From The Archives: Rugged Debonair Is Stable, Responsive

Aviation Week Pilot Report

Beech Aircraft’s new four-place, single-engine Model 33 Debonair is a comfortable rugged airplane, licensed at full gross weight - 2900 lb - in the utility category. It is stable and responsive both at low speeds and in fairly rough air, a flight evaluation by Aviation Week showed. 

The all-metal Beech Debonair seats four. Six-cylinder Continental IO-470-J fuel injection engine is rated at 225 hp. at 2,600 rpm.

Engine is cooled by air entering nose cowling, passing out through lower cowling. 

Normal approach speed for Debonair is about 78 mph. and touchdown about 65 mph. Maximum gear extension speed is 140 mph. 

Engine instruments are grouped above the entered control console. Flight instruments run from the left to the centre of the main panel. Circuit breakers are too far right. 

Baggage compartment is aft of the cabin and is accessible through right-side door or from inside cabin. Front seats of cabin are individually adjustable. Leg room is good.

Debonair standard model is similar in configuration to Beech’s M35 Bonanza except for its swept vertical tail and simplified interior and equipment. Basic price is $19,995. 

Beech Model 33 Debonair Performance.