Kyler Laird wrote in message ...
(Captain Wubba) writes:

Since the original poster is just finishing their private license, for
the next 2 or 3 years (at least) they will be working on their
instrument ticket, their Commercial ticket...stuff that requires
hours,

How do you know? *I* certainly didn't. Within six months of getting
my Private, I was touring the country with my family in my Aztec. Had
I been limited to putting in hours in some little plane, there's a
good chance I would have given up flying (again). That would have been
a lousy investment.

Well, that is great for you. Of the dozens and dozens of pilots I know
that makes *one* who has done this. The other 95% have spent their
time flyign 150s and 172 and Cherokees, doing some XC flying, but
often working on their IFR tickets and trying to develop their flying
skills. I recommended a 4 seater like a 172 or a Musketeer. One they
can fly *immediately* (Want to guess what it would cost to get a new
private pilot insured in a Bone or an Aztec?) and use for reasonably
useful trips *and* training. Buying a 172 is almost *never* a 'lousy
investment'. You might lose a small amount when you sell it (but
probably not) but you will certainly recoup that amount in decreased
cost if you do a good prebuy on it and fly it a lot.


I think it's silly to pretend that all pilots are going to be
motivated by the desire to "get hours."

I think it is sillier to assume that your personal experience is more
applicable than that of the 'other' 95% of the new pilot population.
There is *no* chance today that a new private pilot could get insured
in an Aztec (Heck, I'm an instructor with a Multi Commercial, 600
hours total time, and an instrument ticket and *I* Can't get
reasonably priced insurance in a twin). There are reasons planes like
172s make good 'starter' planes. For the first year after getting yout
private ticket, even if you *aren't* looking to build hours per se,
you *are* looking to develop your skills and become a more proficient
pilot.

The original poster asked a simple question. I responded in a way that
took into account the actions of the vast majority of new pilots and
answered accordingly.

Cheers,

Cap



--kyler