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MM: Yes, the cost can get big fast. The faster you go and more people you want to go with increase the dollars needed.
I have been flying for about three years. Currently I still rent, but am starting to look for a plane to call my own. Here's what I have found:
Most of my flying is within 100nm and usually in daylight. Out of 300+ hours, 15 are at night. Of 100+ crosscountry hours, 75 hours are between 50 and 150 miles. Usually my flights are just with my wife along. Once in a great while I'll have more than 1 passenger. I have been able to fly a number of different planes and the more bells and whistles the more it cost to fly and maintain.
After looking and testing, a small tailwheel plane is the best for me to own. A Champ or a J3 is relatively inexpensive ($17,000 to $25,000). Without an electric system, they are very inexpensive to operate (fuel burn 4-5 gph) with few things to go wrong. They fly slow making sightseeing fun and both you and your passenger can see out both sides(tandem seats). It is fun and inexpensive flying. If I want to go somewhere far away or fast or carry more than 1 person,I can always rent.
So there are ways to fly, own a plane, and not spend a great amount of money.
Mike S.
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