This is kind of out of the box, but have you considered starting a business in aviation? Then you could use the plane legally and write it off. I did it, ,my accountant, who is very picky said its a great idea.

 

Do you know if you can get a student loan from sallie mae for just a flight school, or does it just have to be a college?

 

Dang, which airport and what kind of hangar? Thirty bucks a month? So basically free......because t-hangars can be $720 more per month in parts of the sunshine state.

Even if we're talking bulk storage........$30/mo is dirt cheap.

I'll agree with a previous post, a Mooney is a great option as it's complex (good for CPL) and efficient. Insurance/MX will be higher because it has a bunch of moving parts (gear/prop).

A PA22 tripacer would be a cheap way to go for PPL.

You can demonstrate complex aircraft proficiency for CPL in a light twin, then perform all of the single engine CPL maneuvers in a fixed gear/fixed pitch aircraft. If you buy a single engine non-complex airplane, this could be the avenue you take. How you get the money for ME training would be another story.

Thread creep: If I had my way everyone would solo in a glider first, then move on to power planes. Throw in an aerobatics course and a tailwheel endorsement somewhere between private and commercial.

Good luck Tyler, no matter what you decide to do.

 

Two points about the "E" model Mooney. Manual gear - very safe. 200 HP, Not 201 which is required for the high-perf endorsement.

Costs: purchased in 2002 for 62.5 with 400 hrs on the motor. Sold in 2011 for 34k with 1300 hrs on the motor and weepy tanks.

Annual $1500, Hanagar 350/mo @ class "C" airport, Hourly Rate Wet 125. taxes 1K, Insurance 1K. another $2500/qtr for "ooops". Happy going slow and fast. 3 person plane or 2 with luggage (golf clubs). Steam plus first generation IFR cerified GPS, wing leveler only, no A/P. Started with 5 partners, ended with 2. It would have been one (me), but I could only afford to own her. Flying her after paying for everything else was beyond my budget. Chicks did not seem to fall for the line: "Say how'd you like to come sit in my plane."