Howdy. Long-time member, first-time poster. 1974 F33A based at KFWS, Fort Worth Spinks.

This morning, I flew a friend from FWS to Bay City Regional (BYY), a small uncontrolled field about 70 miles southwest of Houston. I bid my friend farewell, took on some fuel at the self-serve station, grabbed a cold drink and went back out to fire up the F33 and get home before the Texas Gulf Coast weather turned to thunderstorms. A couple of the dreaded hot start attempts took more juice than my battery had to give and there I sat, sweating and cussing my luck.

The manager of the small FBO brought out a start cart but no luck there, either. As I contemplated the thought of spending a day or two on the FBO couch while I tried to find a battery on Memorial Day weekend, the manager called a fellow named Gary who owns a Napa Auto store in Bay City and who happens to be a Bonanza pilot too. This fellow left his business in the middle of the day, drove out to the airport with some diagnostic tools and a jumper box, fiddled around with the battery and had me going in short order. When I tried to pay him, he graciously declined and said he was glad to be able to help and just hoped that someone would do the same for him if he were ever in that same position.

What a testimony to the unselfish generosity of general aviation pilots and fellow Bonanza owners. I do not know if Gary is a member of BeechTalk but I wanted to let other members know that if you’re ever stuck in Bay City, Texas, there’s a good man at the Napa Auto store.

If you’re out there, Gary, hearty thanks again from your new Bonanza friend in Fort Worth. A barbecue dinner is on me if you’re ever in Cowtown.

Happy Memorial Day.

John Cummings
N518AB

Thanks for that uplifting story! Always nice to hear about good people who go out of their way to help. Love thy neighbor!

That’s one of the best things about aviation. There’s a very high percentage of people in aviation who will go out of their way to help a fellow aviator. Glad you met one, John. There’s lots more where he came from.

John,
I do believe this is the best intro post ever Thank you for taking the time to share this! There are some things about aviation that suck, but people aren't among those things..........save a few I love aviation, but my favorite part of it by far is being able to interact with the people. It's such an awesome testament of the values of like minded intelligent people. You can't buy that at Walmart.

Great story, always nice to read "good news."