Page 31 - Jan23T

The Baron is outfitted with new paint, a new interior, new windows, new motors, and an all-new panel with a Garmin 600 TXi, 750 TXi, and GFC 600 autopilot.
airframe but had years of pedigree maintenance before I purchased it. I like King Airs because of their utility. They can take big payloads in and out of small runways and have extremely reliable engines.”
Like any experienced angler, Hol- lan knows which bait to use and when it’s the best time to use it. This facet extends to his decision-making sur- rounding which of his two twins to take to one of his most frequent destinations, Lake Baccarac Lodge, a popular fishing lodge he owns in Sinaloa, Mexico.
“For me, where I go, I travel mostly to Mexico. Both the King Air and the Baron are perfect for getting into the small airstrips near the
property. These are as-
phalt runways, but they’re
out in the middle of no-
where, so the utility of the
aircraft is useful. Down
there, we have to main-
tain our own airstrip,
charging stations, parking
spaces, and so on.”
Having made the flight so many times, he has an efficient process of get- ting to one of his favor- ite destinations.
“In Mexico, I typi- cally f ly into MMLM (Los Mochis Internation- al Airport) to clear cus- toms. Our lodge airport is identified as MM12
(Bacubirito Airport), and I have the permit to operate that airport per the rules of the DGAC, the Civil Aviation Authority in Mexico. When flying in the country, my best advice is just to be patient. Follow their rules and you will have no problem.”
With both of Hollan’s aircraft well suited for the 767-nautical mile trip from his home airport, Denton Enterprise Airport (KDTO), the choice between the two typically comes down to anticipated passenger loading and the terminal forecast.
“The King Air will climb at 1,600 plus FPM through 12,000 feet, where- as I very rarely see 1,200 FPM in the
Terry Hollan
Baron. And I very rarely fly without a lot of fuel onboard. Additionally, I can get the King Air up to 27,000 feet to avoid bad weather,” Hollan said.
“Also, when there are more people, I usually take the King Air. The bigger the party, the bigger the mission. It’s always five to eight happy fishermen on board. But if they are more cost- conscious as far as costs associated with an increased fuel burn, then that may sometimes sway the decision towards the Baron,” he explained.
“My particular Baron has the RAM motors. On the trip to my lodge in Mexico, I will usually do that leg in about three and a half hours, between 16,000 to 18,000 feet, with a fuel burn of around 34 gallons per hour. This is a pretty unique Baron, but I think
January 2023 / TWIN & TURBINE • 29
Depending on the mission, Hollan can also opt to fly his 1979 King Air 200.