vagabond

Before I jump headlong into looking for my plane, I wanted to verify that there are no rules against using one's own plane to get that PPL. I am a self-proclaimed general aviation type who just wants to buzz around the sky on weekends. Absolutely no intention of getting a flying job at FedEx or even Alaska!

Still stuck at 15 hours in my log book and I can't go back to that FBO I was using. If I have my own 150 or 172, where can I find someone to teach me? How much should I pay this person?

You know, this is more complex than getting that adult tricycle at Walmart!

de727ups

What airport do you want to fly out of? You could find a CFI at one of the local schools. Let me know when you get serious. I can help you find a Cessna 150. They are great little airplanes and you can find them for 25K all day long. I've owned about six of them. And, yes, you can use it to get your PPL and buzz around. Lot's of cool places to fly to in WA.

Cubdriver

150s and 152s fly a little bit more responsively than 172s due to the lighter weight, and they are also the cheapest trainers available. On the other hand, some people like the extra smoothness of a 172 which could make a difference on cross countries in terms of comfort and you may wish you had one in the long run.

I am not sure what the going rate is for freelance CFI's there, but check and see what the local schools are charging then work downward from that. Your CFI will not have to pay overhead so you should get a discount over the going rate a school charges. Something like $30 an hour.

DAL4EVER

Get something small and easy to maintain. The other thing to consider is if you want to pursue your instrument rating. Most pilots do as it gives you more flexibility and makes you a safer, more competent pilot. If nothing else, if you ever find yourself boxed in by weather, it could be a lifesaver. If so, you may want an IFR capable airplane. While there are 152s that are IFR capable, I think I would look at a 172 or Piper Cherokee.

vagabond

Thanks for the insight. First, even though I have my own money, I still have to consult with my husband as we live in a community property state. Then I have to find a place to hangar my little toy. I might end up getting a 172 and only because my entire 15 hours was on one.

de727, are you saying $25K gets me a fully outfitted plane or just the carcass? I know I would want a good engine and a good radio thing. With the economy tanking so badly, I wonder if I can get one for less?

Good idea about instrument. There is no hope of me flying the F-18, but I can see where it would be a useful thing to have, especially up here in the PNW.

About airports, I am closest to Tacoma Narrows, Puyallup and Auburn, but would consider Olympia if I absolutely have to.

Lots of research and hard work ahead. You know, my real dream is to eventually restore a biplane and fly it around. This would be after I come back from doing missionary work in Africa. I have a slim chance to go there and start a rudimentary tribal court for women who have been victims of rape and genital mutilation and such. Would be nice to be able to fly to the different villages, too.

de727ups

I would say Puyallup is the best "litte airplane friendly" of the bunch. Great cafe. Most likely flight school to have a CFI that would "work with you". If you get serious (you own a plane), I could try to help you with a free lance CFI in the area.

25K should get you a mid time engine and a decent airframe with VFR radio's. I wouldn't expect the economy to effect 150's, at this point, as they are a general place someone looking to "downgrade" would look to.

I wouldn't worry about IFR. In the PNW, you can get into more trouble IFR than it's worth. It's good training for "just in case", but to really use the rating requires far more than you're willing to shell out in terms of aircraft and capability. For example, I wouldn't fly IFR over the Cascades in less than a 182 in the winter. That's some serious bucks. To make the investment in capability and training is far more than you really need at this point....trust me.

Slice

O, if you're looking to join the mile high club, there are cheaper ways to go about it.

Slice

How about buying a share in an a/c or finding a partner for an initial purchase. It's always nice to spread the financial pain and risk on an expensive toy.

vagabond

Slice, about the mile high club ... you-know-who has been unavailable. So you wanna help me out?

I don't mind sharing the cost of the plane. Question is whether I can find suitable partners (and this time, I do not mean the MHC).

Slice

Sure, you want to meet in DEN sometime?

Hey, it's almost like the good old days here! Bring back Sky and Kat!