I'm googled out and need some help

[Rock0nman]

An oppourtunity has presented itself for me to able to afford to buy an old, small plane to finish my PPL in. Something in the ballpark range of $15,000. I have my eyes set on the Cessna 150. I logged 9 hours in a 152 in 2002 just before joining the Air Force and haven't been up since. I have a number of questions about the cost of owning and maintaining this A/C.

1: Insurance; I'm 26. I live in Sumter, SC. I'm a FL resident. I'm in the Military. The plane would be kept on a grass tiedown at a local FBO. How much would INS run on a 60s-70s model 150.

2: Annual inspections. What would the cost of the annual be on this plane? Are A&P holders allowed to do annuals on their own planes?

3: Does anyone know if SC charges a personal property tax on Planes and if so what's the rate?

4: Can A&P holders do all of their own maintenance on their aircraft?

The reason for the A&P questions; The Air Force will pay for my A&P certification.

5: What is considered High in regards to Total Time on Air Frame?
6: What is considered High on time since overhaul?

Even if someone could answer a few of these questions it would be a great help. I plan to keep the plane as long as i can. Possibly split some of the "costs" with some buddies from work that are interested in getting their sport license. My wish is to keep the plane for as long as it would take to get a commercial rating, IFR, maybe even instructor.

Thanks in advance.

[ajw22]

1. Insurance is typically 1.5% to 3% of hull value. It may be more for you as a student pilot doing training. Are you a member of AOPA? Call AOPA Insurance and talk with them.

2. A&P can perform the annual inspections but the annual needs to be signed off by an A&P with IA (Inspection Approval) privileges

3. Looks like SC has a Sales Tax and a Personal property tax on aircraft. See FAQIV

4. Yes, except where IA approval is required.

Possibly split some of the "costs" with some buddies from work that are interested in getting their sport license.

Be sure and explain to your insurance agent what you intend to do. Renting the plane out to others for training can add significantly to your insurance costs. You will probably need to name the CFI doing the teaching on your insurance policy.

My wish is to keep the plane for as long as it would take to get a commercial rating, IFR, maybe even instructor.

The Commercial rating will require 10 hours in a complex aircraft with retractable gear and a controllable prop. You will also require the complex aircraft for your Commercial checkride.

Chances are the 150 you are buying is not equipped for IFR flight and you will probably find it more economical to buy an IFR equipped plane then try and modify the 150 to make it IFR legal, if it can even be done.

Best of luck!

[Rock0nman]

Thankyou very much for the information. I really can't wait to finally get this training finished. I'm over in Iraq right now. Looking to get back around Jan. I have another question for the experts. Based on opinions and experiences which of these planes would you choose for a long term fisrt aircraft purchase: Cessna 150/152. Acro Sport II. Piper Cherokee. Zenith/Zenair CH2000. I have found a few that don't differ much in cost. I've capped my search at $25k. Thanks again.

[Gimble]

First, define your mission. Above, you refer to training (includig IFR), but also sport pilot (for friends). I don't think any of the planes you mention qualify for light sport.

Secondly, I would recommend you allocate a healthy portion of money as reserve for any airplane purchase. The odds are significant that the last owner has 'skimped' on maintenance for the last few years before selling, and as a result there will be maintenance items even on fairly good planes.

Of the planes you mention, I'm most familiar with the 150/152 and the Cherokee. The 150 is a pretty good 'low and slow' airplane if you're small enough to not feel cramped: they have a rabid following. They probably have the lowest acquisition cost (non-IFR), and are fairly cheap (in aviation terms) to maintain and operate. As an IMC plane, while it can be equipped, it's my understanding they're a lousy IFR platform.

If you're serious about an IFR rating, you may find it easier to find an affordable Cherokee set up for basic IFR than a 152. Cherokees sell at a small discount to a comparable 172, so they're usually a good bargain for the money.

[Denny of Oakland]

Before you purchase an aircraft I would highly recommend you visit my web site as well and download the Annual inspection checklist it’s in a word document. As an A&P/IA for way to many years I have seen guys like yours self get stuck with a money pit of a machine.

If you have a N-number for an aircraft you are serious about send it to me via e-mail and I can provide you a short list on the aircraft what to expect.

I have also written a book on purchasing aircraft its worth checking out and will answer lots of your questions. There is a hyper link from my web site for it.

Only and mechanic with an A&P that holds an Inspection Authorizations (IA) can perform the annual inspection. A&P’s are not allowed to perform any annual inspections. I cover all this in my book and more to protect your self.

My site is: Welcome to StacheAir