Airplane review: Beech Musketeer

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

The Beech Musketeer is a large, roomy, sturdy and fairly quick airplane. If you're considering purchasing your own airplane, I strongly suggest considering the Musketeer, you might be very pleasantly surprised!
In this video I take a brief look at the history of the Musketeer, some of its operating costs and what it's like to own and fly.
The video example is a 1963 Musketeer, 160HP O-320 Lycoming powered. It has a 2300 lb gross weight and just over 900 lbs of usable load. 130 mph cruise at 9.5 gallons an hour and carries 60 gallons of fuel.

Пікірлер: 97

  • @daviddoss1104
    @daviddoss1104Ай бұрын

    I learned how to fly in a Piper Tomahawk. Owned a 172 for a couple years and liked it. Bought a 64 musketeer flew and operated it for a couple of years. This was in the late 70s early 80s. Great airplane It just felt solid when you flew it. Did have to watch the weight. especially since I flew out of St Petersburg Florida. A lot of hot Summer days. Had great room inside. I miss that airplane.

  • @roythurston7799
    @roythurston77994 жыл бұрын

    Wow!!! This is really by far one of the best reviews I’ve seen with sooo much information & comparisons.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    4 жыл бұрын

    I am really glad that you enjoyed the video and found it helpful. More airplane reviews, maintenance and flying videos coming soon.

  • @skippingguy

    @skippingguy

    3 жыл бұрын

    I would actually like to have SEEN the big cargo door, the access doors, getting in and out of the thing, a direct view of the panel, a pre-flight walk around...so much potential but just another “talking head” style video review.

  • @jamesharkness1058
    @jamesharkness10584 жыл бұрын

    This is my favorite airplane by far. A true cross country performer, and easy on the pocketbook to operate. Thanks for sharing

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    4 жыл бұрын

    I am really glad you enjoyed the video and the airplane.

  • @redcarsarasota
    @redcarsarasota2 жыл бұрын

    Great review! It’s nice to see you flying it around as you review it. I like that you’ve taken care of it, as well as your passion for flying it.

  • @thedahlins
    @thedahlins Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this clear and informative video! I feel your assessment is spot on and without ego or bravado. These are the kinds of KZread videos that we can learn from and count on! Much appreciated!

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    Жыл бұрын

    I am really glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for your comments. It's nice to hear I am getting something right.

  • @goneflying140
    @goneflying140 Жыл бұрын

    I used to be in a club with 6 guys. We had a 63 Musketeer. It was a beautiful airplane with new paint, interior and a fresh 0320. I trained in Cessnas, and I liked them. I flew the Musketeer one time and was hooked. It is the easiest plane in general aviation to make greased butter landings in as long as you manage your power. Don't land too fast or it will go into oscillations. Too slow, and it will land hard. Hold it off until you feel it sinking, then add 200 rpm and you will feel a butter smooth landing. The Musketeer also handles like a fighter plane. It has a fast rate of roll. Unfortunately, our club plane was destroyed in an overloaded landing (not by me...) The important thing was that nobody was hurt in the accident because the Musketeer is built SOLID!! I sure miss my Musky!!

  • @jameshilaire4178
    @jameshilaire41782 жыл бұрын

    I have a lot of hours in a Beech Sport that I had installed the droop tips vgs and powerflow exhaust and it was a different plane! My stall speed dropped to 48 mph and on a good day climb at 1000 feet per minute! Handled crosswinds well and cruised at 115 knots! I did clean up that draggy landing gear and removed one of the steps. great airplane!!

  • @rp896
    @rp8962 жыл бұрын

    I have a 1968 Musketeer with the Continental IO-346A engine. Plenty of spare parts, works great. It has more horsepower than the rated 165. I've been flying it since 1972 when my Dad bought it.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    2 жыл бұрын

    I am glad to hear it has been working well for you. There is a IO-346 Musketeer near me but unfortunetly the engine is not airwrothy. At last discussion with a number of overhaul shops cylinders were not avaliable and they could not complete the overhaul of the engine.

  • @ozelot250

    @ozelot250

    2 жыл бұрын

    I’m looking at purchasing a 1967 musketeer with the continental io-346 fuel injection. This video states parts are scarce? I’m in Arizona.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes I would do some research about the engine. Talk to some engine shops and see what they say. Last I spoke there were no new cylinder assemblies available for the engine.

  • @bpatos
    @bpatos Жыл бұрын

    Very nice ride. Thank you, sir.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your comments.

