New Airplane for ATN

ChasenSFO said:
Based on what looks fun to fly, I'd get a Swift or something quick and nimble with a tailwheel. If you want us the airplane to get around, I don't see anything wrong with a Baron or Cirrus. I'd personally rather have a Cirrus. You know you like that automation.
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Having spent a fair amount of time in the Cirrus, and a little bit of time in a Baron, I'd rather have the Baron. Way more comfortable.
 
Some folks have mentioned things like if you want a $150k airplane, but a $75k one and use the other half to maintain and operate it. I would say there is some merit to this. Perhaps with the $150k number you have already considered everything. If not, it's important to look at protecting your investment with a hangar, insurance, and of course good maintenance. I own a Piper Pacer. It's nothing close to what you're looking at but it's still owning an airplane. When I bought it, I put in place a contingency fund for unexpected maintenance issues and that was absolutely critical. I have had things come up unexpectedly on annuals. For an airplane like mine that can mean $50 to $10,000 depending on what it is. Many people have mentioned Barons. I managed one for a while and love the airplanes. I would say for that, you need to look at having a contingency fund much higher though ($50k range). The reason being, you should always expect the possibility of having to do a complete engine overhaul at your annual inspection. Hopefully not, but let's say you find a large crack in the crankcase or something along those lines. That's when you'll be glad you had the fund. Parking an airplane for 6 months to save up money to fix it will really hurt you more long term because things start going wrong with airplanes fast after they've been sitting (even more so with something like a Baron), and of course they cost money to fix. The other thing I'll mention is the importance of a pre-buy inspection from a good mechanic you trust that knows the aircraft type you're looking at well. This can't but understated. Anyways, perhaps you've thought of all this but I just wanted to put that out there. Best of luck in your search for an airplane. All that aside, my opinion is if you want a twin, look at Barons. If you want a single, a late-model (early 1980s) C182 (or 206 depending on space needed) is a great value.
 
ATN_Pilot said:
Primarily short range cross countries. I'll use it to get back and forth to Savannah to get to my boat much of the time.
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The following would make Dave Ramsey have an aneurysm so we'll kill two birds with one stone but financing on airplanes is usually a pretty decent deal. For the planes you're talking, 150k is a little light unless you are an A&P and can work on an older one.
Financing on airplanes older than 20 years however can be a problem.
Cirrus as a chute, so I'd look elsewhere. You've been programmed to fly the sombitch to the ground for a long time. I can't imagine you'd resort to that out, ever.
 
I'd stick with the tried and true hardline about things that float, fly or fornicate that you preach. Buy a boat first, and lose a bunch of money, then buy an airplane and lose a lot of money, then realize that perhaps one night after you've parted company with your lady you'll have spent all your money. Hope your new adventures go well.
 
Don't Cirruses have to get an expensive parachute system inspection done every so often? Like, pulling the straps and lines out of the fuselage skin and replacing the damaged skin as part of that process?
 
Ok, my .02. First, if you lease back an airplane to an FBO that rents it out or a 135 that charters it, it's like giving your car to Hertz when you're not driving it. People will trash it if it's not theirs.

Second, flying a part 25 jet and a part 23 multi is waaaaay different. If those 5,000 hours are in the latter you'll be fine. If it's in the former than you need to keep current in that piston twin. The NTSB is full of people who thought they were confident, only to lose and engine in their Barron at 400 ft and VMC it in. If you get a part 23 twin, treat as you would the part 25 jet and maintain SE currency. The numbers are truly on the side of the SE piston. When it quits, the decision is made. There isn't any limping around the pattern trying not to VMC in.

So, my suggestion would have a tail wheel. Any single engine tail wheel will work. If you've got to go ME, maybe a Beech 18 or a Lockheed Loadmaster will suffice. If you have to google either, just get a 182 and be happy. :)
 
mikecweb said:
The following would make Dave Ramsey have an aneurysm so we'll kill two birds with one stone but financing on airplanes is usually a pretty decent deal. For the planes you're talking, 150k is a little light unless you are an A&P and can work on an older one.
Financing on airplanes older than 20 years however can be a problem.
Cirrus as a chute, so I'd look elsewhere. You've been programmed to fly the sombitch to the ground for a long time. I can't imagine you'd resort to that out, ever.
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One of the banks up here advertises 2.99% on airplanes. Not bad for a used vehicle.
 
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