BeechTalk - BT - Bonanza owner, pilot, A&P IA, from Guatemala

Username Protected · **Posted:** 03 Jun 2013, 12:10

My Bonanza romance started 34 y. ago in Guatemala, purchased an almost derelict K35 TG-GIM, had not been flown in a couple of years flat tires, chalked paint, rotten interior,you get the picture, getting it back to good shape has taken a big effort and investment, but it´s been an incredible learning experience. Around here you can not afford to not knowing your aircraft and maintaining it properly, MGGT is 5000 feet high, mountains all over, weather somewhat unpredictable, MEAs 11 to 12000, better get your plan straight before you leave the ground, have travelled with family and business all over north, central and part of south america, great fun, reliable transportation (for GA aircraft), things got tough after 911, lots of requirements, a feeling of not been welcomed in most places, expensive paperwork, bureocracy, fees and taxes increased 20 fold, fuel costs, still, I keep my bonanza active, owned a B55 for 10 years, kids gone, sold it recently, now I fly a Champ with 160HP wich I rebuilt, aviation has provided me a my family some of the greatest experiences in our lives, can you expect more?, Thanks for the website, enjoy joining you guys and gals, if you plan to come around this part of the world, let me know, guscosenza@hotmail.com, Gus Cosenza

Username Protected · **Posted:** 03 Jun 2013, 12:29

Welcome, Gus! I hope to enjoy my Bonanza at least a fraction as much as you have. 34 years - wow! :bow:

I'm surprised to hear that 911 impacted your flying so much. Could you share with us what those changes looked like?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 03 Jun 2013, 12:54

Welcome Gus!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 03 Jun 2013, 13:27

Gus,

Welcome to BeechTalk.

I've been to Guatemala a couple times, and love the country. Quetzaltenango, Camanchaj, Chichicastenango, Panajachel, Antiqua...

I have a vivid memory of sitting along the edge of Lake Atitlan in Pana in 2006, and looking out across the water at the volcano peaks and just marveling at the sight!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 03 Jun 2013, 15:17

Hi Gus,
Glad you posted a message about yourself.
We share a lot in common. My first Bonanza was a 1947 - 35 that I purchased as a non-flying basket case in 1968. Took my partner and I over a year to get it airworthy. I owned several Bonanza's and a Travel Air before getting my S-35 in 97. Picked up my A&P and AI along the way also. I've been over Guatemala a couple of times on the way to Costa Rica and Panama in the S-35, and visited your country once during a cruise stopover. Loved it.
Best,
Tom

Username Protected · **Posted:** 03 Jun 2013, 15:46

Welcome to BT Gus!!!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 03 Jun 2013, 15:51

Gus,
Can we all come visit? Looks like one fuel stop in Mexico and then we are there. :thumbup: