Page 10 - Volume 16 Number 12

10,000 aircraft fitted, our family of customers spans the globe, ranging from Canada to Brazil, from Malaysia to Russia. Aviation has proven to be a truly magical place to conduct business amongst a privileged global kinship.After years in business, I purchased a Beech Bonanza 36. Our customers were, for the most part, all at airports, so flying myself around made for great efficiency sense. At best, I recall visiting 15 customers in 10 different cities in the span of five days (while still being home for the weekend). Arriving as a pilot always seemed to lend authenticity to whatever sales pitch that followed. The Bonanza was my trusty steed for business trips throughout the U.S. and Canada. It also was the primer for managing the maintenance and regulatory compliance of an aircraft.When not off on business, the Bonanza also served to convey my growing family on regular adventures. My daughter and my son became accustomed to flying in the back of the Bonanza as far back they could remember. From diaper bags and strollers to iPads and laptops, the trusty Bonanza has seen it all.Jet FeverIn the context of a life lived in aviation pajamas, I took the Eclipse Jet bait – hook, line, and sinker. On May 24, 2000, the first day the Eclipse went on sale, my money was there to secure my copy. I took a gold position, which was slated for delivery in the second year of production, or Q1 of 2005, by original estimates. With five years to wait, I busied myself earning the funds necessary to acquire and maintain the aircraft.During the early years, Eclipse was abuzz with energy, anticipation, and great excitement. We future owners were treated like rock stars to regular updates on progress and occasional festival-like meetings in Albuquerque. It was a heady time,KING AIR LANDING• Complete Sets• Individual Components• Removal and Installation601.936.3599 www.traceaviation.comFAA CRS R39R997XYour Source for King Air Landing Gear8 • TWIN & TURBINEDECEMBER 2012