Hi. My name is Don. I'm 64, a student pilot, and getting ready for my check ride later this month. Been flying since January, starting in a light sport. Bought a 1984 C-23 Sundowner in mid-March and have gotten most of my 75 hours in it. It was generally well cared for and airworthy, with mostly small items needing upgrading. I'll post some of those on the appropriate forums. Mostly wanted to say that, although I'm not much of a chat room or forum type of computer user, I do appreciate this forum and the camaraderie that it fosters among pilots and Beech owners. I've been a biker all my life, have traveled the country a number of times, but of late, the bike life style has gotten a little boorish with a lot of new people copping attitudes and not being all that friendly, as it used to be. I've got to say, that as a new pilot, in a totally different world, I've gotten nothing but support and respect wherever I've flown. Everyone from the most experienced pilot to the tower ATC guys and ladies, have been helpful, respectful and friendly. I'm having a blast learning, soaking up the lore, the lingo, and the lessons from everyone.
I look forward to a lot of hours in the air. My only regret is that I can't pack along my motorcycle when I fly to distant shores. Then I'd have the best of both worlds.

Don U

Welcome to the forum, Don.

Thanks for the welcome, Don. The first response is from a guy named Don. What are the odds?
Don

At least as good as the odds of the second response coming from a "Spike"?

Welcome aboard!

Welcome Don!

Where on the round ball are you based?

Welcome to BeechTalk!

Have any pictures of the Sundowner???

Welcome aboard Don.......

Don,

Welcome... and yes, you can have your motorcycle in the plane, but probably not a big as you want. The one below, Honda 125 will fit in a Skyhawk. It comes apart right below the gas tank. The tank, back wheel and fender come off. The handlebars with the controls come off and stay with the main frame. And the whole front fork assembly and wheel come off as one.

Takes about 10 min to assemble/disassemble.

Now, when I find time, I'd like to do a larger one... perhaps a 250 or so. But then you'd probably need an A36, and we can work on that.....

Welcome & congrats on the Sundowner & good luck on the checkride. This is a great forum & always a good mix of fun and educational. With a Sundowner I'd also very highly recommend that you join the Beech Aeroclub ( www.beechaeroclub.org ).

Welcome aboard Don!

Welcome to BT Don!

Thanks for all for the welcome posts.
To answer a few, I'm in Porterville, CA in the foothills of the Sierras. Great small town airport, one of the old WW2 fields built in the 40's by the military. Got a long runway, outstanding cafe, and great local support. Restarted our long-standing traditional June fly-in several years ago, after a few years hiatus. Will post it again next year if anyone's in the area & wants to fly in for the event.

A pic of the Sundowner is on it's way. It's an '84 and I think that may have been one of the last years it was made.

Thanks again for the camaraderie. You'll know how to make a newcomer feel welcome.

I think we need a NORCAL fly in to visit you. What do the rest of the Norcal'ers think?

Welcome new porterville flyer. Looks like you are gonna have company soon.