Hi All,

I have been in BT for a couple years as I started to look for a 33 or 35 to purchase. My plans to purchase a plane were put on hold as I headed off to Iraq (third in Iraq and one in Afghanistan) for another year long deployment. My year is coming to an end and after taking a vacation with my wife I will be looking to purchase a Bonanza as soon as I can find a plane that fits my budget and needs.

A little about myself, I am a 500 hour private pilot, both land and sea, and also have my instrument rating. I am planning on finishing up my commercial rating in the near term, now that I will be home and can actually fly (I tried when I was on my R&R, but the weather did not cooperate). I also volunteer with the the Civil Air Patrol and I am a qualified mission pilot.

I am looking for a strong cross country and IFR aircraft, and have determined that the Bonanza (or Debonair) is the right plane for my mission. I have never flown or, or been in one for that matter. I am looking for someone in the Leesburg, VA or Mananass, VA area that has a Bonanza that would be willing to showing me there airplane and spending some time answering questions for me and what I should be looking for as I move forward with buying a Bonanza. I am a member of ABS and have looked on the mentor page and the closest mentor is in southern Maryland, which would work, but I was hoping to find someone a bit closer. Finally, and if possible, I would like to take a flight as well, and of course I would pay for the gas and lunch.

I am leaving Iraq in the new couple of days, and will be home in mid-September after our vacation.

Cheers,

Chris

Chris,

If you click on Mentor in the red ribbon at the top of this page, you can search for someone in your area willing to show you the Beech family. I know there is at least one in the Ashburn area.

Good luck...

Chris, first of all, thank you for your service.

You said you checked the Mentor link - did you also check the Members link? You should be able to find someone closer who may be able to give you a ride

(A note to many others - fill out your BT profile!)

Send a PM to Neal Schwartz. He's a broker here and one of the best. He's got the highest marks from sellers and buyers alike.

Good luck in your search.

Welcome out of lurking, Chris!

Yeah, 3 years is long enough waiting in the wings!

Can only echo the sentiments - THANK-YOU for your service (USNR here), and PLEASE click on the Mentor link (mentor.php) to find some fine pilots near you willing and waiting to share their beautiful birds and experience with you as you narrow your decision!

Also, with your experience, your next best bet may be to find a BPPP along the way, and really do yourself the service you deserve!

Doc