391 Should You Learn to Fly in a Bonanza? Max Trescott and Tom Turner Talk Training Options + GA News

Max Trescott teams up with Tom Turner—executive director of the American Bonanza Society’s Air Safety Foundation—to help listener Marc Brodecki weigh options for earning his private pilot certificate. Marc, a 39-year-old aerospace engineer in Los Angeles with glider experience, is evaluating three flight training options: a nearby tailwheel-focused school (that includes a Stearman), a larger flight school at Torrance using Sling aircraft, or buying and learning in the Beechcraft Bonanza he eventually wants to own.

Tom provides extensive guidance on Bonanza ownership. He discusses which Bonanza models (S-35 or early V-35) fit Marc’s $100–$150k budget and breaks down the real-world operating costs—including fuel, maintenance, insurance, tie-downs, and the potential for large, deferred maintenance costs. He stresses that insurance for student pilots in complex aircraft like Bonanzas can be a barrier and suggests checking with brokers early. Max adds that avionics upgrades are costly and advises finding an aircraft that already has the equipment you need.

Tom and Max both support training in a Bonanza—if done right. Benefits include gaining type-specific proficiency, leading to greater safety and a stronger insurance profile. However, they caution that older Bonanzas may lack dual controls and copilot brakes, which are required for instruction and checkrides. Installing these features can be expensive and difficult, making them a potential dealbreaker. Max recommends looking for experienced Bonanza instructors, such as those certified through ABS’s Flight Instructor Academy.

Marc also asks about learning in tailwheel aircraft and transitioning later to a Bonanza. Tom says that’s a viable and fun route—especially if the nearby school makes frequent training easy. Both guests emphasize that the convenience of the training location often matters more than the training aircraft. Flying regularly helps students retain skills and progress faster.

The discussion also touches on partnerships to reduce ownership costs, the hidden expenses of ownership (like California’s use tax), and how to vet good instructors. Max compares the CFI relationship to psychotherapy—it must be built on trust. A red flag is any instructor who pretends to know everything rather than admitting when they need to look something up.

As for timing, both Tom and Max encourage Marc to begin instrument training soon after earning his private certificate. In cloud-prone California, that rating increases safety and utility, and the sooner it's earned, the easier the transition.

To wrap up, Max reminds Marc not to get stuck in “analysis paralysis.” While his engineering mindset may drive him to seek the perfect solution, the key is choosing a path that’s good enough and lets him start flying soon—and enjoy the journey.

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