Originally Posted by
flyallnite
I know there are a number of guys on here who own or owned light airplanes, and it's been a while since I've had anything to do with GA flying. What I've noticed it that the days of showing up at an FBO and renting a plane seem to be gone, replaced by clubs, fractional ownership, and outright ownership. How does one go about obtaining an aircraft that can be flown fairly economically about 100 hours per year, carry 4 + bags at least 300nm, and so on and so forth?
Consider a Piper Cherokee. A late 60's or early 70's PA 28-140/150 costs less than a current minivan/SUV. For less than $40K, you can get a IFR current, 3-4 seat and very fun airplane. If you don't need glass/GPS/autopilot, the price is very affordable. Besides, the avionics change constantly, a handheld GPS and Ipad are all you need. You definitely want to hangar your new ride, and besides, it's not airplane storage, it's a man cave.