Help me spend 90k...wisely.
#1
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2019
Posts: 1
Help me spend 90k...wisely.
Ok, here it goes. I decided in December that I wanted to become a pilot and I’ve been trying to learn what I can, and work towards that goal. I already took an introductory flight and I’m hooked. I’m 32, just sold my house to make this happen, moved back in with Mom and Dad, have no kids, no wife or current girlfriend. So basically my monthly bills will be almost nothing and I’m free to do whatever is best for the career. I consider myself to be lucky with the situation especially since my home sale ended up being far more lucrative than I expected. As the title states, after the dust has settled, taxes and bills are paid, I will be left with 90k in the savings account free and clear.
This leads me to APC forums. After doing some research, I know I’m not interested in going to ATP. I have many options for small flight schools in my area, I live in Southern California. About 10 miles north of John Wayne Airport, SNA. I am interested in using a smaller school but I’ve been toying with the idea of buying a small plane and possibly having instructors teach me on that instead of paying the full hourly rate. At the very least, use it for any of the hours that I would not need dual instruction. From what I can gather I would not be the first person to do this and it is not completely crazy, but feels crazy and was not received well when I pitched it to my family. Which I anticipated. I’m not dead set on the idea just brainstorming different ways to go about flight school given the situation I am in. I understand that purchasing an airplane carries a lot of risk, but the way I see it, done right and barring any major mechanical issues, it could be highly rewarding.
So I guess here are some of my questions:
If I were to get a plane how early on in training would be a reasonable time to purchase it? My thoughts being the earlier the better so that the savings help pay for the plane.
Would a small plane like a Cessna 150 or a larger plane like a Cessna 172 be a better choice? Not necessarily those exact airplanes but something in a similar class of size and power. Piper variants etc. The idea of the larger plane being able to possibly to freelance CFI with it. The smaller plane I was thinking I could just time build with my own money saved from the cheaper initial purchase price and cheaper cost to run and maintain.
Right now I’m leaning towards completing my private pilots license first. Then picking up a small 150 or piper and as someone else put it, “burn VFR holes in the sky all day”. But I can’t escape the idea of having something with a little more power and IFR capabilities. Or even something like a Taildragger.
I apologize for the long post but I thought the more information the better. My final question, some of the local schools have options for training in a Cessna with G1000 avionics. Is that something that would actually be useful to have experience with before going to a regional? If so how much time would be needed to become proficient?20 to 30 hours? 100 to 200 hours? Not necessary? Thank you for even reading this, if you can answer even one question thank you.
This leads me to APC forums. After doing some research, I know I’m not interested in going to ATP. I have many options for small flight schools in my area, I live in Southern California. About 10 miles north of John Wayne Airport, SNA. I am interested in using a smaller school but I’ve been toying with the idea of buying a small plane and possibly having instructors teach me on that instead of paying the full hourly rate. At the very least, use it for any of the hours that I would not need dual instruction. From what I can gather I would not be the first person to do this and it is not completely crazy, but feels crazy and was not received well when I pitched it to my family. Which I anticipated. I’m not dead set on the idea just brainstorming different ways to go about flight school given the situation I am in. I understand that purchasing an airplane carries a lot of risk, but the way I see it, done right and barring any major mechanical issues, it could be highly rewarding.
So I guess here are some of my questions:
If I were to get a plane how early on in training would be a reasonable time to purchase it? My thoughts being the earlier the better so that the savings help pay for the plane.
Would a small plane like a Cessna 150 or a larger plane like a Cessna 172 be a better choice? Not necessarily those exact airplanes but something in a similar class of size and power. Piper variants etc. The idea of the larger plane being able to possibly to freelance CFI with it. The smaller plane I was thinking I could just time build with my own money saved from the cheaper initial purchase price and cheaper cost to run and maintain.
Right now I’m leaning towards completing my private pilots license first. Then picking up a small 150 or piper and as someone else put it, “burn VFR holes in the sky all day”. But I can’t escape the idea of having something with a little more power and IFR capabilities. Or even something like a Taildragger.
