PILOT SPIN
Pilot Zone => Pilot Zone => Topic started by: Jaybird180 on July 11, 2016, 08:20:13 AM
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Gulp- I think I may need a Bo. My need for GA has increased and for the foreseeable future is going to continue to increase. I think I need another airplane.
I was in a great partnership in an IFR Capable 1998 C-172S/G and I didn't fly it as much as I thought I would. That and a few other nuisances were the reason I sold my share; the tidy little profit didn't hurt either.
I'm not current. I'll need to refocus so I can get my IR done, and I think I can do that later in the year or early 2017. I'm right at 155hrsTT with most of my post checkride flying being XC mission hours; I'm not a T&G kinda pilot.
I've never been inside any type of Beechcraft, much less flown one. But from what I've read, they seem well suited for my family size and I love the speed and range capability. I doubt I'd use much of it and it would be a shame to waste all that capability.
What do you guys think of a Bonanza for a novice pilot? Easy transition?
I've got time in:
C-172, C-182, DA-20, DA-40, SR-22, Citabria, C-337 (not loggable), PA-28, M20J
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Sounds like you should get some time in one. Find out if you like it.
I hope we can all agree that there is no downside to getting some time in a particular make/model. After all, it is time spent flying, yes?
You might talk to your insurance company about the price points for time in type wrt the Bonanza.
Have fun with it!
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I've heard more than one pilot say "you should get your last airplane first, and your last airplane will be a Bonanza". But be warned, you'll pay. You either pay out the nose for a new one or pay to fix and old one. But you pay.
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Go for it. Life is short.
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I've heard more than one pilot say "you should get your last airplane first, and your last airplane will be a Bonanza". But be warned, you'll pay. You either pay out the nose for a new one or pay to fix and old one. But you pay.
I've heard that too. Would it be more prudent to get something more "novice friendly" and then transition up as I gain experience? I still need to do a lot of flying and wonder if it's better to get out of the killing zone quickly rather than focus on getting to my destination quickly.
Go for it. Life is short.
But I don't want to cut it short, ya know.
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Forgot to say: I like the A-36
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I love my Bonanaza (V35), but it has a lower useful load than my old Cessna 172 with a O360. With full fuel (80 gals) and my wife and I in the front seat (385#) and no cargo, we can only put 270#s in the back seat. My best friend weighs 200#s and his wife is substantially over 70#s. I can reduce the fuel load, but that shifts the CG aft/
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I've heard more than one pilot say "you should get your last airplane first, and your last airplane will be a Bonanza". But be warned, you'll pay. You either pay out the nose for a new one or pay to fix and old one. But you pay.
Buy an old one that someone else already paid to fix.
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Forgot to say: I like the A-36
(https://memecrunch.com/meme/6VCZ1/it-is-so-choice-if-you-have-the-means-i-highly-recommend-picking-one-up/image.png?w=500&c=1)
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I've known a lot of pilots and aircraft owners. Never heard one say he was sorry he bought his Bonanza.
However, I do know one who bought a Bonanza, then upgraded to a pressurized Baron, then upgraded to a King Air. That is a risk.
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I've heard that too. Would it be more prudent to get something more "novice friendly" and then transition up as I gain experience? I still need to do a lot of flying and wonder if it's better to get out of the killing zone quickly rather than focus on getting to my destination quickly.But I don't want to cut it short, ya know.
You'll get plenty of experience transitioning into the Bo. Here's the thing. Lots of experience in Skyhawks doesn't really do much for you in a Bo. The issues are different between complex aircraft and trainers. You'll do plenty of transition training and you'll get there.
Now if you wanted to go fast but didn't want to pay you'd buy a Mooney, but that's another story...
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You'll get plenty of experience transitioning into the Bo. Here's the thing. Lots of experience in Skyhawks doesn't really do much for you in a Bo. The issues are different between complex aircraft and trainers. You'll do plenty of transition training and you'll get there.
Now if you wanted to go fast but didn't want to pay you'd buy a Mooney, but that's another story...
I always thought I was a Mooney guy, but with the need to haul precious cargo, Mooney won't do the mission.
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I always thought I was a Mooney guy, but with the need to haul precious cargo, Mooney won't do the mission.
Something to consider (although I don't agree with the reasoning): some pilots like having a twin for hauling precious cargo, especially for flights over more remote areas.
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I always thought I was a Mooney guy, but with the need to haul precious cargo, Mooney won't do the mission.
Depends on the Mooney. The earlier version certainly won't, the back seat is diminutive. But the F and later got a stretch in the fuselage, and more modern versions even have six cylinder engines. I've always thought the sweet spot for Mooneys was the 201, that's how fast it goes driven by an I0360. I like mine because of its simple and easily maintained systems. But I have to admit, J's are sweet. Were I you I'd start sitting in some airplanes before making any grad decisions. That said, Bonanzas are pretty.
