300mph Airplane Barn Find! 

I have probably 12 to 15 hundred hours in all types of Aerostar and is still one of my all time favorites. Fuel management is critical as you can exhaust fuselage fuel with fuel still in the wings that WILL port during turns. Operated 10 freighter Aerostars during the 70's and lost 8 engines in one night as FBO fueled 4 601's with jet fuel. Nose gear can get stuck in the wheel well if tiller split switch is somehow activated when gear is retracted. Debating on whether to start flying again after retirement , however, the most dangerous things in aviation are: 1. Two airline pilots in a light twin. 2. A doctor and a lawyer in a V tail Bonanza. 3. A flight attendant with a chipped tooth.

I love the Aerostar. Used to operate one on freight runs in Australia. One of our pilots reached back to close the door while taxing and took the top of a finger off with the prop once.... Rocking the Biggles mustache, as well, Jimmy. :D

This plane was a favorite with our southern exporters. You might want to check all the nooks and crannies for any left over "product". It could help pay for the build 🤣

I did some flying in an Aerostar 601 years ago, and that is an airplane that demands attention or else. Type training is a must. I don't know how much multi time you have, but the 700 is NOT the plane for noobs.

Might be smart to give your insurance broker a call before you do anything else. The Aerostar handles absolutely beautiful once you got the hang of it, but it could be a handful. I loved that plane and after a thousand plus Aerostar hours I still do. With electric fuel selectors and electric nose wheel steering among many other “special” systems it’s like nothing else. Make sure you have a solid maintenance budget. Would be nice to see you getting this plane, but be careful. Good luck from across the Atlantic 👍

Jimmy, I know that you will get a lot of mixed opinions on the A-star, I have a lot of time in serial number 3324, you are looking at 3319. I absolutely love the airplane but there are some things that you must do. Please feel free to contact me, I would love to see this project succeed because of my absolute affinity for the Aerostar line of airplanes. Also, I have a very good friend close to where that airplane is that is an Aerostar Guru. It would be an honor to help you out with this as there just are not a lot of guys that have experience in that airplane. By the way, you will absolutely LOVE the way it handles and flys

I love all the aero stars! One of the most beautiful designs for a twin….and a hand full of plane that you don’t want to get behind!

Great channel, Jimmy! Aerostar 600A in Daytona was my first flying job back in the 90’s and it is a great flying machine. I have roughly 500+ hours in it. But like others have said, it requires training, currency and a healthy dose of respect. Speed is your friend in this airplane. Plus, deep pockets for maintenance. I trained at SimCom in Orlando once a year and it was invaluable. I wouldn’t discourage you from buying one but would definitely encourage you to have an experienced Aerostar pilot fly with you for a while (especially, being newly multi-rated). Also recommend experienced Aerostar techs work on it. I used to take ours to a place in LAL called No Toro aircraft services (not sure if it’s still in business). Keep up the great work and thank you for your service!

Great find jimmy. Hope it finds its way home with you soon

Love the channel bro. Retired military guy, aviator for over 40 years, and you are funny and keep it real! Keep it up!!! Can I get a “CLEAR PROP!”

Go for it, Jim. Beautiful aircraft. Great addition to the barn.

really would love to see you do a series on a 337 skymaster, its my favorite small plane. A friend of mine who is no longer around had one and it was a unique flying experience. Great content as always...keep it up.

Jimmy, thanks for responding to questions like how you find planes. You've mentioned before how you afford to do much of this, we know married with kids, and that you actively serve our country. My big question is WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TO TIME MANAGMENT? You must have a secret. Between being Dad and Husband, saving the 310, galivanting about the country looking at planes, being in the military, and shooting and editing YT, you sure seem to have more than 24 hours in your day. I work full time, parent full time, and serve in my community, and I still haven't been able to find all the time I want (or need) to fly. Please, is there a secret clock I am missing!? Thanks for sharing your World.

I used to maintain and annual a 602P with a Machen conversion for a customer. He let me fly from the right seat from time to time. Having the fuel totalizer next to the airspeed indicator on the copilot side was sobering, and visual proof that speed costs money.

That's definitely a cool plane! I think it would be a great addition to Jimmy's World Garage!

I absolutely love this aircraft.

Great looking and playing, I love that cockpit. And it looks like a very nice autopilot. But those have been pretty good for several years. You could keep some of the old instruments and go to a glass cockpit if you want as just an augmentation and still have some analog instrumentation for backup.

Thanks for sharing how you find your airplanes. The Aerostar is an amazing plane. I can see a lot of adventures with "Jimmy's World" in that plane. The 50+ GPH at takeoff is the major downside of operating a speed machine like this but you are getting into the corporate level of flying with the Aerostar. Ibsee more intense training in your future. Thanks for all the great videos. Is the 310 going to make Oshkosh? So many projects so little time. Already anticipating your next video!!

