Meet "Big Boy" — a 1952 C-35 Beech Bonanza. A cross-country machine designed for long hauls and high comfort. Equipped with a Continental E225-8 6-cylinder engine, N793D cruises through the skies at 135-150 mph.

Zack earned his wings in 2005. Rated ASEL INSTRUMENT with high-performance and complex endorsements, he has steered everything from Pipers to Grummans.

The logistics master and travel planner. Shawn keeps the mission on budget and on schedule, meticulously researching intriguing destinations.

Their story began in 2012 in Vancouver during a biobanking conference. Following a year of long-distance dating, they married in 2013 and settled in Philadelphia. Their joint decision to purchase "Big Boy" came after a flight review in a Bonanza revealed its spaciousness and mature handling.

The best co-pilot. Jasper loves the clouds and the ear-pro. He’s often found dozing on Shawn’s lap during return journeys.

Brad is a wonderful IA mechanic, CFII, and great friend. He’s the one to "blame" for the Bonanza obsession, as it was Brad who let Zack fly one for a flight review. His expertise and friendship were pivotal in bringing N793D into the family.

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.