Most people can relate to having that special annual party they do not want to miss. For us, the Beechcraft Party is that
party. It’s an opportunity to celebrate people and their connection to aviation, and it provides a platform to connect
and share adventures and experiences.
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To introduce us: my husband Eric and I have been interested in aviation for as long as we both can remember. As a
young boy, Eric built models and flew model airplanes with his dad. (He often crashed those planes, but we won’t talk
about that!) He flew with friends and family as Eric’s dad is also a pilot. I dreamed of being a pilot. I was fascinated by
flight. And I was intrigued by the mechanics and technology that could make a giant piece of steel fly. I couldn’t wrap
my brain around the sophistication involved in flight. (Now I am compelled to understand all the ins and outs of flight.)
Both Eric and I knew very early on that we would be involved in aviation in one way or another. We presently lead very
busy and dynamic lives; but between running our business, planning adventures, and pursuing our many hobbies, we
always find time to study aviation and better ourselves as pilots. Our Beechcraft Baron 58TC is a special machine that
provides us the opportunity to realize our goals and interests. And since I started flying in 2012, I’ve been blessed with
numerous opportunities to learn and to make a positive difference in the world.
In 2019 Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas. It was difficult to watch as the country took a major hit. We spent
years developing friendships with the Bahamian people and feel very connected and invested in their communities. We
knew we had to help. We reached out to our community of friends, family, neighbors, and local schools, and organized
a massive food, housewares, and clothing drive. We used our house as the drop-off point and our Beechcraft Baron as a
cargo plane and scheduled several delivery flights to the Bahamas. Over the next few months, our plane was constantly
at the maximum load. A great deal of coordination was necessary as we planned and executed numerous flights,
navigated the limited availability for plane traffic, and avoided storm debris with every takeoff and landing. The
Bahamian community was very grateful and in 2021, Eric and I were named Flying Ambassadors to the Bahamas.
Eric and I are also involved in our environmental community. For instance, we are members of Turtles Fly Too, Inc. and
we use our Beechcraft Baron to fly endangered sea turtles to various aquariums for rehabilitation and eventual release.
As an endangered species, every individual sea turtle is important to the population. We plan to grow this into a
nationwide environmental effort as we are true believers in promoting conservation.
I also feel very passionate about promoting aviation to young, aspiring, female pilots. As a woman in a male-dominated
field, I believe it is important to pave the way for other women to share in these opportunities. As a result, in July 2020,
I began documenting my progress in the hopes that beginner aviators would feel inspired to pursue their dreams of
flying. I use my social media presence to promote flying and other positive causes. Whether it be extending
humanitarian efforts or promoting environmentalism, I believe in giving back to communities both locally and nationally.
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In October 2019, my husband Eric and I attended our first Beechcraft Party in Tullahoma, Tennessee. We were looking
forward to it for months but as the date approached, we had some unexpected client needs to address. As business
owners, we lead very busy lives and sometimes the unexpected happens! As with flying, responsibility and attention to
detail are of the utmost importance, so tying up loose ends and doing right by our clients took precedence over our
desire to get to Tennessee. But as soon as we finished, we loaded our plane, took off from our neighborhood runway,
and landed just in time for the final dinner. We were the last to arrive, but we were also the last to leave. It didn’t take
long to realize how at home we felt with the other attendees. It was an instant connection. One that left a lasting
impression and made us eager for the following year’s celebration. In fact, we immediately joined with a lifetime
membership and registered for the Beechcraft Party 2020.
It isn’t often that one comes upon an opportunity to share a common interest with like-minded people. It is a rarity,
especially in aviation! The Beechcraft Party is that opportunity. The facility where the party is held is amazing, the
museum is intriguing, and the gift shop offers all the aviation-related wares that you might otherwise struggle to find.
But most importantly, it is a congenial atmosphere where like-minded people share, learn, laugh, and connect. Our first
experience was a whirlwind, but we vowed we would never miss, or be delayed from, this experience again.
Fast forward to 2021. We feel part of the Beechcraft family now. This October, we flew our Beechcraft Baron 58TC and
met Joe Fiddelman and his dad, Donald (who are proud owners of a Beechcraft Bonanza V-Tail) in Macon, GA (KMAC).
We fueled up and discussed the next part of our adventure. We flew in formation to Tullahoma. We conducted a low
approach and landed on runway 18 around 3:46 pm CDT. We were instantly welcomed by volunteers, and with the
gracious help of Executive Vice President Jody Curtis, we secured our hotel and rental car. Those of you who know Jody,
know she wears many hats; she is open, accessible, and an absolutely wonderful person. Both she and Charles Parrish
are two of the warmest people you’ll ever meet.
That Thursday evening, we were honored to attend a party hosted by John and Charlotte at “The Barn.” The Parish’s
are a lovely family and we were touched by their generosity. We all enjoyed a fabulous southern-style buffet. The night
was energized with live music provided by the band “Blue Grass.”
Friday provided another day of learning and exploration. Eric and I visited the museum. It is an extraordinary facility
with impeccable Beechcrafts. We were excited to see the first Baron on display. All the exhibits were well-curated and
fascinating. Not only are all the members involved in the Beechcraft Heritage Museum a group of the greatest folks you
could ever meet, but they’re also extremely talented pilots who bring their own unique attributes to the table. The
friendships we formed will last a lifetime.
On Saturday we were treated with an informative ABS Service Clinic conducted by Bob Ripley. Bob provided invaluable
information on Beechcrafts that was well-received by members. The evening culminated with a dinner and auction.
(Eric and I were lucky enough to win the bid for a future service clinic for our Baron. How lucky can you get?)
Throughout this event, we felt so welcomed by all the wonderful people from our Beechcraft family! This is truly a
special group of people, and this experience provides everyone with the opportunity to enjoy and share in common
goals. Hopefully our travels will bring us to this area before next year’s event, but either way, we can’t wait for the next
Beechcraft Party! Until then, please check out our site @ Skyline Baron Pilot and you’ll see us with our rescue dog, Eve,
on many Beechcraft Baron adventures.