I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Bonanza or the Knoxville landscape. Through a chance meeting in transit from PKB to DKX I met Max Grogran at Downtown Island and became curious about this Beech phenomenon. Max had suggested trying a flight, yes that was over a year ago. Two weeks ago I found myself back in Knoxville and decided to take him up on the offer.
Max provided nothing short of an extraordinary learning experience both in landing on Berry Ridge, i.e. 24A in North Carolina but also that of test driving the uniqueness you “all” call Beech.
I arrived at our appointed Sunday am flight call and Max met me at the entry gate just as I was checking my phone for the pass code. With a wise crack from Max something about losing the code already. Once inside it was follow the leader to the hangar where 1512W sat, preflight completed and ready to go. Not wanting to miss the most important aspects of learning any new AC, Max graciously did a quick walk around with me pointing out the fine features of his Beech and the intrinsic points that make Beech, well, Beech.
While the weather for Knoxville was a bit overcast, nothing was going to dampen this incredible opportunity. We loaded up and taxied for 8 with an Easterly course. From my flying a Piper 180, and as Piper owners know, they are a great plane, easy to pilot & very forgiving, however, the Beech was a vast improvement on my Piper’s take off and climb out – in minutes we had retracted landing gear, leveled off and were in route to spy the incredible vista of the Cumberland Mt range with a fresh dusting of snow. Max the resident expert of all things Knoxville, new name Wiki Grogan, was easily highlighting landmarks and outcroppings as we headed east. For me, the views were exciting as my tour guide is a tremendous wealth of knowledge on the area.
As I really wanted to get a feel for the Aircraft, setup and maneuverability but not miss a thing, I found myself scanning the dash and the aerial view so quickly I was getting behind in Max’s dialogue, next time; a recorder. We came up over the Ski Slopes of Ober Gatlinburg and crossed over to view Mt. LeConte and Mt LeConte Lodge, another one of those well kept gems of Knoxville. We adjusted for some mixed winds and started to climb – we were scanning for the airport and then there it was – on the plateau. Jackson County airport 24A is a rather nice rural airport with hangars and small portable for pilots to make a pit stop, check weather and take in the views. If you walk the runway a stretch you can almost stand at the edge of the mountains to the west and in the easterly direction – you have a bird’s eye view of Western North Carolina University tucked into the foothill bottoms with a beautiful laid out campus.
With the wind niggling into collars and faces we made it a short walk and reloaded for takeoff – Winds were not sufficient to phase the Beech or Max and we sailed off the runway back over the short range and back to downtown Island.
After landing we took some time to visit the FBO and get some water. Then, to my amazement Max suggested we take the Beech out again and shoot some touch and go’s. He definitely had his work cut out for him. Having relayed to Max I was working on my commercial, he proceeded to put me in the pilot’s seat and run through a startup and takeoff – I can still hear Max prompting me to “push” the nose over – Beech’s take a little getting used to….after three takeoffs and landings, we called in a full stop and brought the bird back to the hangar. Ok, I’m sold. Now, if I could just convenience my spouse that the Beech is a sweet ride – we’d be trading off that 180. Rest assured there is no question what I think about Max and the phenomenal introductory ride in his V35B. Thanks Max!

Donna Rusche`
Instrument Pilot
Beech lover ----

Great story Donna.

Welome to BT.

I've also had the privilege of being aloft in Max's flying machine! He's quite an extraordinary fellow

Donna

Welcome to BT and you just flew with BT's worst kept secret the incomparable Mr. Bonanza and my friend Max. I hope to see May 18th at the DKX BT fly in.

Jay

I couldn't resist a "mainstream media" edit

The Squire strikes again!

If flying with Max doesn't make you want a Beech product, nothing will.

Beechcraft should put him on the payroll for sure!

Max Grogan, "The Closer".

Well, this was a long time developing. As Donna said, we met more than a year ago. You see, I was over at the FBO, flirting with this raven-haired beauty and found out she was not only a pilot, but a plane owner...owning a Piper Cherokee 180. I asked if she'd ever flown a Bonanza. She said "No, but I hope to, someday." I said "Would you like to see mine?" "Sure", she said, and we rode the golf cart down to my hangar. I showed her my plane and invited her to "Come fly with me." I gave her my card and told her to call me should she wish to visit again, and maybe fly. Time goes by...

...Then Donna called and said she'd be in Knoxville for a few days and would love to take me up on my offer to fly in the Bonanza. I told her to meet me at hangar #16 at 0800 on Sunday. At 0755 I drove the cart to where I could see the gate, and there she was. I just drove the cart over the buried sensor and opened the gate for her (I love it when a woman is on time!).

We made the flight to 24A, as she described, walked the runway for exercise, and returned to Knoxville. I made a landing, describing various procedures, and we went to the FBO for coffee. Afterwards I asked if she would like to fly my plane. Of course, you know the answer.

First we just flew a bit. I told her to make casual turns and just get a feel for the plane. She was smiling (Who wouldn't?) as she did a few maneuvers. After a while I suggested we return to the airport and enter the pattern. Then she made three stop and goes, as I don't allow T&G in Bonanzas when I instruct. I found that Donna is a very competent pilot, easy and smooth on the controls. She discovered, as most do, that the Bonanza is a low-nose plane, as compared to other brands. She flew well. She is a fine pilot.

She offered to pay me. I said I will accept. Payment is that you join BeechTalk and post. Her debt is paid. Now she needs to post more.

BTW...she pronounces her last name Roo-shay.

Donna, it was fun. Let's fly again soon.

Photos:

Welcome, Donna! I have to say, if my old Cherokee 180D had looked half as good as yours , I might have two airplanes today.

Nice looking 180 and welcome aboard. I loved that model when we had one in our flying club back in Connecticut so many years ago. Honest, easy to fly and you could put 4 normal sized people in it. I still have the pics from Nantucket when we were young and carefree.

PL

Welcome Donna...
You have truly "kissed the ring".

Welcome to BT Donna!!

I hope you didn't say "departing Runway ZERO eight" on the Unicom....

Sorry Max, I couldn't resist...

Wonerful read Donna, thank you.
And welcome aboard.

Donna,

You look awfully comfortable in front of that Bonanza. Time to trade up...