AOPA’s Debonair Sweepstakes is underway!
AOPA will be giving away a completely restored 1963 Beechcraft Debonair B33 with an all-new ergonomic interior, the latest avionics, and up-to-date airframe mods. It’s a one-of-a-kind “Baby Bonanza” and it’s the grand prize in AOPA’s Debonair Sweepstakes!
Panel Work, On A Roll
The Debonair at its current location, Santa Fe Aero Services, at the Santa Fe Municipal Airport.
Computerized machining makes precise cuts for each instrument; in the background powder-coating begins.
Making cable connectors .
Feeding the correct wires into the correct connector locations.
Assembling the racks for the Garmin GTN 750 and GTN 650.
A few of the many wire bundles, attached to the Garmin avionics.
Left to right: Alpha Systems’ angle of attack indicator, RC Allen’s standby attitude indicator, the Aspen Evolution’s three display screens, and the CO Guardian carbon monoxide indicator.
Powder coating the panel.
Another view of powder coating.
Pat Horgan, Santa Fe Aero Services’ vice-president, general manager, and Debonair overseer.
Powder-coated and freshly baked, the panel is removed from the oven.
The old panel gets brand-new wiring.
The new, 70-amp alternator from National AirParts (right) replaces the old Alcor 55-amp unit (left)
Pre-Buy
Tom Horne (right) and Adam Marks (left) seal the purchase deal for the Debonair. Price ~$55,000.
Inspecting the engine compartment at the Hartford-Brainard Airport
The standard magnesium evevators have been reskinned into aluminum - a good thing!
Panel view on the day AOPA took delivery.
No co-pilot brakes! Note mechanical "gear down" indicator.
Old-style window has a frame around the storm window.
Handle in overhead panel opens the fresh air vent.
