Anyone own their own light aircraft. I'm thinking of getting one and was curious about the joys of ownership. I would appreciate any advice, comments, or warnings about what to do or not do!
I'm open to anything from Cubs to light twins.
Thanks!
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If they can't see it coming, they sure won't know what to do when it gets here.
It has its pluses and minuses. The major plus is flexibility. It is really nice to be able to hop into your plane, any time day or night, go where you want for as long as you want. The big minus is cost. Do the math. You have cost of the airplane, tiedown/hangar, insurance, gps subscription, annual, etc. And those are fixed costs you pay whether you fly or not. When you start actually using it then you have fuel and maintenance costs.
Last year I could have rented a plane for less per hour than it costs me to fly mine. Still, I wouldn't give it up but that's the price I pay.
Piper Seneca II. Fortunately mine had mid-time factory reman engines when I bought it so I haven't had to spring for an overhaul yet. One is nearing TBO but still has good compression and running strong.
If you do buy an airplane I would recommend getting one with the avionics you want instead of planning to upgrade it later. Avionics are expensive but depreciate quickly.
I have a 12 year old daughter and two sons who are younger. My daughter wants to learn to fly. I am thinking about a Champ to buy to teach her and my boys in. Any thoughts on my doing this? Its also a good excuse for me to buy an aircraft. I still love flying and I like conventional gear aircraft. I'd love some advice. Thanks.
I fly a stock J-3 on my time off, teaching my son now. Costs are $800.00 a year insurance, $720.00 a year hangar, $800.00 a year maintenance and annual. 125 hours a year, 4 gallons per hour, equal about $38.56 per hour.
The best part is the airplanes value stays the same or gets better.
Dave
I am a big fan of Cessna 150/152 ownership. The plane is affordable, plentiful, safe and fun. Parts are easy to come by. Maintenance is easy. Insurance is cheap. I only pay $519 per year.
In the past I have owned fancier planes but they came with fancier problems as well. Over all though I have not lost any money on planes. To a degree they are like real estate. Over time they gradually increase in value.
Skyhigh
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Work smart. Work to live. Don't live to work.
I am a big fan of Cessna 150/152 ownership. The plane is affordable, plentiful, safe and fun. Parts are easy to come by. Maintenance is easy. Insurance is cheap. I only pay $519 per year.
In the past I have owned fancier planes but they came with fancier problems as well. Over all though I have not lost any money on planes. To a degree they are like real estate. Over time they gradually increase in value.
Skyhigh
I was amazed at the number of issues that come up concerning AD's and Service Bulletins, especially on the more complex light aircraft, that can cost private owners big money to get addressed.
Even though the purchase prices have fallen the past year or two and made the complex singles and twins more affordable, the high costs of ownership have remained.
Instead of the C-310Q I really desire, I may opt for the C-172N instead!
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If they can't see it coming, they sure won't know what to do when it gets here.
I have a 12 year old daughter and two sons who are younger. My daughter wants to learn to fly. I am thinking about a Champ to buy to teach her and my boys in. Any thoughts on my doing this? Its also a good excuse for me to buy an aircraft. I still love flying and I like conventional gear aircraft. I'd love some advice. Thanks.
Great Idea.
Champs are great airplanes and there is nothing so American as a kid having their own taildragger to tool around in.
I own a 1963 Comanche 250. Great airplane for local hamburger hops or long cross countries trips. My wife and I just completed a wonderful trip from the southeast out to the west coast and various national parks. We visited Grand Junction, CO Zion NP, Mammath Lakes, CA, Crater Lake, OR, Joseph, OR, Glacier NP, and Yellowstone NP. I also use my airplane to visit my parents in Houston and to go up and down the east coast. Weekend trips to Myrtle Beach, or Key West.
My hanger run 350/month. Insurance around 2300/yr for a 100k hull. Annuals average between 2-4 grand unless I want to add something. Its like owning a boat, but you can do so much more. Right now you can get a Comanche 250 from between 60 - 85K. Twins a little more but not much else. There are times when I've wanted to upgrade to either a Cessna 210 or 310. The 210 maybe but the 310 would be very cool except when you have to fill it up. About $600 bucks @ 4.00 dollar a gallon fuel. For now I'll keep my Comanche.
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