  • @jnbartworx2176
    @jnbartworx2176 Жыл бұрын

    I flew it to Oshkosh for it’s 50th birthday. Coming home at near gross at 9000’ MSL it still climbed at 250’/ min. Over the Lake Michigan clouds. Great visibility.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    Жыл бұрын

    That's fantastic! I have done that trip many times but not in FGRR. Perhaps one day!

  • @fugoogle8907
    @fugoogle89073 жыл бұрын

    great video, thanks for sharing!

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    3 жыл бұрын

    Your welcome

  • @jnbartworx2176
    @jnbartworx2176 Жыл бұрын

    I owned this aircraft for 5 years. I see you kept the aluminum side window scoop bracket I made. I like the glass panel you put in.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    Жыл бұрын

    I am glad you like what we have done with her. She is an excellent and reliable airplane.

  • @robertmcrae3077
    @robertmcrae30773 жыл бұрын

    Great to see this review... definitely on “the list” for my next aircraft... would love a Sierra model. Keep the videos coming.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    3 жыл бұрын

    More to come! I am working on a Cessna 170 review in the near future and would like to do another on a PA28.

  • @robertmcrae3077

    @robertmcrae3077

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@fastbackflying853 ... ah the 170, also on my next plane list.

  • @fly-n-m9445
    @fly-n-m9445 Жыл бұрын

    Nice review, I went from from a 75, C172 to a 66 Bonanza, 22 years ago, never looked backed, Beechcraft is a joy to fly.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    Жыл бұрын

    They are a joy to fly and a very well built airplane as well. Some maintenance items are not very fun to complete but you cant have everything! I do miss flying the Bonanza

  • @paultolley8989
    @paultolley89893 жыл бұрын

    Outstanding review of the plane. I had a 64 A23A with the much maligned IO-346 engine. Though I agree a couple of parts were difficult to attain the performance was superior to the O-360 Lycoming engine as it was a true 165 Hp and much lighter than the Lycoming 180. The useful load pushed to 995 lbs. and the performance was significantly better. Lastly its a great IFR platform as the plane is naturally very stable. The only downside, for some, is you have to fly the plane onto the runway; a lax approach can lead to porposing but fly the the plane and it can manage a 25 kt Xwind. Thanks again Fastback Flying nice job.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    3 жыл бұрын

    Really glad you enjoyed the review and been enjoying your Musketeer. Happy tailwinds.

  • @Warbird-Aviation
    @Warbird-Aviation3 жыл бұрын

    very nice review

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much

  • @boogerwood
    @boogerwood Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing. Another BIG plus for me (in later models when they became Sundowners) are the 2 doors.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    Жыл бұрын

    The 2 doors is fantastic!

  • @marsgal42
    @marsgal424 жыл бұрын

    Mice are adorable. I fly a '63 Musketeer (C-GWHG - another Canadian) and agree with your assessment: a delight to fly, roomy cabin, not exactly over-powered, landings require a certain finesse.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    4 жыл бұрын

    Really glad you enjoyed the video and great to hear of another 63 out there still flying. I hope you enjoy some of our other videos and have a great flying season.

  • @mmueller1211
    @mmueller12113 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the informative review, looking for a Sundowner/Musketeer here in Ont.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it. I am in Peterborough Ontario so let me know if I can be of any service. I complete purchase inspections, repairs, scheduled maintenance, rebuilds, and also provide flight instruction.

  • @mmueller1211

    @mmueller1211

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@fastbackflying853 definitely keep you in mind re: pre-purchase. the search begins...!

  • @leonard.l2671
    @leonard.l26714 жыл бұрын

    Great stuff! I just bought a B19 sports! So looking forward to fly it!

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    4 жыл бұрын

    That is very exciting! I really hope you enjoy the airplane and let us know how it's going and where your flying. All the best.

  • @randyleverson7430
    @randyleverson74304 жыл бұрын

    Great review James! Our Musketeer is working like a clock since you took care of our annual last year! Chat soon.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    4 жыл бұрын

    I am really glad to hear you enjoyed the video and very happy to know your Musketeer is running well. Cheers

  • @lazysfarmrawmilkdairy4280

    @lazysfarmrawmilkdairy4280

    3 жыл бұрын

    Question for you all. I am looking a purchasing a musketeer. Without any needed repairs, what is the average annual inspection cost?

  • @lazysfarmrawmilkdairy4280

    @lazysfarmrawmilkdairy4280

    3 жыл бұрын

    Question for you all. I am looking a purchasing a musketeer. Without any needed repairs, what is the average annual inspection cost?

