buy or rent -advice for a student pilot?

[Lemelandl]

Hi,

I'm a student pilot with a fulltime carreer already who just got into flying. I'm obsessed and hope to get my private pilot cert. this summer, then instrument rating all the way through CFI (eventually). However, I'm not rich... but I'd like to buy a used airplane, something very simple (Cessna 150?) if it seems like it would actually be more cost effective. I pay $75/hr just to fly a Cessna 152 at my flight school and want to fly at least three times a week- I'd fly more if I had a plane. Any advice as to what I should do- rent or buy?

Thanks, Lise

[Tom T.]

Originally Posted by Lemelandl

Hi,

I'm a student pilot with a fulltime carreer already who just got into flying. I'm obsessed and hope to get my private pilot cert. this summer, then instrument rating all the way through CFI (eventually). However, I'm not rich... but I'd like to buy a used airplane, something very simple (Cessna 150?) if it seems like it would actually be more cost effective. I pay $75/hr just to fly a Cessna 152 at my flight school and want to fly at least three times a week- I'd fly more if I had a plane. Any advice as to what I should do- rent or buy?

Thanks, Lise

Probably the best buy on the market today is the old Piper tripacer. Easy to fly, gets in and out shorter than compairable airplanes, uses 6.5 - 8 gallons per hr, and you can use auto fuel if stc'd for it. Hauls a better load than comparable horsepower of a 172, 4 seats, and it will cruise at 120 -125 mph.
Just make sure the covering is up to date and it will last 30 years. An excellant x/c airplane. Owner assisted annuals for the $500 range.
You can find some of the ones needing attention for the $20K mark and you can find them all updated and ready to go for another 30 years for $30K+-.
They are the type of plane you might just want to keep for a long time. I see a lot of airline pilots and jet jockeys have them and keep em forever. Really a lot of fun to fly!! Get a pre buy inspection on anything you buy!! You cant buy anything with those rent receipts.
check out the ;
shortwing.org
Lots of info there!!
Best of luck

[sternone]

Don't buy a plane while training!!! RENT one!!!

Especially if you are not loaded with cash so you can get that Bonanza G36 right away!!

Rent it As much as possible, 3 times a week is great, leave the big maintenance surprise bills to somebody else!!