Curious on the backstory behind the photos? This is the place. You'll find not only write ups on local outings, but also reviews of major events I’ve attended.
The Elusive Starship
A spontaneous sighting of the iconic Rutan design!
Ever had a spontaneous moment that turned into something highly memorable? Well, that's exactly what happened to me during a quick stop at Addison Airport yesterday evening while testing some camera gear.
While pulling up to the airport, I was exhilarated to hear "Starship 1" call for taxi to runway 16. Moments later, the iconic Burt Rutan-designed executive transport came into view as it taxied out for runway 16.
After a quick run up, the 1994-built Beech 2000A Starship took to the skies with its recognizable popping sound, a byproduct of the rear mounted propellers cutting through the airflow coming off the exhaust and nacelles ahead. This particular airframe, number 51 of 53 ever built, is based in Aspen, Colorado, but appears to be getting some kind of work done in Addison, which is home to two of the incredibly rare Starships itself.
After a short time flying east of the DFW area, N514RS headed back for Addison and I was able to catch its arrival and taxi in, which showcase the aircrafts incredibly unique design features including the large nose mounted canard and push props.
A brief history on this fan favorite.. The Beechcraft Starship is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft built by Beechcraft in the 1980s and 90s. It was one of the first aircraft to use composite materials extensively, with its entire airframe made of carbon fiber. This construction technique allowed for a sleek and aerodynamic design, which contributed to the Starship's high speed and fuel efficiency. However, due to its high cost and limited market demand, production of the Starship was discontinued after only 53 aircraft were built. Today, the four remaining airworthy Starships are highly sought after by enthusiasts around the world and always turn heads.
Addison Airport 06/02/23
Aviation action at the Addison Airport on June 2nd, 2023.
A brief visit to the Addison Airport yielded some interesting traffic, with the highlight being a 1980 Lear 25D that had flown up from Conroe, Texas the day prior and a very rare 1978 Aerospatiale 341F Gazelle that was recently acquired by someone based at the airport. A few other goodies thrown in for good measure!
A Royal Classic
One of the few private 737-200s still flying around and this one has quite the history!
Those of us in North Texas are fortunate to have no shortage of classic aircraft based in the area, and this privately-owned Boeing 737-205(A) is one of my personal favorites as there are few private (or operating for the matter) "Jurassic Guppies" still flying in '23!
Even with yesterday morning's temps at a crisp 49F and a slight headwind, this classic ate up a significant portion of Addison Airport's 7,203ft runway 34 for its 2.6 hour flight down to Nassau, Bahamas!
This airframe was delivered to Norwegian airline Braathens S.A.F.E. in 1986 before being converted into a VIP configuration in 1993 for Saudi Arabian Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz. The Prince had a rather flashy interior outfitted with the aircraft boasting a VIP configuration of 19 seats, a meeting quarters, dining room, two large salons, and a master state room in the back with a bed. I also have it on good authority that much of the aircraft has gold accents and the photos in the below link seem to confirm that!
In 1999, the aircraft was sold to Basic Capital Management Inc of Dallas, TX and has been based in Addison ever since. Hoping this beauty still has plenty of life left in it!
OH....I forgot to mention this aircraft is for sale.. but you'll have to call for the price...
For Sale:
https://www.hangar67.com/aircraft/1986-boeing-737200/24336
Airframe History:
https://www.planespotters.net/airframe/boeing-737-200-n370bc-basic-capital-management-inc/rqp1vj
