Got the license when I was a kid; uncle introduced me to a D-35 when I was 8. Got to visit the first Bonanza Convention in 1968 doing the Nav calcs both ways from California. I was 11 then, and hooked.

Have about 3300 hours all toll, some 2/3 of that is at night, and in actual IFR. Did 3-400 hours a year for a while chasing sales up and down the eastern seaboard. Flying home regularly @ 10 - 11 pm, Atlanta approach got to recognizing me and would greet me asking if I really wanted that approach into PDK or could tell me if Stone Mountain (home field) was clear enough to get into. They were more than nice... always.

I've heard folks say that flying is hours of boredom interspersed with moments of stark terror. I’ve had a few of both; adds up to experience. But even a bad day flying is better than a good day doing just about anything else. Like many perhaps, there was a time where a goodly portion of how I measured my life was through the professionalism of flying, and those that shared it.

I’ve a ton of technical questions going forward, as I attempt to study a plane for purchase. 30 some odd mods on a Bonanza, with only 8 or 9 showing on the “blue ribbon” version of the record received from OK City. It’s like there is a whole other airplane under there that just went “ghost” for 26 annuals.

Thanks for the welcome; I’ll try to find my way into the various conversations of concern, and will certainly appreciate the experience and assistance accumulated throughout the group.

Dave

Dave,

Welcome to BT. We can help you spend your money buying a Beech. But before we do, we like to see pics of you existing planes.

Tim

Hey Dave,

Welcome aboard!

~Mike