Aviation News Talk Podcast

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