"First Time Flying the Bonanza"

September 23, 2022 | By Mercer Clark​

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As pilots, we will experience all kinds of flights – fun, hard, new, long, calm, bumpy…you name it. Some of them very memorable and fun. These could be the “clear, blue and 22” type days where it seemed there was a tailwind on the outbound and return. Or it could be that beach trip or fishing trip in the plane. But somewhere in all of those flights is one or two that you remember forever. Mine was on February 2nd, 2019.

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A Private Pilot at the time and in search of my first airplane, I came across the Beechcraft Bonanza, as would most any big dreamer. Catharine Cavagnaro, owner of Ace Aerobatics School, Flight Instructor, AOPA Writer, and my DPE for my certificates and ratings was kind enough to introduce me to her beautiful Beechcraft Bonanza E33C N1KY “Niky”. Having never flown a Bonanza at the time, I was initially surprised at the size of this aircraft in comparison to those in my training. Stepping into the Bonanza felt like climbing into a jet compared to a Piper Warrior of which I spent many hours training in. The space, the comfort, the craftsmanship – I was impressed and eager to roll down the runway and go fly. Flying the Bonanza for the first time felt foreign. Smooth and responsive controls, power and maneuverability were at my fingertips. The sheer speed was not that of a Warrior. No, this was a hot rod that handled like a dream. Returning to KCSG involved a smooth landing and a dream to find the perfect Bonanza. That February day flying a Bonanza in my hometown of Columbus, Georgia (KCSG) sparked a huge passion. I just didn’t know it yet.

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Fast forward a few months, my dad and I were in search of our first aircraft. My dad was not a pilot at the time but had developed a liking to flying with me and learning. He too was hooked on the Bonanza. As luck would have it, we found the one: 1993 Beechcraft Bonanza F33A, N186RL. I flew her from St. Louis to Columbus, Georgia on April 26th, 2019.

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Through the next couple of years, I would obtain my instrument rating and commercial certificate in N186RL. I take many trips in my Bonanza across the US, mainly in the southeast. Through my time as a Beechcraft owner, I have accumulated many hours, but also connections, resources, and friends that revolve around always learning more and respecting the Bonanza. The worldwide community and enthusiasm in these aircraft is a testament to Beechcraft’s unmatched quality building the Bonanza since 1947. My first time flying the Bonanza sure was not my last!