On Wed, 24 Sep 2003 05:29:22 +0000, Brent Rehmel wrote:

Are you saying that you can buy a Cessna 150 that is IFR capable with, say,
1500 hours TBO for $25,000 - $35,000? If so, then I agree a C 150 would be a
good deal.

That's exactly what I'm saying. The Cessna 150 club has 7 of them listed
right now, of course the highest in price is $38K, but I think it could be
had cheaper. It's got some very nice avionics however, better than what
you could put in that homebuilt for the prices you seem to think it can be
built for.

The o-200 has an 1800 TBO btw, and several of these planes had anywhere
from 0 to 1400 SMOH, a couple with less than 300 SMOH so they have more
hours to TBO than your Rotax has to start with.

This is what I'm saying, you have been under the impression a C150 is an
expensive plane, it's not. Nor is the Piper Tomahawk, or some other
trainers that have been produced. There are many planes for under $35,
including some older C172's, but a good one of those will usually run a
little more. You can usually find a Cherokee of under 35K as well. This
new class of plane will not hurt that market. If anything it will create
it's own niche because it's priced higher than similar used planes, but
lower than the new versions of those planes if they are even produced.

Many pilots buy a plane to meet their finances, not because it's new.
Given the choice of a Zenith 601XL for a price range in the $40's or a
C172 or older Mooney I'll go with the certified aircraft, especially the
Mooney as it's a much more capable plane.

I don't care about the new pilots certificate that may come out because I
don't need it. I can pass a medical right now, if I ever fail to pass one
forever, then I would convert, but not until then.

For all the training involved, I'd go the PP route, it's not going to cost
that much more by the time all is said and done. Remember, the numbers
are guides only, I doubt few will be able to accomplish the required goals
in the fewer number of hours.