When It really gets down to it, money isn't an issue. $100-200 here and
there isn't a big deal.
Having wheels that go up and down and the speed that goes with it, is.

If your worried about dollars and worried the cents that goes along with
it, you don't need an airplane let alone a retract.

Owning an airplane is a statement and a way of life for alot of people.

If you think that a retract is in your future, then buy one.
Don't bitch about it will cost you an extra $500 a year.

If you want to stay still legged, thats great, too. There is absolutly
nothing wrong with that.


wrote:
wrote:
: status, In my case, the extra premium for RG runs about $500/yr.
: In other words, the cost of folding the gear is more than offset by the cost
: of the fuel needed to drag it through the air.

Ahh... but those are the *HIDDEN* costs. Fixed ones like insurance and extra
labor on the annual. The *direct* operating costs are lower. That's all I ever look
at when deciding if I'm going to go somewhere. The fixed costs all get cheaper the
more you fly.

Everyone has their own rationalization of why owning is better.

-Cory