Rising cost

[Spockhere]

I would like to get a consensus from all the viewers out there regarding the increased costs associated with flying. Rising hangar fees, maintenance, fuel, insurance,etc has undoubtedly impacted many pilots ability to continue the joy of flying. It seems that for many of us ordinary folk the cost has essentially grounded us. I would appreciate any commentary on this subject and perhaps some tips on ways to mitigate these costs. Thanks.

[corpi]

BUY CHEAP

For my first aircraft, I bought a real nice Aeronca Chief. That thing burns about 3 gph in cruise and does about 90 mph. Paid 14,000, insurance is 1300 a year, hanger is 70 a month. What better way to enjoy a nice day than just bombing around the state! For 100 dollars in gas I can fly about 6-8 hours depending on avgas prices, and I could cheapen it up a bit more with auto gas. My annual, if I don't touch a wrench is about 700, I like to be involved and do all the grunt work on my plane, bringing the annual cost down plus I know my plane better. Sure I don't have the 6 GPS stack with weather radar, xm weather, or xm radio. But if you just want to fly and take it easy, I recommend buying a little old airplane.

[sternone]

Plane ownership is never a good cost related issue... if i were you, you better go to a flying club, they have different planes, you just pay per hour and never have to worry about the other costs.. if i read your post i think a good flying club is the thing for you!!!! have fun!!

[C310Q]

A flying club is an option, but you don't have any control over some important variables like, who is doing the maintenance? how are other pilots operating the aircraft? This is where a partnership is maybe a better option. You and your other partners can control these factors. You also need to determine what your budget is. If you can't justify at least $500/mo. with three partners ($2,000 total budget), then maybe going to the airport and watching the airplanes or hopping a ride and sharing some expenses is for you. With a partnership there are some pitfalls though, you have to find partners with similar interests, and one's that are very patient. Airplanes are frustrating some times and are money pits. Partners can sometimes turn against each other, so pick your partners carefully. Hope this helps.

[navyretread]

The best advice I've heard reading these forums echoes in my head every time I read a question like this. "Determine your mission, then------".

There are clubs and there are clubs. The one where I do my renting is all business; Annual flight reviews, safety meetings, mandatory monthly CFI meetings, etc Half the birds in the club are owned by the same guy. I've flown Warriors, Cutlasses, Archers and Cadets. None of them are cosmetic showpieces but the only squawk in seven months flying was a burned out position bulb. My mission at the moment is just flying and improving my skills. For this, I can't beat the club no way, nohow.

If/when I start to take trips where the bird will sit on the ground at the destination for more than a couple of days, then the mission will change and I'll have to consider other options. One week trips, maybe that will indicate I should look into a partnership.

Even longer duration trips=single ownership because a partner isn't going to want to pay fixed costs and have the fun machine tied up with a partner for a month at a time, several times a year.

Taking it a step further, if the mission becomes longer trips into mountainous terrain or packing lots of kids, grandkids, aunts, uncles, cousins---then we're looking at a pressurized single or twin and enough money where a partnership would be a necessity. In that case, I've thought I would continue my proficiency flying out of the club in those $62 Cessa 150s and fly the big bird less frequently.

So, that's my mission analysis and plan for keeping the costs in check. Your mileage may vary.

NRT

[SilverFox]

Spokehere,

Have you considered a one or two seat Ultralight?. I belong to a club that has many ultralights, I fly my PA20 with them, and they never stop flying. Wheels in the summer, skis in the winter. Think about it.

[Colin]

I just joined today so its great to find another Canuck on the board. I am located near Orilla, Ontario where we have lots of the white stuff this year. We have a private airstrip with two hangers and paved runway that I am looking at for a flying club but lots of work to do. Currently I am thinking of a club exclusively for ultralights but that it something that may evolve over time. How is the ultralight community doing, is it growing, stable etc. Any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated.


Colin