The Beech 99 to KA350i Project!

[Trevor Hale]

Hey Gents.


So I have been pretty quiet on the SIM Front, but I finally got confirmation on this aircraft.  Below you will see pictures of my new Project.  I know how much work it is going to be, especially since the deal with this aircraft is that I have to take the entire thing.   


Girlfriend thinks I am nuts!  and really I can't say as I blame her, sometimes I feel like I am crazy mad.


Most of the pictures are from the aircraft (Which has been sealed with duct tape and plastic)


I haven't seen inside yet, but from what I am told everything is in tact except for the Avionics.  All panels and CB's are supposed to be there and of course the lower panels, TQ, and Gear Handle should also be in excellent condition.


The cockpit picture is for reference only, I am not 100% Sure what config the existing MIP is in, but I will be using it for a template to convert the MIP to something more Modern.  (Honeywell, or similar Glass) Or something like the Super King air Proline-21


Anyway, Just wanted to share with you all, my new Excitement.  I will be going to pick up the aircraft in the spring..  Only about another month and a half away. (I hope) 


HERE ARE THE SPECS
N38AK  1974 Beech 99 Serial # U-158 (Use to have PT6A-28 Engines.)

Mode S Code: 51054373
Certification Issued: 1986-03-07
Air Worthiness test: 1974-10-04
Operated by: Air Kentucky Air Lines Inc Trustee

[XOrionFE]

Very cool!

[Trevor Hale]

Thanks Bud.  Should be interesting to convert thats for sure.

[jackpilot]

Whaooo.
Great great great.

Keep as much of it as you can...remember : club seating at the back .

Pretty sure Pete will help..
Still up North?
JAck

[Trevor Hale]

LOL, Yes I am still up North.  The Aircraft is at YPQ, so not too far from Pete at all.  if he would want to join me on the disassemble weekend, he is more then welcome to help himself to anything I won't need.


he will just have to help LOL


I am hoping the passenger seating is there still, and in good shape.  I am thinking about keeping 2 rows back.  (this thing was configured for 14 seats) so who knows, but I know the cockpit seats are there. (So I am told)


I have to arrange a (visit) to go inside and confirm everything I want is there)  My brother took these pictures yesterday for me, but like most pilots didn't want to get dirty climbing inside.

Whaooo.
Great great great.

Keep as much of it as you can...remember : club seating at the back .

Pretty sure Pete will help..
Still up North?
JAck

[jskibo]

You bought a Beech 99, that's so cool! 

When you're done, stack boxes behind you and only fly at night to simulate the life of a Freight Dog

Can I have your overhead now?

[Trevor Hale]

You bought a Beech 99, that's so cool! 

When you're done, stack boxes behind you and only fly at night to simulate the life of a Freight Dog

Ok, sounds like fun.  I will have to try that, and for even more excitement, I can do poor maintenance on it and watch what happens when things quit working


Hilarious.  I was watching videos last night.  apparently they are widely used for parachuting as well.

[jskibo]

You bought a Beech 99, that's so cool! 

When you're done, stack boxes behind you and only fly at night to simulate the life of a Freight Dog

Ok, sounds like fun.  I will have to try that, and for even more excitement, I can do poor maintenance on it and watch what happens when things quit working


Hilarious.  I was watching videos last night.  apparently they are widely used for parachuting as well.

You can get some tips from the guys at jetcareers.com in the Freight Dog forum.  A lot of them in use with the overnight haulers.....anything from car parts, to boxes to urine samples   Hope your's never hauled the later

Can't wait to see this one come together, gonna be awesome!

[Trevor Hale]

Thanks Bud.  I hope it wasn't the latter either.  I don't think so, apparently Air Kentucky used this thing as a commuter (people) lol not cargo, least so I have heard! that was before they went bust.  LOL


I will keep everyone posted for sure, but I have to wait for spring before I can dig it out!

[XOrionFE]

Looks like a good project for PM GAIFR guages.    I had used them back on my old Cessna sim and really liked the way they worked.

[jackpilot]

Héhé....

No sweat Trev...we are more excited than U (tell her! )
and we already have it all figured out for you!!! lol

[Trevor Hale]

Smart a$$ LOL   

[Trevor Hale]

Looks like a good project for PM GAIFR guages.    I had used them back on my old Cessna sim and really liked the way they worked.

