As I write this, Thanksgiving is approaching, and undoubtedly we can all give thanks for the world returning closer to normalcy following the pandemic. We can also be grateful to work and fly (and play) in an industry experiencing immense growth in activity and sales.
I’d say we will soon welcome many new Twin & Turbine readers!
And typical of the upcoming year change, this is a time I like to recollect, reflect and invite commentary from you. Below are a few 2021 T &T highlights I wish to commemorate, then I’ll open it up to you for any feedback or topic ideas going into the new year.
The purchase of our 1970 F33A Bonanza. Following months of searching, the stars aligned in February when the perfect F33A seemingly “dropped in our lap.” From the moment Jared first saw the listing to the time we had a conditional offer on the airplane was about 18 hours. The airplane was officially ours within three days. The journey into aircraft ownership is one I hope you have enjoyed following from the search to the purchase to the first annual. I will continue to allow space for Jared (and partners) to provide updates and learnings along the way. Thank you again to the many of you who reached out with advice and recommendations for first-time buyers.
The launch of the new Twin & Turbine website. In June, our improved and modernized website went live. Visit twinandturbine.com and you’ll find T &T’s current issue, past issues, writer bios, contact information, advertising material and more. Owner-pilots can always access and read T &T (for free) across a variety of channels – print, online, digital page-turn or PDF. We constantly strive to develop and efficiently present the information you need regarding various aircraft models, training and safety, market trends and the latest industry offerings. We welcome any input you may have regarding our new digital space.
The first full year of the “Owner’s Corner.” Originally destined to be a series, our Owner’s Corner section has proven so successful and popular that I officially stamped it as a permanent inclusion. Written by either one of our staff or the owner (you), the intent here is to stretch beyond a typical flight review and deeply explore various owner-flown aircraft through an operator’s eyes. Whether it’s operational nuances, maintenance know-hows or mission performance – who knows an airplane better than its longtime owner? If you would like to submit your own story/airplane for a potential 2022 feature, please send a note to my email below. Reading and seeing your stories come to life has become an absolute highpoint.
You may have also noticed a splash of unique cover stories and photography this year. Some areas we’ve sought to increasingly recognize are safety/real-life experiences, lesser-known facets of aviation and aircraft value – including a series covering upgrades and refurbishments.
Our talented contributor Dale Smith has interviewed dozens of industry experts on investment matters and decisions around avionics, cabins and exteriors. He does it again this issue as we talk about all things paint. You can find two articles on the subject – “Aircraft Painting 101” (details the painting process, paint care, and paint shops) and “Fox Aviation Service” (seen on the cover, and leading provider of Ceramic Pro aviation products for paint refinement and protection). Like any element of maintaining your aircraft, achieving and sustaining a quality paint finish takes homework and diligence. You will find much detail and numerous tips weaved throughout both features.
Feedback? Topic ideas? I would love to hear from you. Here’s to an even stronger year in 2022.
