Greetings from beautiful Peoria, Illinois. My name is Randy and I live here with my pilot wife. I started flying when I was 16 which makes it 38 years ago. Bought my first plane at 21 and have had at least one since that time. Plane number 3 was my first Beech, a 1960 33-A33 Debonair. Since that time I have owned 3 Debonairs, an A36, 3 V35B's, a B55, a Travelair, and a B58... along with some other 61 airplanes from TriPacers to a Citation I. I currently own a remanufactured 1979 V35B Bonanza and Mitsubishi MU2, my third. Without question, the Beech are the best flying airplanes I have ever had but don't believe all the things you read about the MU2 either... they are a fantastic airplane. When I bought the first Mits in 2000, I really wanted a Duke but its hard to justify the same operating costs and the world of difference in performance.

As a pilot, I hold an ATP with about 10,000 hours, a Citation rating and single pilot waiver in the Citation.... all which means I am just a long time student of aviation. My wife is a licensed pilot although she prefers to ride. Our son and daughter, both students at the University of Wisconsin, also fly. Despite the large number of airplanes we have owned, I am not a dealer and I have never flown professionally. I've used my airplane in my varied professional endeavors over the years and for commuting to our Northwoods cabin.

Professionally, I consult on aviation matters within the helicopter emergency medical services (Life Flight) industry... specifically aircraft acquisitions, management, and completions. As a hobby, I enjoy buying airplanes, restoring them and selling them when I am finished. I don't make any money in the process but feel a strong sense of pride and stewardship. I am not sure we really ever own airplanes... they are entrusted to our stewardship and along the way, I try to leave them a bit better than I found them.

Attached is a link to restoration pictures of my V35B as well as other aircraft I have restored including the MU2's and Citation. Enjoy and thanks to Jeff for a nice place to meet and talk Beech...

http://web.me.com/africanos/JustBonanza ... _V35B.html

Randy,
That is a great looking airplane. Great job!
Dave

Beautiful Bonanza and great to hear from someone who has owned so many aircraft that Beech is one of the best flying aircraft.

I am a big fan of the MU-2 - never flown it but I have several clients that have flown it professionally and it seems that nothing compares. - let's see some pics of the Mitsu!

I have to post again now that I have seen the pictures in detail - I believe we have found the perfect Bo!

Thanks for the nice words... here's a few pictures of the MU2:

You guys are too much... thanks for making me feel welcome in your old home. Glad you like the plane... I do admit to becoming a bit OCD about it LOL.

Randy

Hi All!

Ok, I must admit I've been out of the "civilian" flying group for awhile and it took meeting a Navy guy who recently just purchased his Bo (hello Pat) to inform me of this website. When I purchased by 1954 E35 Bo in 2003 I thought I was "in" the Beech network but must have fallen out somewhere along the way.

I'm happy to be back in and will also be at the San Luis fly-in this weekend so I hope to meet some of you there. I've taught a couple of Bonanza-to-Osh formation clinics (some over the Edwards AFB airspace) so I hope to fly a little form with Pat on our way down.

Here a few pics of my Bo...she's been a great bird and never have thought about cheating on her (as far as ownership goes).

Cheers,
Jason

Randy,

Welcome to BeechTalk. It's been a lot of fun for me for the past 16 months and I hope you will enjoy it also. Thanks for sharing your passion with us.

The level of quality in your present two aircraft (restorations) is incredible...very, very, impressive. I enjoyed all of your photos.

I am curious as to why you chose the more extensive top induction installation over the TAT conversion.

Jason D,

Welcome. You have a very pretty Bonanza. I love that particular style of paint job with the dark color wings. That was kind of unique to Bonanzas for a long time.

Randy quote: "As a hobby, I enjoy buying airplanes, restoring them and selling them when I am finished"

Randy, Yves is looking for a restored B55 Baron - you know of any?

Welcome Jason - I'll add you to the San Luis Fly-In roster!

I see you signed on Jason. This is a cool website!

Guys - Cool planes, thanks for sharing, I look forward to getting to know you better.

Thanks Max, yeah I love the paint job too. It is about time to get another paint job. I've kept her as good as I could but it's been over 17 years since the last paint job. She's due...

Jason