Meet "Big Boy" — a 1952 C-35 Beech Bonanza. When Zack and Shawn were searching for their inaugural airplane, they had certain criteria in mind: it needed to facilitate long-distance travel, have retractable gear, and provide a comfortable ride. Zack humorously termed their desired aircraft as a "big boy" plane. When they finally acquired N793D and Zack went to collect it, he excitedly phoned Shawn, proclaiming the acquisition of "Big Boy." From that moment, the name stuck.
N793D, affectionately known as Big Boy, is a 1952 C-35 E-Series Beech Bonanza equipped with a Continental (E225-8) 6-cylinder horizontally opposed engine. This engine is fitted with a Petersen Auto Fuel STC. Among its features is a Beech Electric Propeller with Airborne Electronics Automatic Pitch Control. Big Boy effortlessly cruises through the skies, consuming 9-11 gallons per hour (gph) while maintaining an impressive ground speed of 135-150 mph!
The cockpit boasts advanced instruments, including a Garmin GNC355 Navigator GPS that doubles as COMM 1 and pairs with a Bendix-King KN53 CDI Glideslope for RNav Approaches. Alongside, an Icom IC200 Digital serves as COMM2, a Narco NAV 122 Nav 2 acts as a CDi Glideslope, a King Digital DME is connected to Nav 2, and a JPI Digital Fuel Flow (FS450) is linked to the GPS. During the annual maintenance in 2020, all control surfaces were meticulously treated and repainted. Notably, it is also equipped with an Appareo Stratus ADS-B Transponder.

Zack's aviation journey started in 2005 when he earned his pilot's license. He's rated in Airplane, Single Engine Land (ASEL) INSTRUMENT, with high-performance and complex endorsements. Currently eyeing a commercial rating, and then his next goal is to snag instructor licenses.
His flight adventures began with a Socata Tampico TB9, but he's steered a diverse fleet, including Pipers, Grummans, Cessnas, and more. His home base at KLNS near Lancaster, PA, places him right outside Philadelphia's bustling airspace. That busy airspace where he did all his initial training all those year ago. However, the aircraft that's truly captured his heart is the Beech Bonanza, notably N793D, earning a spot as one of his all-time favorite planes.
Beyond the clouds, Zack embraces a harmonious blend of passions. He is a classical musician and holds a Colleague Certificate with the American Guild of Organists (CAGO) and contributes his data wizardry as a research grant data scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, delving into biorepository science.

Raised in Montreal, QC, Canada, Shawn spent most of his life there and in Vancouver, BC. Currently, he resides in the Lancaster County, PA environs with Zack, his husband. While Zack embraces the skies, Shawn loves to fly to destinations, he prefers being more grounded; neither flying nor driving appeals much to him. Instead, he relishes the role of meticulously planning travels, researching intriguing destinations, and handling trip budgets.
As a remote Technical Support rep, Shawn enjoys the flexibility to pursue his hobbies. When not immersed in trip planning, he indulges in his passion for cooking, explores shopping ventures, dives into video games, and, of course, enjoys adventures alongside his husband, Zack!

Shawn and Zack's story began in 2012 during a work trip to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada for Zack to speak at a biobanking conference. Shawn introduced Zack to the City of Vancouver and together they explored the city, and their connection deepened. Zack extended an invitation for Shawn to visit Philadelphia. These initial trips blossomed into a beautiful relationship. In 2013 after a year and a half of long distance dating, Zack proposed to Shawn, and they exchanged vows in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, setting the foundation for their shared life (they celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary this year (2023)). After the wedding, they embarked on a monumental move. Packing Shawn's belongings into a moving van, they traversed the North American continent to settle in their newly acquired Philadelphia home.
Following the move, Zack expressed his longing for flying, having obtained his pilot's license in 2005. Proposing the idea of purchasing an airplane, Zack's enthusiasm led to their joint decision, backed by Shawn's financial expertise. Their search for the perfect aircraft spanned various models, including Pipers, Grummans, and Cessnas. However, it was a flight review with Zack's friend, Brad, that introduced him to the Beech Bonanza. Zack was captivated by its spaciousness, comfort, speed, and mature feel, distinct from training aircraft like other planes they had considered. Enthralled by the Bonanza's features, Zack and Shawn, with Brad's guidance, commenced their search for one. After an extensive quest, they found 793D. Although Shawn couldn't accompany Zack to Texas, where he traveled to seal the purchase, Zack's exhilarating call to Shawn after the purchase: "Shawn, I just acquired my 'Big Boy' airplane!" The name stuck, and from that moment, they affectionately referred to 793D as "Big Boy".

In October 2023, Jasper the Dog officially became a part of the Zack & Shawn's family. A husky mix exuding joy and goodness, Jasper's love for car rides prompted the purchase of ear protection for his comfort during a brief ride in Big Boy. Enthralled by the passing scenery, he sat, transfixed, gazing out the window. On the return journey, Jasper nestled on Shawn's lap, peacefully dozing off, demonstrating his remarkable adaptability to travel.
For some time, Shawn and Zack had been searching for a furry companion. Zack's involvement in 'Pilot N Paw Rescue flights' kindled his desire to bring home the dogs he flew, while Shawn cherished the training aspects and adored dogs. Jasper's initial life experiences were challenging, having been seized by the police and placed in the care of the PA SPCA. Shawn discovered Jasper's endearing photo on the SPCA website, compelling them to meet him in person. Jasper seamlessly integrated into the crew, bringing joy and warmth to their lives.

Brad is a wonderful IA (a type of mechanic), a terrific Certified Flight Instructor (CFII) and a truly great friend! Zack met Brad years ago on an aviation website. Brad owns and flies several different airplanes but it was Brad that let Zack fly a Bonanza for a Bi-annual Flight Review. So, Brad is really to blame for having Zack fall in love with Bonanzas.

Dee is really to blame for all of this! It was Dee that convinced Zack to go to flight school in 2005 in the first place. Although, we all know that Dee only convinced Zack to get his pilot's license so that he could be her personal pilot. Dee is not just a friend but is also Zack's boss at the University of Pennsylvania. Some of us think that Dee is actually more exicted that Zack & Shawn have an airplane than they are.