Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.3 4.3bsd-beta 6/6/85; site ihnp3.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!mhuxn!ihnp4!ihnp3!cfiaime From: cfiaime@ihnp3.UUCP (J. Williams) Newsgroups: net.aviation Subject: Re: Looking for 1st plane info... Message-ID: <181@ihnp3.UUCP> Date: Thu, 7-Nov-85 10:15:53 EST Article-I.D.: ihnp3.181 Posted: Thu Nov 7 10:15:53 1985 Date-Received: Fri, 8-Nov-85 21:48:45 EST References: <56@mss.UUCP> Reply-To: cfiaime@ihnp3.UUCP (45261-J. Williams) Distribution: net Organization: ATT Bell Labs Lines: 49 In article <56@mss.UUCP> jpj@mss.UUCP (J. P. Jenal) writes: >Greetings - I am a fairly new (7/21) Private Pilot and I am looking into >the possibility of purchasing a plane. At present I am leaning toward a >used 172 - most of my time is in 152's so the transition would be >reasonably simple. What is the best way to go about getting into small >plane ownership? Ah, yes, the first airplane. Like a first love, it may be a bittersweet experience, but one never forgotten. (My, the flight instructor is waxing somewhat poetical!) Anyway, there are three major ways to own an airplane (and not join a club). Single owner, partnership, and leaseback. Single owner: this is the best in terms of airplane flexibility. But, your breakeven point is around 200 hours a year (if you are into such things). All expenses are paid by you. But, all of the fun is yours, too. Partnership: it works with the right partner. Consider this to be like a marriage. It is quite stressful if you are not TOTALLY compatible with your partners. Leaseback: all of the advantages of renting without the advantages of ownership (with tax breaks because you are a business). Watching someone else fly your airplane is like helping someone violate your spouse. Not good for a first airplane, really. On a personal note, airplane 1, Cessna N6914G (1971 C-150), was a lease back arrangement. Airplane 2, Luscombe N2239K, was private ownership that I let others fly (and crash). Airplane 3, Taylorcraft N43910, was a partnership. Last, but not least, Funk N24120 (aka Phoebe), is sole private ownership that no one flys right now (seeing that it was damaged in a hail storm and has not been recovered yet). In choosing your airplane, be careful not to buy more than you need. If most of your flying (85% or better) is by yourself or with one other, don't buy a four seat airplane. For the occasional trip requiring more seats, rent the "Sunday going to meeting" airplane. Remember, your family may not always fly with you. May I suggest that you order a subscription of Trade-A-Plane. If you do find an airplane, make sure that you look it over with a friendly A&P. Probably the best start would be to start looking over shops in your area and meeting the mechanics. If you are serious, your airplane will find you in just a few weeks. jeff williams AT&T Bell Laboratories ihnp3!cfiaime