by Deneys Potgieter
Very few know that during February 1974, the fore runner of Hangar talk was called “The Beechcraft Scene.” Some of the articles that were published then are worth mentioning.
The heading of the main article of the first publication read: New journal for Owners. The first paragraph read: The Beechcraft Scene – this is the first issue of a new monthly magazine which is being published by the Beechcraft Sales Division of National Airways and Finance Corporation designed to keep Beechcraft owners up to date with the latest developments in the Beechcraft products and in the world of Aviation.
And that is still true of the current Hangar Talk Magazine – to keep the Hawker, Beechcraft, Bell, Robinson, Diamond and Tecnam owners and enthusiasts up to date with the latest product developments.
Further in the same article, a great deal is made about fuel. Some of you might remember that during the mid 1970’s, the world suffered from high fuel prices and a shortage of fuel. Fly your Beech product by the “VFR” plan – VOLANTARY FUEL RATIONING plan – only to conserve fuel. The “VFR” plan set out to detail the following points:
• Plan your trip (climb, cruise and descent) carefully to conserve fuel
• Fly direct have your aircraft pushed or towed to avoid unnecessary idling
• Increase the load factor of your aircraft
• Use simulators for training
• Make sure your aircraft is kept spotlessly clean
• Obtain IFR clearances before you start
• Consult your aircrafts Owner’s manual and operate the aircraft efficiently
• Plan your flight carefully, obtain a Met report and select the correct flight level
• Check the weather at your destination and to avoid costly deviations.
On the front page, another heading catches the eye: Baron sales boom! Sales performance of the popular high-performance twin-engine Beechcraft Baron line has increased sharply as the compared to the similar period a year ago. Sales in 1973 reflect an increase of almost 59% when compared to figures for 1972.
A young Paddy Browne received a special reward at the Beechcraft Showcase 1974 in Wichita, USA, as NAC sold Beechcraft products to the value exceeding $ 1 000 000. Today, a new Beechcraft Baron G58 sells for about $ 1 200 000.
An article on corporate aircraft revealed that “Beech offers largest selection in history,” boasting the widest selection of corporate airplanes in history – five pressurized models, 4 turbine-engine Beechcraft King Airs and the other a Queen Air B80.
- King Air 100
- King Air C90
- King Air E90
- Super King Air
The Super King Air was launched the year before, bragging about the more powerful PT6A-41 engines rated at 850 SPH each, the new “T” tail and its superior performance and handling, best rate of climb, high service ceiling and good single engine performance.
Big improvements were introduced for 1974 L.S.E line: the (not so known) Sport 150, Sundowner 180 and the Sierra 200 had undergone a number of changes resulting in improvements both aesthetic and functional.
And then - Beechcraft Bonanza – Still the best value for money! The Beech Bonanza, which set the trend for comfort, luxury and performance (then) 27 years ago, that year again remained the top performer for single-engined aircraft – an accolade still valid today!
See you soon for another extract from the next “The Beechcraft Scene.”
