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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