What do you think of the Beech Skipper?
From a reader – “I am not a pilot yet. Not even a student pilot. I want to start flying lessons sometime later this year. I am thinking about buying a plane and then receive instructions in it. After some research, I am inclined towards buying a Beech Skipper. The plane was only produced from 1979 -1981. What do you think of the Skipper?”
Buying is good.
Well to start, buying an aircraft to learn in, is a great way to go… if you know you like the aircraft before you buy it. The Beech Skipper is a nice trainer, and a comfortable run around aircraft. While it might not be a great cross-country traveler, it can be used for that if you have the time. It look’s like only about 350 of the aircraft were built, so production and finding a good one might be an issue.
Fly more than one.
First, I would make sure you fly in a number of different aircraft before you settle on the Skipper. Many new pilots buy an aircraft and after the first few hours realize they really would rather have a different model. I would start my lessons and get hours in a few of the different aircraft available. Cessna, Piper, Beech and many others all have advantages or disadvantages.
Insurance?
From the insurance angle, buying your own aircraft and buying insurance is not a problem if you stay away from complicated (complex), high performance or very expensive aircraft. The underwriters do not want to put student pilots in aircraft that will increase their chances for claims.
Typically, insurance rates will be about the same for the similar models of trainers. I would guesstimate that a zero hour, student pilot could insure a trainer for under $1,200. That number is based on a $20,000 hull value, two seats, fixed, tri-gear, and all metal trainer. A Cessna 150 would probably be a little less than the Skipper, mainly because of the numbers of aircraft that the underwriters have experience with.
