Hi Everyone, glad to be a part of this forum. I’m a military pilot interested in purchasing my first GA aircraft. I’ve got about 200 hours in cessnas and pipers with a GA IFR before I went to pilot training, but haven’t flown GA since 2008 or so. Since then I’ve flown consistently in the military though.

I’ll be moving to southern VA next summer while my family remains here on the Gulf Coast and I’m having a tough time determine what I would need and not need in a plane without breaking the bank. I’d like the plane to essentially commute back in one hop with my 100lb dog on the weekends and then with my lady and our 2 x 100lb dogs for long weekends somewhere nearby. I’d love to hear opinions from the crowd on whats important. I’m thinking a 33 or 35 is the right place to start but the options are overwhelming. Anyone want to help out and be my beech mentor?

Hey Jeff. Welcome!!
I was stationed at Eglin a few moons ago.
Sounds like a 33 or 35 would fit your mission well. The “modern” V-tails including S35, V35,V35A and V35B would be what I would look for, but certainly wouldn’t overlook older models. The 33s are great. I have an A36 and I think the conventional tail looks just fine
Plenty of good resources on here including help with pre-buy so you minimize surprises. You could also consider enlisting help from an agent like Neal Schwartz- Latitude Aviation to take much of the trouble and pitfalls out of a first time purchase
Feel free to PM me

Scott

Welcome Jeff.

I have a similar situation as live near Huntsville, AL and work in St. Louis, MO. I use our B33 to commute weekly. It is very economical for the speed coupled with over 1,000# useful load.

I would agree a 33 would fit your mission just fine.

Fred

Great. Thanks, Fred!

Jeff, you will get some great advice here, welcome to BT!