Category Archives: cost of ownership

Which aircraft is best for a “wanna be” Pilot

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Which aircraft is best for a “wanna be” Pilot

Q. I am a pilot “wanna be” that attended your “Which aircraft is best for you” seminar.  After a week of seminars and walking the flight line at the fly-in, I am convinced that buying an aircraft probably makes the most sense for me.

Which aircraft is for me?  I was originally thinking of a Cessna 150 (I am the ‘stable’ personality you mention in your book with a little bit of the ‘driver’ mentality too), but I need to haul two people weighing probably a combined 430 pounds, so I think a 150 might be pushing it a bit.

I found an ad for a 1971 Cessna 172, 6300 TT, 2200 SMOH, and was looking for feedback so I wouldn’t get taken to the cleaners.

I would appreciate any help you can offer since I am completely new to this (the story of the $5,000 airplane definitely made me curious).  I do not have my heart set on any one plane, just the ‘being up there’ safely on a tight budget.  Looks are not that critical either.  I just want to fly whether it is ugly or not.

A. Nice to see you “wanna be” not only a pilot, but an owner too.

As you probably figured out in my presentations and columns, I am a Cessna 172 fan. The 172 models are one of my favorite aircraft. It is hard to buy a bad one, but there are a few considerations.  In your situation, the Cessna 150 would probably not be a good choice because of the weight requirement.  A Cessna 172 is a better aircraft especially when used as a two person and baggage machine.

The 172 costs slightly more than the 150 to own and operate, but it is still one of the most economical aircraft around and is also a great trainer.  Cessna did not reintroduce the 152 when they started back in production in 1997.  They introduced the Cessna 172 because it has more flexibility.  The 172 can perform as a trainer and a cross-country aircraft.  It offers more pilot opportunities and comfort than the 150.  The 150/152 models can perform almost all the feats of the 172, except for speed, load and number of seats.

Book prices are just a guideline.  It will probably be difficult to buy an aircraft like this for the book price, but at least it will give you a starting point.  I would think that the engine could make it a few hours more before needing an overhaul.  I would hope it would make it through your training.  In that time, you could put away a few bucks for the new engine.  Adding a lot of new equipment or new engines will not be a direct dollar for dollar recoup.  You will need to fly the aircraft a number of hours (probably 500 or more) to wear off a few of the “new” engine.

which aircraft

NEW EAA DVD SAVES YOU TIME AND MONEY ON AIRCRAFT PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

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EAA-2017-16
For more information, contact:
Dick Knapinski, EAA Communications
(920) 426-6523
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW EAA DVD SAVES YOU TIME AND MONEY ON AIRCRAFT PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Certificated aircraft owners benefit from latest in EAA’s famed how-to video series
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (April 13, 2017) — A new how-to video from the Experimental Aircraft Association gives certificated aircraft owners a better understanding of preventive maintenance and ways to save money by personally completing some of the tasks.
Aircraft Ownership: Understanding Owner Preventive Maintenanceis a multi-part video series combined on one DVD. It shows certificated aircraft owners how to legally maintain an aircraft in accordance with FAA preventive maintenance regulations.
“There are many tasks that a certificated aircraft owner can do that are completely legal under FAA regulations and will save money,” said Charlie Becker, EAA’s director of chapters, communities and homebuilt community manager. “This DVD will help those aircraft owners plan maintenance and have confidence in what they can do themselves and when to go to the next level.”
More than four hours of video are organized in easy-to-follow categories, so a viewer can find exactly what is needed. Included are extensive discussions of the legal and technical requirements, plus dozens of hands-on demonstrations with step-by-step guidance on basic preventive maintenance projects.
The demonstrations include such areas as:
·         Landing gear and tires
·         Safety wire and cotter pin replacement
·         Hydraulic fluids
·         Safety belts and seat parts
·         Landing and position lights
·         Spark plugs and batteries
·         Fuel and oil screens and filters
The video segments are hosted by Dick and Bob Koehler, EAA SportAir Workshop instructors, who each hold Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certificates with Inspection Authorization (IA) privileges. Their vast knowledge and teaching skill provide the knowledge and techniques needed to perform basic preventive maintenance procedures.
The DVD is available at EAA.org/shop for $36.95, with special discounts for EAA members.
About EAA

EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 200,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAA. 

How much does a boat cost

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I like to think of the purchase price of the boat as an investment.  I know it probably won’t increase in value, but for me it is an investment. Whether it was a “Venti Carmel macchiato with two pumps and whipped” or a new issue of Go Boating, I would be spending the money on something.  I figure the money I spent on the boat and the hours of pleasure I get from it are a lot cheaper than hours I could be spending on a psychiatrist couch.  Come to think of it, it’s not just an investment but a health benefit.
So let’s be real. The boat is using money that could be gaining interest (small as that might be) in an investment account. It’s always good to remind yourself where the money is going and how much. Not that you’ll care, but at least you won’t be surprised.

 There are other costs which I like to break out into “variable costs” and “fixed costs”.  Variable costs are items like fuel and oil. The amount of money it costs me is based on how much I use the boat. Anything that is consumable, time limited or based on wear and tear or hours used, can be considered a variable cost. 


Fixed costs are just that, fixed, no matter how much I use the boat. This can include slips, insurance, license etc.  I still have to pay the fixed costs even if I leave the boat in my yard on the trailer.  And don’t forget to throw in a few extra costs like GPS, charts, skis etc…..
Insurance is not only a fixed cost it is a major cost on some boats.  Make sure you check buying the insurance before you buy the boat. Don’t commit to the deal and find out you can’t buy the insurance because the boat is too big or too fast. I own a specialty insurance agency, take my word on this. 
Last and probably more important than any other factor is your personal preferences.  What do I really want in a boat? This can actually override all the common sense factors; it’s the wild card in the “selection deck”.  It is very important, but don’t let it get in the way of buying a good boat.
Make sure the boat you buy is something you can handle and afford. Choose something that fits the way you live and where you live.  Remember, if you can’t afford the boat or can’t handle the boat, it will sit in the driveway and never see the pounding waves. And if you just have to get it, buy it. But if you are not sure, keep looking, there’s always another boat coming into the used boat marina. 

Want to figure how much your boat cost?  Send me a note and I’ll email you a cost analysis spread sheet. You can plug in the numbers and see what your boat is costing you. Or what that new boat you are thinking about buying, might cost.