Category Archives: buying an aircraft

Cessna 182, good for low time pilot?

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Cessna 182, good for low time pilot?

cessna 182

Recently I had a call asking “should a low time pilot buy a Cessna 182”?  The caller was concerned because they only had 75 hours total time and all of that was in a Cessna 172. On top of that, they had a chance to buy a Cessna 182 that has very low time and is a clean airplane, should they be concerned about their low total time when moving up to a 182?

My quick thoughts. The Cessna 182 is a great aircraft. It offers an excellent platform for instrument (IFR) training, is a respectable cross country aircraft and is reasonably cost effective to operate. As a private pilot, your first year will be a little more expensive to insure because of your low hours, but that’s about it.  Yes, it does cost slightly more to maintain than a Cessna 172, but the difference is slight, mainly in the fuel burn and engine costs.  The Continental six-cylinder, 470 engine (or the Lycoming 540 in the new models) are very reliable engines.  Parts are in supply, aftermarket items and service is available almost anywhere you can fly to.

About the only thing that seems to bother the 182 are the fuel bladders in the pre-1979 aircraft and the nose gear impacts that low time pilots inflict during training. The 182 gets quite a few hard landings on the nose, typically when they are full of fuel and lightly loaded with passengers and baggage.  A pilot tends to run out of elevator in the flare a little higher than they should and drop them on the nose.  Nothing that cannot be corrected with a good dose of training at different loads.

As with any other aircraft, a good pre-buy inspection for damage history, corrosion and maintenance should be done before the purchase.  Also line up an instructor that has a fair amount of time in the Cessna 182 and they can show you how well the aircraft can really perform. Oh, and if you are used to the Cessna 172, the 182 will just require more arm muscles in the flare.  The heavy control pressure will be notable for the first few hours, after that, it’s a typical Cessna!

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.