Hello everyone,

Thanks for your time this fine day. My story begins as a little boy flying in my Dad's Mooney. Jump forward a some decades... I've never lost the love, and swore someday I would get my ticket and I'm in process of doing just that. For a guy who doesn't have his PPL, I understand a lot about aircraft, types, and characteristics, but I am fully conscious of what I don't know. My mentor owns a 310R, which is a very fine aircraft and so far out of my league, I can only wish.

Maybe I am crazy, but I really like the V model for price and value; and yes, while out of my capabilities now, I remember 10's and 10's of landings in the Mooney, I'll never forget how fast it all seemed,, then after a few years, I could follow / see Dad's actions in my mind as we arrived.

My question to the group is: what forum would I get on to discuss the path of how to do the learning, succession, time building, moving up; to save the most effort, time, and money? By this I mean, Piper's strategy was Warrior/Archer/Arrow/Sem-Scen/Meridian. Does the group believe this is the correct pattern to go for in the Beech line? The things I have read on the Sundowner I like, slow, ok fine whatever, it's flying. But handling, visual awareness, height of seat, fit/finish, and build strength make me take serious notice. What would be the Beech progression to be competently prepared in the V? I will buy this airplane to learn on.

Again, thank you for your time everyone, nice to finally be here.

Kevin

Good morning Kevin and welcome to piloting!

There's likely to be a myriad of opinions on here, but my 2cents is that you should go ahead and get the V tail if that's what you think you'll want. It would be easier learning in something simpler, but you wouldn't be the first person to do your primary in a Bonanza. And if you're going to buy an airplane, just go for it! Buying a "starter" plane, then having to sell it and buy another later is generally not the most cost effective way to go; and why not train in the airplane you'll fly?

I do however highly recommend flying with a BPPP instructor (see bonanza.org for more info) who will keep you "between the ditches" until you become competent in the airplane.

Welcome aboard!

Dear Ron,
Never thought of that! Cheers!

kevin

Welcome to BT Kevin,
I'm in agreement with Ron, there is nothing wrong in Buying & leaning in your last plane first, might take a bit more time, but that's just more time for fun.
Go for it.

I won't argue with the value of the "buy your last plane first" approach. The key, however, is knowing what plane that will be. To find that out (and you will get plenty of advice here) you need to ask yourself, and answer honestly three questions:

1: What is your acquisition budget?
2: What is your real annual operations budget?
3: What is your real mission profile?

Overbuying or under-buying for any one of those three is going to be either an expensive mistake or drive you out of aviation.

Bill

Hi Kevin,

Where are you from? look for local beech talkers most are willing to take you flying and help you figure out which airplane will make you happy.

Welcome Kevin, it's always good to get new blood on the forum and many of us will have opinions on what plane to buy. Take my word for it, this is a great group for spending other peoples money. (Truth be told, most have spent a lot more of their own than I have.)

I'm in the group who bought their last plane first. I purchased my G35 in the mid 90's as a Private Pilot and I've done all available advanced ratings in it. It's been a wonderful ride and I'd do it all over again in a heart-beat. Maybe if I did it over again I would buy it as a student pilot?

In any case, tell us what type of flying you see yourself doing, how many people, how much luggage, how far, how often and you'll get a lot of good replies. Oh, and update your profile with your location and you might just get offered a ride or two. (That's what the mentor badge is all about.)

-Mark

Welcome aboard Kevin!

Yes you have a lot of choices to make, enjoy the process.

Yup. If you can do it, buy the plane you want.