N44Y, a 1955 Beechcraft T-34A, is a refurbished FAA-certified aircraft. Affectionately known as the "Mentor," the T-34 platform boasts over 70 years of military service, making it the longest-serving military aircraft in history. This unpressurized, tandem-seat, piston-drive, aerobatic military trainer is economical, practical, and fun, making it a highly sought-after warbird.

44Y is a fully refurbished and tastefully modified warbird featuring an upgraded, low-time, timed-out engine, representing a unique opportunity for new ownership.  44Y is a rare find, as one of only 54 T-34As remaining on the FAA registry and the first time this particular aircraft has been available on the market in 19 years.  

N44Y left the Beechcraft factory equipped with a carbureted Continental O-470-13, producing a respectable 225hp.  In 2011, Gann Aviation installed a new fuel-injected Continental IO-520BB engine, boasting 285hp at 2700rpm. This upgrade also included Superior Millennium Cylinders, balanced pistons, a fully overhauled crankcase, balanced crankshaft and rods, baffle seals, and GAMI injectors.

The engine has only been used for 554.3 hours since the overhaul, well below Continental's recommended TBO of 1700 hours. However, at 14 years old, it has exceeded their recommended 12-year service life outlined in SIL-98-9E. Despite this, the seller notes that the aircraft has been flown at least 25 hours annually (see logs), indicating no signs of excessive stagnation. 

Cylinders #4 and #6 showed mild corrosion on their steel cylinder walls during a third-party borescope inspection performed by Blackbird International on <date>. The seller attributes this corrosion to the aircraft being inactive for 10 months prior to the auction. No other related issues were noted.

44Y dawns a recently overhauled, factory original McCauley three-bladed aluminum alloy, constant speed propeller & spinner with 96 hours (SPOH) and 1109 hrs since new.  This powerplant combination yields an impressive cruise speed of around 165 (KTAS) while sipping only 15.5gph of 100LL.  With a max service ceiling of 20,000ft MSL, a 50 US gallon usable fuel load, and a large cargo area of 4 carry-on bags weighing up to 100 lbs total, 44Y is a capable cross-country machine.  Naturally, as a certified aerobatic aircraft- there’s room for some fun along the way with designed max g-loading limitations of +6.0 and -3.0 Gs. 

44Y’s accident free airframe has been meticulously cared for having received fresh paintwork in 2015, a new canopy, ADS-B updates, main landing gear overhaul, and upgraded wing spars that are in compliance with the AD.  Tires are Goodyear Flight Custom IIIs with 75% tread life.  All maintenance log records are included since 1954.

44Y’s avionics suite has, like many T-34s, been modernized and is IFR certified.  However, significant investments ($36k+) were made in 2017 to both front and rear cockpits, setting it apart by a full Garmin avionics suite centered around G3X Touch flight displays allowing a true multi-piloted experience.  Included within the suite is a GFC500 autopilot system with 4-servo control (Roll/Pitch/Yaw/Trim).

44Y will be sold with a fresh annual inspection performed within 60 days prior to the start of the auction. This Mentor represents an exceptional opportunity given its rarity, condition, and the opportunistic engine proposition.