Enjoyed hearing that engine! I really love it's sound.

Thanks for making these videos Jimmy!

Jimmy- I've been loving your channel. I rebuilt a Cessna 182- took me six years. Flew it all over - even to the Bahamas with my buddies. Then I too got the Aerostar bug. I actually traded my 182 to a gentleman for his Aerostar. I was a 601- meaning it was turbocharged but not pressurized. A prior owner had it converted back to non-turbocharged and I love the speed without the complexity or expense of turbo chargers and pressurization. Cheers buddy! I'd love to come see it. I just got a wild hair and flew to Venice Fla to scuba for Megaloldon shark teeth. These planes are time machines man! 😁😁😁

I don't know, Jimmy...you buy that, and you might say "Screw saving the 310!"!

Yes! Youwill love it. I have flown in one and it was terrific! Get it@

Outstanding Choice

I flew cancelled checks in the Aerostar for a few years, absolutely loved the airplane. As many others have said, this airplane is unique and can bite. With that said and with proper training on its quirks, it is safe and rewarding, not to mention its an absolute joy to fly!!! with pushrod controlled ailerons it moves on the roll axis by just thinking about it. Another cool trait is on take off, it sits on the ground slightly nose low so you actually have to rotate it like a jet to fly SO COOL! I hope you get it, I'm very excited to get into the Aerostar again via your videos

I've been following your channel for months and compared to some of the other "barn finds", the Aerostar seemed on a different level than those. Maybe there is more I'm not seeing, but both engines started right up, the panel and avionics looked clean, and with the exception of the missing seats which if I heard corectly are getting re-done, it seems like a good airworthy find. I give a thumbs up to adding that gem to your stable!

Thank you for the video.

My Dad's friend Rod Fraser bought 6 of the 600 models back in 74, when Ted Smith was struggling to keep the company going. He sold 5 of them and kept one. Man it was such a cool airplane looked fast just sitting on the ramp. I was 13 at the time he gave us a ride, it was an absolute rocket. I love Aerostars do I'd say go for it, make sure all logs are up to date. Best of luck with it.👍🎣

Owned one for years. Wonderful aircraft, built really strong (no in-flight breakups ever). Nothing quite like it. But its tightly cowled and the twin turbos aside run hot, so it's not an easy plane to work on. Complex, but very well supported (you can get any part overnighted, it just ain't cheap). You need people with Aerostar experience to wrench on it, otherwise you'll be paying a fortune for someone to learn on the job. Flies like a fighter jet with all push-pull rods and no cables - amazing handling. Nothing else comes close. Very honest flying capabilities, but wing does not like to be slow, so it's easy to load up in a turn and get too close to the edge if you're not careful. This is a $350-450/hr plane to run, so be prepared. Not a good candidate for neglect and cheap maintenance.

I own N601HB. She’s a 1979 601P with many mods including intercoolers. I wanted the long props because they pull better than the short props. Also, wanted the high compression 290 HP, IO-540-S1A5 engines for LOP ops. The cockpit is quiet in cruise, and with modern headsets there’s no concern for noise like the old days. Mine is fast, economical as Aerostars go, has everything I wanted and doesn’t miss anything. I absolutely love it!

Like the look of the three bladed chopped propellers. Cool looking. Like the instrument layout. Time to write that check!!

I was in Florida last week watching grandson play volleyball at the Orlando Con Center. I've watched you now for maybe 8 months. You are amazing with all the knowledge you have about planes. I think the Aerostar is a great choice. I've admired this plane for years. I used to fly before heart attach. I have IFR , commercial and multi engine rating and now live 100 yards from an airs 72trip. I see planes everyday take off and land. Going 300 miles and hour will be awesome. Dan Bell here in Shelter Cove Calif. I'll be keeping track of the progress with the Aerostar.. Thanks for your channel.

Jimmy, the AeroStar is defiantly a must! My great uncle has one, I’ve never had the chance to go for a ride in it yet, but every conversation about it turns up something new and amazing. He absolutely loves the airplane and I don’t believe he’ll ever get rid of it. Looking forward to seeing what comes of it, but you defiantly won’t regret it. Take care!

Jimmy, I really enjoy watching your content. It's always an adventure. One thing I miss in your content that I sometimes see in other aviation channels is ATC comms. I just love listening to the clearances, instructions, etc. It'd be cool if you could sprinkle some of that in sometimes when you're flying. Keep up the good work and SAVE THE 310!!

Yes . Definitely go for it lad will love to see you work on it . 👌🏼

I love all your videos man, even the old ones.

Pass on it until some of the other projects get finished, don't dilute your free time between too many projects.

