Most affordable XCountry Bird
- Thread starter Kingairer
- Start date
fholbert
Mod's - Please don't edit my posts!
Not only is that guy cool, he's good looking!
fholbert
Mod's - Please don't edit my posts!
Kingairer
'Tiger Team' Member
Thanks for all in the info. I can do a more focused search now. Sounds like insurance on just about anything is going to be 2000+...Id like to keep my buying cost below 40K. If thats feasible I dont know, but im not looking for much wizbang stuff, just IFR, and a handheld GPS would be enough.
KSCessnaDriver
Well-Known Member
To keep it below 40K, its going to have to be a M20C, maybe an M20E, if you can find one that low, or perhaps one of the Viking model's. Each has advantage's and disadvantages. Also, the 40K limit might let you look at the 180 HP Commanche's, if those float your boat.
WacoFan
Bigly
Oh sure...bring up insurance, mx and parts...
The C-195 is actually pretty handy. You can get motors and props in plentiful supply. These are the same engines they are making for the new Waco's, so the Jacobs powered airplanes are in good shape. The 195 can eat your ass if you let it and many of them groundloop in spectacular fashion, often ripping the landing gear box out. Insurance would probably be more than an arrow.
As for the Airmaster - it is powered by a 165 hp Warner. Those can be hard to find parts for and expensive to overhaul.
Tram
Well-Known Member
Tram
Well-Known Member
Scott "Sky" Smith gets awesome rates.. You can google them.. You and I are pretty close in total time - only myself and my dad are on the policy and I'm the low time pilot, so the rate is based off me.. $1,300 for 7gal an hour at 160+kts, IFR and aerobatic.. It's awesome.. 
The most expensive fixed cost we have is our hangar. I've been in 4 different hangars anywhere from $150 to $450 a month.. They vary a good bit..
As far as MX, that depends on how much work you are willing to do yourself.. If you are friendly with your A&P's it can cost way less.. If you are willing to help, it keeps dropping.. I do "most" of my MX and then get an A&P to check it out..
The most expensive fixed cost we have is our hangar. I've been in 4 different hangars anywhere from $150 to $450 a month.. They vary a good bit..
As far as MX, that depends on how much work you are willing to do yourself.. If you are friendly with your A&P's it can cost way less.. If you are willing to help, it keeps dropping.. I do "most" of my MX and then get an A&P to check it out..
The non-engine parts are going to cost a ton for each of these as well, no?
Callador
New Member
Re: Most affordagle XCountry Bird
Does the Cessna 195 beat out the 185 for speed and payload? I got some hours in a Cessna 185 (300hp). Lots of fun and that thing can hall a ton.
For 2 other out of production but cheaper airplanes I would take a look at:
A comanche 250 Turbo, which is about as fast as the ole comanche 400 (at altitude) or a 182 RG Turbo. The 182 RG is pretty fast too, but the turbo helps out. Even a normal 182 RG can do pretty well.
I would check out two Cessna's:
The Cessna Airmaster - one of the first airplanes to get 1MPH per horsepower:
If you need more room, higher payload, faster, but not as efficient (but still very efficient for what it does) I offer the Cessna 195 Businessliner:
Does the Cessna 195 beat out the 185 for speed and payload? I got some hours in a Cessna 185 (300hp). Lots of fun and that thing can hall a ton.
For 2 other out of production but cheaper airplanes I would take a look at:
A comanche 250 Turbo, which is about as fast as the ole comanche 400 (at altitude) or a 182 RG Turbo. The 182 RG is pretty fast too, but the turbo helps out. Even a normal 182 RG can do pretty well.
KSCessnaDriver
Well-Known Member
Re: Most affordagle XCountry Bird
None of those planes are going to be down in the 40K price range, as was supplied by the OP. Not sure if it's been thrown out, but you can get in some of the Grumman AA5 models for right around that price.
None of those planes are going to be down in the 40K price range, as was supplied by the OP. Not sure if it's been thrown out, but you can get in some of the Grumman AA5 models for right around that price.
jonnydwolf
Well-Known Member
In your reported 150 hours of flight time are you qualified to call any plane a dog yet?
The Beech Sierra has a strong following (www.beechaeroclub.com) and yes parts are available. It is a comfortable cross-country plane that also make a great complex trainer. It is economical to operate and fun to fly!
darrenf
resident denizen
It would take you more time than that to determine whether you like a plane or not?
Callador
New Member
Re: Most affordagle XCountry Bird
Yeah, the 182 RG is out for sure I didn't see the 40kish thing. A regular comanche 250 is about in range though, and it puts an Arrow to shame!
Yeah, the 182 RG is out for sure
I didn't see the 40kish thing. A regular comanche 250 is about in range though, and it puts an Arrow to shame! The Gardener
Terrafirma Phobic
As your probably well aware Beech stopped supporting the Duke. It's too bad, it is quite a plane.
I'd go for a Comanche 180 or 250/260. Enough range and efficiency to make the run to Europe (not saying I'd do it though).