Beechcraft 95-C55 Baron 1967

About Me

I got my private license in December 1962, spent 6 years in the USAF and then 30 years flying for Delta Air Lines. My last airplane with the airline was the B-767ER which had a glass panel and all the up to date avionics for the late 1990’s. I now fly my Baron about 75 to 100 hours per year. With the Aspen Pro 1000, GNS 430 WAAS and STEC System 60-2 autopilot I feel like I’m back in the airliner cockpit but with more information and options at my fingertips. I wish I had something comparable in the old DC-8 and DC-9 panels I flew for so many years. As I look back on it now they were quite primitive.

My Panel (Before and After)

When I bought my airplane in 1989 it had the basic avionics of the time, including a non database Loran, two VOR’s, and ADF that didn’t work and an autopilot that was basically a wing leveler.

I did many upgrades over the years starting with the autopilot. Added a Loran with data base and storm scope. Then went to a VFR GPS which was later upgraded to and enroute IFR system and eventually added approach capability.

I really wanted to be state of the art but with a limited budget had to watch what I added. Over several years I was able to upgrade to what I have now and really enjoy the capability and situational awareness of my current system.

My Aspen Experience

I absolutely love flying behind the Evolution and look forward to it each time I go up. I fly numerous different airplanes and really miss having the Pro 1000 when I have to go back to steam gauges. It really hasn’t changed my flying but I seem to enjoy it more than ever. The transition to the glass was simple and natural for me since I had experienced it in my former life.