I got my PPL in Nov and a good friend recommended I pursue getting a Bonanza for my flight aspirations. I'm open to any advice on buying my first plane. I'd like to fly from Torrance KTOA to KHCR Heber, UT and to KAEJ Buena Vista CO.

I've also run smack into an insurance wall as a new pilot, based in CA, with retractable gear, high performance.

All good advice is welcome!

Feel free to direct me to the best forum for buying guidance / ins issues.

Thank you to those that responded to me. I am not authorised to send private messages yet!

my only advice is to find your hangar first. That is probably going to be an order of magnitude harder than finding an airplane.

Good Call.
TOA says they have a 3-6 mo wait once you pay the app fee and deposit. And I could get a tie-down for $141/mo in the meanwhile.
CPM also has a wait list with 15 people on it.
I'll check HHR, and LGB as well.

Buy the plane you want, pay the premium, then fly it for 100hrs the first year. Insurance will come down until you hit 300hrs then settle. Start working on your IFR immediately, quickly gain hours and the IFR will lower ins too.

Hey David,

I am sorry I am late to this thread but I live in Hermosa and keep my Bonanza at Torrance. I'd be happy to meet up with you at the airport or grab lunch sometime (my treat) to talk about the airport, Bonanzas, the buying process, etc. My email is neal.schwartz@gmail.com. and cell is 914-625-5776.

-Neal

Not strictly buying advice but make sure you seek out some thorough mountain training, especially for Buena Vista. There are a lot of very big rocks between CO and CA.

I bought my first plane a year ago. I had only enough retract hours to get my Complex, and none in a Bonanza. My insurance broker found me a 6 month "transition" policy through a company called Beacon. At the end of that period I had my Instrument Rating and had completed the required dual and solo hours which made a huge difference at renewal. I believe avoiding a 12 month policy to cover those initial months was a win for me. I’m not sure how common these shorter term policies are, though.

Good luck David!

You can get out of a policy at any time. I've switched carriers mid term before without a problem. I wouldn't worry about the policy term.

Thank you! I will definitely get mountain training before embarking on anything serious!

You can get out of a policy at any time. I've switched carriers mid term before without a problem. I wouldn't worry about the policy term.

Hey David,

I am sorry I am late to this thread but I live in Hermosa and keep my Bonanza at Torrance. I'd be happy to meet up with you at the airport or grab lunch sometime (my treat) to talk about the airport, Bonanzas, the buying process, etc. My email is neal.schwartz@gmail.com.. and cell is 914-625-5776.

-Neal

My advice is start smaller. Cherokee, musketeer, 172. Basic panel, mid time engine. Put 200-500 hours on it, and get your IR, then look at a Bo.

Insurance will be easier, mx easier, you’ll get your $$ back on resale. You’ll be a safer, better pilot and far more prepared for complex hi power ownership

Right now, you don’t know what you don’t know. Find out in something more forgiving. And save a lot of money too.

My first aircraft purchase was a Debonair. I have no regrets.

After training in a Piper Warrior, it was really alot of fun stepping up to a high performance Beech!!

Bob

Avemco was great for getting that first insurance policy.

Bob