Projects?

[Stephen Matusick]

I know of the one ex-John Wayne 681 in Australia, but does anyone know of some here in the US? Someone had posted in another forum and ended up with a Baron TC56 project- I know earlier this year there was a 500 sitting in FL. for 20k- had been sitting for years. If you do, maybe list them up- get a few more commanders in the fleet!

[Adam Frisch]

There's an old 520 sitting at Twentynine Palms. Interior stripped out. Owner is old guy, he has a fresh set of GO-430's to go on it. Tried to buy the engines off him when I had my 520, but he wasn't ready to sell. Got a call a few years ago he wanted to sell, but by that time plane was sold. He was sick, so I'm not sure he's still with us, unfortunately. But I do have his number, if anyone wants to check on engines.

If the interior and all the instruments would have been in it, I would have been half tempted myself. But as it is now, it's just too much work.

[Stephen Matusick]

That's interesting- was there a partial panel in there? Sounds like at least for the spare engines, it would be worth a call for someone with a 520. Did she have a N number? That definitely fits the definition of a project!

[Russell Legg]

This one has certainly had some time and effort put into restoring the exterior - looks to be nicely detailed! The 520 is a delightful entry Model, but is definitely well into 'cult' status now - in terms of tracking down parts and engines/props etc.
Don't let the 'cult' status put you off if you are looking for an entry into the Twin Commander world - just be wary of future downtime...

Would be great if you could swing two fresh engines in the deal - hopefully the interior panels are with the owner somewhere; so no need to have to start from scratch...then you would be replacing instruments, checking static pressure system, fuel and hydraulic systems etc etc and add some basic avionics...

I would have a GOOD second look at it...