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I've known a lot of pilots and aircraft owners. Never heard one say he was sorry he bought his Bonanza.
However, I do know one who bought a Bonanza, then upgraded to a pressurized Baron, then upgraded to a King Air. That is a risk.
Is he on here? I haven't seen him on PoA in a long while either.
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Depends on the Mooney. The earlier version certainly won't, the back seat is diminutive. But the F and later got a stretch in the fuselage, and more modern versions even have six cylinder engines. I've always thought the sweet spot for Mooneys was the 201, that's how fast it goes driven by an I0360. I like mine because of its simple and easily maintained systems. But I have to admit, J's are sweet.
I love riding in the back seat of our 201, very comfortable, and I love that huge rear window, the view is spectacular. That said, our 201 useful load is only 860, so he's not going to be putting 4 people, bags, and gas into a 201.
Jaybird, in addition to the Bonanza, do look at Lance/Saratoga. Lots of space, easy loading with the rear doors, and the ones with center table and club seating are nice. Pax can play games, etc., to keep entertained. A turbo Lance/Toga would be a hell of a nice family machine. Flying SUV.
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I love riding in the back seat of our 201, very comfortable, and I love that huge rear window, the view is spectacular. That said, our 201 useful load is only 860, so he's not going to be putting 4 people, bags, and gas into a 201.
What did you do to your poor Mooney? The payload in mine is just shy of a thousand pounds.
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What did you do to your poor Mooney? The payload in mine is just shy of a thousand pounds.
Autopilot, Old KNS-80, ADF, Ryan TCAD, AM/FM/CD player, etc. Lots of boxes back there in the battery compartment.
If I stay I the game we are going to do a panel redo someday and get rid of a lot of old boxes.
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Depends on the Mooney. The earlier version certainly won't, the back seat is diminutive. But the F and later got a stretch in the fuselage, and more modern versions even have six cylinder engines. I've always thought the sweet spot for Mooneys was the 201, that's how fast it goes driven by an I0360. I like mine because of its simple and easily maintained systems. But I have to admit, J's are sweet. Were I you I'd start sitting in some airplanes before making any grad decisions. That said, Bonanzas are pretty.
The 201 was my dream plane, but it won't do the mission. I have a family of 5 and MIL is often with us.
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6 + bags? You need a caravan, or a bigger twin.
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6 + bags? You need a caravan, or a bigger twin.
And I might need corrective lenses but I'm not wearing these
;D ;D ;D ;D
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kDGPofG2NPs/SPKqYSxrnLI/AAAAAAAABOI/pOjmmCySp2Q/s400/Soph.jpg)
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The 201 was my dream plane, but it won't do the mission. I have a family of 5 and MIL is often with us.
Bo won't fly all that either. Boys are right, you need a fairly capacious twin.
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What's wrong with the A-36 for this mission? Is the UL too low?
If I get a ME it might be a Super Skymaster, but I didn't care for the handling characteristics. Could have been because it was my first time. The owner/pilot handled the plane very well. We did some (below) treetop level flying and it was solid and stable as being in the living room.
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What's wrong with the A-36 for this mission? Is the UL too low?
Not enough load for all that. Says me get what you really want or rent for while and see how it goes. Ho often do you do trips as opposed to just banging around? How often do you take the family anywhere? How often do you actually need those back seats?
My buddy was so enthusiastic when we got the Cherokee. He was going to take everyone and their brother flying. And he did, for awhile. But once they flew it was enough. To be honest I don't think he used that back seat that much, you wouldn't need two digits to count the number of times. I bought a Johnson bar Mooney because I didn't care about the size of the back seat, I never use it. You really don't know your mission until you've been flying for awhile. For all you know the absolute right airplane will be sold taildragger for Sunday morning breakfasts.
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What's wrong with the A-36 for this mission? Is the UL too low?
If I get a ME it might be a Super Skymaster, but I didn't care for the handling characteristics. Could have been because it was my first time. The owner/pilot handled the plane very well. We did some (below) treetop level flying and it was solid and stable as being in the living room.
I have ~80-ish hrs in the A-36 and while a great all around airplane and good hauler the other guys are right, not a 6 plus bags and gas airplane. OK if 3 or more are kids but still will be cg and fuel limited which is frustrating when flight planning got-to-be-there kind of trips. Cherokee Six/Saratoga 'might' work better but will still suffer from similar limitations and will be slower on prodigious fuel burns.
You are really setting a mission profile for a PC-XII, C-90 King Air or maybe C-340/421 type plane. C-206 might be close but not a great way to travel IMO.
The Bo' is a fantastic family traveller but for families of 3-4 where only 2 are adults.
'Gimp
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Now you're into major coin; budget $75 to 100K/yr.
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Not enough load for all that. Says me get what you really want or rent for while and see how it goes. Ho often do you do trips as opposed to just banging around? How often do you take the family anywhere? How often do you actually need those back seats?
