ImWatchingTV

For time building, would y’all suggest purchasing a 150/152 or renting for $100 a hour wet?

I’m in college full time and a part time CFI. I want to pursue airlines, and I understand that seniority is everything, so ideally I’d like to have 1500 hours upon graduation. There is little demand for instruction in my area, so this rental / Aircraft purchase would be an additional source to gain hours while in college.

Thanks.

dmspilot

You are rolling the dice when you buy a plane...it could work out great in your favor, or it could not. There could be a major surprise maintenance item or the market could turn and used aircraft prices could drop after you buy it.

That said I owned a 150 that I rented out for $100/hr. At around 100 hours/year that was basically the break even price. Although it's not why I bought it, I did end up using it to build time for myself as I needed some extra night, cross-country, and TT to get myself to R-ATP minimums. I flew it at about 45-50% power and felt like I was getting flight time almost for free.

You could see if you can get the best of both worlds by trying to negotiate to rent the plane at a dry rate by tach time instead of hobbs time. I was about to come to such an agreement with a potential renter myself; I think I was going to charge $67/hr dry tach time, but then he ended up getting a job in another state.

cactipilot

What's your financial situation? Would you be able to purchase a plane with cash, with help with family, or on credit? 100 an hour is a pretty good price wet so I wouldn't pass up renting at that rate for a bit but ownership would halve it at least, but with some liabilities and risks thrown in!

JohnBurke

I strongly suggest getting a job and gaining experience, rather than buying it.

Of course, if you do that, you can't have it all now.

If it's just about hours, then falsify it. The hours aren't worth anything, anyway.

Experience must be earned; it can't be bought. These days, that seems to be too high a price for most.

Far too high a price when one must rush to worship at the altar of Our Lady of the Sacred Seniority Number.

SonicFlyer

Thanks Obama!

MLCCPilot

You yell at clouds too don't you?

METO Guido

Except he’s right. Which would you prefer on an app? Here’s to 152s, Parker pens & yelling at clouds. Caddy daddies & Karmann Ghia’s https://youtu.be/vR7JzVYvBWY

Hawkerdriver1

When I was your age, I got a Cessna 150 for $7,500 bucks. That was a lot of money back then. I regret selling it. The prices for airplanes have continued to climb consistently, for decades, so I wouldn’t worry about loosing money if you decide to sell one day.

I think a partnership in a C-152 is the way to go. All costs are reduced. I did this with a C-172. It was great, especially where maintenance was concerned. I’d submit to Southwest 225 & United’s “ab-into” programs now & not wait. Yes, seniority is everything. A lot of pilots are getting hired by both with no degrees. You can always reject their offers if you wish.


HD

MLCCPilot

I am pretty sure ANYONE would prefer a few hundred hours in your own C152 over just lying on your logbook. Think of all the XC and simulated IFR (assuming it's equipped) you can do with your own plane. It is definitely not totally useless or else no one would count it.

JohnBurke

You may have missed the point. Completely.