  • @johnorr7386
    @johnorr73863 жыл бұрын

    I owned a1976 C23 Sundowner (Musketeer with an O-360 180 hp engine) for nearly five years before I upgraded to a C33 Debonair which I had for 10 years.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    3 жыл бұрын

    How did you enjoy the Debonair?

  • @scotabot7826
    @scotabot7826 Жыл бұрын

    The Musketeer was developed into the Sundowner, right? Then the Sierra. Not to mention, there were several models that were offered in the aerobatic version. Very nice sportsman aerobatic maneuvers can be performed!!

  • @marsgal42

    @marsgal42

    Жыл бұрын

    Exactly.

  • @brandonjunkin2403
    @brandonjunkin24034 жыл бұрын

    Awesome review, any at ypq for sale?

  • @byronpenados7080
    @byronpenados70804 жыл бұрын

    Great video sir! I am currently looking at one for sale and wanted to get a good idea as I’m new to aircraft buying. If only you were local (TX) and could take a look for us. Keep up the good work!

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    4 жыл бұрын

    Let us know if you end up getting the airplane. I really hope it all works out for you. I would really like to fly down to your part of the world. Someday soon I hope.

  • @byronpenados7080

    @byronpenados7080

    4 жыл бұрын

    Fastback Flying Will do! Either way if you’re ever in the DFW area I’d love to meet up. Cheers.

  • @Warbird-Aviation
    @Warbird-Aviation3 жыл бұрын

    What nice review!!! Just watched again ad we found such a plane in Switzerland and it flies great but a bit slow, could this be because of the forward CG and whith balast in the back in flies faster?

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes a forward C of G will really slow it down. I often put weight in the baggage compartment if I am flying by myself to help cruise. I also run 2550 to 2600 rpm, which allows for a much higher cruise speed.

  • @jt200drivr
    @jt200drivr Жыл бұрын

    Great, great video. Thank you for your comprehensive review! I’m looking to purchase one of these. At the five minute mark, you mentioned with 4 people and a good amount of fuel near gross weight, your climb performance degrades and it needs a lot of runway. Can you put some context around your rate of climb and a comfortable runway length at 30 decrees C (worst case) in that scenario? Thank you.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    Жыл бұрын

    At 30 degrees Celsius at gross weight and with 5kts of runway you would use 2500 feet of runway easily and can expect your climb to be 250 ft a minute. VG kit would improve this significantly. I have a video coming out of a 1900 ft strip with the airplane. Its got 40 gallons of fuel, just me and a 100lbs of luggage. You could check that out for some performance.

  • @jt200drivr

    @jt200drivr

    Жыл бұрын

    @@fastbackflying853 Great. Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate your insight. I actually saw that video, which another very helpful review. Well done! I wondered how far down the runway the golden rod marker was located. That was about the time you lifted off. Do you know the approximate distance from the beginning of the runway? Interestingly, the POH I found for the serial number aircraft I’m interested in has takeoff distance data for a standard 15 degree C day and colder, but not warmer. Wish they had included the other side of the thermometer.

  • @ctmorawetz
    @ctmorawetz4 жыл бұрын

    Another great video! Thanks for sharing. How does it handle on unprepared runways? (grass, gravel, etc.)

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. Really glad you enjoyed the video. Grass and gravel is just fine. With the 160hp version it's just watching the climb performance when hot and heavy! It's been in and out of Bancroft in the summer with 2 people.

  • @marsgal42

    @marsgal42

    4 жыл бұрын

    I've landed mine on grass (Hope, BC) without incident. Just keep it light in the summer and you'll be fine.

  • @sammalone6714
    @sammalone67142 жыл бұрын

    Fir $13,000 in 1963 you could have purchased a Ferrari 250 GTO. Current value $32MM+.

  • @billywest7065
    @billywest70658 ай бұрын

    Great information. I'm just in ground school, but like to think ahead. Seems like this might be an excellent 1st plane??

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    8 ай бұрын

    I think it would serve you very well indeed. I would strongly recommend having an inspection completed by a mechanic you trust to determine the condition of the airplane and its systems before you buy anything.

  • @billywest7065

    @billywest7065

    8 ай бұрын

    @@fastbackflying853 that would be an absolute must. And then I would be looking for an instructor that could teach me all of my lessons in it.

  • @kitkat0981
    @kitkat09812 жыл бұрын

    Hi, Nelson here in Ottawa. Looking at getting a Beech Sport 150 1972. Looking for a CFi with beech experience that knows the habits of the mouse. Can you come down to Ottawa for 3-5hrs of instruction? If not, do you know of any CFI closer to me? Thanks.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Nelson. Yes this is something I could help with. Send me an email and we can work something out.