I agree Scott, Not sure what route I am going to go.  I have even thought about taking Rob Archers methods and modifying real instruments.  (more work I know)  First thing will be first, and thats stripping it and cleaning it as best I can.  Then I will go from there.


Sorry if I misspelled your name Rob.

[jskibo]

Héhé....

How much do you want for that Garmin? 

[Boeing Skunk Works]

Congratulations on your new airplane Trevor!

That's going to make one impressive simulator.

[Trevor Hale]

Héhé....

How much do you want for that Garmin? 

Another commedian LOL  Just kidding..  (I doubt the Garmin will be included, but I tell you what.. if it is, its all yours) Like I said, I have still yet to see what shape the cockpit is in, but I am assured the Mip is there and the throttle and seats as well as the controls.

[Trevor Hale]

Congratulations on your new airplane Trevor!

That's going to make one impressive simulator.

Thanks Mike.  Your approach to (Real parts) inspired me.  Not to mention your experience will be very valuable in the future.. Sorry but I am going to need help somewhere along the way, especially trying to figure out how to rip things apart.

[jackpilot]

We all know that cleaning an old bird is much more challenging than building from scratch.
But...so exciting!

BTW how did you find that bird ?

[Trevor Hale]

It is way more fun in the long run I think.  But mainly because my technical building skills are not what most of your guys is.  (ie your throttle)


But for me to get something like this with a real history behind it, I will really enjoy putting it back together.


I met with my brothers Boss and showed him my 737.  he loved it, and I had mentioned wanting to do a twin.  He told me he knew of a couple and would let me know what it would take to get one.  I didn't have high hopes, but it sure worked out well.


A special thanks to all those involved in making this happen as well!

[Trevor Hale]

Héhé....

No sweat Trev...we are more excited than U (tell her! )
and we already have it all figured out for you!!! lol

Jack, I never thought about turning the GAIFR Screens sideways, what a great Idea.  I knew I would need FI for the engine stack, (Here's hoping Mark at FI, can help make that happen) but what a neat idea.


PS I will tell her as well

[Maurice]

HOLY COW!!!!  I just saw this post. Are you going to be able to fit the whole thing in your master bedroom like Jack does? If yes, girlfriend will really be impressed I'm sure by the size of it. Let's hope other parts don't disappoint her by comparison 

I would like to say I envy you, but no way do I envy you. My back is hurting just looking at it. I will only envy you once you have it completed and then I will wish you had moved to Gravenhurst 

Maurice

[Trevor Hale]

LOL Mau, Yes..  I don't know how you knew that, but it will fit in my Master Bedroom.  The only issue is there will no longer be room for the Girlfriend in there, so I am sure she will find the couch comfortable..  ( ) <-- if she asks if I wrote this, I will totally deny it!


Anyway, reiterating what you had said, I assure you that she will not be surprised or disappointed with my overcompensation.  (She is just used to it) ROFL.


I assure you my back will not hurt initially, for after I get the important part off, a Loader/Backhoe will make short work of the rest. But the grinding, sanding, painting, and sanding, and painting, and sanding, and painting....... etc  may make my back hurt a bit.  (but I haven't told you yet) you are invited to a "Paint the sim party" BYOB = Bring your own BRUSHES LOL.


I am sure you will all see the pain I will go through, and all the swearing I will partake in, but I hope it will be worth it.


Your probably right though, Maybe I should have moved to Gravenhurst, the haulage to take it 4 more hours north might break my bank..


Thanks for your kind words though LOL

[Maurice]

Your probably right though, Maybe I should have moved to Gravenhurst, the haulage to take it 4 more hours north might break my bank..


Thanks for your kind words though LOL

I would offer to park it in my place for the next 20 years or so (to save you some moving costs), but my wife may start comparing sizes and I will be in big trouble. So, sorry, but you're on your own there. 

Mau

[Trevor Hale]

ROFL..  Nice of you to offer...  I would have to agree that your wife would not be happy if I parked anything that Big in her driveway...   LOL


Shame though, I am sure you have somewhere nice and warm in the winter to store it so that it could be worked on with eaze.

[Maurice]

Shame though, I am sure you have somewhere nice and warm in the winter to store it so that it could be worked on with eaze.

Yep, in my basement alongside my 737. Would be really nice indeed.

Mau