The Australian Beechcraft Society is holding their Pilot Proficiency Program for 2026 at Cowra from the 19th to 22nd of March, so if you own, fly or maintain Bonanzas and/or Barons, you’re going to want to be there. There will be a comprehensive flying program, detailed maintenance reviews, and two days of presentations from specialists on the Bonanza and Baron, plus other speakers including Airservices, CASA, and Stralis Engineering. We caught up with representatives from the Australian Beechcraft Society along with two very experienced members of the American Bonanza Society who will be coming to Australia for the event. It’s a great chat with something to learn even if you don’t fly a Beechcraft. 0:01:07 – We kick off the episode and oh wow, it’s 2026 already. How did that happen? 0:04:25 – We chat with Dave Porter and David Young from the Australian Beechcraft Society about their flying experience and how they became part of the Beechcraft world. The conversation includes how Textron Aviation now owns both Cessna and Beechcraft, an overview of the Society, and the importance of aircraft type clubs for operational and maintenance knowledge, plus lobbying with regulators on your behalf. We also touch on the range of Beechcraft types, including the aerobatic Bonanzas and T-34 Mentor, then discuss what to expect from the 2026 Pilot Proficiency Program, the importance of attending, and how to sign up for it. 0:47:32 – We present a promotion for our latest podcast production: A History of the Future, then tell you a little about it. 0:51:20 – We’re joined by Bob Ripley & Tom Turner from the American Bonanza Society and, after the inevitable discussion about the weather, we talk about their backgrounds and aviation experience, the number of Bonanzas and Barons still flying, and the benefits the Society provides to members. We also talk about some of the things pilots and maintainers should be aware of with these aircraft and that there are specific items for not only different models, but also specific to serial number ranges. We wrap our chat by learning the specifics of what they’re bringing to the Australian event, including a detailed walk-around specific to your aircraft’s model and serial number, and what unique aspects they’ve identified about flying and maintaining these aircraft in Australia. 1:30:26 – We talk briefly about Grant’s trip to Singapore and introduce the next segment. 1:32:24 – Grant talks with Jimmy Beeson, Textron’s Vice President for Product Development, about identifying opportunities for updates and new developments, working with customers to assess their needs and obtain feedback on new ideas, the latest developments, and the use of Virtual and Augmented Reality when working with customers. The conversation also touches on Textron’s recent closure of the Bonanza and Baron production lines, plus what to expect from the new Denali aircraft and when it’s going to be in production. 1:43:42 – We wrap up with summary of the Singapore Air Show, catching up with Brian Coleman while there, and then close out the episode. Links: Australian Beechcraft Society: abs.org.au ABS PPP 2026: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAFZSLrpE44 American Bonanza Society: www.bonanza.org Textron Aviation: txtav.com Beechcraft: beechcraft.txtav.com Cessna: cessna.txtav.com A History of the Future: www.australiandefence.com.au/history-of-the-future Australian Defence Magazine: www.australiandefence.com.au Singapore Air Show: www.singaporeairshow.com Credits: Introduction voice over and closing credits by Kevin Hillier Contact us via contact@planecrazydownunder.com
Many in Australia will have flown the Embraer E190 as there are a few flying here with Airnorth, Alliance Airlines (as QantasLink) and National Jet, plus the ones Virgin Australia used to operate back prior to COVID. The E190 and E195 include such wonderful features as large, well positioned windows (no bending down to look […]
It was a baking hot 42 Celsius (108 Fahrenheit) under the scorching Australian sun when the Sport Aircraft Association of Australia held its AusFly 2025 event at Wentworth, New South Wales, during the middle of March. Grant was on the commentary team but Steve couldn’t make it due to a scheduling conflict, so Grant recorded […]
It’s our first episode for 2025 so we’re allowed to say Happy New Year, right? Even though it’s February, right? We may be Australia’s longest running aviation podcast but we’re taking a very long time to get to episode 200 :) This episode we follow our dreams into the stratosphere and beyond, featuring a great […]
Steve & Grant have both been back to school in the past week with Steve revisiting his old high school (Brentwood Secondary College and yes, it’s still standing) where they have a great aviation curriculum. Meanwhile, Grant’s been out to Bacchus Marsh airport to the TVSA flying school’s open day. This one’s a short episode as we’re trying to get some topical information out before Avalon Air Show 2017 starts this week.
The episode starts with Steve & Grant catching up on their adventures and unfolds as:
0:00:35 – Steve’s moved into a new house and set up a dedicated studio in the process.
0:02:35 – Grant’s finally had an official RAAF media ride: he was invited to fly on the RAAF’s new C-27J Spartan. Yay!
0:10:42 – Steve & Grant review the information being presented in this episode.
0:24:33 – Steve interviews Chris Barry from the Brentwood Secondary College about their aviation sciences program, the simulators they have on site and the RAAF visiting with their F/A-18 simulator.
RAAF C-27J Spartan0:31:08 – Steve & Grant discuss the upcoming Avalon Air Show 2017 where Grant’s day job will have him attending meetings & seminars and also presenting a short summary of his recent Australian Defence Magazine article for a Plan Jericho workshop. Meanwhile, Steve will be doing video presentations with AOPA Australia at their tent in the GA area.
0:40:45 – Steve’s recently provided commentary at the Hunter Valley Air Show with Ando and Grant’s going to be providing commentary at the Barossa Air Show with Maikha.
0:45:14 – We’ve joined the trend and have a Patreon page. If you want to help give us incentive to produce more episodes, head on over to our Patreon page and start sponsoring us.
Steve & Grant have both been back to school in the past week with Steve revisiting his old high school (Brentwood Secondary College and yes, it’s still standing) where they have a great aviation curriculum. Meanwhile, Grant’s been out to Bacchus Marsh airport to the TVSA flying school’s open day. This one’s a short episode as we’re trying to get some topical information out before Avalon Air Show 2017 starts this week.
