Powered by a Continental E225-8 engine with a Petersen Auto Fuel STC, "Big Boy" is a model of efficiency. It cruises effortlessly at 135–150 mph on just 9–11 gph, stabilized by a Beech Electric Propeller with Automatic Pitch Control.
The cockpit balances vintage soul with modern tech, featuring a Garmin GNC355 GPS for RNav approaches, JPI Digital Fuel Flow, and an Appareo Stratus ADS-B Transponder. Following a 2020 refresh of all control surfaces, N793D remains a sleek, meticulously maintained traveler ready for the next long haul.
Zack’s journey in the cockpit began in 2005, training in the high-traffic skies outside Philadelphia. Today, he is an ASEL Instrument-rated pilot with high-performance and complex endorsements, currently working toward his Commercial and Instructor ratings. While his logbook covers a diverse fleet—from the Socata Tampico to various Pipers and Grummans—it is the Beech Bonanza N793D that has truly captured his heart.
This same passion for technical mastery extends to his life on the ground. When he isn’t navigating the skies from his home base at KLNS, Zack serves as a data scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, where he untangles the complexities of biorepository science.
Even his creative pursuits share this disciplined foundation; as a classical musician holding a Colleague Certificate with the American Guild of Organists (CAGO), he finds a familiar harmony between the complex manuals of the pipe organ and the flight deck of the Bonanza. Whether he is analyzing data, performing a recital, or cruising through the clouds, Zack thrives where art and technical skill meet.
Originally from the vibrant cities of Montreal and Vancouver Canada, Shawn now calls Lancaster County, PA, home alongside his husband, Zack. While Zack is happiest at the controls of the Bonanza, Shawn is the engine behind their adventures. He is a master of logistics who finds his joy in the "before and after"—meticulously researching destinations, managing the mission budget, and ensuring every trip is as seamless as the flight itself.
When he isn't plotting their next cross-country getaway, Shawn balances a career in technical support with a wide range of creative and digital passions. Whether he’s experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, diving into a video game, or hunting for the perfect find while shopping, Shawn brings a sense of fun and precision to everything he touches. For Shawn, the best part of any journey isn't the flying or the driving—it’s the discovery and the time spent exploring alongside Zack.
From Vancouver to the Clouds: Zack and Shawn’s journey began in 2012 against the backdrop of Vancouver, B.C., where Zack was speaking at a biobanking conference. What started as a night out led to Shawn - quickly turned into a deep connection that spanned the continent. After a year and a half of long-distance dating, Zack proposed, and the two were married in Victoria in 2013. Shortly after, they packed a moving van and traversed North America to start their new life together in Philadelphia.
As they settled into their new home, Zack felt the pull of the sky once again. A pilot since 2005, he dreamed of owning an aircraft that felt less like a flight-school trainer and more like a true traveler. With Shawn’s financial expertise and a bit of inspiration from a flight in a friend's Beechcraft, the mission was clear: they needed a Bonanza.
The search took them across various models, but nothing compared to the spaciousness and "mature" feel of the C-35. When they finally tracked down N793D, Zack flew to Texas alone to seal the deal. The moment the papers were signed, he called Shawn with a phrase that would stick forever: “I just bought our ''Big Boy'' airplane.”
Today, celebrating more than a decade of marriage, Zack and Shawn continue to explore the horizon together—Zack at the controls and Shawn navigating the logistics—proving that the best adventures are the ones shared.
In October 2023, the crew of Big Boy officially grew by four paws. For a long time, Zack and Shawn had been looking for a furry companion—Zack through his "Pilots N Paws" rescue flights and Shawn through his love for training and companionship. Their search ended when Shawn spotted a soulful face on the PA SPCA website: a husky named Jasper.
Though his early life was a bit turbulent, Jasper''s true nature is one of pure joy and adaptability. He traded a challenging start for a life of adventure, and he took to the skies as if he were born for it. On his very first flight in Big Boy, Jasper was the picture of canine curiosity. Sporting his own custom ear protection, he sat transfixed by the passing clouds, watching the world shrink below him. By the return leg of the journey, he had already found his "sea legs," peacefully dozing off in Shawn''s lap.
Whether it’s a cross-country flight or a ride to the park, Jasper has seamlessly integrated into the family, proving that every great mission needs a very good dog.
Every pilot has that one friend who changes their trajectory, and for Zack, that’s Brad. A master of his craft, Brad is a rare triple-threat: a meticulous Inspection Authorization (IA) mechanic, a seasoned CFII flight instructor, and above all, a loyal friend.
The two met years ago in the digital hangars of an aviation forum, but the real trouble started during a routine Bi-annual Flight Review. Brad, who maintains a diverse fleet of his own, made the "fateful" decision to let Zack sit left-seat in a Bonanza. One flight was all it took. While Zack’s wallet might technically hold a grudge, the crew of Big Boy owes a huge debt of gratitude to Brad—the man truly responsible for Zack’s obsession with the "V-tail" life and the high-performance adventures that followed.
Dee convinced Zack to go to flight school in 2005. Zack's boss at UPenn and a dear friend, she remains one of the most excited members of the extended Bonanza crew. Her encouragement was the spark that started this whole aviation adventure.