runway… because it’s got shock discs like a Mooney: if you Bounce, you must hit the throttle and go around , and it helps to have extra runway space for that contingency.

 

[ChopAndDrop]

Other people are probably gonna jump out here and say “oh yeah well I fly my plane out of a 2000 foot grass strip no problem!”
but that’s just me and what I want from my personal minimums.

 

[Half Fast]

https://www.beechaeroclub.org/ Only true bargain in aviation. Join and begin your path to Beechcraft enlightenment. The club has a "Mouse Hunt" document which lists watch areas and things to check before buying.

I'm never going all that far, so 105-110 kts doesn't bother me.

A Sundowner that's properly rigged and with a CG aft of center (ballast weights are available) should do a bit better than that. I have a 1969 B23 Custom III, basically a SD with only one door, and she'll cruise at a little over 120 knots TAS.

Would you hesitate on this plane if you were out of a 2200 ft paved strip at sea level?

Yeah, I'd be a bit hesitant. Technically it'd work for density altitudes <4000'. The POH for my B23 says at 90F at sea level with no wind, I need 1566' to clear a 50' obstacle. But for me, that's not enough margin, and like ChopAndDrop I really want 3000' if possible. I've flown off a 2600' runway and had no problems and room to spare, but 2200' is cutting things a bit closer than I'd like. When everything is working it'll be fine, but if you have to abort a takeoff you may have trouble getting it stopped.

That's a personal decision, though. The plane is technically capable of it, and a little headwind makes it less risky, as would a clear field after the runway (no 50' obstacle) and you say you have clear approaches.

These are excellent planes - very well built, few recurring ADs and none onerous, and they fly nicely. The interior is roomy and comfortable. No reason you couldn't use one for Commercial and CFI. Try to get a ride in one if you haven't already.

 

[Half Fast]

Paging @R.L.Mauzy . A Sundowner candidate could use a little advice from another new Mouse owner.

 

[ChopAndDrop]

Other than the runway length, I’ll say to your other question (getting ratings in the plane):
In our partnership we’ve gotten 2 IFR’s, 2 commercials, and 1 CFI rating gotten by partners in this plane (Sierra) so yeah I’d say it’s a good stable platform for training / check rides.

My family really likes the roomy interior and 3 full size doors (on the Sierra the cargo door is full height).

 

[Ventucky Red]

As they say about the Baby Beeches: "you won't get there very fast but you'll have a Cadillac ride.." And of course you're getting Beech quality.. ergo Tank!

Did some safety pilot flying with a guy that owned one... IMPO... great plane for the money.

 

[R.L.Mauzy]

Paging @R.L.Mauzy . A Sundowner candidate could use a little advice from another new Mouse owner.

I cant speak with great authority about its short field ability, but I can say 3000 ft (shortest runway I've seen so far) is way more than I need with the 180hp Sundowner. As for getting ratings, I would give an enthusiastic yes! I am waiting to get scheduled to start my IFR in mine. We have 1 partner that has gone all the way to commercial with this aircraft, and multiple owners have received an IFR in this plane. Its a super stable flyer that easily trims out to a true no hands experience, and once you learn the minor quirks, the take offs and landings are butter smooth. Two thumbs way up for it!

 

[bluerooster]

My only experience with the Sundowner is a rental that I flew from time to time. I really liked the two doors, and it's very roomy. But the useful load, and fuel burn leave some to be desired.
What my dad told me once when I was planning to fly a C150 to SSI. (about 300 miles): "It will be a looong flight, but would sure beat a much longer drive."

 

[Half Fast]

But the useful load, and fuel burn leave some to be desired.

My B23 has a useful load of 986lbs, so it's not too bad. Fuel burn at full throttle in cruise is about 10.5gph. Remember, too, that these planes can carry 60gal of fuel; you don't have to top the tanks when you need to carry a little more payload.