Crystal Wise
Dillon Gee pitched in front of tens of thousands of people as a major-league pitcher, but not even his big-league debut was more nerve-racking than a test to become a private pilot.
“I do think it helps,” Gee says of having that experience performing in a major professional sport, “but I was more nervous going into Friday’s test than anything.”
He passed, by the way.
Gee, 36, left behind a nine-year professional baseball career that took him to the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, and a season pitching in Japan. Afterward, he turned his full attention to entrepreneurial pursuits. He is part-owner of two Mama’s Pizza franchises, in Granbury and Cleburne (not open yet); a part-owner of Comfort Pros, an HVAC company based in Cleburne, Gee’s hometown; and owns and rents residential real estate.
“Recently, about a year ago, I flew somewhere with a guy,” Gee says. “I was like, ‘I’ve always wanted to fly a plane.’ Being that close, I was like, I want to do this. I want to learn how to fly an airplane.”
And, of course, he needed a plane. He and two others, PGA Tour golfer John Peterson and banker Dan Hebert, president of First Bank of Aledo, went in together on a 1970 Piper Cherokee 6-300.
“They call it the ‘Minivan of the Sky,’” Gee says. “Perfect for what all three of us wanted to do — a private pilot who wants to take his family somewhere.”
Gee now has to become certified to fly his plane, which requires a number of hours.
The “Big Six” is a prodigious people packer, essentially a six-seater which is easily converted to handle a large amount of cargo loaded through its spacious rear double doors.
The engine in this plane is a 300-hp Lycoming. It can reach speeds up to 180 mph. The range is 840 miles.
The plane these three purchased ran into the $200,000s, Gee says, noting that the price depends on a number of factors, prominently among them engine life. He says this Cherokee 6 has about nine years left on the engine before they’ll have to overhaul it.
It’s a bargain says one reviewer on Plane &Pilot Magazine.
“I am positive that no one has found the perfect airplane, but for this airline pilot’s wallet, a Cherokee 6 comes as close as it gets.”
A survey of planes on the marketplace
1981 Beechcraft King Air F90* $845,000
The King Air F90 is known as the “hotrod” of the King Air series. The F90 has a pair of PT6A-135 engines, delivering 750-shaft horsepower each and a set of four-bladed propellers. Range of 900-nautical miles.
1975 Beechcraft A36 Bonanza* $345,000
Generally, a higher price point on these, again, depending on several factors. More expensive to maintain, too. However, one reviewer calls it one of the most “satisfying singles to own.”
1982 Piper Seneca III $279,000
Says one owner to Aviator Insider:
“The Seneca III provides comfortable, confident, generally reliable 200 mph transportation for four with bags, in most weather. My family and I have been absolutely delighted with it now for 34 years.”
1983 Piper Archer II* $159,000
The Archer II makes an excellent entry-level airplane for new pilots, what with its predictable handling, simplicity, good looks, nice interior, and well-stocked panel, according to AOPO.
*Prices listed are specific to a plane on the market, sold by an individual or company.