The following editorial is guest written by Jared Jacobs.
Hard to believe, but February marks one year since we purchased a 1970 F33A Bonanza. Naturally, it seems fitting to take a moment to reflect on the first full year of aircraft ownership!
The Start
The beginning of my ownership journey was abrupt thanks to a hot aircraft market. The need to move quickly was emphasized after a couple of near misses with other potential aircraft. So, when I came across the listing for 121RW linked to a post on the BeechTalk Forum, I fired off an email to the seller right away. Incredibly, through a series of coincidences, I inspected the aircraft and submitted a conditional offer the very next day. Within the week, the pre-purchase inspection was complete and the final paperwork in review. I went from sitting on the sidelines to aircraft owner in a matter of days. At the time, my head was spinning trying to ensure all was in order while also trying not to miss another great opportunity. Thankfully, with the help of many seasoned contacts and a lot of research, my preparation paid off.
The first few months of ownership are documented in past T &T articles and more closely detail the purchase process and an early maintenance issue (which was chalked up to new ownership teething). I felt those stories could best advise prospective buyers plus provide an avenue for reflection for seasoned owners. But here are some of the major highlights not documented:
- The joy of the first flight in MY airplane, including practice landings and approaches to get to know the F33A.
- The hours spent reading the Pilots Operating Handbook to develop my own checklist, helping me learn the systems and emergency procedures of the aircraft.
- Re-teaching myself proper piston engine management after a five-year hiatus. I scoured owner forums on BeechTalk and watched countless YouTube videos.
- The first cross-country trip flying to visit family in Arkansas. Plus, the joy of taking my parents on a flight over their hometown and family farm.
- Weekend getaways to small towns I would have never considered driving to.
The Surprises
Following a handful of fun, smooth months was a mysterious maintenance event discovered right as I took off for another flight to Arkansas last summer. Fortunately, it turned out to be nothing more than a vibration caused by fully filling the aircraft’s tip tanks (something I had not yet done).
While I was thankful there was no actual underlying issue, it was still a costly trip to the shop both in price and time. The event also occurred not long before 1RW went down for its annual inspection, which, unfortunately, also came with a few costly “surprises.” (Both stories documented in T &T).
On the other hand, 1RW has provided numerous positive surprises and experiences – ones that just would not have been possible without an airplane:
- A lake trip where I was able to knit two vacations, separated by hundreds of miles, together into one thanks to the magic of private aircraft travel.
- A long weekend to visit friends in Dallas who I hadn’t seen in years. I was able to meet their children for the first time.
- Flying to Lake Texhoma to go Striper fishing with my dad after talking about it for years.
- Surprising a friend’s little sister for an 18th birthday trip to Kansas City.
These are stories I was personally able to create thanks to 1RW – and do not even include other flights and memories made by my two partners. (One of my favorites being when my partner Ryan facilitated a marriage proposal. He flew a friend and his girlfriend on a local scenic flight before landing at an airfield for dinner where friends and family were out on the tarmac holding signs spelling out “MARRY ME?” (she said yes)).
The Simple
Even when not flying, my airplane provides enjoyable experiences in the form of “hangar therapy.” As someone who loves to work with my hands, I have spent countless hours removing bugs, giving belly washes, updating databases, troubleshooting issues, or performing minor maintenance upkeep tasks. I would classify any hour spent at the airport as better than any hour spent just about anywhere else.
It’s interesting to me now as I reflect how I thought the stories most helpful to T &T readers would be lessons learned and bumps in the road. While there is validity to that line of thinking (as they are part of the reality of aircraft ownership, and this is a magazine dedicated to educational sharing), those aren’t the stories that I remember the most vividly – or the ones that I truly want to share with my friends and family. My first year of ownership in my mind is a story of living my passion for aviation and making memories that could not be made otherwise. Here’s to many more!
Feel free to send questions, comments or topic ideas to Jared at jaredjacobs2@gmail.com.
