New Airplane!

Fast forward to February 2020 (time flies when you're having fun!). I've sat down several times to provide an update on my flying experiences but distractions seem to be plentiful.  It is my hope that this short update generates momentum to get back into blogging about my adventures as a private pilot.

Yes!  We sold the Cessna back in 2014 and in January 2015, brought home an amazing1962 Beechcraft Bonanza P35.  Since that time, I've logged more than 500 hours flying all over the western states with family, friends, and animals (more on that later).

N9673Y left the Beechcraft manufacturing facility in December of 1962 and as such, some call it a 1963 model but the data plate states 1962 so I'm sticking with that year.  It has seen numerous upgrades and modifications that make it a very well equipped and capable aircraft.  Below are the modifications and equipment added to 73Y.

• Factory Reman IO-550 
• BDS Baffling

• 3 Blade prop
• Garmin G500 with SVT
• Garmin GTN 650 GPS
• GTX 345 – 2020 compliant in and out ADS-B
• Flightstream 210
• S-TEC 3100 Digital Autopilot; Alt pre-select, IAS, VS, FD
• GTS 800 Traffic
• PS Engineering PMA 450B Audio Panel with music in port
• MVP-50 Engine Monitor
• GDL 69 XM Weather Receiver

• Electric Trim
• Dual Yoke- Leather Covered Large Control Wheels
• Custom CNC instrument panel with better CB placement
• 2 additional USB (USB C) ports 

• Speed Slope Windshield
• BDS 20 gal tip tanks (200lb GWI STC)
• VGs
• Flap-gap seals
• Pilot and Co-pilot storm windows
• Custom Ramshead sheepskin front seat covers
• Tinted window inserts
• Alpha inertial reel shoulder harness (front)
• Mountain Aviation door steward
• LED landing and taxi lights

73Y is a joy to fly and I've had a ton of great experiences.  Some of those experiences are documented on my Youtube channel and can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/user/spionen007/videos?view_as=subscriber

In the coming days, I'll write about some of the more meaningful experiences and where 73Y has taken me over the past 5 years.  Fly safe!

So long 78E!

Life gets busy and I have been a slacker in keeping this blog updated.  It isn't for lack of content but lack of time or maybe better stated, a lack of time management.

So many changes, where do I start?  In November 2014 we started toying with the idea of getting a different plane.  Echo has been good to us providing a reliable and safe machine for my skill level and I've learned a lot as a newbie pilot but felt it was time to move up to a faster and more capable airplane.

I said to myself that I was just testing the waters to see if there as a market for a refurbished and upgraded Cessna 172 and subconsciously I was working through the emotional struggle of possibly parting with Echo.  Aircraft owners, especially owners who have put a lot of work into making their bird their own, become emotionally attached to their winged machines.  My test was to place 78Echo on Controller.com and just see what kind of response I would get.  I knew there was no way I'd get back all that I had put into the restoration and upgrades but I didn't want to take a bath either.  I listed my beautiful 1979 Cessna 172N at $89,500 feel that it was a good starting negotiation price point.

The emotional aspect of listing my plane was interesting.  I didn't hear one peep on day one or day two and started thinking that it was just not going to happen.  On day three I had someone lowball me asking if I'd let Echo go for $60K.  I didn't even have to ponder that casual offer for more than a millisecond and respectfully replied that I would not part with my plane at that price.  I was a little let down and relieved at the same time.  I could keep my plane and be happy.  Let's face it, this is a VERY nice 172 and we enjoy flying her.  I would not feel bad if no one wanted to buy her.

Day 4 brought two phone calls from seemingly very excited gentlemen who were very interested in Echo.  I got excited and started to worry at the same time.  What if they really wanted to buy Echo?  What would I do then?  I didn't hear from them again.

Day 5, nothing new and I had to depart for California to work for the week.  I was wondering if the test was now done and that was all the traffic I would get.  Oh well, I still have the great airplane right?

Day 6.  I got a text from Lonnie at home that a gentleman from Florida called and spoke with her about Echo.  He was very interested and wanted to speak to me.  It got hard to focus on work.  I called him and we talked about the condition of the plane, what I had done to it and how well the engine (which had 1900 hours on it) was running.  He didn't beat around the bush much and said he wanted to make me an offer and that he didn't need to do a pre-buy inspection as he could tell it was in good condition from talking with me.  WHAT?  How did we get from zero to offer in one phone call?  Wait... do I really want to sell my plane?  This was after all just a market test right?

I received a detailed full price offer the following day via email and accepted.  It was not a decision that came easily but we decided to take advantage of the opportunity and let Echo go to a good home.

After returning from my work trip, I set about getting Echo ready for a long flight to Florida, updating the nav system, changing the oil and just overall sprucing up.  You can't sell a plane like this an not have it in tip top shape.  I hired a ferry pilot to fly the plane to Florida and on December 1st she left Spanish Fork for the Orlando, FL area.  It was a difficult day for us.  We have a ton of great memories in N9478E and there is a lot of emotion involved in selling a plane like that.  Farewell, you served us well.