I apologize for the long post but I thought the more information the better. My final question, some of the local schools have options for training in a Cessna with G1000 avionics. Is that something that would actually be useful to have experience with before going to a regional? If so how much time would be needed to become proficient?20 to 30 hours? 100 to 200 hours? Not necessary? Thank you for even reading this, if you can answer even one question thank you.
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2019
Posts: 163
Ok, here it goes. I decided in December that I wanted to become a pilot and I’ve been trying to learn what I can, and work towards that goal. I already took an introductory flight and I’m hooked. I’m 32, just sold my house to make this happen, moved back in with Mom and Dad, have no kids, no wife or current girlfriend. So basically my monthly bills will be almost nothing and I’m free to do whatever is best for the career. I consider myself to be lucky with the situation especially since my home sale ended up being far more lucrative than I expected. As the title states, after the dust has settled, taxes and bills are paid, I will be left with 90k in the savings account free and clear.
This leads me to APC forums. After doing some research, I know I’m not interested in going to ATP. I have many options for small flight schools in my area, I live in Southern California. About 10 miles north of John Wayne Airport, SNA. I am interested in using a smaller school but I’ve been toying with the idea of buying a small plane and possibly having instructors teach me on that instead of paying the full hourly rate. At the very least, use it for any of the hours that I would not need dual instruction. From what I can gather I would not be the first person to do this and it is not completely crazy, but feels crazy and was not received well when I pitched it to my family. Which I anticipated. I’m not dead set on the idea just brainstorming different ways to go about flight school given the situation I am in. I understand that purchasing an airplane carries a lot of risk, but the way I see it, done right and barring any major mechanical issues, it could be highly rewarding.
So I guess here are some of my questions:
If I were to get a plane how early on in training would be a reasonable time to purchase it? My thoughts being the earlier the better so that the savings help pay for the plane.
Would a small plane like a Cessna 150 or a larger plane like a Cessna 172 be a better choice? Not necessarily those exact airplanes but something in a similar class of size and power. Piper variants etc. The idea of the larger plane being able to possibly to freelance CFI with it. The smaller plane I was thinking I could just time build with my own money saved from the cheaper initial purchase price and cheaper cost to run and maintain.
Right now I’m leaning towards completing my private pilots license first. Then picking up a small 150 or piper and as someone else put it, “burn VFR holes in the sky all day”. But I can’t escape the idea of having something with a little more power and IFR capabilities. Or even something like a Taildragger.
I apologize for the long post but I thought the more information the better. My final question, some of the local schools have options for training in a Cessna with G1000 avionics. Is that something that would actually be useful to have experience with before going to a regional? If so how much time would be needed to become proficient?20 to 30 hours? 100 to 200 hours? Not necessary? Thank you for even reading this, if you can answer even one question thank you.
This leads me to APC forums. After doing some research, I know I’m not interested in going to ATP. I have many options for small flight schools in my area, I live in Southern California. About 10 miles north of John Wayne Airport, SNA. I am interested in using a smaller school but I’ve been toying with the idea of buying a small plane and possibly having instructors teach me on that instead of paying the full hourly rate. At the very least, use it for any of the hours that I would not need dual instruction. From what I can gather I would not be the first person to do this and it is not completely crazy, but feels crazy and was not received well when I pitched it to my family. Which I anticipated. I’m not dead set on the idea just brainstorming different ways to go about flight school given the situation I am in. I understand that purchasing an airplane carries a lot of risk, but the way I see it, done right and barring any major mechanical issues, it could be highly rewarding.
So I guess here are some of my questions:
If I were to get a plane how early on in training would be a reasonable time to purchase it? My thoughts being the earlier the better so that the savings help pay for the plane.
Would a small plane like a Cessna 150 or a larger plane like a Cessna 172 be a better choice? Not necessarily those exact airplanes but something in a similar class of size and power. Piper variants etc. The idea of the larger plane being able to possibly to freelance CFI with it. The smaller plane I was thinking I could just time build with my own money saved from the cheaper initial purchase price and cheaper cost to run and maintain.
Right now I’m leaning towards completing my private pilots license first. Then picking up a small 150 or piper and as someone else put it, “burn VFR holes in the sky all day”. But I can’t escape the idea of having something with a little more power and IFR capabilities. Or even something like a Taildragger.
