Hello all! I am 18 years old, just graduated high school, and will begin my freshman year of college this fall pursuing an engineering degree at the University of Missouri Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri.

A few years ago, my dad purchased a beautiful A36 Bonanza, and after finding a passion in flying (and getting my mom to finally agree), I began my own flight training last August. I passed my private pilot check ride just about two weeks ago, and after doing all my training in a Piper Warrior, am now fortunate enough to have the unique opportunity to begin my transition in to the Bonanza. There's not too many people at my age that have an opportunity like this, and for that I am incredibly grateful.

Now, since I am quite the beginner (60 hours), I would love to hear any words of wisdom or tips from pilots far more experienced than me. It seems that only as I begin to learn more do I truly realize how much I still have to learn.

Thank you!

You're a very fortunate young man Devin. I just bet your father is proud of you and your fantastic attitude. Congratulations! Keep up the good work.

Lot's of Beechnutz in the KC area.
Which airport are you based at?

Well done devin!
Wow, that's quite the Bonanza your dad owns. Is that a Jaguar edition?
It is good that you realize what an unusual opportunity this is for you at your age with your experience level. You need a good Bananza specific instructor. They are not that difficult to fly, very easy to land, but they are different.
Just yesterday in the break room we were discussing the cars we owned and sold we wished we still had.
Flying a Bo at 18 with a fresh PPL is right up there I think with experiences you will look back on in life and say: wow, that was even cooler than I realized at the time.

GUMP ... GUMP ... GUMP

Gear check downwind abeam ... Gear check on final .... Gear check at 500'

Congratulations on your PPL!
+1 on the GUMP check:
G Gas - Fuel selector on the correct tank, transfer pumps off if so equipped
U Undercarriage - check gear down and three in the green
M Mixture full rich in the event of a go around
P Prop at full RPM

I GUMP when on downwind and again on final as a precaution and have a successful landing for every take off so far!

Welcome to BT and congrats on your achievement!

You won't have any problem, Devin. My son learned to fly our Bonanza shortly after getting his PPL at age 17. He said it was easier to land than the Cessna 152 he trained in, as long as you put the gear down.

Devin you're in the perfect position....continue to learn..continue to grow...the sky is the limit!!! Good Luck.....

1) Airspeed. If you can control your airspeed everything else falls in line.

2) the world's crappiest plane that is (airworthy and) yours to fly any time you want is better than a fancy plane you can fly just sometimes. If there's any way at all you can swing a $10K 150 to live with you in Rolla ... do that. You'll fly more, learn more, enjoy more when you can just hop in the plane and burn $20 of avgas and have a good time. (Plus if you can take girls to St. Louis for dinner, then you will have you pick of the 3 of them who attend MUST)

Advice?

Fly near the center of your envelope for awhile. Don't take shortcuts. If there's any doubt, don't. Build experience slowly so you don't have to learn from mistakes...some of them will really bite you!!!

And most of all...enjoy that beautiful airplane.

Congratulation Devin on your PPL, you are a very lucky young man.
Once you get your high performance and complex sign off in that beautiful 36.....I would suggest your instrument rating while everything is fresh.

I waited 17 years from PPL to instruments, and at 58 its quite the challenge.

Maybe you can post more pics of that bird too

You will also become BT addict to this website, its way better than twitter or FB

PS...Please keep us posted as you progress along.

KMKC in downtown Kansas City!

No, it's not the Jaguar edition, but it received a new paint job and Air Mod interior recently. And Yes, I'm incredibly excited to get started, and know it will be an amazing experience!

KMKC in downtown Kansas City!