Getting Instrument and Commercial ratings

[tho1981]

I just got my private, and am looking at finishing up my instrument and commercial licenses by next June or so. I would like to then transition to becoming an airline pilot (do the whole instructing thing). I was contemplating buying my own plane to build my hours for these two licenses. I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on that? Has anyone had good or bad experiences with that?

I did the math and it looks like if I buy an older 172, with tie-down fee, payment, and insurance, it would cost $500-$600 a month. Basically anythimw I would fly over 10 hours a month, I would be saving money.

Just looking for thoughts from anyone.

Thanks,
Jon

[particlem86]

There's a million things to consider so I won't tell you what I think you should do haha. I've been looking for my own airplane too, so I understand *some* of the finacial aspects, but one thing to take into consideration is for commercial training, you'll have to do at least part of the check ride in a complex airplane (constant speed prop, retractable gear). I currently have a fellow at my airport that owns a 172 and wants me to give him his commercial instruction, but he's kinda torn about the idea because bottom line he'll still have to rent an RG (C172 RG) from us for at least 10 hours AND part of the check ride. Granted 10 hours is not that much when you are shooting for 250, but just another thing to throw on your pallet. Hope this helps