Beechcraft Aircraft

The Beech Aircraft Corporation was founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 1932 during the Great Depression and before the start of World War II. Its founder, Walter Beech, served as its President until his unexpected death in 1950. Afterward, his wife, Olive Ann Beech, transitioned from her role as Beech Aircraft’s secretary and treasurer to take his place as President for 18 years and as a chairman of the board until her retirement in 1982.

Beech’s duties during World War II began with the manufacturing of its Model 17 Staggerwing. Producing a total of 750, the United States Air Force purchased 270 of these aircraft. Its next model 18 would sell more than 9,000, paving the way for Beechcraft to receive the Army-Navy “E” Award. This particular award was presented to companies during World War II whose production facilities achieved a status of “excellence in production.”

In the fall of 2013, Beechcraft was put up for sale. By the beginning of 2014, Textron Aviation had completed its purchase of Beechcraft for $1.4 billion, keeping its name separate from its own.

Olive Ann Beech

Also known as the “First Lady of Aviation,” Olive Ann Beech was the Co-Founder and President of Beechcraft Aircraft for 18 years. Olive had a large hand in producing essential aircraft for military and civilian use, and she also contributed to the development of technology for NASA during her years with Beechcraft.

Olive Ann Miller was born on September 25, 1903, in Waverly, Kansas. During Olive’s earlier years, she showed an affinity for mathematics. She took care of writing checks to pay family bills by age 11 and skipped high school to attend advanced classes at the American Secretarial & Business College. She began her career at 18, working as a secretary and office manager at Travel Air Manufacturing.

Olive and Walter Beech married in 1930, eventually moving to New York City. After Walter’s passing in 1950, Olive Ann Beech took over as President, taking part in the expansion of Beechcraft Aviation in light of the Korean War.

At the time, Olive experienced harsh criticism and was often challenged as a woman in aviation. After settling a financial issue with the First National Bank of New York City in 1952, Olive spent over a decade working on the business to make additional revenue outside government contracts. Olive believed smaller aircraft were the answer, eventually standing behind Beechcraft’s innovative creations – the model 95 Travel Air Baron and King Air. By the 1960s, sales soared, and its pressurizing system was even used for space travel.

For 32 years, Olive remained directly involved with the ongoings of Beechcraft Aviation until her retirement in 1982. Olive Ann Beech passed away on July 6, 1993, in her sleep at her home in Eastborough, Kansas.

  • Country of Origin: America

Beechcraft Bonanza 35 A-P Statistics

The following are statistics for the latest variation of the Beechcraft Bonanza 35 A-P (1963).

178 kts

Maximum Speed

690 nm

Maximum Range

4

Maximum Occupants

1947–1963

Range Of Years Manufactured

10,039

Total Aircraft Build

Unknown

Current Operational Aircraft

1,270 lbs

Useful Load

$98,500

Average Sale Value

94 Days

Average Days On Market For Sale

VREF Online Demand Rating

Seller

Operational Resources

Local Resources

Manufacturer

Insurance

Beechcraft Bonanza 35 A-P Details

The following are statistics for the latest variation of the Beechcraft Bonanza, the 1963 P35.

Interior

Beechcraft called the P35 “classic comfort,” which featured gliding contour chairs, ashtrays, accessory shelves, as well as fabric and carpeting choices. Its instrument panel also featured a U-shaped control wheel, a slanted radio panel that could be removed, and retractable seats. Front-seat passengers also had access to a microphone.

Exterior

Beechcraft’s 1963 Bonanza is a cantilever low-wing aircraft with retractable landing gears, featuring gap-seal flaps, a variable pitch three-blade propeller, and its famed V-tail design.

Avionics

  • Digital Nav/Coms
  • ADS-B In/Out
  • GNS 430 W
  • G5
  • KX 155 NAV/COMM
  • KR 87 ADF
  • Century III Autopilot
  • Garmin 335 Transponder ADS B
  • KMA 24 Autopilot
  • IFR Certified
  • New 406 ELT 2022

Specifications

  • Configuration: Single Engine, Piston, Retractable Gear
  • Max Seats: 4
  • Max Takeoff Weight: 2,950 lbs.
  • Cruise: 170 kts
  • Range: 770 nm
  • Take Off Run: 745 ft.
  • Landing Roll: 505 ft.
  • Wing Span: 33 ft. 6 in.
  • Length: 25 ft. 2 in.
  • Height: 6 ft. 7 in.
  • Take Off (50 ft.): 1,185 ft.
  • Landing (50 ft.): 1,050 ft.