Jimmy, That is a nice airplane :) I remember the early ones had a main spair problem, alot of them needed to have them replaced. Also, speed translates into more inspections, which is more money Check the Engines close as high-time engines are very, very expensive along with the turbos. Is he including an annual in the deal? How about the nice interior? How about some training on the plane? As he said there is a lot of difference in that plane from the one you are used to. I would talk to other owners that have Aero Stars and see what they say about the plane. Good Luck pilotcropduster

I'm in love. I had a lot of time in a 600A back in the early '80s and I have to tell you it is by far the most beautiful twin engine plane ever with the flat short skinny wings and that 707 looking tail. I know they did a jet version of the aerostar but I was never aware of this particular hot rod. Used to take it out of Santa Monica over the Catalina for Buffalo burgers at least once a week. You are so lucky to find this airplane and I hope you fly the hell out of it. Love your show

Heck yeah. We need this plane.

Jimmy, I’d like to borrow your money replicator for a few days when you’re not using it.Just long enough to make a pickup load or two.Keep the videos coming,love them

Great show I love every episode. I used to have an Aerostar it was lots of fun to bad it was a Ford. Cheers from Jacksonville Florida 🌞

Love the stash and faster airplanes.

Buy.... this is beautiful.... thanks for sharing

Jimmy, I flew that aircraft in 2006 from TPA to Toranto Canada to meet with GE on some Jet Engines I bought for my Principal who had bought an Air Canada passenger jet and was converting it to a Luxury Jet for overseas business travels. It made the Trump Jet look like a worn-out Volkswagen. Me and my buddy Dave had a good trip in it.. He is right about the GPH and the fuel pressure and not sticking your arm out of the cabin for any reason. Those Ice Scratches were there then but they look bad now. Long time ago.

I always have admired the Aerostar, but when I bought my twin I went with Miller conversion twin comanche. 200hp vs. 180 on stock Pa30. True 500 fpm on single engine from takeoff if needed on hot humid MS day. 16-18 gph at 175 knots. The Aerostar was a bit too racy for me with the lack of dihedral and insurance was gonna eat me alive even with around 800h in twins. Never had an incident. Insurance did not care. I always wondered how consuming it would be to hand fly in the soup if need be. Also had a twin comanche friend that bought one of these and augered in on takeoff after a service. The fuel tank management is tricky. He flew fighters in Navy. Very experienced guy.

Hell yes! Buy and do your thing to it, Jimmy!

Go for it !

Love the content Jimmy keep up the good/hard work from the uk

Jimmy, I love watching your videos and love flying, having been a pilot for over 30 years. Have never flown an Aerostat, but have known it's reputation for a long time. I have always been told this is not an airplane for casual users. Considering the operating cost and the STEEP learning curve, I have concerns about you buying it. The speed is seductive, I know, but remember, that gets you to the scene of the accident that much quicker, the pilot is the first one there, and you don't want to find yourself in the situation of single engine ops in this beast.

I built these Aerostars in Santa Maria. i worked in the option shop back in the day. fantastic aircraft

Cleetus brought me here. Loving the content and digging the 'stache. Keep it coming. As far as this plane goes, anything that is the "fastest" is good with me.

While taxiing on the ramp toward our tiedown spot, my CFI noticed an Aerostar. His remark was "Oh, look! An Aerostar that hasn't crashed yet!" Jimmy, they can be a handful. They have a reputation of being terribly unforgiving aircraft.

One of my favorites. Gotta get it.

That plane looks sooo cool! Definitely my favorite so far on your channel.

hi Jimmy love your channel now retired from flying last aircraft was a Aerostar 600A non turbo the most reliable aircraft on the planet. Easy to fly, climbs up to 2000 ft per minute cruise all day 220 nts at 800o ft. Very easy to land, controls are the best you will find in the market place, this aircraft is twice as strong never heard of one breaking up in flight, over 1000 hours in this aircraft, read the manual, learn all the sytem once you go aerostar you never go back. Hope you close the deal on this unit. Christopher from Ottawa Canada

Agreed! Our "Founding Father's" would be shocked at how intrusive our government has become. Tracking our every word or every move. It's both scary and sickening.

Love the Aerostar!

Beautiful plane

*Jimmy I have +400 hours in that airplane.t will KILL you with out mastery, competence, currency, and vey good understanding of fuel system. IT IS LIKE A JET IN FEEL TAKE OFF and LANDING.* THE EARLY STOCK SHORT WING TED SMITH VERSIONS (TS61 Pre-Piper PA601 and PA702P) were faster, could cruise at 220Kts to 235kts. Not 300mph, Tops speed was 250kts and drinking massive jet like 100L fuel numbers. If you buy and fly it GET type specific training. It does not require type ratting but might as well should. It is more complicated operationally (fuel system known for mismanagement and VERY unique) than the Jets I have flown and fly now. Engine out on take off or in pattern and approach could be demanding. This is NO Piper Apache or Aztec which is docile.