I apologize for the long post but I thought the more information the better. My final question, some of the local schools have options for training in a Cessna with G1000 avionics. Is that something that would actually be useful to have experience with before going to a regional? If so how much time would be needed to become proficient?20 to 30 hours? 100 to 200 hours? Not necessary? Thank you for even reading this, if you can answer even one question thank you.
I teach in the area, and find that John wayne can be a difficult airport to train out of (come over to KTOA!)
#4
Line Holder
Joined APC: May 2017
Posts: 90
Ok, here it goes. I decided in December that I wanted to become a pilot and I’ve been trying to learn what I can, and work towards that goal. I already took an introductory flight and I’m hooked. I’m 32, just sold my house to make this happen, moved back in with Mom and Dad, have no kids, no wife or current girlfriend. So basically my monthly bills will be almost nothing and I’m free to do whatever is best for the career. I consider myself to be lucky with the situation especially since my home sale ended up being far more lucrative than I expected. As the title states, after the dust has settled, taxes and bills are paid, I will be left with 90k in the savings account free and clear.
This leads me to APC forums. After doing some research, I know I’m not interested in going to ATP. I have many options for small flight schools in my area, I live in Southern California. About 10 miles north of John Wayne Airport, SNA. I am interested in using a smaller school but I’ve been toying with the idea of buying a small plane and possibly having instructors teach me on that instead of paying the full hourly rate. At the very least, use it for any of the hours that I would not need dual instruction. From what I can gather I would not be the first person to do this and it is not completely crazy, but feels crazy and was not received well when I pitched it to my family. Which I anticipated. I’m not dead set on the idea just brainstorming different ways to go about flight school given the situation I am in. I understand that purchasing an airplane carries a lot of risk, but the way I see it, done right and barring any major mechanical issues, it could be highly rewarding.
So I guess here are some of my questions:
If I were to get a plane how early on in training would be a reasonable time to purchase it? My thoughts being the earlier the better so that the savings help pay for the plane.
Would a small plane like a Cessna 150 or a larger plane like a Cessna 172 be a better choice? Not necessarily those exact airplanes but something in a similar class of size and power. Piper variants etc. The idea of the larger plane being able to possibly to freelance CFI with it. The smaller plane I was thinking I could just time build with my own money saved from the cheaper initial purchase price and cheaper cost to run and maintain.
Right now I’m leaning towards completing my private pilots license first. Then picking up a small 150 or piper and as someone else put it, “burn VFR holes in the sky all day”. But I can’t escape the idea of having something with a little more power and IFR capabilities. Or even something like a Taildragger.
I apologize for the long post but I thought the more information the better. My final question, some of the local schools have options for training in a Cessna with G1000 avionics. Is that something that would actually be useful to have experience with before going to a regional? If so how much time would be needed to become proficient?20 to 30 hours? 100 to 200 hours? Not necessary? Thank you for even reading this, if you can answer even one question thank you.
This leads me to APC forums. After doing some research, I know I’m not interested in going to ATP. I have many options for small flight schools in my area, I live in Southern California. About 10 miles north of John Wayne Airport, SNA. I am interested in using a smaller school but I’ve been toying with the idea of buying a small plane and possibly having instructors teach me on that instead of paying the full hourly rate. At the very least, use it for any of the hours that I would not need dual instruction. From what I can gather I would not be the first person to do this and it is not completely crazy, but feels crazy and was not received well when I pitched it to my family. Which I anticipated. I’m not dead set on the idea just brainstorming different ways to go about flight school given the situation I am in. I understand that purchasing an airplane carries a lot of risk, but the way I see it, done right and barring any major mechanical issues, it could be highly rewarding.
So I guess here are some of my questions:
If I were to get a plane how early on in training would be a reasonable time to purchase it? My thoughts being the earlier the better so that the savings help pay for the plane.
Would a small plane like a Cessna 150 or a larger plane like a Cessna 172 be a better choice? Not necessarily those exact airplanes but something in a similar class of size and power. Piper variants etc. The idea of the larger plane being able to possibly to freelance CFI with it. The smaller plane I was thinking I could just time build with my own money saved from the cheaper initial purchase price and cheaper cost to run and maintain.
