Anyone here still flying piston version?

[WilsonRiggan]

I have one of the last 685's still flying, although the fuel/air system components that make the -K version of the GTSIO-520 engines unique are getting harder to maintain.

It is comfortable and a joy to fly.

[Adam Frisch]

I have one of the last 685's still flying, although the fuel/air system components that make the -K version of the GTSIO-520 engines unique are getting harder to maintain.

It is comfortable and a joy to fly.

Nice to see someone keeping them going! She looks like a beauty!

[appleseed]

Hey Wilson,

Some of us are fascinated by the geared commanders, tell us more.

speeds? climb, cruise, approach.

power settings? fuel flows

flight profiles? cruise altitude choice

useful load? fuel capacity

operating cost? maintenance challenges you've had

Systems? air conditioning, must be a combustion heater etc.

[Kzastrow1]

I really appreciate all of the replies.  Other  airplanes of similar age (Duke, 421, Aerostar) seem to have avid lovers and avid haters.  The 500B/Shrike seems to primarily garner affection from the entire aviation community.  I think that says a lot about the airplane. 

[Sergio Vega]

After five years since I bought N6517V and going through four different shops, it seems that I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Only the last two shops I can say that are good and honest and worth what they charge (De Britton in Chino, CA., and SoCal Jet Services in Long Beach, CA.). All in all, I've spent more than what the airplane cost me in 2016, but I was not willing to part it out. The airplane is now at SoCal Jet Services. Between other things, I got the props overhauled, got the landing gear overhauled, got the A/C working and it seems that the pressurization is fixed. I'm supposed to get the airplane back this weekend and I can't wait. Picture is of me landing in Long Beach in August of this year. 

[Bruce Byerly]

It’s great to see classic and cool designs flying. For piston models other than a 500B-S type, I appreciate how challenging it is to support them.

[Adam Frisch]

After five years since I bought N6517V and going through four different shops, it seems that I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Only the last two shops I can say that are good and honest and worth what they charge (De Britton in Chino, CA., and SoCal Jet Services in Long Beach, CA.). All in all, I've spent more than what the airplane cost me in 2016, but I was not willing to part it out. The airplane is now at SoCal Jet Services. Between other things, I got the props overhauled, got the landing gear overhauled, got the A/C working and it seems that the pressurization is fixed. I'm supposed to get the airplane back this weekend and I can't wait. Picture is of me landing in Long Beach in August of this year.

So glad you're finally seeing the light at end of tunnel, Sergio! We've both been through the ringer by now with various players, as you know. I hope you get to fly her often and lot! I flew my girl to Chino last night after a few months of not flying, and except for L EGT gauge and R gear light acting up, it was all good. So nice to be back in the air!

[sbdpilot]

I have a great 500A with colemill conversion. Low time airframe, well equiped, props with no AD note and it's just now going up for sale. Jim Buckley 678-457-3507 for specs.

[DarylW]

not trying to whine… but I am still waiting for the prop shop to find a serviceable hub for N11L my 1953 AC 520…6th month…
HC-83X20-2c/8433 3 blade feathering….
any ideas…
Adam suggested Capt JimBob… but I couldn’t find contact info
any help would be very much appreciated
she is sitting outside my mechanic’s hanger in Lodi enduring these wonderful winter storms with just a Bruce cover….
Daryl W
text-call
12093510502
KSCK