Private Pilot's License - Fly myself?

Stringtheory

New Member
I've always had an interest in flying and lately I've been giving thought to buying a plane and learning to fly. I live in northern Virginia and all of my flying takes place on the east coast. At least once a month I travel to NYC and then once a quarter down to Florida. Is the idea of ditching the airlines for my trips and flying myself a practical one? Do I need a commercial ticket to be able to deduct the flying expenses related to my business? Would an aircraft such as a Piper Archer be a good fit for my trips?

I know this forum is dedicated to professional pilots, but I wanted good advice and that's why I'm here.

Thank you.
 
I hear there are some pretty decent tax breaks owning your own airplane. You could always purchase a plane and do a lease back option at a local flying club while training for you PPL.
This forum is for anyone interested in flying, not just the pros. Welcome. What part of NOVA? I grew up in Manassas.
 
That's a good reason to buy and fly--ditching the airlines is what a lot of business guys do--even small business guys--

Of course you would have to do a cost analysis but I think it would work out favorable in this case.

Aviation expenses are travel expenses and no you don't need a commercial license to deduct. It would help with the insurance but is not necessary--though I am not sure you could write off the initial PPL. Check with an accountant to get more details.

BTW-That's why I originally was able to get back into flying. I was traveling once a month to NYC from Eastern NC because I had servers up there that needed periodic maintenance. I think a well equipped Archer would do the job but I certainly would consider the PPL with IR so that weather is less limiting.

A great resource is AOPA for information such as cost breakdown's and details regarding business flying.
 
You'll probably find that just a private certificate won't be sufficient - you'll need an instrument rating for the private certificate to be useful if you have to/want to get anywhere within certain time constraints.

Then you'll need to consider staying instrument proficient (as opposed to just staying current), and then when the weather does get bad - other things you'll need to consider is the capability of your aircraft and your personal flying experience - will be you able to deal with icing and thunderstorms, etc.

So you'll probably want more training than just the PPL.
 
Thanks everyone for the quick responses. I actually live in Fairfax, Virginia. I did plan on getting my IFR ticket after the PPL and possibly a complex certification if needed. What types of aircraft should I be looking at? Should I try to buy something to train in or just train in a rented C-152? The last post mentioned weather and that has been on my mind quite a bit. What types of aircraft would you all recommend?
 
Thanks everyone for the quick responses. I actually live in Fairfax, Virginia. I did plan on getting my IFR ticket after the PPL and possibly a complex certification if needed. What types of aircraft should I be looking at? Should I try to buy something to train in or just train in a rented C-152? The last post mentioned weather and that has been on my mind quite a bit. What types of aircraft would you all recommend?

A 152 works great for your primary training. Though I'm not knocking the aircraft themselves, don't get into a mindset that you've got to fly something new or nearly new to get your private. It'll just end up costing you more money. Worry about flying the airplanes with the fancy avionics AFTER you finish your PPL.

Beware asking about what kind of aircraft someone would recommend. It is likely to spark another high-wing/low-wing debate. I've taken a liking to Grumman Tigers lately, but I can jump in a 172 and feel just as comfortable. It ultimately comes down to what you develop a feel for.
 
Thanks everyone for the quick responses. I actually live in Fairfax, Virginia. I did plan on getting my IFR ticket after the PPL and possibly a complex certification if needed. What types of aircraft should I be looking at? Should I try to buy something to train in or just train in a rented C-152? The last post mentioned weather and that has been on my mind quite a bit. What types of aircraft would you all recommend?

Most important thing on your route to flying yourself, be it on business or privately for pleasure is to go get that private. You may, even during training be able to combine a few trips with lessons and learn about the discipline it takes to avoid "having to get there" no matter what.
I'd get private and instrument in a steam gauge airplane, it will help you down the road. Then upgrade to something more fancy as you see the need.

Don't just buy some airplane, part of a informed purchase that gives you the right mix, is to get an idea about your mission profile. Think about the future perks of ownership once you can stand behind your decision to fly yourself. Get the horse, then the saddle, if you do it any other way you will end up trying to modify a horse for the tight saddle.

Good luck!
 
Thanks everyone for the quick responses. I actually live in Fairfax, Virginia. I did plan on getting my IFR ticket after the PPL and possibly a complex certification if needed. What types of aircraft should I be looking at? Should I try to buy something to train in or just train in a rented C-152? The last post mentioned weather and that has been on my mind quite a bit. What types of aircraft would you all recommend?

My suggestion, go here www.aviationadventures.com get the info and head on down to Manassas Regional and do a demo flight in one of their 172s. If it turns out you like flying, and your not a big guy, try and get your PPL in the 152 that they have, its pretty cheap compared to the others, and it has everything you need.

Then when your done with your PPL, go get your IFR in one of their G1000 C172s. Doing your IFR in one of those compared to a regular 6 pack aircraft is a joke.

THEN start to worry about what plane you want to buy or use to take business trips.
 
+1 for using something inexpensive like a 152 for private.
Also, consider that aircraft ownership is another learning process-as long as you can get access to the 152 and it's safe and well maintained, just keep renting thru your instrument rating. You can focus on learning to fly first, and worry about the ownership stuff a little further down the road.
You'll get a better idea of what your mission requirements will be as you gain experience, and you can also fly trips with a CFI as part of your training. You may also find a club or someone looking for a partner in their airplane.
Another possible tactic after your private-if you fly a few trips VFR in a 172/Archer and decide you want to go faster, find a CFII who can transition you into what you want (Mooney, Bonanza, Tiger, whatever), learn how to fly it VFR, and then do your IFR in that airplane. It will give you a good 40+hrs to get really comfortable in the airplane, and could help with insurance as well.
 
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