Bonanza 35 Models

35

Beechcraft produced the initial 35 from 1947 to 1948. It came equipped with a 165 horsepower Continental E-185 or E-185-1 engine, and a total of 1,500 were built.

A35

Beechcraft produced a total of 701 A35 models – first appearing in 1949 with a higher takeoff weight, tubular wing spars, and nosewheel steering.

B35

From 1950, a total of 480 A35s were built with a Continental E-185-8 engine.

C35

This variation was produced from 1950 to 1952 with a 185 horsepower Continental E-185-11 engine, metal propeller, expanded tail surfaces, and higher takeoff weight. It was later approved for a Lycoming GO-435-D1 engine, where a total of 719 were built.

D35

The D35 from 1953 had the basic same look and feel as the C35 but with an increased takeoff weight and minor changes. It was approved to be equipped with a Lycoming GO-435-D1 engine, and Beechcraft built a total of 298.

E35

Beechcraft unveiled the E35 in 1954, and it was powered by an E-185-11 or 225 horsepower Continental E-225-8 engine. A total of 301 were built.

F35

Beechcraft’s 1955 variation was powered by an E-185-11 or E-225-8 engine. It had an extra rear window on each side, strengthened wing leading edges, and tail spar caps. 392 total F35s were built.

G35

In 1956, the G35 was produced with a Continental E-225-8 engine and a thicker windshield. A total of 476 G35s were built.

H35

In 1957, Beechcraft produced the H35, equipped with a modified structure with a 240-horsepower Continental O-470-G engine. A total of 464 H35s were produced.

J35

The J35 was unleashed in 1958, powered by a 250-horsepower fuel-injected Continental IO-470-C engine. A total of 396 J35s were produced.

K35

The K35, introduced in 1959, featured an increased fuel load, optional fifth seat, and increased takeoff weight. A total of 436 K35s were produced.

M35

The M35 made its debut in the 1960s with similar features to the K35. A total of 400 of these aircraft were built.

N35

This 1961 35 variation featured increased fuel capacity, increased takeoff weight, and larger rear side windows. It also had a 260-horsepower Continental IO-470-N engine, producing a total of 280 N35s.

O35

In 1961, Beechcraft experimented with a 35 version fitted with a laminar flow airfoil. Only one was ever built.

P35

Beechcraft produced 467 P35s from 1962 to 1963. This model featured a new instrument panel.

S35

From 1964 to 1966, Beechcraft introduced the S35, powered by a Continental IO-520-B engine with a higher takeoff weight, longer cabin interior, optional fifth and sixth seat, and new rear window. A total of 667 of these aircraft were built.

V35

From 1966 to 1967, the V35 was produced and fitted with a single-piece windshield for an optimal view. 873 V35s were built and 79 turbocharged (TC) versions were built, powered by an IO-520-B or optional 285 horsepower turbocharged TSIO-520-D engine.

V35A

From 1968 to 1969, V35A was fitted with a revised windshield powered by an IO-520-B or an optional turbocharged TSIO-520-D engine. A total of 470 V35As were built, including 46 V35A TCs.

V35B

A total of 1,335 V35Bs were produced from 1970 to 1982. They initially had minor improvements over the V35A but underwent a major internal redesign in 1972, along with a 24-volt electrical system addition in 1978. Usually powered by an IO-520B, the V35B was also made available with an optional TSIO-520-D engine until 1971. Only 7 of the V-35B TCs were built.

Top Bonanza 35 A-B Questions

Why Do People Call The Bonanza’s V-Tail Design “The Doctor Killer”?

When Beechcraft first produced its single-piston V-tail aircraft, wealthy people were drawn to owning and operating their own planes. However, a combination of inexperienced pilots and inflight breakups called it “the doctor killer.” Beechcraft stopped the production of its V-tail aircraft in 1982.

What Is The Best Bonanza Model?

The Bonanza is one of the most produced aircraft on the market. Among its most popular models are the original Bonanza or “Straight” 35, C35, V35B, and E models.

What Is An E Series Bonanza?

Until 1958, Beechcraft produced its E series with Continental six-cylinder engines of varying horsepower. All E-series aircraft store their oil in a separate oil tank as part of a dry-sump system.

What’s The Difference Between A Debonair & A Bonanza?

The biggest difference between the Bonanza and Debonair is within the tail design. The Debonair featured a traditional tail, while the Bonanza was known for having a V-tail design through 1982. It also featured a simpler interior and offered less elaborate equipment.

How Much Does A 1952 C35 Bonanza Cost?

A 1952 C35 has an estimated cost of $62,201. However, this does not include other costs such as hangar, maintenance, operating costs, etc.

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