Hello everyone. I just discovered this forum and quickly became addicted!

I got my PPL about 12 years ago in a C172 and then, with about 100 hrs under my belt, started a new business and got too busy to fly. I quickly got rusty and lost my confidence so I quite flying altogether. Fast forward 10 years to MAy, 2011, and I found my self in a position to go back to flying. I was very, very rusty and knew the BFR might take 10 hours or more to get comfortable and competent again. So, at the suggestion of my instructor, decided to start working on the instrument rating simultaneously with my BFR. Well, long story short - I got my BFR done and then halfway through my instrument training bought a lightly used 2010 C172 (N90404) with G1000 panel. I put that plane on the rental line at our local FBO to help defray the cost (which has actually worked out pretty well so far). Interesting aside - prior to my purchase, N90404 was on loan from Cessna to King Schools and is the plane Martha and John used to make thier "Cleared for Flying the G1000" training DVD.

No surprise, I've gotten completely hooked on flying and it has become somewhat of an obsession. I'm really enjoying developing my IFR skills, and N90404 is proving to be a great platform for that. Just one problem - I want to be able to fly 4 adults (and golf clubs). So, I've started to consider what my next airplane might be. Leading candidates are the G36 and C206. Im in no real rush, but am definitely starting the education process. In the few days I've been scrolling through this forum, I've learned a ton about Bonanzas and other flying topics. One thing that comes through loud and clear - Bo owners are passionate and proud of their planes. What an awesome forum!

Hi Ken, welcome to BT!

Sounds like you are looking around for your next plane. I love my G1000, it would be hard to change, so I would guess you will stick with it also.

Myself, I could not think about renting out my plane, glad it is working out for you though.

Welcome Ken to a great aviation site. Have fun. And let us know what you think! I too got my start in a G1000 C172; great plane for training. Would be hard to go to steam gauges afterward. 4 people and clubs will be a challenge: good luck

Get the G36 and then join up with the Beech Nutz formation group. We're based right next door at KIXD.

I know what u mean regarding renting out your plane. Very significant tradeoffs. When I bought the 172, I knew it would not be my last plane. I literally bought it to learn the G1000, build experience in preparation for a higher performance complex single, and to 'test drive' airplane ownwership.

You are correct re the G1000 - every time I fly it I'm amazed at the functionality. One of the reasons I went with the C172 is that I knew it was very likely that my 'ultimate' plane would be G1000 equipped.

Hi Ken

Welcome!

We have a similar story. Finish the IR and bump up to a turbo or TN 36 and it will open new doors...literally. I fly 4 adults, 4 sts of clubs and bags out of 7k foot high mountain strip in summer all the time.

Hi Jon,

That's exactly what I have in mind (well, more payload at least - Not sure if I want NA or TN. Did you consider any other planes before settling on the TN36?

The turbo makes a big deal on my mission if in a single. I fly heavy out of the Sierras...even in summer. Can take off 9k+ density altitude at gross and still climb out over 500FPM. Typically cross over at 15k with lots of climb left. Love it!

Depends on your mission. what is you typical mission?

Majority of my flying currently is solo or one passenger, up to 400 - 500nm and so far all flat land stuff. For example, I'm flying from Kansas City - Knoxville - Frankfort, KY - Kansas City next week on business (all solo). I occasionally will take a buddy and our golf clubs for a short golf trip. However, that's partially a function of the limits of my current plane (limited payload, not so fast). Ideally, I'd like a faster plane that would make longer distance business trips more practical. And, I'd love to be able to haul me plus 3 passengers and golf clubs. Mountain flying isn't currently part of my repertoire. I do own a place in Breckenridge, CO, but there's no airport so I'll fly into Denver - not crossing mountains there but DA can still get pretty high in the summer...

Glad you're here!

Hey Ken,

I fly/instruct out of OJC too, somewhat frequently in a 285HP Debonair (essentially an F33 Bonanza) that belongs to my flying club. Oddly, we've actually met before (I used to work at the flight school at KCAC long ago) and I know one of your partners (Terry). If you ever want to try your hand at a Beechcraft (I didn't fully "get" it until I flew one), let me know and I'm sure we could work something out to get you up in the Debonair.

Hi Brad,

What a small world! I'd love to go up with you sometime in the Deb. do you still instruct?

Welcome to BT Ken!

Gotta love the G1000!

I've been flying behind the G1000 for 5+ years now and I love it!

I do on the side. I'm a lawyer downtown by day, but I instruct on the weekends (and evenings when it doesn't get dark at 5:30). I'm actually taking the Deb to Chicago this weekend for a short getaway.

I'll be back in KC for Xmas if you wanna go for a flight in a B36TC. I caution you, it's addictive.