Category Archives: buying an aircraft

Can I commute with an airplane?

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Commute with a plane?

Q. Can I commute with an airplane?  I have always wanted to get my private pilot’s license. I was offered a new job, but it is two hours away from my house. I was thinking of getting a license so I can fly instead of drive.  Am I being unrealistic? I know I would need to have a backup plan for driving for when the weather is unfavorable and a place to stay near my new job. But the idea sounds like more fun then setting in traffic.

A. It can actually be a great idea, although it might not save you as much time as you think. I have a few customers that do exactly what you are talking about and they really like the arrangement. Problem is, it often takes more time to get the plane out, fly and put it away than it would to drive the distance.

Also, to  make it a success you will probably need to get instrument rating.  There will be some days that there is just enough weather to keep you on the ground when you could still be flying.

But really, even if it takes longer, I cannot think of a better commute!

commute

Question from a reader – Should I buy an aircraft to learn to fly.

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Q.  Sky, I’m looking at getting a private pilot rating in the next couple of years, and have considered purchasing an airplane to use during instruction.  I have been told it would help me save on rental fees and it does seem, that you can buy more affordably than rent!  However, can a student pilot get (affordable) insurance on his personal aircraft while learning to fly?  Seems there may be a contradiction here? 

I enjoy reading your articles; they are always informative and entertaining.
I would appreciate any information you might provide in response to my question,

A.  I do think buying can be a good way to go.  Ownership frees up the planes schedule and you can get it whenever you want.  No overnight charges if you take a trip.  You know the maintenance history and as an owner, you get comfortable with the aircraft.
But, the biggest problem is buying something that might not be what you want at a later time.  Surprisingly, the wants and needs get mixed up, so what you want, might be different than what you really need.  If possible fly a few different models of aircraft.  That might mean going to a few different FBO’s and getting in their aircraft.   But after you get a few hours, you will be able to tell the difference between a Cessna 150 and a Cherokee 140.  You know, high and low wing, landing, visibility, all these factors are important to every pilot in some manner.  Make sure you try them all out before you purchase.

After the decision, a lot depends on what is “affordable” to you.  If you were to buy a $25,000 Cessna 172 or Cherokee 140 you would probably spend about $1200 a year in full coverage insurance.  A Cessna 150 would be a little bit less because of only having two seats.  A tailwheel aircraft would be a little more.

Should you buy or rent when learning to fly?

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Thinking of getting a private or sport pilot rating? Should you purchase an airplane to use during instruction?  Can it really save on rental fees and can you buy more affordable than rent?

Buying can be a good way to go.  Ownership frees up the planes schedule and you can get it whenever you want.  No overnight charges if you take a trip.  You know the maintenance history and as an owner, you get comfortable with the aircraft.

But, the biggest problem is buying something that might not be what you want at a later time.  Surprisingly, the wants and needs get mixed up, so what you want, might be different than what you really need.

If possible fly a few different models of aircraft.  That might mean going to a few different FBO’s and getting in their aircraft.   But after you get a few hours, you will be able to tell the difference between a Cessna 150 and a Cherokee 140.  You know, high and low wing, landing, visibility, all these factors are important to every pilot in some manner. 

Make sure you try them all out before you purchase.