Hello from California’s Central Coast. New pilot Kevin Nichols checking in. I have been viewing your posts for several months now and wish to say thanks for your advice and insights.

About 1986 I took my first ride in a small plane, a C182, with my newly licensed Step father from a grass field near Mancelona, MI. Ever since, I have desired to learn. In the Mid 90’s a good buddy began flying and using his plane for business and pleasure, a B36TC, and then a Lancair IVP. I put in at least 200 hrs in the right seat with him, flying to Mexico and in to the Sierras skiing. My desire to learn myself was continually strengthened, but family and business commitments kept me from thinking I could afford the time. And I’ll admit racing cars with NASA(National Auto Sport Association, not the other one), and instructing for Porsche Club for the last 7 years, did eat up the rest of my fun “me” time.

In the spring of 2011 a hangar came available at the local airport, adjacent to my buddy’s hangar. He strongly suggested I consider it, and added that “with the economy where it is, you should learn to fly and buy a plane!” So I did things a little backwards. Bought a hangar, and then started taking lessons with Gary Sparks of Pacific Aerocademy in October of 2011, check ride on Feb 9th, 2012. One of the happiest days of my life! It truly felt like a great accomplishment.

Searching for a plane became my new quest. While expanding my cross country universe, I began to read as much as I could, about which plane would likely fit my mission best. My mission consists of flying through California and neighboring state to see clients, the farthest being Pinedale, WY. Gary having learned who I was, told me to look high performance and retractable, either a 182RG or Bonanza. I looked at many planes, but Gary was right I kept coming back to what he suggested. Unwittingly all of you on Beechtalk played a big part in my search and learning. I wanted to begin IFR training right away, but really wanted to learn in my own plane. Something I would be intimate with, something with a solid IFR platform already in place. Currently I have 5 hours in V-tails with instructors and loved how they handled compared to the C172 I trained in.

Here is where I found Hyland’s Beautiful V-Tail. I wanted to wait to post until I was flying it home, but the deal is done, and I am very excited to be flying to Florida with another one of my instructors from Pacific Aerocademy, James Campbell, to fly it back home to the central coast! Hyland has been spectacular to deal with. In my opinion who you buy from, is just as important as what you buy. There may be other guys as nice as Hyland but I find it hard to believe there are many nicer. No doubt you have all already seen the pictures of N71VC, so I don’t really need to tell you about it. I hope I can keep it in the same pristine condition Hyland has. I feel I am adopting someone else’s child and have a great responsibility on my shoulders.

I look forward to spending many hours with my instructors learning to fly professionally, proficiently, and safely. I appreciate the help that ABS and Beechtalk play in this as well. After 25+ hrs we’ll begin IFR training. One of my goals is to fly back to Osh Kosh next year with my IFR rating.

Thanks again to all of you on this forum for your honest and open experiences and insightful advice. I have appreciated how you have been gentle with the newbies. Encouraging and cheering on their efforts. I understand there are many current and future challenges for GA, and I did give this much thought over the last 6 months, but it seems to me there will continue to be a place for GA in the US and I am not going to sit on the sidelines waiting for the dust to clear. I am all IN, Thanks Beechtalk! Thanks Hyland! Thanks Pacific Aerocademy! If you are coming through KSBP look me up.

Welcome to the forum, Kevin! You got yourself a nice one from Hyland.

Gentle, my ass - post more pictures!

Welcome Kevin. We all drooled over 71VC for quite some time -looks like it found a great home. If you are in the Tucson area on your way back from Florida for fuel stop by Ryan Airfield (KRYN) and hopefully I can meet you. Safe travels and of course PICS or it didn't happen

Welcome, Kevin! I have flown into KSBP many times, in another life (cezzna slug days)

My Mom, lived in Morro Bay until her death. My sister is still there. Very lovely area of the country to live (I was born and raised in Ca.). I will be sure and look you up, on my next trip out there...............!

NOW........WE NEED THE PICTURES!!

Welcome Kevin.
As you have, I went through the C182RG consideration process after flying a C182 for some time. I think you will be very happy with your choice of a Bonanza.

My instructor Gary Sparks on the right. He is one day older than I, but a heck of a lot smarter. This was taken after first solo.

The hobby I am leaving behind.

Welcome to BT Kevin!

Great pictures!

welcome HOME
KSBP and L52 are on our sights, Mo's
, Brad's or Jockos anytime
Mark

Great story Kevin and congrats on your V tail. Time to change your renting profile. I found my first plane this year as well. 69 V tail. Completely in love. I have a sophmore daughter at Cal Poly and visit often. Down there next Thursday the 6th. Let me know if you are around with a pm. When are you flying it home ?

Bryan

Thanks guys!

I leave Thursday morning the 6th on commercial for Florida to pick up 71VC. Hopefully arrive at Hylands Thursday night. He is hosting James and I . Friday we'll learn from Hyland and then probably head home Saturday morning. Should be home Sunday the 9th. So Bryan I won't be here thursday, but please contact me next time you come down. I have a boy, senior at Cal Poly.

I too love Mo's and Jocko's have not been to Brads.

Guys,
Kevin and James did arrive on Thursday around 7PM. What great guys! How nice it was to see two young people on their way into the great adventure of aviation! Kevin is around the same age as I was when I purchased N71VC 18 years ago. James is in his early 20's and already has over 1000hrs. Weather played the usual role and they had to depart Friday. We did take many PIC's which Kevin can share with all of you.
Thanks to all for the kind words.
Hyland

Coast to coast, we arrived home safe and Happy! 71VC is a truly fabulous Aircraft. Thanks so very much to Hyland. He was a true Gem to work with. Hyland cared for his aircraft in a way I believe few could match. I am thrilled to be the receipient of his diligence and treatment of this fine V.

Here are a few pictures of Hyland and I, the handoff of Victor Charlie from one owner to another.

And James and I flying away

My knowledgeable, trust worthy Instructor James Campbell negotiating the storms.

Very nice Kevin. My daughter attends school there, so we're over there quite often. Maybe we can get together sometime.

Rick