What to fly/what to buy?

[aeronut]

So, most of my flying will be 400-500 miles. Usually only me or one other. If I need a 4 place on an occasion I can rent one. Right? Then again why buy less of an airplane in terms of passanger and useful load when for a couple of bucks more you can have it all. I hate this! The idea of a nice little 2 seater appeals to me but common sense and thriftyness says a 4 place.

Any comments or ideas? I just want to fly something that's not too slow and is fun to fly for regional short hops.

[Maverick9581]

If you're planning on flying at least 400-500 miles I would highly recommend at LEAST a cessna 172, but then again, a 182 would be much better. I own a 1978 182Q and commute between Santa Barbara and Santa Rosa CA very frequently (about 290 nm). That plane not only gives you a very decent cruising speed, but also allows you to carry 4 people w/luggage (if you need to) and go over 1000nm w/ full fuel. Considering it has like .74 deaths per 100,000 hrs of flight it is also the second most safest plane to fly right behind the 172. Now I don't know if you have a predilection towards low wing or high wing aircraft, but if you're looking for a low wing equivalent, I'd look into the cherokee 240. The cherokee 240 is pretty similar to the 182 but it's really up to you. The one thing I can say about the 182 is that if you treat it right, ie lean it correctly during cruise, taxi, and for god's sake don't slam the throttle during pre-flight! the engine will last you as long as the FAA will allow (quick tip, get a JPI engine monitor installed for best results so you can see every CHT and EGT and will maximize both engine performance and longevity). The last annual I had on my airplane cost me $900 (average 182 annual goes between $1500-$3000), and we're not talking some cheapo A&P mechanic, this guy is really thorough, and because of that reason some people (mainly flight schools... ironic enough) won't take their planes to him cause it gets too expensive. He said I was the cheapest annual he's ever done (I don't know if he meant 182 annual, or just any annual in general). Anyway, sorry to ramble on about this, but I'm proud of the investment I've made because in the end, there's no feeling like cruising at 10,500ft for a few hours and thinking "I don't have anything to worry about..." of course you always want to be prepared
-=M=-

[Denny of Oakland]

It is my belief that before you buy any aircraft you should decide how much of an aircraft you would be able to afford after the purchase. Unlike cars an airplane does not come with a 3 year 60 mile warranty. There is a lot of out of pocket expense to consider such at the annual inspection every year. If the annual inspection is done properly the first time and the aircraft is maintained routinely the costs will be relative small. But if you get the $200 to $300 annual inspection it may cost you much more when the inspection is completed correctly.

Having said all that how much will you use the aircraft less than 100 hours a year or more that 100 hours an year. If you are flying 400-500 miles as a first time buyer I would suggest an older Cessna 172 that need an engine overhaul without all the new avionic.

The overhaul will cost for a 0-320 or 0-360 depending on the condition about $6 to 7 thousand dollars and that amount should come off the sale price. Having it overhauled and paying for it yourself is better than not knowing what someone else says they did, besides it will come with a warranty and that you will want.

I am writing a book on Pre-purchases and Inspections, which I hope will be out the late summer. I am in the final editing stages. It will explain the 12 steps I have come up with to protect yourself. I should mention I am a FAA inspector in the Oakland FSDO and see a lot of aircraft everyday. If I might add DO NOT buy a aircraft from a flying school they are wore out and need lots of repairs $$$.

If you need assistance contact me at my office (510) 273-7155 Ext. 246. My job is to help the public, if you go to http://www.navioneer.org/Information/ I have posted my RAMP check sheet it is the best document to inspect a GA aircraft with. In addition you will find 3 years of my newsletter it is written toward maintenance I think you will find some very good articles about what to loot out for.

Denny of Oakland

[zgraw]

Buy a Mooney. They're fast, economical, and reliable. I flight plan 150 knots @ 10gph. They have 4 seats although they are not as roomey as a C182. But if you only use four seats occasioally, they're ideal. Mooneys are all retractable which adds maintenance but if you get an E or C model with the manual gear system the costs are negligble. Very stable IFR airplane.
Good luck in your search.

[John Diegoli]

Consider a Grumman Cheetah or Tiger. They are fast, have few ADs and are relatively inexpensive to maintain.