February 2007 - American Bonanza Society

N3224V, a 1947 35, SIN D667, whichhad gone through a three-year restorationwith new engine, prop, instruments, interiorand paint by a retired airline captainand A&P who was enjoying his retirementby wrenching rather than flying.It was basic VFR with one radio,transponder with encoder, no aux tankand of course no autopilot. I was at theright place at the right time and a dealwas struck for $40,OOO! Shonly afterthe purchase, I ran it through the ABSService Clin ic (the best money aBonanza owner can spend) and hadinspector Bob Olson look it over whilemy mechanic looked over his shoulderand took notes. Sure, there were theusual squawks, but nothing too seriousand it has been pretty trouble-free forthe past four years.I do owner-assisted annuals, whichhelps me know the plane better andsaves me money. I' m at a small airportwhere the rates are way below the "bigcity rates" but here is an example of myannual costs of ownership over the pastfour years:Hangar S I ,670Insurance 1, 185Annual inspection 500 (approx)Pans, misc. repairs 370 (approx)Annual cost $3,725With the cost of fuel and an averageLOO hours per year, I am at $70 per hourto fly a high-performance, very comfonablefull four-place airplane. I knowI should figure in an engine and propreplacement cost, but at just under 400hours SMOH, I figure it will outlive me.And besides, I have never had an airplanego down in value (l don't buynew), so I justify it that way also.Now my $100 hamburger actuallyonly costs me $70, and my copilotlbestfriend is much happier. @Tom Snider's 1947 Model 35 is a very comfortable, high-performance four-place airplane.a' 110 •• ,,, •So Should Youlilt IHchBonanzalIS PI"t·Dum Vis"We have athat provides valuable financial suppqrt.for ABS.This new card is the only card that supports ASS - ASS is nolonger associated with the existing ABS card you carry.Wha' should you do?Call today to apply for the new ABS card. You'll get:• IRff Getaway Miles Air Travel & Vacation Rewards Program - eachdollar spent earns points toward air travel and vacation rewards .• Iliff $5,00II Pe"onat Identify Theft (overage - (ove" 10 theftexpenses incurred if your identity is stolen• IRff Auto Rental Collision (overage• Iliff Zero liability Protection on unauthorizedtransactionsr"Ir_ off .,il" ,,,. HEW A.S "",Inu", '11.,,&on" • .,il," lo""yl Simply call 800·222·7458to apply and transfer the balance from your old card'Il\TRUST4tUnique to the new ABS Visa - Ports discounts through Beech's RAPID!ABS February 2007 www.bonanza,org Page 10044