Since it looks like I'm going to be spending a fair amount of time soaking up info on BT, I figured I might as well go ahead and introduce myself.

I'm a student pilot in the Nashville, TN area. I live closest to M91 (Springfield, TN) but am training with Don Reed out of M33 (Gallatin, TN). Started my training at the beginning of February and currently have a whopping 6.5 hours. I've wanted to earn my PPL for the last 10 years but a young family and a growing business have occupied most of my time. I couldn't be more thrilled to finally be in a place where I'm able to devote the time and resources to flying. My plan is to finish my PPL and start immediately on my instrument rating.

I have a friend who is a former KingAir owner who recommended a Bonanza for our family and that's how I found BT.

At this point, I only know enough to know how little I know. I'm thinking that an A36 would make the best sense for our family (my wife and I have three young boys - 8, 5, and 1). That being said, I'm considering purchasing something like a Sundowner to build time and confidence before I fly with the entire family.

Thanks in advance for the wealth of information and wisdom that all of you offer here.

If any of you are ever in the Nashville area, I'd love to buy you lunch and ask a whole bunch of questions.

Joe, welcome to BT. Plenty of BT members in Nashville. Try the Mentor link. I've been traveling to Nashville (JWN-John Tune) quite a bit lately from Huntsville as Cumberland Avionics is finishing a huge panel upgrade on a plane for us. You can see our A36 on any of those trips. Jeff Carneal (one of the BT administrators) has a great A36 at John Tune.

Welcome, Joe!

Jeff Carneal provides training in his glass-panel A36. So, as you move along that might be an option for later training, especially if you buy a Bonanza.

Joe,

Welcome to BT and the journey of a lifetime.

Tim

Welcome Joe.....the amazing journey begin's.....but never ends!!!

Welcome Joe. Can't fault the desire to go right ahead for your IR but you might consider getting your Commercial first. Go that route not because you want to fly for pay but because you'll get a chance to time-build under some scrutiny, develop greater skills than you attained getting the PPL and ultimately, get a better rate from your insurance company. Then go ahead and get the IR. By that time, you'll have a clearer idea of what type of Beech product works for you. Buy your perfect plane first.

Hi Joe,
What up @ Springfield? Stopped for fuel on Thanksgiving Day. Called two days before to get access code to wifi and find out if restrooms would be accessible.
Code didn't work (local pilot had no luck either) bathroom door has a combo lock on it (not mentioned by attendant in phone call), and couldn't get the ground wire to retract. Other than that, it was a pleasant stop.
The fuel was cheap (86gals) and the wet spot by the hangar was mine.

Funny that you mention this because our airport board just fired the FBO (I think complaints like yours were getting more and more frequent) and brought in a new group that has already dramatically improved the feel of the whole place. Sorry that your visit to Springfield was less than ideal. I'd give it another shot if you're ever back this way - the gas is actually even cheaper now.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

Lynn - next time you're up this way I'd love to take a look if you can spare the time.

Max - I'll have to look up Jeff. Also, I may take you up on your 'Come Fly With Me' offer sometime. I'm in Knoxville fairly often. We have a place in the mountains in NC and drive through 10 or so times a year (hope to be flying the trip soon).

Joe – give us your checkbook. We will find the right airplane for you!

Welcome Joe!
Good luck with your training.
Remember that you are the customer here. Make sure your instructor has a firm plan and objective for each lesson. Make him tell you.
Try to do as many lessons as you can in a short period of time.
That way you will leverage more learning without having to repeat too much.
It will all click very soon and things will start to feel normal without you having to think about it too much.
Great to have you here.

Funny that you mention this because our airport board just fired the FBO (I think complaints like yours were getting more and more frequent) and brought in a new group that has already dramatically improved the feel of the whole place. Sorry that your visit to Springfield was less than ideal. I'd give it another shot if you're ever back this way - the gas is actually even cheaper now.

I am a little late to this thread, but welcome Joe! I am based at KJWN and would be happy to take you up in a vintage 35 (once the panel is finished) or in an A36. Love to find a reason to fly and meet a new BTer!

Wow, Chris - I'd really enjoy that. Just let me know how best to set something up and I'll be at your disposal. I can PM my contact info or vice-versa. Just let me know.

Thanks again!