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Do you own a plane and what kind?

Old 01-22-2021, 04:09 AM
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Default Do you own a plane and what kind?

I’m just curious how many Delta pilots own airplanes and what kind. I know that if it flys fs or floats it’s cheaper to rent but frankly the rentals that I have come across haven’t met my requirements for different reasons. I’ve looked into a club that I was very impressed with but they have recently had an incident in one of their planes and I’m now reluctant to get involved with that many different people. Any advice other than don’t buy a plane would be appreciated.
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Old 01-22-2021, 05:03 AM
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I recently joined a club that has two Archers, a Saratoga, a Columbia, and is in the process of buying another Saratoga.

The Saratoga in my mind checks a lot of the boxes. Plenty of room (6 seats), plenty of fuel and payload, and a relatively decent speed of about 145 KTAS.

It’s relatively expensive to be in the club so going it alone on a Saratoga is sure to be pretty expensive. I budgeted for 25 hours/year which will run $6,500/year in this club.
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Old 01-22-2021, 05:07 AM
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I used to belong to the Memphis EAA chapter and they had a Champ that members could rent pretty cheap. $30/hr back in 2000. Might be worth looking into your nearest chapter.
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Old 01-22-2021, 06:15 AM
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Everything in aviation is a compromise. Speed and efficiency? Probably single door and no room. Load hauling ability with room? Slow. The rare bird that checks the most boxes is going to compromise on purchase price. Like an A36. (Overrated, in my opinion). Speed isn't as important as you think. Not if your average flights are bladder length 2-2.5 hours. I've been in the market for a while, for a very specific type, but the issue is like what you've encountered, I'm unwilling to partner with very few exceptions.
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Old 01-22-2021, 07:10 AM
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Dreaming about getting a Kitfox for a couple of decades.
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Old 01-22-2021, 07:28 AM
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Originally Posted by DeltaboundRedux View Post
Dreaming about getting a Kitfox for a couple of decades.
Im not delta....but own a Highlander. Look into that as a viable competitor to the kit fox.
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Old 01-22-2021, 07:31 AM
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Originally Posted by GliderCFI View Post
Everything in aviation is a compromise. Speed and efficiency? Probably single door and no room. Load hauling ability with room? Slow. The rare bird that checks the most boxes is going to compromise on purchase price. Like an A36. (Overrated, in my opinion). Speed isn't as important as you think. Not if your average flights are bladder length 2-2.5 hours. I've been in the market for a while, for a very specific type, but the issue is like what you've encountered, I'm unwilling to partner with very few exceptions.
I like airplanes which have a wide tradeoff range for fuel vs. payload. If I'm solo I can go for hours, maybe pee in a bottle if necessary. With any family members, yeah gonna need a potty stop after 2+ hours.
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Old 01-22-2021, 08:25 AM
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I've asked this question to a lot of Captains, the best solution so far has been the small group purchase. They go in together with friends/neighbors/other airline pilots with the same interests. The sweet spot is somewhere around 3 people. With less people, there is less chance of disagreement when decisions need to be made. It costs more but it's worth it in the long run if you can swing it financially. Have an agreement written up so everyone knows their stake and responsibility.

You could post on here (ask for PM's) or at local airports if you don't know anyone nearby. Be patient and very selective. The people you team up with will make or break the whole thing. Once you're all together, then start shopping for the plane as a team.

For the people it worked for, they absolutely love it. The one's that failed were caused by a single person ruining it for everyone. If you go this route, make sure your agreement is strong, the people are strong, and the communication flows at all times.

Good luck!
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Old 01-22-2021, 08:31 AM
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I own a 2001 Cessna turbo 182. Bought in 2012 when prices were quite depressed and it’s been a great plane for my wife and I. We remove the backseat for lots of room to haul bikes, tents, coolers, etc.

40-50 hours a year costs me about $15,000 all-in for maintenance, insurance, hangar, and consumables.
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Old 01-22-2021, 08:33 AM
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Originally Posted by usmc-sgt View Post
Im not delta....but own a Highlander. Look into that as a viable competitor to the kit fox.
Also check out the Bushcat.
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