Half a Million Dollars Up for Grabs

The American Bonanza Society Air Safety Foundation (ABS/ASF) has increased its prize for the development and certification of parts vital to vintage V-Tail Bonanzas.

The infamous ruddervator, now increasingly difficult to service and maintain, is a source of stress for operators keeping otherwise good birds running. The prize is good for $500,000 to the first enterprise that certifies and markets kits to replace the combination rudder/elevator skins on V-tail bonanzas, with the ASF requesting ABS members to match the amount for a $1 million total. 

Board President Greg Stratz says the use of foundation funds perfectly suits the purpose of the organization. “The board of Directors voted unanimously to increase the ABS/ASF Maciel Ruddervator STC Prize. Our mission is to keep Beech airplanes flying safely, and the board members feel this is a worthy use of members’ resources for V-tail owners, and for all who want to keep these airplanes flying for the next generation.” 

The Model 35 Bonanzas are a well-known general aviation legend, both for their high performance, futuristic style upon release, but also for a somewhat morbid series of incidents prior to an AD remedied the situation and restored its good name. Today, with the fixes completed, and a generally careful, invested owner, they provide admirable service even when compared to newer production aircraft. Unfortunately, their age has precluded continued production of support parts unique to the earlier models. Introduced in 1947 and produced until 1982, the distinctive silhouette is now almost 40 years out of production, no longer supported with its model-specific parts. Newer Bonanzas continue to be produced with a conventional “T” tail, but the V-tail specific skins are rare enough that some minor damage can be sufficient to “write-off” the plane altogether. 

“This is a problem for which we need a solution,” said Thomas P. Turner, Executive Director of the ABS/ASF. “There are many parts availability issues faced by owners of legacy Beechcraft, but in almost all cases there are solutions available for the aircraft owner willing to pay the market price. The difference with ruddervator skins is that there is no solution available at any cost. The purpose of this prize is to make it financially attractive for industry to create a solution that keeps these iconic airplanes flying, using funds donated to the Foundation specifically to support its members. It’s part of ABS/ASF’s mission to protect lives and preserve the Beechcraft fleet.” 

Even with the prize, the society acknowledges that it is a tall ask. They cite the small, 5,000-strong fleet, cost of insurance, and the process of FAA certification and testing as impediments to the project. The ABS/ASF also offers up to 5 $20,000 prizes for engineering firms who design FAA-certifiable solutions that pass peer review.  Designed for academic institutions who may not be able to complete production on their own, the prizes will be given to any firm, provided they make their results available to any firm that wishes to produce them. 

FMI: www.bonanza.org