That would be cool. I might want to do something like that after I retire. That as well as some seaplane flying, aerobatic fun, etc.

For now, with a young kid at home and limited free time, probably the only way I could get the wife onboard with airplane ownership would be if it's practical to use it for family trips.

I'm just starting my hopeful airline career, so i don't have the perspective you are looking for completely. That said, I've owned 4 airplanes and grew up in a flying family. All my closest relations are ex-military now airline pilots flying little airplanes on the side. Seems like most guys i fly with want one of three things; super simple and slow (cubs). Something rugged (skywagons) to take them to the back country, or slick 2 seaters with capable panels to go places "immediately" so they don't have to mess around with non-rev and they can still get "upside down"....like an RV-8.

I take a yearly trip in mine to the back country with a group of friends that all have the same type of plane. Short (1200') strips in the mountains next to good fishing and camping and no cell signal.

Find a busy route, suggest a family vacation there. Spend 2 days @ 8 hours a day at the airport waiting for non-rev seats with the young one in tow.
Then mention you could fly this in 3 hours in your own airplane.
Next day, go buy that airplane your wife told you need.

Who let you in on my plan?

Always wanted my own airplane. Only just got one. There was much trepidation in making that step.

Get to fly where and when you want to fly. After decades of being told where and when to fly, this is refreshing.

Get re-acquainted with a different kind of flying than work.

Actually fly, versus operate.

Any kind of flying improves your skills.

Hang out with like minded people at the airport that aren't just b*tching about work.

For the fun of it!

Get scared of if and or when the next big maintenance issue is coming down the pike.

And, you get to say "I have my own airplane", which is really kinda cool.

Have you checked the prices on a J-3/85-12?

Yeah, that is very cool, I would love be able to say that! What did you buy? Did you go into a partnership or buy all by yourself?

I like the idea. So few guys I fly with at the airline are even interested in GA. I find it refreshing to fly with one who loves to talk GA as much as I do. After 15 years of professional flying with no GA flying, I was ready to get back into it. So glad I have, some great friends and communities out there that are a blast.

Waiting for the seller and my schedule to match up so we can get a J3 (with a starter ) delivered. -12F motors seem to be not as prevalent but they're out there. I even found a C90-12F on a Cub that wasn't even listed for sale. Luck and timing. I'm not sure I'll fly across the country in it but I'll sure scare some cows around here. Below are some helpful link. I also found a few Cub groups on FB that are very helpful as well.

https://www.cubclub.org/

https://www.j3-cub.com/

https://www.pipercubforum.com/

http://www.bowersflybaby.com/tech/fenton.html

Ya, everyone thinks they have the best Cub out there. Your money will go a lot further with a Champ or a T-Craft.

Got an E series Bonanza - they represent a good value for what you get but have their shortcomings.

Single owner.

If you don't have an unlimited budget buying aircraft is all about compromise. It takes time, just even figuring out what you want. And it is a want, as no one really needs an airplane - even though that might be what you tell your wife!

PM me for some details on purchasing aircraft. I worked for an aircraft broker buying airplanes when I was originally in GA and built up some experience that may be helpful. FYI - I am no expert though!

Sure makes the long flights go by faster talking GA with some of the guys.

I got back from a trip and had to pick my airplane up from the shop after some work. Dropped off my car at the airport and was going to have to get a Lyft ride out to the airport where the plane was at. Saw one of the guys that I had met earlier, offered him $100.00 to take me to my plane. Cheaper and faster than Lyft. Flew in his 17,000 hour 172.

Picked up my airplane, brought it back. While cleaning the bugs off, met some more guys at the airport since I am very new there.

One of those guys starts prepping his Piper Vagabond for flight. No electrical system so he has to prop it. I offer to help him un-chock the airplane and he just tells me that he's got a system and not to worry. He then offers me a flight, cool. Jump into that putt putt with the mighty A-65, it was great fun, I was jealous, made me think that I should have got one of those. He's a geologist and gave me a geology lesson over the terrain we were flying. I look forward to giving him a ride in my airplane - quid pro quo.

So, three flights in three different airplanes on an absolutely sublime day. It was fantastic!