February 2007 - American Bonanza Society

ith the help of ABS, and especiallyLew Gage, the early BonanzaWis one of the best values in theused airplane market. J believe wesometimes do a disservice to theBonanza when most of our articles areabout the really "tricked out" and manytimes over-equipped Bonanza.Now, before everyone gets excited,let me explain. Over the past 40+ years Ihave owned 13 airplanes, three of themBonanzas. For 10 years I owned SIN CJ I ,the first aerobatic Bonanza with HSJ,autopilot, Loran, etc. It graced the coverof the April 1989 ABS Magazille.r was using the plane for business80% of the time and needed an IFRequippedplane. But since then my airplaneneeds have changed and now Jdon 't stay IFR current. Like the majorityof aircraft owners, I fly for pleasure,don't have to meet strict schedules andam very happy flying only VFR.Many potential owners steer awayfrom Bonanzas because of the perceivedhigh cost of ownership and end up purchasinga used 172, 182, Cherokee orother airplane for much more money andmuch less performance. While I appreciatethe effort and expense many have putinto preserving and upgrading theirBonanzas, you can own and operate anexceptional airplane for much less if yourmission is VFR or limited IFR and youare willing to do a little work yourself.There are many good early Bonanzas outthere for $40,000 to $60,000.Four years ago I was having fun witha little Piper Pacer, but after a somewhatrough and slow cross-country flight, mywife suggested that I get a "real" airplaneif J wanted her to fl y with me! J owned astraight 35 back in the 70s, and enjoyedits speed and fuel efficiency. So findinganother one became my goal to keep myfavorite copilot happy.There was some junk out there, butseveral very nice ones, too. I settled onMostly original VFR ponel.Page 10043www.bonanza.orgABS February 2007