I hope I won't be considered out of place here, as I am not likely to be actually flying with y'all anytime soon...

My present airplane budget goes into my mortgage and raising my three daughters -- BUT, one day (a decade or so) those obligations will be settled, and I WILL have an airplane -- or at least a share in one. And from all I've learned thus far, I am sure my choice will be a 35 series Bo. Or, perhaps a 33... Meanwhile, I try to slake my tremendous thirst for time in the air with MS FSX -- about 1,200 hrs so far, mostly in a (I've been told by folks who fly real Bo's) well modeled V35B (Carenado).

Until the 'someday' I dream of, I not only feel it wise to invest time into learning as much as possible about living with a Bonanza, but I enjoy hearing others' stories and 'chatter'.

Thanks for letting me hang out here with you and learn from your experience,
Dennis aka "Drizzle"

Dennis, welcome aboard. With that attitude you will get your plane some day but done hesitate any of us to take you for rides when in your area.

Welcome to BT drizzle!!

I did not start flying until 35 and did not own until 40. That was twenty years ago and four college tuitions later.

Word of caution though; don’t wait too long, many loved ones will always say it is not the right time. Take care of the girls but get your ass in the air as soon as practical.

Perfectly put Victor.

Welcome Dennis!

Welcome Drizzle!

Just so you know your not the only "non-owner" that lurks on this board.

I owned an A36 almost 20 years ago but had to sell it due to a career change. Now I'm finally in a position to buy again but I have the same quandary as you - I have a 10 year old daughter and wonder if the money could be better spent. Plus I fly for a living and live in a part of the country (Vermont) where I can only use a GA aircraft for about 6 months of the year.

BUT - I don't know how you can put a price on the freedom you have when you own your own airplane and can enjoy it with your family. When I owned the A36 (in California) my local FBO always kept it fueled and it was always ready to go. Even when I did not fly due to work or other obligations it was always comforting to know it was there.

I've discussed buying another plane with my wife and she argues that we should use the money to pay off our mortgage. Of course shes right, that would be the sensible thing to do but I ask her: "When our daughter grows up and someone asks her about her childhood, what will she remember?"

"My parents were so cool! They paid off our mortgage when I was 10!" or will she recall all the adventures she had in the family plane? What price do you put on the opportunity costs of your kids childhood? (If it sounds like I'm trying to convince myself, I probably am )

It is a small solace to be part of this board. There are a lot of very intelligent, helpful people here who would be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and kind words!

Doug, I'd regard such an offer as a winning lottery ticket!!

Victor, words of wisdom... Everything is a test of balance, isn't it? Hope I manage to strike the right balance in this case!

John, you bring up a great point. I feel your angst. And thanks for helping me feel welcomed.

I look forward to lots of learning, and enjoying conversation with you all into the future.

Drizzle

Ok - you guys are making me feel irresponsible. I have 5 kids from 15 down to just over a year. I am sure my airplane money can be better spent on some "investment" or the kids future or something.

If I need to sell the Bonanza and the hangar someday to meet those or other priorities I will. I began flying almost a decade ago and we have had some tremendous family experiences and built some great memories. Would I trade that for a little more money in the bank or market? ... NO

I would like to think that my kids are learning a little more about freedom and opportunity. That their eyes may be opened to what the world has to offer them. That they may find something that grabs their attention and inspires them to want to learn more and be more.

I thank my Dad for hauling me out to Deer Valley Airport and before that Turf Paradise airport and taking me for rides in his plane or going to Oshkosh. He could have been saving for my college education I guess... Wait a minute! I PAID for my college, I actually had jobs to pay tuition ... I got ripped!

Thanks Dad ...I love you.

-MO


Dennis & Jon - Welcome to BT, now go get an airplane and start livin.

Dennis,

Don't post anymore until you own at least .875 of a KingAire or all of a Bonanza or Baron. Just kidding - this is a great site for anyone that loves airplanes, Beechcraft especially. I almost equate lurking here to hanging around an airport, helping pull or wash for rides. If you're ever in South Texas, let me know and I'll give you a ride and all the PIC time you want.

Cowboy

Welcome Drizzle!

Your post is very well put Victor. I had some of the same "logic" concerns Drizzle raises in his OP (see the girls in my avatar!). My answer to make things as cost effective as possible was to find a partner and drop the golf portion of my club membership. I have not missed it a bit as I was not playing enough golf anyway, and that saved me enough to basically pay my 1/2 of the fixed costs of ownership. Finding this site pushed me towards ownership much quicker than I might have otherwise progressed, so you better be careful Drizzle, or you'll follow me and many others down the trail of finding BT and then buying a Beechcraft!