Page 6 - Volume 17 Number 9

o iBy Dan McGeePhen ExperTheDreams do come true. I recall first learning to Malibu conversion. Wow, a pressurized turboprop thatfly in a Cessna 152, wondering if I could evermaster the art of landing (taking off was easy by comparison). I did master landing and after what seemed like endless practice, I got my private ticket, thinking I had reached the pinnacle of my ambition. Boy, was I wrong.Years later, I got my first ride in a Beech Bonanza and dreamed of owning my own Bonanza someday. The power, complexity and speed of this aircraft seemed beyond my ability. But, it was just a matter of time before I purchased a P35 model from a close friend. Those first hours in the left seat were a stretch, but I made the transition and became a student of the V-tail.While vacationing many years later with my fourth Bonanza (a B36TC), I was introduced to the JetPropcruises in the flight levels. “Those folks that fly those things must be unbelievable pilots,” I told myself. Then, one day, I had the chance opportunity to look at one; the owner (Cody Ramsey of Arizona Aircraft) had a plane for sale. He was patient with my incessant questions and reassured me that transitioning from the Bonanza would be possible. At first, I doubted him, but I slowly came around and ended up buying that very plane, opening up an entirely new world of flying above the weather and in relative comfort.With several years of JetProp experience behind me, the jet bug began to nibble at my heels. My work has me on the go a fair amount and the idea of FL410 and jet speeds would simplify my schedule immeasurably. But, could I actually become a jet pilot?4 • TWIN & TURBINE SEPTEMBER 2013