I bought my own airplane!! Meet "Debi" the 1966 C33A Beechcraft Debonair

So happy there are many new subscribers here! Appreciate the support and want to introduce myself. A background about me, I’m an over 1000 hour CFI as well as an Instrument Rated Commercial Pilot ASEL/MEL and Ferry Pilot for Premier Aircraft Sales. I have over 500 hours in high performance aircraft, and absolutely love learning anything in aviation. My next goal is my Seaplane Rating, as well as work on my AMP so I may understand my aircraft to a higher level, as well as work on it! Please keep comments kind, and remember not to judge a book by its cover. After Post Notes Yes this is a McCauley Prop, not Hartzell! The IO520 produces 285HP (not 280) Still getting the hang of making these videos, so appreciate the understanding all 😊

In the late 60's I was a cadet in Civil Air Patrol and our unit's cadet Captain Owned the 'V'-tail version. An absolute dream to fly. Congratulations on getting 'Debi'.

I used to maintain one of these for a flight school. I will tell you that they are extremely well built and over-engineered. A couple of things to watch out for are: 1) leaky fuel bladders, 2) the factory elevators were made of magnesium and are prone to severe corrosion (aluminum replacements are available).

CONGRATULATIONS, Hayley!! I think you did very well with your purchase and the plane will undoubtedly serve you well.

Your happiness was so evident! Congrats!

Debi is so pretty,! She seems to have good "bones". It will be nice to modernize that panel and let Collins have their museum radios back 😜 What a great gig; fly new Diamonds for work and enjoy a classic Beech for fun! We will enjoy watching your adventures. Safe flying!

Ditto...remember tenn fly girl tragedy...had a Debonair too.. Beautiful plane...just be safe!

Debi is gorgeous! Beechcraft designed some timeless airframes and this is one of them. She’s definitely ready for a new panel and (I’m freely spending your money here) possibly the IO550 STC. Read everything you can from Mike Busch…he’s the real deal. I built N36LV, which cruised at 200 kts true. From Mike’s teachings, I was safely able to burn either 18 gph ROP using fuel as an expensive coolant or give up 5 kts and burn 13 gph using extra free air as a coolant LOP. Best of luck….she’s special!

My dad had a V tail Bonanza when he was flying in the 60 and 70s for his businesses. I still remember riding along as a young lad off of the air strip on our farm near Omaha NE. Your plane is very nostalgic and cool! (:

Congratulations and happy flying. Can’t wait to see some more videos. Be safe out there.!

What a nice bird. Congratulation! And always happy landings...

As a long time admirer and pilot of Beechcraft products and a Bonanza owner- Welcome to the family!!! You have so many wonderful resources such as the American Bonanza Society, ABS Air Safety Foundation, and the wonderful folks at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum to support your exciting ownership of "Debbie"! The "Beech Party" fly-in at KTHA is held at the museum every October and is a wonderful get-together for all Beechcraft owners (and a chance to see everything that Beechcraft ever built)...would love to see you there! And, of course there are the great social activities and training/seminars of ABS. Safe travels!

I think you are awesome. My husband is from an aviation community. His parents still live on an airport (S36). He grew up knowing a few WASP pilots from WW2. They have all since passed away but what amazing women and tremendous pilots. Flying all kinds of different military aircraft . The airport currently has several female pilots, some airline pilots. People can be quick to judge as you say which is unfortunate. We wish you all the best.

Hello Hayley, I have owned a Bonanza F33A for for 26 years. It is a wonderful airplane. Congratulations on buying Debbie. Good luck. I just upgraded my panel, with two GI 275s, Garmin GTN 750 xi and a GFC 500 autopilot. You will get there.

Man, that's fantastic. Congratulations! You and Debi go and enjoy some fantastic adventures!

Congratulations on your recent Beechcraft purchase. We bought an F33A ten years ago, and have really enjoyed it. They are such a capable and comfortable travelling machine. Enjoy!

Beautiful Debonair, Hayley! Wishing you the best in your resto mods and safe flying. 😊

Good luck, and will be (im)patiently waiting to see the upgrades to your panel , and WHY you chose those particular items. Owning/upgrading a 50-60-year old aircraft is a commitment!

Beautiful plane, thanks for sharing Hayley!!

That's a beautiful airplane, and I'm not even much of a plane guy. She's got a great mid-60's classic look to her, like a mid-60's Corvette or Ferrari. I love that she carries 4 people too. Classic planes are like classic sailboats..... Beautiful lines, real character. With old boats we say "she's got great bones" meaning she might be a little scruffy to look at but the guts of the boat are solid, and she's 100% worthy of a refit. Can't wait to see what you do with the panel.