BeechTalk - BT - Intro

Username Protected · **Posted:** 05 Mar 2010, 00:49

Here's my story for any of you who can't afford a newer bird but have a passion to fly the best airplane out there, even if it is a few years older. I've been in love with Bonanzas since I started flying in 1980. As an engineer, formerly working for an aerospace company, I couldn't afford to buy anywhere near new. Over the years, I owned a couple of Cessnas including a Cardinal and a J-3, which I still have. Did and still do alot of my own (AI assisted) maintenance... no better way to learn about your bird. Having that experience, I quickly came to appreciate the Walter Beech's design genius and the Bonanza's quality and workmanship.

About 5 years ago, I started thinking in terms of an older bird, something I could pay cash for and then upgrade as I could afford it. After looking for 3 months, I bought N5105C, a 1950 B35, having never flown a Bonanza. The former owner had her for 13 years, hangered and babied.... with a few upgrades, including tip tanks. Nothing fancy at the time, but a good sound bird. I bought her based on pics and an inspection by a mechanic in Grand Junction, CO. I then arranged to fly commercially to Denver, and took 10 hrs of dual from Mark Mantei, BPPP instructor, over three days. Mark and I then flew his bird west over the Rockies to Grand Junction to pick my new baby at Mesa. We flew around Mesa for the afternoon and the next morning, I flew back across the Rockies in loose formation with Mark to Denver. I then flew my new baby to F45 (Palm Beach Gardens), where she's been hangered ever since. What an exciting adventure... and one I'll never forget.

Over the last 5 years, I'm fallen in love with this bird and grown to appreciate the previledge of sharing this wonderful experience with family and friends. I've been fortunate enough to accomplish a few upgrades. Some of this probably doesn't make since in terms of recoverable AMU's, but have been done more for pleasure, safety and simple pride in ownership. New paint, later model seats, new interior, BAS harnesses, E-185 overhaul, new STC'd upanel, avionics, STEC-50, G530 WAAS, ... TCAD, etc. My fiance June, Sam my Golden Retriever, and I regularly fly to Georgia to see family and friends.... or just over to Naples for dinner. N5105C serves our needs well at 10.5 GPM and a comfortable planned 145 Knots. A few before and after pics are attached.

It's the journey that counts... and this has been a fun one. Just recently discovered BT. Look forward to getting to know you guys.

Dave

Username Protected · **Posted:** 05 Mar 2010, 01:02

David,

Welcome to BT, You will find a lot of folks here who share your passion and appreciation for flying and Bonanza's.

I love your upgrades, beautiful bird.

:cheers:

Chris

Username Protected · **Posted:** 05 Mar 2010, 07:21

Wonderful airplane David. The upgrades are perfect.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 05 Mar 2010, 08:36

Pretty.

another Bonanza/Cub owner, we need a Cub subforum

Username Protected · **Posted:** 05 Mar 2010, 13:13

BTW, if any of you are ever land at F45 and need assistance, a tool, a ride, or even a place to crash for the night, give me a ring. Can't say I'll answer, but I went on record for the offer!

d/c
561-719-3676

Username Protected · **Posted:** 05 Mar 2010, 21:23

David,

Did you land at DKX, around Christmas-time, about 2~3 years ago? :tape:

That is a beautiful plane. Welcome.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 05 Mar 2010, 23:53

Yeah Max --- that was me. My fifteen minutes apparently.

Hampton Aviation in Mena did a great job of putting her back on her feet. "If you haven't, you're gonna" as they say.

Dave

Username Protected · **Posted:** 06 Mar 2010, 01:35

Username Protected wrote:

Yeah Max --- that was me. My fifteen minutes apparently.

Hampton Aviation in Mena did a great job of putting her back on her feet. "If you haven't, you're gonna" as they say.

Dave

Dave,

I got a chance to look at your plane while it was in the community hangar. As I said, it is a beauty.

While you were AOG I tried to look you up and sent you a message, 'was going to offer my help to get the plane running again. Turns out DKX is three miles from one of the best Bo mechanics in the world.

BTW, welcome to BT. I've learned a lot here and made some fine friends. 'Hope to see you around here a long time.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 06 Mar 2010, 01:46

Welcome Dave,

Nice intro. Fabulous plane. The panel sure looks like it was a lot of work

Very Nice Job!

-MO

Username Protected · **Posted:** 06 Mar 2010, 23:28

Max,

Wish I'd known you at the time....I did talk with your mechanic friend offfield... can't recall his name... Nice guy and sounded very knowledgeable. However, there was an apparent riff between him and the FBO at KDX and they wouldn't let him pickup the plane from their hanger!

Stop by sometime and I'll tell you the rest of the story and the lesson I learned in dealing with local politics when your bird is 800 miles from home!

On a more positive note, looking forward to meeting you.

Dave

Username Protected · **Posted:** 07 Mar 2010, 00:42

Username Protected wrote:

Max,

Wish I'd known you at the time....I did talk with your mechanic friend offfield... can't recall his name... Nice guy and sounded very knowledgeable. However, there was an apparent riff between him and the FBO at KDX and they wouldn't let him pickup the plane from their hanger!

Stop by sometime and I'll tell you the rest of the story and the lesson I learned in dealing with local politics when your bird is 800 miles from home!

On a more positive note, looking forward to meeting you.

Dave

Oh yeah, Dave, I remember those days (politics). We formed a pilot's association and got the FBO removed from the field. All is rosy now.

Intro - N5105C & Dave Colston