Since you can't fly all the time anyway have you concidered getting a
partner to split all the costs with? We have had our Mooney almost a
year now and there have been several times when I was glad that my
portion of the bill was only half. We have a nice plane that fits our
missions well. A nice traveling plane that is a very stable instrument
platform. Perfect for when I decide to get my commercial ticket (having
too much fun now to even think about it). My partnership runs so well it
seems like I own the aircraft but only pay half the bills. I have not
had one scheduling conflict yet. I also was able to get a much better
aircraft than I would have been able to afford by my self. Remember to
put 10% of the aircraft price back for first year gotcha's. You will
need it.

I have found airplane ownership a very rewarding, life and checkbook
altering experience. The bottom line is going to be that ownership is
going to be more expensive then you think it is. Unless you fly 150-200
hours a year (very doubtful) than ownership will be more than renting.

The good news is that the market for used airplanes is very soft right
now. You should be able to find a very good deal. Determine what kind of
plane you want and then start the search. The joy is truley in the
journey. You will get a lot of good advise in these groups. Probably
some bad advise too. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Jon Kraus
'79 Mooney 201
4443H @ TYQ

Cecil Chapman wrote:
I'm beginning the process of looking for my own plane and have heard lots of
advice. Most have advised against getting something like a Cherokee 140 and
opt instead for something like a Cessna 172 or a Cherokee 180. Now, most
172 N's that I've flown have a 160 HP engine. It is my understanding that
the Cherokee 140 has a 150 HP engine (about comparable to the engine size of
a 172M). Will I really miss out on the extra 10 hp difference between the
C172N and the Cherokee 140?

Confused....