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| Despite the large demand for the V-tailed Model 35, there were many potential buyers who considered this tail unit to be something of a gimmick, one that might present problems. To meet the needs of such people, Beech introduced the Model 33 Debonair, following a first flight on 14 September 1959. Having a conventional tail unit, and with a slightly lower-powered engine, the Debonair accommodated a pilot and three passengers. It represented a lower-cost version of the Bonanza, and was built and marketed in parallel Until production of the Debonair, as such, ended in 1966, by when almost 1,200 had been built. It was replaced in 1967 by the Model E33 Bonanza, a four/five-seat version that was virtually identical to the V-tail Model 35, except for the provision of a conventional tail unit with sweptback vertical surfaces. This version, in F33A standard and F33C aero-batic/utility versions, remained available in late 1989, by which time production of Model 33 Debonairs/Bonanzas was approaching a total of 3,000. Examples of these aircraft have been used for civil or military training by organisations that include the air force of Iran, Lufthansa, the Mexican navy, the Netherlands government, Pacific Southwest Airlines, and the Spanish air ministry/air force.
| Robert Eckley, e-mail, 01.06.2011 23:06 Have owned N78M(B-33) for 27 years,flew Fighters(jets,F-80,F-86,F-94s). The only thing lacking in the Debonair is a Stick instead of the Yoke! reply | | Jim Deutsch, e-mail, 22.05.2011 19:19 I own N302JH a 1962 Deb. I still have the 260HP engine but upgraded the avionics. It has an HSI plus 2-GPSs and synthetic vision and a paperless cockpit. Does and honest 160 knots and at 9gs or above burns 12.5 per hour. reply |
| Rlalph Compton, e-mail, 13.11.2010 02:50 I still own N419T, a 1960 Debonair. I have up graded the engine to a IO520BB (285 hp)Three avionics upgrades, paint and interiors, heavy Beryl D Shannon glass and Smith speed mods. Have maintained this airplane since the FAA lease was up in 1962. I then bought out the three co-owners. It is like part of the family, flown all over the 48 and Central America. Great low maintainance airplane. Still out runs the new ones. reply | | Jere Joiner, e-mail, 19.08.2010 02:39 I had an interest in a Debonair in the late '70s. Shreveport Aviation (now out of business) used it in an training program for Louisiana Tech University. It was a good stable instrument platform with decent cross-country speed. A bit tight, though, for four souls and a full tank of gas. reply | |
| | Mike Milne, e-mail, 17.01.2010 04:34 CFFWG is a 1960 Debonair #96. 50 years old & still going strong! My wife & I have flown her coast to coast, to Cape Breton Isl & West over the Rocky Mountains to Vancouver. A truly remarkable aircraft & a joy to fly. reply | | Alan Hays, e-mail, 31.12.2009 01:50 I had a 1 /3 interest in N8944U for several years. It was a wonderful airplane and I enjoyed many happy hours of cross country flight in her. I'd recommend the Debonair for anyone who chooses to not get an A-36 which is my dream. reply | | Richard J. Arabian, e-mail, 16.12.2009 01:00 Owned /flown /maintained 35-B33 N8603M, S /N CD-658 since 1977. Would be happy to try and answer any questions readers may have on the type. reply | | Rich Anders, e-mail, 12.12.2009 04:09 I had a share of a Debonair in the late 70's and early 80's. Great aircraft! Trued out at 160K at 10,000 feet and 75% power. Origionally owned by NASA, it found it's way to Palwaukee airport in Wheeling (Chicago) IL. Finally outgrew it when the family exceeded 4 pax. Sold my share and don't know what happened to it after that. reply |
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