My buddy was so enthusiastic when we got the Cherokee. He was going to take everyone and their brother flying. And he did, for awhile. But once they flew it was enough. To be honest I don't think he used that back seat that much, you wouldn't need two digits to count the number of times. I bought a Johnson bar Mooney because I didn't care about the size of the back seat, I never use it. You really don't know your mission until you've been flying for awhile. For all you know the absolute right airplane will be sold taildragger for Sunday morning breakfasts.
After owning the Skyhawk, I'm pretty turned off from renting. I do have some funds on account to do so but it just sits there. I am on schedule this week to get my BFR done, just because I hate being grounded.
See my OP.
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After owning the Skyhawk, I'm pretty turned off from renting. I do have some funds on account to do so but it just sits there. I am on schedule this week to get my BFR done, just because I hate being grounded.
You've hit a wall with the Skyhawk. This I understand. I was the same way with the Cherokee. I'm not big into being in the air for the sake of being in the air, I wasn't to do something or go somewhere.
So I bought the Mooney. Now I just go out an dod landings and its quite satisfying. Whoever said these things were easy to land has some difficulty with the meaning of the world easy. Still, its a fun and enjoyable activity, and I can go places. I'd also like to to do the IFR, but I'm not in a comfortable financial spot to get it done. In a few years. VFR is limiting, though.
Get what you like. If you like the Bo, get one. I love them, but I didn't want the increased complexity. It bought me room I didn't need. The Mooney is on the same order of speed, has much simpler systems and a much lower acquisition cost. It fit the bill.
Figure out what fits the bill for you and go for it. But I'd forget about this taking the family and MIL and kitchen sink shit. By the time you get something that'll take all that you'll have two engines and/or be burning Kerosene.
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You've hit a wall with the Skyhawk. This I understand. I was the same way with the Cherokee. I'm not big into being in the air for the sake of being in the air, I wasn't to do something or go somewhere.
So I bought the Mooney. Now I just go out an dod landings and its quite satisfying. Whoever said these things were easy to land has some difficulty with the meaning of the world easy. Still, its a fun and enjoyable activity, and I can go places. I'd also like to to do the IFR, but I'm not in a comfortable financial spot to get it done. In a few years. VFR is limiting, though.
Get what you like. If you like the Bo, get one. I love them, but I didn't want the increased complexity. It bought me room I didn't need. The Mooney is on the same order of speed, has much simpler systems and a much lower acquisition cost. It fit the bill.
Figure out what fits the bill for you and go for it. But I'd forget about this taking the family and MIL and kitchen sink shit. By the time you get something that'll take all that you'll have two engines and/or be burning Kerosene.
Many of our trips have been to Grandma's. Sometimes to take her home, but as previously stated, she's with us so much that my children think our guest room belongs to her.
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Many of our trips have been to Grandma's. Sometimes to take her home, but as previously stated, she's with us so much that my children think our guest room belongs to her.
Like I said, if you want to take all the kiddies and ma and grandma you'll either be burning kerosine, flying on two engines, or a combination of both. The Bo won't do it for you any more than the Skyhawk. You will look cooler in the Bo, though.
I still say get yourself an RV3 and fuck 'em all.
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Like I said, if you want to take all the kiddies and ma and grandma you'll either be burning kerosine, flying on two engines, or a combination of both. The Bo won't do it for you any more than the Skyhawk. You will look cooler in the Bo, though.
I still say get yourself an RV3 and fuck 'em all.
How about a Cessna 210? Six seater with substantial useful load.
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How about a Cessna 210? Six seater with substantial useful load.
Mark my words. You'll be bumping gross if you want to go anywhere. None of these airplanes can fly on a full tank of gas with the seats full save the Skylane.
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Mark my words. You'll be bumping gross if you want to go anywhere. None of these airplanes can fly on a full tank of gas with the seats full save the Skylane.
My old 180 Skyhawk had a useful load of over 800 pounds with full fuel (40 gals). I could easily take 4 people, including me at 235 pounds. None of my friends are as big as me.
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How about a Cessna 210? Six seater with substantial useful load.
Isn't the 210 the same size at the 182?
http://www.pilotfriend.com/aircraft%20performance/Cessna/C210%20Centurion.htm
The Cessna 210 began as a retractable undercarriage version of the Cessna 182...
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Twin Bonanza.
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Twin Bonanza.
Doesn't the TBone use geared engines? Still, gotta love the airstairs.
http://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Multi+Engine+Piston&make=BEECHCRAFT&model=G50+TWIN+BONANZA&listing_id=2179094&s-type=aircraft
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Yeah, so?
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Doesn't the TBone use geared engines? Still, gotta love the airstairs.
http://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Multi+Engine+Piston&make=BEECHCRAFT&model=G50+TWIN+BONANZA&listing_id=2179094&s-type=aircraft
I couldn't tell how many seats on that