CSOBeech - Big Baggage Door Mod


Baker Aviation/Big Baggage Door Mod
If you're like me, you searched and searched for your Beechcraft until you found one that was just nearly perfectly what you were looking for - except it did not have that really useful "Big Baggage Door" (BBD) option that the factory began offering somewhere in the mid-60's. Well folks, BBD envy can be a thing of the past with a trip to the salvage yards for the pieces and a trip to Baker Aviation in KEVB, (New Smyrna Beach, FL) owned by ace Beechcraft A&P/IA, Curtis Boulware. George Baker Aviation is also an ABS Center of Excellence Baker Aviation Inc. Curtis Boulware - Owner KEVB - New Smyrna Beach Airport 333 South Street - Hangar "B" New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 386-427-2727 (O) / 386-837-4073 (M) georgebakeraviation@gmail.com Check out some of their flat rate prices HERE If you're there for maintenance, check out The Breakers Restaurant on the beach. Yeah, the burgers are quite good with an ocean front view! Here are some shots of the progress they have made on a Beech Lister's Bonanza on the Big Baggage Door mod. Curtis estimates about 30 hours of sheet metal work plus paint and interior work. On 8/12/12 Curtis advised that he had two complete door kits in stock and a complete job was about $6,700. To get the most up to date quote on this project the best thing to do is contact GBA directly. Below is another example of GBA's Big Baggage Door conversion work. Before After Below are Chris S.'s efforts on his B55 (note the reinforcing doubler in the upper left corner) Below are PDF Files and a representative 337 form which can help you to DIY your own BBD Mod with your A&P/IA or shop of your choice. These are LARGE files so best to use a WiFi connection. Beech Kit Drawing: 55-23-1, 55-23-3, 55-23-5 Beech BBD Installation Drawing Beech Kit 55-23-3 Work Order Parts List Beech B/W BBD Photo Array BBD - Representative 337 Form 1/31/2013 NEWS FLASH: Rigging Pirep on Curtis' work from A36 Bonanza owner Buzz T. indicates he's thoroughly satisfied with the work and yielded about a 3kt TAS improvement and the plane now flies hands off straight and level. 3/21/2013 NEWS FLASH: Unsolicited Pirep from Bonanza Owner Rob H. on Curtis & GBA I just left Curtis's place Tuesday morning to head for home. We were down there last week to spend some time at Bike Week then take a ride to Key West with some friends. Left the Bonanza under Curtis's care during this time. I think you have found out what others are also learning that Curtis and his crew are very knowledgeable, accommodating and a great resource for anyone that owns a Beechcraft. I discovered George Baker Aviation two years ago on John B.'s recommendation. Thanks for the tip John. This is the second time I have been back and will return whenever I'm in the Florida area. His work is very professional and prices more than fair. He has also kept me in the loop on any decisions that had to be made. There is not many people that I would trust with my plane, but Curtis is one of them. I only wish I was closer to his shop. If anyone is in the area and needs work done on their plane I feel you won't be disappointed with Curtis. Also if you get the time stop by and say Hi to George and Ginny. They are a great couple and will make you feel like family. Robert Baker Aviation Inc. Curtis Boulware - Owner KEVB - New Smyrna Beach Airport 333 South Street - Hangar "B" New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 386-427-2727 (O) / 386-837-4073 (M) georgebakeraviation@gmail.com