Two weeks ago I totalled my M20E, after 23 years and 2000 hours. Now I'm considering partnering in a 1963 P35 that's STC’d with a Turbocharged 285 HP TSIO-520-D.

Just signed on here to learn about the transition from the backwards tail to the V-tail.

Was that at Oshkosh by chance Neil?

Nope - I know about that one, which I believe was loss of control on landing. I had an engine failure and planted in a bean field about 200' short of the runway. Waiting for NTSB to look over the engine, but it acted like a fuel delivery issue.

Glad you're OK,
Good luck with the P35.

Neil,

Can you post pics and details of the P35 you are considering?

That's heartbreaking.

Based on personal experience, I can tell you that buying a beautiful V tail is the best medicine for that kind of pain.

Larry Ball's book Those Incomparable Bonanzas is a great way to learn about them. Good luck.

shoe

Also get a copy of John Eckalbar's book, "Flying the Beech Bonanza". Both books are available from sponsor American Bonanza Society. Membership is recommended. ABS will also have a checklist available for you to use on your pre-buy inspection.

If you do a search on "approach" here, you will find good suggestions on landing techniques. Like any airplane, it's all about important numbers.

Sorry to hear about your Mooney Wonderfully efficient airplanes, but the P35 will have you smiling once you land it a couple of times.

The 'P' is a great model in the vTail run.
Lots of good factory upgrades (panel, gear speed....) as the line matured, but also stayed fairly light for good performance.

Is the STC'd turbo a factory TCM turbo, or an aftermarket turbo?
Is it mounted canted, or still straight?
Any limitations?

I'd imagine the CG would move forward with it.
Tip tanks?
O2 system?
Gross weight increase? (there is a paperwork STC for +100lbs)

Be sure the paperwork is in order.

A full engine monitor would be a necessity to keep track of the heat & all that power.

Sure must be fast!!!!