  • @JailBird2333
    @JailBird2333 Жыл бұрын

    How's the pilot seat for Space and head room? I'm tall, 6'4" and wide shoulders. Would this aircraft be a good fit?

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    Жыл бұрын

    I would certainly recommend sitting in one to see how it feels but I think there is alot of space in the airplane. I have sat with people in the co-pilot seat who are just over 6 feet tall and they have had no issues at all.

  • @adamcohen8628
    @adamcohen8628 Жыл бұрын

    Would you say musketeer II very similar?

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    Жыл бұрын

    The only difference I believe is that the 2 had the IO-346 Continental engine and a 100lbs more gross weight.

  • @ajaypalmann
    @ajaypalmann3 жыл бұрын

    Do you recommend buying one? I’ve heard landing the musketeer can be hard

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes I would certainly recommend one. It doesn't take too long to get use to landing and if you have access to a well qualified pilot or instructor who is familiar with the aircraft I would certainly recommend getting some instruction.

  • @MikeB3542

    @MikeB3542

    2 жыл бұрын

    Not that difficult, but it punishes pilots that don't mind their approach speed. Fly it by the book (carrying a pinch of power through the flair) and all is right with the world.

  • @kevinnickel6356

    @kevinnickel6356

    Жыл бұрын

    pinch of power through flair 1500= butter smooth landings.

  • @abstract0014
    @abstract00143 жыл бұрын

    is anyone watching this for entertainment instead of actually looking to buy one?

  • @farmboy694
    @farmboy6944 жыл бұрын

    how tall are you boss? do the seats adjust up/down?

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    4 жыл бұрын

    In this model the seats do not have any adjustment up and down. I am 5 ft 11 inches. I hope that helps you.

  • @farmboy694

    @farmboy694

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@fastbackflying853 thanks! im tall and its a curse to find planes to fit in. I'm in the market and considering one due to the roomy cabin...but hard to find one in real life to try let alone one for sale in Canada.

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    4 жыл бұрын

    I have had some tall passengers in the plane with no problem at all. Maybe 6 ft 2 inches. That's tall to me anyway. I know of one that is for sale but it needs an engine and it needs an IO-346 engine. I had an overhauled engine lined up a few years ago for it and it would have been a good deal but it all fell apart.

  • @farmboy694

    @farmboy694

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@fastbackflying853 yah I'm 6'3 or 6'4. I want to avoid that engine just due to the oddball factor. I did a registry search out of curiosity. Only 4 of the a23a registered in Canada. Oddly enough only engine I could find was in canada..at aero recip 15k usd

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thats the where I was sourcing the engine for this project 4 or 5 years ago! It's a really shame it didn't all come together then. Have you posted any wanted adds anywhere?

  • @a-hvlogs2046
    @a-hvlogs20464 жыл бұрын

    using an inflation calculator, that 13k in 63 would be 120k in todays money... cant get a new beech for that and that makes me sad

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    4 жыл бұрын

    That really is amazing! I saw a Avionics panel upgrade recently in a Mooney that was 120k. It really is becoming very expensive. Joint ownership may become more popular.

  • @scotabot7826
    @scotabot7826 Жыл бұрын

    Not a 4 seat airplane, just like the Cherokee and 172!!

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    Жыл бұрын

    It really depends what you are doing. I have had four people in it lots just not with any luggage or tons of fuel. I have taken it on a skiing holiday for a week with 2 of us all our gear and full tanks. As you said, same as a 172 or PA28

  • @PastorRichardAllenFarmer
    @PastorRichardAllenFarmer3 жыл бұрын

    GOOD VIDEO. Since this will be "out there" for a long time, please correct the grammar of your intro. Second sentence should be, If YOU'RE considering purchasing your own airplane...

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for bringing my attention to the grammar error. I am also glad to hear that you enjoyed the video.

  • @ozelot250

    @ozelot250

    2 жыл бұрын

    Really guy? Really?

  • @PastorRichardAllenFarmer

    @PastorRichardAllenFarmer

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ozelot250 Yes, really.😀

  • @rickc1410
    @rickc1410 Жыл бұрын

    TOOOO MANY ADDS BY BY BY !!!!!!

  • @fastbackflying853

    @fastbackflying853

    Жыл бұрын

    How many adds are you seeing? You should have one only at the start of the video. A KZread premium account also removes all ads.

  • @jacknisen
    @jacknisen10 ай бұрын

    Any noteworthy ADs on the airframe to watch for?

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