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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
