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Patasnik’s panel upgrade includes an Aspen Evolution Pro display, a complete Avidyne IFD avionics package including an IFD550, IFD440, AMX240 audio panel, AXP340 ADS-B Out transponder and a Skytrax 605 with Active Traffic.
would have it, a friend told him about a “gently used” Beech B55 Baron that was not yet on the market. Just like with the Mooney, he had never flown a Baron before, but based on the type’s reputation, Patasnik felt that the leg- endary twin might well fit his desire for more range and all-weather safety.
“I went up to New York and met the owner. After just one flight, I knew this airplane was for me,” he said. “I made an offer the next day, and be- fore I knew it, I was in the left seat of 3175 Whisky and headed south to her new home.”
Patasnik’s career path had brought him to a position in the television pro- duction group for a major sports asso- ciation. He uses the Baron to commute between his home and the company’s production facilities, as well as travel to assignments in cities that are easier to reach in his airplane than via com- mercial airlines.
The Baron Gets the Royal Treatment
“I am amazed by the pure utility of this airplane. I have loaded it up, topped off the tanks, and have easily remained in CG and max gross weight limits,” Patasnik said. “You can’t do that in many other light twins. And the Baron is so easy to fly if you follow the numbers. Simply put, it’s a very solid airplane that was well designed and built. The only downside to own- ing the Baron is the high cost of new factory parts.”
Kristoffer Patasnik and fiancée Kim Hanover (“FlyingSIC”).
Patasnik explained that while the Baron was very well equipped for IFR flight when he purchased it, as a 1974 model B55 with right at 1,400 hours on its pair of Continental IO-470L engines and aging Collins radios, he knew there was work to be done. Because 3175 Whisky is truly a workingman’s airplane, Patasnik has been taking the “most flying benefit for the buck” route to his aircraft modernization program.
“To date, I have completed a new paint job, replaced the front wind- shield and updated the panel to give me greater capabilities, situational awareness and reliability,” he said. “Avionics wise, it can do anything a new Baron can do, and a little more.”
Patasnik’s panel upgrade includes an Aspen Evolution Pro display, a com- plete Avidyne IFD avionics package including an IFD550, IFD440, AMX240 audio panel, AXP340 ADS-B Out
transponder and a Skytrax 605 with Active Traffic.
“With all of the airplanes in Florida, even with ADS-B, you will miss some- one,” he said. “Active traffic is a must if you really want to see the most com- plete picture of the who’s around you.”
In addition, he’s added an angle-of- attack (AOA), JPI EDM 900 digital en- gine monitor, and an Astronics MAX- VIZ Infrared (IR) camera connected to the IFD550.
“The Max-Viz camera and synthetic vision on the Aspen and Avidyne dis- plays give me great awareness when f lying into unfamiliar, rural airports in lower visibility situations,” he said.
No doubt, with all of its capabili- ties, 3175 Whisky’s panel is the envy of other B-55 owners. And when his budget allows, Patasnik said that the very last to-do list items are to upgrade the legacy Bendix weather radar and
September 2020 / TWIN & TURBINE • 15