Good Single Engine Plane

F-16. Single engine, good speed.

:sarcasm:

Seriously... anything but a 152 sized plane because of speed and legroom. Comfort is key on a long x-country. For low cost plus legroom (though not a lot of speed) I like the Piper Cherokee 140.

EDIT: Oh! I didn't know you wanted to purchase one... thought you were talking about renting. Disregard.
 
The couple Mooneys that I've flown I wouldn't consider comfortable, at least compared to a Bonanza. They are fast though, and fuel efficient. I'd go with a Bonanza if I could find a quality one in the right price range.
 
I would go for Cherokee 235. There are few on the market. I do not know anything about buying airplanes though.


adreamer

ps: By any chance do you know anyone name Kerry (same last name)?
 
mtsu_av8er said:
Nothing wrong with that!
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From an owner/operator stand point, there certainly is. More cost at annual time, more cost on insurance, etc. vs. not much of an increase in speed.

And you'd have to get a REALLY old Bonanza to be within that price range. Not to mention they're expensive (Beechcraft) to maintain. I'd skip it.
 
Mooney 201, although they may be at the top end of your budget. Operating costs would be way lower than a Bonanza. The Lycoming 360 is a bullet proof engine.

Would really have to explain more about your mission requirements to get better answers. How far will you typically go ? How many people/bags do you want to carry ? What kind of instruments do you want IFR/VFR ?

TP
 
adreamer said:
I would go for Cherokee 235. There are few on the market. I do not know anything about buying airplanes though.


adreamer

ps: By any chance do you know anyone name Kerry (same last name)?
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Problem is they are difficult to find parts for. Retract can cost you an extra couple thousand a year thats why I went for a good performance fixed gear bird.
 
The Cherokee 235 is fixed-gear. It is the predecessor to the 236, aka Dakota. Good plane, though not especially fast or fuel efficient. However, if you can fit it in the door, you can probably take it.

I flew a V35B Bonanza for awhile. That was definitely my favorite HP single, followed by the T210, and 182RG. Don't underestimate the 182RG, they are great airplanes. Those are, of course, from my standpoint as a pilot, not an owner that has to pay for fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs.
 
Figure a complex A/C will cost much more at anual time. I am looking for a fixed gear, fixed pitch prop, airplane but I may go for a C182 if the price is right.

A good initial low cost A/C is a Cherokee 160. Very simple airplane with decent performance = lower cost when the annual comes around.

The Bonanza and Mooney are very attractive though. Anyone know what kind of $$ you can expect to spend on maintenance for a complex A/C compared to a simple A/C?

Try and find an airplane with a fresh overhaul too.
 
EatSleepFly said:
The Cherokee 235 is fixed-gear. It is the predecessor to the 236, aka Dakota. Good plane, though not especially fast or fuel efficient. However, if you can fit it in the door, you can probably take it.
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The Turbo Dakota had some good speed and fuel economy. Mine does 160 routinely. The 235 HP Dakota is a dawg.. but it has a great useful.
 
EatSleepFly said:
The Cherokee 235 is fixed-gear. It is the predecessor to the 236, aka Dakota. Good plane, though not especially fast or fuel efficient. However, if you can fit it in the door, you can probably take it.
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I have plenty of time logged in a PA-28-236 (ie a Dakota) and it's perfect for this task, although I'm not sure how many good ones you'll get sub $80k.

It isn't particularly fast (~ 135 KIAS) but you can load it and go. CSU and fixed gear, but only the one people door, like all 4 seat Cherokees. The cabin is a smidge wider than Bonanzas and Mooneys, and they have plenty of panel space for all the works'n'jerks.

Good luck with your search, but geez! buying not renting!?!?!? Prepare to tip your wallet upside down and shake it!!!!!
 
So you think I would be better off renting everytime I wanted a plane Vs buying one? not sarcastic sincere question. I just kind of viewed it as buying Vs renting a house but I am still very new to aviation.
 
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