Page 22 - March24T

PHOTO COURTESY OF DWIGHT BARTON.
Beautiful views around Washington State
Swearingen would go on to develop the Merlin line of business turboprops, initially using BE-50 parts. Twin Bo- nanza center sections, landing gear, empennages, and other components were incorporated into the early Merlin design and production. Between 1964 and 1970, Swearingen used about 118 Twin Bonanza airframes and unused Beechcraft production parts for his Merlin IIA and IIB production.
Flying The T-Bone
As with most vintage aircraft, Twin Bo owners consider themselves caretakers of the few dozen examples actively flying. Some current caretakers even help to ensure that BE-50s find suitable homes via word of mouth alone. Thus, most sell off-market. One new owner is Brett Zefting, who makes his living as a Lear 45 Captain and an A&P/IA. Yet, he also retains a passion for old airplanes as a pilot and mechanic. He and his young family have enjoyed various single-engine aircraft for many years. But, with a third child on the way, it was time to move beyond 4-seaters. He felt the Twin Bo fit the bill perfectly and recently acquired N28EC, a 1960 D50C.
Upon Brett’s invitation, I climbed through the cavernous airstair door, walked down the center aisle, and settled into the pilot’s seat. Having your co-pilot or instructor climb in, slide their seat to the center, and cozy up next to you is almost comical. Nonetheless, that’s what the T-Bone re- quires for both pilots to access the controls. The panel and interior feel spacious and uncluttered. The left-side panel
20 • TWIN & TURBINE / March 2024
Departing Orcas Island