Jimmy, how many “projects” do you have now? All I can say is, you are one lucky dude!!

What a beauty!!!

Aerostars are awesome airplanes! I had the pleasure of flying 2 different ones around FL and loved it. The unpressurized models are considerably cheaper to maintain. Also there used to be an Aerostar mechanic in LaBelle that had about 20 planes in pieces for spare parts. Might be worth checking him out.

Also I’d be curious of what your insurance quote is as a lower time multi engine pilot.

The Aerostar is on my short list of the most enjoyable airplanes to fly. I can only imagine it with 700 hp... It's a sports car with impeccable handling, and it was very well designed and built for speed by Ted Smith, who also designed the Aero Commander series of airplanes. It's a real step up in the multiengine world, and I suggest you get at least 10 hours with a good Aerostar instructor (your insurance company may require more, given that the ink is still wet on your multi rating), as the speed and complexity can be overwhelming. It's more like driving a transport category airplane than an Aztec... Hope you can close the deal.

Love the Moto reference!

Aerostar is a fabulous looking plane and sounds great in the air

Dude! Don’t even tease us with you buying an Aerostar! Every time I hop in my 100kt Cherokee I dream of owning an Aerostar.

I'm telling ya there a great Beech 18 that's been sitting in a hangar in SC, it was completely gone through in 2008-09, then flown 4 times and is now sitting, would be a good annual, set of batteries and I know it would fly home. It's a 59 Super 18, tall cabin all metal. Hit me up if you want the lead, I know there's a spare engine and even the factory jacks for doing the gear swing

Reminds me of Jimmy "ZAR" Franklin's Starship Pride...thank you for the nostalgia!

Go for it Jimmy

Blancolirio is going to do a crash review on you I fear…

Hello Jimmy. Love to see that you have such a great interest in airplanes but we have not seen you complete a full restoration of any airplane. You just completed your multi training and you have absolutely no business getting into an Aerostar at this time. I am a retired airline pilot and even I would go through extensive training on that airplane and I know your insurance company will not even give you a quote because of your lack of experience and qualifications. Do not do this. Please just finish your current projects.

I have been following you for some time ... Really enjoy all the hard work you do ... BUY IT !!!

Never thought i could get this interested in airplanes but this channel is awesome❤ thankyou Jimmy!

I flew night freight in these 30 years ago, 4hrs a night 5 nights a week. Be VERY CAREFUL if you decide to buy this plane. They are very unforgiving airplanes, major runway hogs, very critical wing, limited rudder and this one’s hopped up as well. IF you get it get thoroughly trained and stay proficient. He’s right about the nose wheel taxi switch bty., the ones moved to the glareshield were more natural than the original lower pedestal mount.

Every single "Buy it Jimmy it will be amazing" comment is from a non pilot who doesn't understand how demanding the DeathStar is. This is not the plane for a low time pilot much less the low time multi-pilot

i put an ad on barnstormers after i saw your video, people allready offered me time out parts to finish my Robinson r22 for a static display

Beautiful looking and mid wing. Buy it!

Might be even smarter to realize your a novice multi engine pilot and the Aerostar will eat your lunch before you know it has!

300 kts You go Jimmy!

Go for it

Sweet and clear prop time 2.

I love the Aerostar! It's my favorite twin!

Hello from Minnesota! Can't wait to see if you get it

Yep buy it Jimmy. It looks cool 😎

That thing is a bucket-o-bolts!! Dont forget your parachute!

Go for it, Jimmy Sweet Airplane

Always loved the Aerostar, in fact the aero commander is my favorite.

My bucket list twin

Oh yes. You definitely need this !!!

Looks Awesome !!!

Jimmy, you have to have it. It's a beautiful airplane and fast!!!

Totally interesting channel, good work Jimmy from South Africa 🇿🇦

Cool plane Jimmy. Wow good shape. Good luck to get it.

The first one on your list caught my attention, it's a Grumman Albatross flying boat. At $15,000 I wouldn't expect much, they tend to run about $600K in good condition. But I'd still have clicked. Thanks for your channel!

Great video Jimmy. Wonderful information. Many thanks Jimmy. Retired Air Force veteran.

Soon as I saw the shadow of your page, I knew you were heading into my fave plane! The sexiest plane built next to the P-51 and the F4U Corsair!!! Hope you can make it happen Jimmy!!! Put a sweet paint job on her and GO!!! LOVE the Aerostars!!!

There was a 701 at my airport for a couple of months. It's the only (piston) airplane that has made me jealous. The 310R is a beauty to fly but the 701 is just sexy as can be! Let's meet up at OSH!

It’s a beast!