wrote:

Maintenance doesn't have to be a bank-killer. There are more
cost-effective ways (read: owner-assisted annuals and preventative
maintenance) to keep a bird airworthy.
[snip]
True... although I've got a somewhat skewed view since I've got a
unique agreement with my partners. They buy the parts, I put them on, the
mechanic inspects and signs it off.

Oh, did I remember to mention that I'm all thumbs with a wrench? To
paraphrase Groucho Marx, I would not fly in an airplane that I maintained.

: Of course all this doesn't mean I don't fantasize about owning an
: airplane, but for me that fantasy also includes getting a windfall of at
: least $100,000 first

Aw... a descent-shape PA-28-140 can be had for $25-30k.

I have expensive aircraft fantasies plus that one would include
having money left over to defray a lot of the fixed costs.

I guess
my problem with flight clubs is that they cannot be run "cheaply."
Everything costs more when it's a club... insurance goes up (a lot!),
engine overhaul must be paid for in advance and done by the book (pay a
mechanic to take it off, send to to have overhauled, etc), etc, etc.

I see that as a good thing.

BTW, talk to me again in 6 months when I cussing working on the friggin'
thing again at annual time!

I hear ya. I have a boat that I hate taking care of, so I figure
given that experience I better not take on an airplane unless I am
willing to write a lot of checks. What kind of airplane do you and
your partners own?

Mike
--
PP-ASEL
PA28-161
http://www.wingsofcarolina.org
Note: email invalid. Respond on newsgroup