Community Spotlight: Harold ‘Duke’ Newton

BROUGHT TO YOU BY FLYING FINANCE

When Harold “Duke” Newton first contacted FLYING Finance about acquiring his dream aircraft, he knew the financing landscape could be complex. What he found was a partner who understood both his aviation goals and financial objectives. 

Duke’s journey into aviation stems from his childhood, growing up around planes due to his father’s career as a U.S. Air Force aircraft maintainer.

“I’ve been interested in aviation since I was a little guy,” said Newton, crediting his dad as his biggest influence in that regard. “For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to be a pilot. But my eyesight was terrible, and at the time, no service branch accepted anyone who wore glasses for pilot training.”

Despite vision challenges that were a hurdle in his pilot training, Newton found a way to fly. After he graduated high school, Duke’s Dad pointed him to the Air Force enlisted aviators. 

He spent the next 25 of his career years as an Air Force loadmaster, retiring from Special Ops MC-130J aircraft, also known as the Commando II, in 2013. 

Newton kept his passion for flying after he retired from the Air Force. In 2020, with newfound time and resources, he pursued private pilot training and began the search for an aircraft he could own outright. 

“It started as a late night endeavor that I never thought would come true,” he said. 

His quest culminated in the purchase of a 1953 Bonanza D35, facilitated through FLYING Finance’s tailored services.

“Thanks to all the people who are in the airplane buying business, especially the financial lending, I was able to find, finance, and fly home my airplane,” Newton said.

FLYING Finance’s competitive rates and aviation expertise help pilots like Newton through the financing and buying process every day.

The 1953 Bonanza D35 is one of Beechcraft’s iconic V-tail designs. With a cruise speed of 152 knots and a range of 510 nm, it’s an ideal choice for aviators like Newton who need speed and efficiency. 

The D35 is essentially a C35 with increased takeoff weight and minor refinements. Early Bonanzas are prized today because they represent an era when general aviation manufacturers were perfecting the balance between performance and economy that would define personal aircraft ownership for decades to come.

FLYING Finance’s comprehensive knowledge of aircraft values made for a seamless, streamlined transaction.

“This has truly been a dream come true, and one I never really let myself believe would come to fruition,” Newton said. “I flew her just yesterday, and I’m still in disbelief.”

Here are some photos of Newton’s 1953 Bonanza D35 that he graciously shared with us:

“Thank you to all the folks at FLYING Finance who helped make this possible,” Newton said. “I am very, very grateful.”

With the right partner like FLYING Finance, acquiring your dream aircraft is more attainable than you think.

If you want to get started on the process of getting preapproved, visit FLYING Finance and we can help you today.