While I've been a "reader" of the forum since July '09, it is time to say hi and already Thank You! to several members here. Some history; I learned to fly while in the Army and stationed at Ft. Stewart, GA. My CFI was a Vietnam era helicopter pilot and patient man! Poor rental aircraft at a nearby FBO, double scheduling etc led me to purchase my own trainer. This Cessna 150J - a 1969 model saw me through my primary, my checkride in Statesboro, GA (1985) and onto many adventures throughout the SouthEastern part of the US.

The Army moves folks - my turn came and I sold '908 to a gentleman in SC. Not sure what happened to it - no longer on the FAA registry.

More moves to Atlanta (rental fleet out of PDK), Honolulu (Hickam Aero Club out of HNL), various other rentals at Leavenworth, KS and Laconia and Lebanon, NH - some Pipers, mostly C-models. Finally a daughter comes along and other priorities took root; more moves and flying took the back seat. NEVER lost the interest, just lost the time. Fast forward about 19 years.

Now retired Army. Living in Lexington, KY. Daughter off to college. Supporting spouse. Somewhat flexible job. Life is good. Time to get back in the air. Joined ABS when they came to Lexington a few years back. Drove (need an IFR rating in 2012) to Tullahoma last Spring for the 1st ABS fly-in, and more recently we went to ABS in Las Vegas.

All the way back from Vegas, I'm thinking about getting serious about a Bonanza in my own hangar. Trouble is? Never so much as sat in one. Enter the ABS Ambassador Program. Quick query to Tom Turner (thanks Tom!) and he suggests I contact an Ambassador in TN named Max Grogan (Thanks Max!). He's legend here and now I know why. He introduced me to his very fine V35B yesterday in Knoxville. Maybe more on that experience at another time. Getting long for a hello!

Ok, time for the BeechTalk checklist prior to posting:
1. Photo? Check!
2. Photo? re-Check!
3. Go back to 1.

Pete, great to have you here on BT!!!

If you are ever in my area please stop in and we will go for a ride (I can't hold a candle to Max, but we'll give it a try)!

If you want a Twinbo or Travelair ride, come on down to Newnan, Ga

Pete,

welcome. Great to have another prior military man here on this great site.

Welcome!

Pete,

Welcome to BT!

Drew

Pete, Welcome! And thank you for your years of service.
Now, let's help you find one of your own!

Hi Pete. I see you already have my favorite key fob I don't think you will ever regret buying a Bonanza. Have you looked at Debonairs? I had one for 2 1/2 years and they are dependable, affordable and cruise 150kts. Of course, there is nothing more iconic than a Vtail. Max is a wealth of information. Stay in touch with him.

As I gave the key fob to Pete I explained it can only be attached to a Bonanza registered in his name.

'Glad to see you post here Pete. 'Enjoyed our time together.

There will be a write-up about our flying posted later today, photos included.

'Hope to see you again soon.

Welcome Pete! One of the best "intro's" I've seen in a long time. And to already have flown with "The Master Ambassador"...awesome beginning!!!

Thanks all! Great to be here and I appreciate the welcome. My wife asked me what I was doing taking photos of the key fob Max gave me...you know. You understand. She is supportive which is great.

The 150J photo was taken at my "base" at Liberty County Airport (now sadly closed) in Hinesville, GA in the mid-80's. Would have like to go back there in a new-to-me bonanza someday but Jessup or Hinesville will have to do. Bucket trip.

Thanks Dean. 21 years. Whew! (And that was 11 years ago!). Had my share of moving. It was time to park and let our daughter grow up in one community. Lexington's been great for that.

Sooner rather than later I hope. I'm going to start looking for a set of keys...

I went for my first Bonanza flight with Max last fall and I was sold. It's taken a while, but here is my new (to me) airplane - a pretty nice '89 F33A with original interior and paint. It is a nice addition to the family. Just over 1,100 hrs, straight 430, and is a delight to fly. I'm working on the Bonanza transition training now out of KLOU (where I found a hangar) and having a great time.

Max's airplane has a nifty PTT on the right side of the panel (out of sight in my panel pic) and I stole that great idea and put one in too. It is a help from time to time especially in instructor mode. Hope to see you at an airport nearby soon!

Pete,

Congratulations! I am very proud for you.

I want to see your plane. Come on down to Knoxville for some free instruction on short field, emergency landing, mountain flying, etc. We'll have some fun!