Right now I’m leaning towards completing my private pilots license first. Then picking up a small 150 or piper and as someone else put it, “burn VFR holes in the sky all day”. But I can’t escape the idea of having something with a little more power and IFR capabilities. Or even something like a Taildragger.
I apologize for the long post but I thought the more information the better. My final question, some of the local schools have options for training in a Cessna with G1000 avionics. Is that something that would actually be useful to have experience with before going to a regional? If so how much time would be needed to become proficient?20 to 30 hours? 100 to 200 hours? Not necessary? Thank you for even reading this, if you can answer even one question thank you.
#5
If you have a decent car then Lyft and Uber on the side for living expenses and operating cost of the car so your $90k is only used for flight training and not anything else.
Put it in some sort of account that gives some interest.
DO NOT buy a plane.
It may seem a sensible idea but it rarely is unless you’ve grown up in aviation and you know what you’re looking for and you can find a great deal.
Get some glass experience but do it after your CPL or do your CFI in a G1000 airplane.
You want the dual experience for sure.
Put it in some sort of account that gives some interest.
DO NOT buy a plane.
It may seem a sensible idea but it rarely is unless you’ve grown up in aviation and you know what you’re looking for and you can find a great deal.
Get some glass experience but do it after your CPL or do your CFI in a G1000 airplane.
You want the dual experience for sure.
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2017
Posts: 128
*DO* buy a plane.
But not any plane.
I did my instrument, commercial and CFI in my Super Viking.
No regrets.
You won't need 100 hours inspections, for as long as you don't rent it or lease it back (which may not be a bad idea)
There are risks, but if you buy the right plane (and get reasonably lucky), you'll get all your ratings and sell the plane for what you bought it for.
And don't worry about the G1000.
Most VFR new students fly better when the panel is covered with a sectional.
True story...
Tailwheel?
HELL YEAH!!!
Please PM if you need more info, I have bought, trained in, and sold several airplanes. Tailwheel, nosewheel, multi(s), gliders, everything...
But not any plane.
I did my instrument, commercial and CFI in my Super Viking.
No regrets.
You won't need 100 hours inspections, for as long as you don't rent it or lease it back (which may not be a bad idea)
There are risks, but if you buy the right plane (and get reasonably lucky), you'll get all your ratings and sell the plane for what you bought it for.
And don't worry about the G1000.
Most VFR new students fly better when the panel is covered with a sectional.
True story...
Tailwheel?
HELL YEAH!!!
Please PM if you need more info, I have bought, trained in, and sold several airplanes. Tailwheel, nosewheel, multi(s), gliders, everything...
Last edited by takingmessages; 07-23-2019 at 08:28 AM.
#7
New Hire
Joined APC: Jul 2019
Posts: 3
If you’re looking into going into 121 flying as soon as possible, I’d suggest doing your training at an accredited Part 141 school so that you can get an R-ATP. That would make for 500 less hours of towing banners or instructing before making your way into an airline.
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: A-320
Posts: 1,122
You need to go thru a 4 year college degree program to do that.
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: A-320
Posts: 1,122
If you decide to buy a plane, I'd suggest you look at 4 seat planes unless you're a small guy. A C-152 with two 200lb pilots doesn't leave room for fuel.
Personally, I would go with a Piper Cherokee that's set up for IFR with the 6 pack set up, or a Grumman Tiger. 172's are great but they cost a lot more to buy.
Personally, I would go with a Piper Cherokee that's set up for IFR with the 6 pack set up, or a Grumman Tiger. 172's are great but they cost a lot more to buy.
#10
I’m a bit partial to the Piper line, Cherokee of some flavor or Warrior. That said, I wouldn’t rush into buying a plane anyway. Ownership would be more of a distraction to ‘faster track’ flight training.
Can you go off to a flight school somewhere & move things along in a timely fashion?
When learning to fly there’s little need to push buttons, G-1000 or whatever. A little steam & learning the basics of flying is what you need.
Can you go off to a flight school somewhere & move things along in a timely fashion?
When learning to fly there’s little need to push buttons, G-1000 or whatever. A little steam & learning the basics of flying is what you need.
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