Hi everyone. I have been a long time lurker (wannabe) but it's time to step up.

I live with my significant other in Cypress, TX just NW of Houston. I can throw a rock to the threshold of TS07 Dry Creek. I got my private at DWH in '94 and rented a while before a divorce sent me spinning off in different directions.

Currently I'm PVT/I w 550 hrs, mostly since 2001. I've been in several partnerships continuously since 2000-2001 including a warrior, a C182 and currently a PA32R-300 (straight tail Lance) 430W /air conditioned. Hauls like a SUV and flies like an SUV, rides like an SUV, drinks fuel like an SUV, perfect if you want to fly an SUV and you own a refinery.

I'm in the market for a new to me aircraft and I would really like for it to be a Beechcraft. I just rented a hangar practically in my back yard and I'm looking for something fast with long legs to put in it.

There is lots of good information and varying opinions and perspectives here and I'm looking forward to becoming a part of the community as I begin my search.

Thanks,
Eddie

Eddie,
Welcome.

I had one of those Lance SUV's a few years back. ....really glad to be flying a Debonair now.

Eddie,
Glad to have you on BeechTalk. Now we need to get you into a Bonanza.

Welcome Eddie.

Girl, hangar 550 hours , the last piece will fit in as soon as you decide. There are no perfect birds, and many great ones available now. Get to it ! Post pic's too, of course.

Welcome to BT. It's a great time to be a buyer.

Welcome to BT Eddie!!!

I had a 1980 fixed gear turbo Saratoga many years ago. It was a very thirsty airplane for sure.

Eddie,

What's you budget... we'll spend every dime of it.....

and what's your mission? We'll find the right plane.

@ Larry You asked about the mission and budget. The bad news is that I can't write a check for anything I buy so it's going to be a joint effort between me and the bank. Having said that... I need to stay south of 90K. The bank and I will require complete logs, clear title and nothing older than a '62. We all know the acquisition is just the down payment. I want to make sure I can still fly it and upgrade it after I own it.

Usually it is just Keri and I, female luggage and a cooler so that puts us at about 500 lbs. Occasionally we will bring another couple with us on short trips to SAT, AUS, DAL, NEW or PNS. Those 4 person trips are what ruled out a Mooney. We're in Houston and my son is in the Army in SC, 807nm away. I'd like to make that trip in one hop. Keri has family in Puget Sound. That would be a nice trip once in awhile. Ideally we could do 900nm legs in less than 6 hrs.

We both have extended range bladders so long legs is definitely high priority. The Lance will make 148-151 kts depending upon FL. I'd like to see 170 or 175 TAS but I know airspeed is a function of $. I may not be able to afford to go fast.

The rest is a compromise between Models, TTAF, SMOH, Avionics, Paint and Interior. As far as priorities go Performance is the most important followed by, Mods, Avionics, Engine time, Prop time, Paint and Interior.

I hope that gives us a starting point.

Thanks,
Eddie

Eddie,

Welcome to BT. Learn to PM (private message) and reach out to Neal Schwartz. He has a beautiful '66 Deb with tip tanks he is brokering. Many of us have met Neal and he gets rave reviews. Great guy with a passion for aviation ....airline pilot with a new fiance' ....( he still owes us pictures...Neal I bet you thought I forgot!). Go to "peddlers talk section and see pics of the Deb with tip tanks and much more.

Eddie,

Welcome to BeechTalk! Great to have another Houston area member.

Drew

Hi Eddie, welcome aboard. BT is the best place you'll find to help and assist getting the right aircraft for your purposes.

Eddie, welcome! Your budget and mission seem very achievable. Sounds like a V35 or Deb with tip tanks will fit the bill. You'll likely need to leave fuel behind on the 4 adult missions.

Good luck with the search!

Welcome. There are members here that will help you find a plane. Don't fall in love with anything made of metal and take your time. IMO buy at the top of the market, not the bottom fixer upper. With that budget you can get the tip tanks and the range, however you are not going to get that speed. Maybe, if you fly with everything up against the stops.

What is the most appropriate forum to continue this thread? Plane talk, peddler talk- want to buy or just right here?

Welcome Eddie! You will have a fun time shopping, lots of choices out there.