So my current plane is a 1994 F33A Bonanza. Though the plane rolled off the assembly line in 1994 it does not have all of its original parts. The main structure is the same but it has had most wear items replaced along the way, the interior re-done and technology has changed quite a bit so the instruments and radios are new.
I found the plane online in the usual spot in a non direct manner. I was watching the ads on www.controller.com and saw another plane. I called about it and it was not a match but the dealer had just begun the listing process on this one.
I watched this one for quite some time before making the final decision. Once I decided it was the right plane I made an offer and it was accepted. The next step was to get a full inspection of the plane. Luckily there was a very good shop near by and the inspection results showed only a few minor issues.
The owner, followed through and had the shop correct the discrepancies. It was then off to California to close the deal and bring the plane home. The direct line trip is 2042 nautical miles. This route takes you over some really tall mountains and some very inhospitable terrain. I chose a more conservative route heading South to the LA area and then across the high desert which was 2241 miles or about 1:20 minutes longer. I also added a stop in the Dallas metro area for 2 reasons. The route as flown is shown below.
Now not only did I take the safer route, I also took along an instructor for the first day. Legally I was qualified and the insurance company was fine with me doing this solo as I had plenty of time in the airplane. I was a bit more cautious as I had not been flying as much over the last few years due to work. Thus I hired Ron, an experienced instructor with mountain flying knowledge to watch over me. The plan was to have him evaluate performance from Livermore to Grand Prairie near Dallas.
If I was capable, he would hop a Southwest flight home and I would continue to Florida. If not he would go the distance. I am happy to say that by the time we got to Texas, I was comfortable with the plane and the electronics and sent him on his way. It was good having him working around mountains which we don't find in Florida.
The other reason to stop near Dallas was to pick up a passenger. My Dad who is also a pilot wanted to help me bring the plane home. Ron hopped out and he hopped in for the last third of the journey.
Leaving Texas we soon crossed the mighty Mississippi river and made a quick fuel stop in Meridian, MS. Then it was off on the final leg. The trip departed Livermore, CA at 1:00 PM East coast time and touched down just before 4:00 PM the next day. Overall about 15 hours in the air with the remaining time used for gas and a nights rest in Odessa Texas. A side note, I like Fairfield Inns in general but skip the Odessa one, you will thank me.
I had planned some extra days in case the weather was bad but was able to do the trip with no delays. Leaving Prescott AZ, I had intended to go East over Albuquerque but there were big storms so we head South and around them. Likewise, leaving Dallas there were storms along the gulf coast but by staying 100 miles inland we avoided them.
I found the plane online in the usual spot in a non direct manner. I was watching the ads on www.controller.com and saw another plane. I called about it and it was not a match but the dealer had just begun the listing process on this one.
I watched this one for quite some time before making the final decision. Once I decided it was the right plane I made an offer and it was accepted. The next step was to get a full inspection of the plane. Luckily there was a very good shop near by and the inspection results showed only a few minor issues.
The owner, followed through and had the shop correct the discrepancies. It was then off to California to close the deal and bring the plane home. The direct line trip is 2042 nautical miles. This route takes you over some really tall mountains and some very inhospitable terrain. I chose a more conservative route heading South to the LA area and then across the high desert which was 2241 miles or about 1:20 minutes longer. I also added a stop in the Dallas metro area for 2 reasons. The route as flown is shown below.
Now not only did I take the safer route, I also took along an instructor for the first day. Legally I was qualified and the insurance company was fine with me doing this solo as I had plenty of time in the airplane. I was a bit more cautious as I had not been flying as much over the last few years due to work. Thus I hired Ron, an experienced instructor with mountain flying knowledge to watch over me. The plan was to have him evaluate performance from Livermore to Grand Prairie near Dallas.
If I was capable, he would hop a Southwest flight home and I would continue to Florida. If not he would go the distance. I am happy to say that by the time we got to Texas, I was comfortable with the plane and the electronics and sent him on his way. It was good having him working around mountains which we don't find in Florida.
The other reason to stop near Dallas was to pick up a passenger. My Dad who is also a pilot wanted to help me bring the plane home. Ron hopped out and he hopped in for the last third of the journey.
Leaving Texas we soon crossed the mighty Mississippi river and made a quick fuel stop in Meridian, MS. Then it was off on the final leg. The trip departed Livermore, CA at 1:00 PM East coast time and touched down just before 4:00 PM the next day. Overall about 15 hours in the air with the remaining time used for gas and a nights rest in Odessa Texas. A side note, I like Fairfield Inns in general but skip the Odessa one, you will thank me.
I had planned some extra days in case the weather was bad but was able to do the trip with no delays. Leaving Prescott AZ, I had intended to go East over Albuquerque but there were big storms so we head South and around them. Likewise, leaving Dallas there were storms along the gulf coast but by staying 100 miles inland we avoided them.
