Why not? Selling an older airplane is often easier than selling a
newer one. Since they tend to be priced lower, there's a larger
market for them.


Um, you will have to define "newer" and "older"


My plane is of a 60s vintage. It's quite a popular model and I
don't think I'd have any trouble selling it. Folks with similar
planes generally sell them within a few weeks. I've flown a current
model('03) of my plane and there is very little real difference
between the two. The new bird is slower and carries less load, but is
constructed pretty much the same as the 60s version. The major
difference is in aquisition price (~$200K difference).


Will you have the same confidence about it holding its value for another 5
or 10 years?


Now you're getting into the "harder to sell" category. A popular
model also ensures that parts availability will not be a problem and
that most mechanics will be familiar with the airplane. These are big
pluses when considering the amount of time and expense that will be
required to maintain the aircraft.


I know what I am saying is counter to common wisdom, but the world is
getting ready to change. In 5 or 10 years, how many people are going to buy
a plane from the 60's to be flown 100 hours or more a year? The parts issue
starts to get less important to people buying a collectible as opposed to a
working plane. I believe the FAA may have an adverse affect on the older
working planes over the next few years. The cost of operation will be going
up. ( by working plane, I mean one that is bought by someone that places
more value on the flying part, than the owning part).



So, those with non-collectible old planes are not proud of them?
I'm willing to bet that you are not an airplane owner :-)

Don't be silly.

No, those buying non collectible planes are generally not buying them for
that reason. They are buying them to use. That means they are looking at
the cost of maintanence, safety, and dispatch reliability. They may be
looking for an unusual or fun flying experience.

I would make the argument that some owners are more proud than others.
Certainly there are proud owners of lots of common planes, and I enjoy
seeing them on the ramp. I am always complimentary of any well maintained
plane.

However, more and more of the generation where every man was a mechanic are
losing their medicals. The newer pilots are more affluent, and less
interested in spending time under the cowling. Great news for some, because
the value of older planes will be dropping. Many of the people on this
board do supervised work on their planes, but I see that type of pilot
becoming more rare.

Yes, your piper will have parts availability for a long time. That makes it
a safer investment and protects the value - to a point. It is also going to
get to the point where people consider it an antique. Rare antiques bring
more money. Your plane is likely in better shape than many of the same make
that are ten years newer, but how can you advertise your plane for sale on
the market without discounting yours against the newer ones?

There are not people lining up to buy 60's 172's for restoration. There are
surely a few, but there are lots and lots of those planes to go around.

Lastly, planes at that end of the market attract more tire kickers and
useless phone calls than I would want to take.

So, I am a plane owner, and I may be an owner of two planes before long. My
present one was built in this millenium, but I may be buying an older one
which will be more for looking at and showing off. I won't be taking my
family in it, and I won't be flying it IFR.

Hope no one took your bet.

As I said, I know that I am bucking the old school here, but I call them
like I see them, and I didn't get the money to buy a new plane by being
wrong all the time. Also, I didn't make it in the plane business, so feel
free to ignore me if you please







John Galban=====N4BQ (PA28-180)