Page 31 - Volume 15 Number 7

More importantly for the owners, the cabin height was increased by nine inches and an air-stair door and an extra cabin side window were added, the middle pair changed to a one-piece picture window in the G18S. Gross weight gradually went up from 8,500 to 9,000 pounds with the D18S, then 9,300 and 9,700 pounds with the E18S and G18S, eventually winding up at 9,900 pounds with the H18.The wing’s center section truss, or main spar carry- through, is the backbone of the airplane and is the subject of a 1968 Airworthiness Directive for recurring inspection and/or reinforcement. Several aftermarket add-on straps were developed; Craig’s airplane has the Dee Howard mod, even though it was built with increased wall thickness that began at serial #722. At every 1,500 hours the strap must be pulled off and the truss X-rayed, a $6,500 expense that is 700 hours away for N777XJ.Fuel supply is in bladder cells with 99 gallons per side in main tanks and 60 gallons in each auxiliary tank, all usable as crossfeed. The huge 360-square-foot wing area carries a big load a long way. Huge slotted electric flaps lower the stall speed to 76 knots (88 mph), almost 10A fully restored Dodge Power Wagon truck stands ready to perform utility hauling for his hangar collection. He also owns a 1936 Ahrens Fox pumper fire, a 1958 Porsche Speedster is parked under a wing and various vintage motorcycles, including Steve McQueen’s 1931 Brough Superior.knots faster than the lighter D18S. Vmc is 94 mph and Vyse is 112 mph. The trademark twin fins and rudders were considered essential for good control in the 1930s, which is why they were positioned behind each engine. Dual elevator trim tabs and rudder tabs are fitted, as is a cockpit-adjustable tab on the left aileron. All control surfaces are metal-covered, rather fabric-covered as on earlier Twin Beeches.An inspection cover under the tail reveals the former location of the retractable tailwheel. A 300-pound- capacity baggage compartment is reached by a door aft of the airstair, or in-flight by opening a hatch in the aft bulkhead. As passengers board,they are greeted by an unbelted toilet that can be closed offCovington Aircraft Half Page4/C AdJULY 2011TWIN & TURBINE • 29