Originally Posted by
flyallnite
Bar, just wondering, what are the acquisition costs and overall care and feeding for the aforementioned aircraft? Seems like it's got to the point where most airline pilots can't afford a plane for themselves, am I wrong? How does one make that work?
It really depends. Acquisition costs are typically less than some of the fancy new SUV's and BMW's many folks wives are driving. My F33 needed two wings, an engine inspection, new prop and a flap when I bought it as a "total loss" and started fixing it. The A36's costs are split three ways between business partners. Every airplane I've owned and sold has thus far turned a profit (although this A36 may not be so kind).
If you have a small business that requires travel, it's a no brainer, especially with the utilization Delta expects from us ... If you have to work during your off time, it might as well be fun and quick.
Staying with the BMW metaphor, how much routine, easy stuff, are you willing to do yourself? Would you fix a VANOS oil leak, or take it to a dealer? An uninformed consumer can get a $7,000 annual with less actual preventative work done than a smart guy armed with a Phillips head screwdriver and a couple of evenings can get done for $1,000. We just did an annual on a friend's cub for about $200 & a four pack of 90 minute IPA.
I like having partners to defray the fixed costs of ownership (hangar / annual / latest and greatest avionics (ie toys)) These things need to run more than most do. More it operates, the more reliable and the longer it lasts.
On the cheap, something like a Piper Pacer would be a great bet. I've owned one and it was so inexpensive that I barely ever recall spending more than cash in my pocket to keep it going. Something like this will probably be my next acquisition; something cheap enough to go out with the kiddos and play with.
We've got a good number of Delta pilots who have aircraft at Peachtree City, GA. There's got to be half of an RV-6 or something to get into down there. If you found a deal like that your operational costs would run between $40 and $100 an hour. Hangar, Insurance, Annual would be $200 to $300 a month, possibly less. In any event, cheaper than a Ski Boat (figure what a boat costs you by hour...) I think my Pacer (if I can find one) has a home at a friend's fly in community with a quality mo-gas tank. If so, that thing will be nearly free to keep and operate.