Our Plane
Our Bonanza is a 1965 S-35 Bonanza serial number D-7817. We purchased the airplane from a local gentleman who had relocated after his retirement to a suburb outside of Sacramento, CA where the airplane flew less and less due to health concerns involving his wife. During this time the owner still maintained the airplane, or better said took on a campaign to renew and freshen it up. We took possession of the airplane with about 20 hours on a fresh high end overhaul that included a brand spanking new heavy case, as well everything else you can think of. At the overhaul GAMI injectors were installed as well as the propeller being overhauled. A popular engine baffling kit was also implemented as well as a JPI EDM-800 engine analyzer. The plane came with new tires, brakes, overhauled main gear, new landing gear motor and a freshly overhauled gear box. This is a partial list, but it covers the biggest items that he addressed in the later stages of his ownership. If the plane needed anything he was quick to authorize his Beech trained A&P to make it right.
Like most Bonanzas our S-35 has been modified over time and has a couple of changes that were desirable to us. The speedslope windshield is an item that changes the appearence making the plane look more modern, but also adds a glareshield that is more pleasing to fly behind. Our plane also sports an aftermarket top mounted intake scoop supplying a ventilation system that became standard on all Bonanza models following the S-35. This kit is no longer available and therefore has become a nice item to look for when purchasing a Bonanza. Another item that the previous owner chose to invest in was and electric trim system which seems like a small thing to do, but it is pretty pricey for a rather small convenience. Today to add this feature it costs around $5,000 making it a nice find on a used airplane. This along with the STEC 50 autopilot system makes this airplane a joy to travel with. Probably the last change that was made to make the airplane have a more modern look was the addition of later model wingtips with the strobes installed in the leading edges. It does lack the large baggage door that is coveted among Beech owners. The larger door was an option on this model airplane, but this one doesn't have it. I guess one can't have everything. The standard door is pretty large, but for loading folding bikes or large items it will not likely be doable.
Above is a picture that Sherri took of the the seller as he watched his flying career slowly rolling away. The airplane needed to be moved from the hanger row in order to get my pickup free for Sherri to head home with the load of supplies and goodies that came with the airplane, including the new tug he had recently purchased. This remains one of the most bittersweet moments of my flying life, although I didn't know it at the time. As the tug pulled away from the front of his hanger I was feeling joy that remains hard to put into words. I was unaware however of the pain this man was feeling at that same instant but I understood completely when I saw this picture and Sherri described the moment to me from his perspective. Unknown to me as I claimed possession of the Bonanza, the seller was watching with sorrow as an important part of his life came to a close. He apparently heard the click as the camera took the picture because he turned towards my wife and he had tears in his eyes. This brought her to tears also and she hugged him. She ended up staying a little longer with the seller watching as I started the plane and taxied away. They walked to a position where they could see the runup and departure and then she climbed into my Silverado and began the two and a half hour drive for home. I often reflect on this wondering how I will handle this moment when my turn comes to let go of my flying passion. Realizing how tough this must be it kind of explains all of the old rundown airplanes sitting around airports with flat tires and peeling paint. I hope I have the courage to let go when the time comes, and I hope I will realize it when it does. With luck however this will be many years down the road. (The other gentleman in the picture walking towards the camera is Ken Wilson. Ken taught me to fly his Bonanza and helped me to get enough time in type to be insurable. He then allowed me to utilize his beautiful plane to add the critical high performance and complex endorsements to my log books. On this day he flew along with me as moral support on the flight home with the new bird.)
