Hello all,

I'm a 200+hr vfr pilot. I've owned a '62 C 150, a '48 Swift and currently a '50 C-140A~ Most of my time has been in the 150 but I have enjoyed challenging myself in taildraggers lately. I need some more room (and speed) for the family and have been looking at a few early V-tails. Any recommendations for how much time it will take to transition with limited retract and variable pitch time to a Bonanza? They sound like real sweethearts to take off and land compared to a Swift. I'll be needing a good Bonanza instructor to get me up to speed in the type in the SEastern NY area if anyone has any recommendations.

Thanks~

Sacha - those are great looking planes!

The Bo is the easiest plane to fly that I've flown. They make an average pilot look like a pro when landing.

I had about 200 hours when I transitioned. By the time I flew the 10 hours dual required for insurance, I was comfortable.

I had flown, predominately, 182s.

Good luck!

Welcome to BT Sacha!

Nice looking planes! Thanks for the pictures!

Welcome to BT.
Not sure I have seen any tail dragger Bo's
Good luck in the hunt for the plane. Plenty of people on here can help point you to instructors and pre-buy mechanics.
Also, we have a few good airplane brokers if you decide to go that path.

Tim

Here's one!

That is a beautiful 150

You are coming up to a Beech and I'm going back to a Cessna 120. Maybe we can trade some pointers

The Bonanza's are easy to fly. You will be right at home after a couple of hours of good instruction.

Robert

That was a great little 150, the early straight tails are so light it climbed like a scared cat, as for the 120~ avoid crosswinds when you can, that spring gear can really get going if you bounce it in and make it exciting

Have you considered a Beechcraft Staggerwing? It is one of the few Beech taildraggers and absolutely gorgeous! If I had the cash, I'd love to have one like this:

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetai ... 248665.htm


Alas, my funds are limited to one plane in the near future and I need something for flying long distances.

My pockets are no where deep enough to feed a 450hp radial retractable gear ragwing taildragger! I shudder to think what the insurance alone would be on that bird.

Not as much as you think. I looked into a bit; it would stretch your budget but if you provide elbow grease you might swing it. Go talk to some Staggerwing guys.

Tim

Tim,

It sounds like a dream you have been fostering~ Personally I like all metal monoplanes One day when the baby grows up I'll probably slide back into a Swift if I need to scratch that taildragger itch, or even a Siai Marchetti ~ the Bo is about as sexy a 4 seater as you can get til then

http://www.aso.com/listings/spec/ViewAd ... &dealerid=

Nice planes Sacha !

The link above is an affordable example of a nice K model Bonanza. I've owned an A model and now an S model. The Bonanza is hands down the easiest landing and handling airplane I've flown.

I like your tail-draggers. I've also got a Luscombe for fun

That is a nice K Rodney~ I actually prefer the look of the older split windshield and two window look with the early stock stripes. Seems like there are quite a few out there to chose from. Researching now.

Can't wait to grease a few landings in one

Yes, I love Staggerwings. I sat in one a very long time ago. Never had a chance to fly in one, but I will someday. Problem is I can only afford one plane, and my missions require something more capable and requires less TLC time than I can provide.

Tim

You might think about a P model. I consider the P to be the first modern Bonanza.

You should be able to find one with a two piece winshield as the P was the last model to leave the factory with the two piece. Additionally, the P was the first model to include the factory center stack instrument panel and the modern 80 gallon fuel system. This model houses an IO-470 making 260 hp. The IO-470 is highly regarded by many.

It sounds like you prefer the "old school" airplanes, but don't overlook the P.

Robert