"Jimbob" wrote in message
...
Hi all.

I'm a current student looking for suggestions on a plane purchase in
the next year. I will be going in on one with a buddy who is also a
student.

We are looking for a fixed gear, tricycle, two door, preferably low
wing. I would like a performance level near a Cherokee 140/150
(160HP). Most of the flying will be within two hours distance (one
way). One of the uses this plane will have is getting us to one of our
customers about 140 miles away. (3.5 hours by car, approx 1:15 by
C-140) If we have this level of speed, I think we can make a business
case for the plane.

I woiuld expect no more than 2 passengers, however, I think we could
survive with a two seater tandem. Our home runway is about 2835 ft
with trees on both ends. I'd like to spend around $40K. (or less)

A Cherokee would be ideal, BUT I am concerned about the single door.
I think this would turn off a lot of potential passengers. A canopy
wouldn't be out of the question, but the Grumman I saw looked a little
underpowered. I am concerned about the Beech cost of ownership.

Am I on a snipe hunt?

Jim



Jim,

Forget the price of the plane. Not because you are on a snipe hunt, just
that it isn't all that relevant.

What's more relevant is:

1. How much can you invest up front (for purchase or down payment).
2. How much can you afford to spend to operate the plane per year (direct
hourly + fixed + nasty annual).
3. How many hours per year, and other mssion information such as distance,
IFR capability, pilot capability, passengers, speed, range, load, etc.

This is my new mantra. I have seen too many people squander months and even
years away making a decision. Worse, I recently worked with a friend who
simply bought the wrong plane, and is now seeing the cost of upgrading. He
runs a company and highly values his family time. Buying all over again is
not making him that happy.

I have not worked out yet which order is best to figure out before you start
fudging. Part of the problem is that many folks are not really good at
answering number 3.

Now, unfortunately for my latest theory, you have suggested a plane that is
one of the best values in GA. It is cheap to own, and honest. So, if it
meets your mission, go buy the nicest one you can find. Get a good IFR
panel too, and don't be afraid to step up to a bigger Piper, 172, or Tiger
to get a good IFR panel. If the plane is for business then you will be
needing IFR.

There is a tandem plane called the Varga Kuchina(sp?) that meets your needs,
but parts are not always available so it is not the best for business use.
A Van's could work better for you as well if you want to go Tandem, but that
brings in all the experimental issues.

At any rate, I find that about 50% of people just do not want to fly in
small planes anyway. I wouldn't worry about the door.