February 2007 - American Bonanza Society

EQUI PMENT LIST - N3131 V1947 MODEL 35Novcoms: Two KX 155Duo, VOR wilh gl,deslopeKJng KMA 20 oud'o ponelTelex PC4 ,nlercomKing KR86 ADFKJ ng KT781ronsponderEleclrDnlcs In'ernoliono EGTiCHTKlN89B GI'Ssince it was a great way to get to downtownChicago.In October of 2000, I started instrumenttraining with ABS Past PresidentCraig Bailey at Kenosha airport (ENW).In April 200 I I wanted to escapethe cold in Wisconsin and head to sunnyFlorida for Sun 'n Fun for a week. Itwas my first long trip, and 18.8 flighthours later-including a small detour toCrystal River near the west coast ofRorida to scuba dive with the manatees-Iwas back home safe and sound.T started flying in the EAA YoungEagles program in 200 I and have trulyenjoyed the pleasure of providi ng morethan 20 children with their first flight.I received my instrument rating inMarch 2002 and for my next big trip, Ithought really big.I departed Ju ne 2002 on QantasAirlines for Australia. Starting inRedcliff in a rented Cessna 172 with agroup of four planes, I was off to explorethe great Outback for two weeks with atOlal of 37.1 flight hours and stops at 15cities. The only downside was that therewere no Bonanzas to rent.With another week of scuba divingon the Great Barrier Reef added to a weekin Brisbane, this was by far the most awesomevacation in my life, one I will cherishforever and hope to return someday.For my next big trip, 31 V and Istayed on the North American continentfor an Alaskan adventure. We left onJune 19, 2003. returning July 7 after59.4 flight hours. To say that my firstmountain-flying experience was excitingwould be a terrible understatement.If I had not had the expert instrumenttraining from Craig. I wouldn't be hereto write this article.EDITOR'S NOTE: MOllluainflyingpresents unique and potellIiaily deadlychallenges that uninitiated pilots lIlaynot appreciate before it's too late. It 'shighly recommended that pilots of allexperience levels complete a moulllainflying course (such as BPPPs) and heedits lessons before attempting 10 fly in themOlillfains. -Tom TurnerThe situation through Canada andAlaska was not much better. Let's justsay that Alaska is absolutely beautifulwhen the weather is nice, and absolutelythe worst place on earth to be whenthe weather goes bad.Through all this, 31 V remained afaithful companion with no failuresexcept the tired engine that was at 30years since rebuild and past TBO. It consumednearly three cases of oil duringthe Alaska trip, which led to getting thefirst major upgrade si nce I purchased her.In the fall of 2004, her worn-out E-185was replaced with an E-225.I now have about 60 hours on thenew engine and love the added power. Sowhere is my next big adventure to be?EDITOR'S NOTE: Let's hope one ofAnn's '07 Big AdvellIures is 10 the ABSConvention ill Wichita, bringing herbaby back home!IS YOUR ASS RECORD UP TO DATE? The 2007 Membership Directory &Buyer's Guide will be developed over the next couple of months, so check your database record to make sureit's complete and correct. The directory will include your name, City/state. airplane model and tail number. and·if you "opt in" - your telephone number and/or e-mail address. We encourage you to opt in because it promotesgreater member-to·member communication. Check your record in the online membership directory.members-only section - www.bononzo.org. Or call for a record check - 316-945-1700.