EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018: Beechcraft A36 Bonanza

The American Bonanza Society Air Safety Foundation brought their Beechcraft A36 Bonanza to Oshkosh 2018. This 1981 model is used by the organization as a tool to train Bonanza pilots, flight instructors and mechanics through videos, seminars and hands-on activities.

“The ABS Air Safety Foundation exists to support pilots, mechanics and flight instructors in Beechcraft piston airplanes—specifically Bonanzas, Barons, Debonairs and Travel Airs,” said Thomas Turner, Executive Director – Air Safety Foundation, ABS Magazine Editor. “We’re part of the American Bonanza Society—ABS has been in existence for over 50 years—and our mission statement is to protect lives and preserve the Beechcraft fleet. Everything we do in the Air Safety Foundation is oriented along those lines.”

“Several years ago, one of our very generous members left a large sum of money in his estate to the ABS Air Safety Foundation specifically to promote pilot and flight instructor training, and our board of directors elected to purchase an A36 Bonanza to use as a training aircraft and more importantly as a subject of training videos to improve and enhance the existing programs we have, and create new programs for training pilots and flight instructors.”

The ABS Air Safety Foundation Bonanza features a 10.6-inch G500 TXi flight display that includes the optional engine information system. Our versatile G5 electronic flight instrument is utilized as a backup indicator, and new GFC 600 3-axis retrofit autopilot with pitch trim provides the legacy aircraft a modern and reliable solution. GTN 750 and GTN 650 provide GPS/Nav/Comm and multifunction display capabilities, along with our Flight Stream 510 providing wireless connectivity within our Connext ecosystem. Our popular GTX 345 ADS-B “In/Out” transponder brings the aircraft into compliance with NextGen airspace requirements, while also allowing ADS-B “In” traffic and weather to be displayed on compatible mobile devices. Cockpit audio comes from our GMA 350c Bluetooth and voice command-enable audio panel.

“This full panel of equipment really brings this airplane into the 21st Century,” Turner said.

To learn more about the American Bonanza Society Air Safety Foundation Bonanza, check it out at their booth during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018. For more information about our latest avionics solutions, visit us just west of Boeing Plaza on Celebration Way, or visit garmin.com/aviation.