On Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:35:15 -0700, Cary wrote:

On Jun 23, 12:29 pm, "CareBear" wrote:
Thanks for all the replies. It proved to be interesting reading. Still
haven't decided on continuing to rent or buy. But if I choose to buy, I
"believe" it will be either a Cessna 172 or a Piper Cherokee 180. But the
jury is still out on others. Decisions, decisions, decisions

--
CareBear

My "first time" purchase was a Debonair/F33 Bonanza although I had
been partners in a Cherokee 180 for some years prior to that.

I think it may be worth looking at another option. If there is a
"flying club" in your area, take a look at what they have to offer. I
am not talking about the flying clubs associated with an FBO. I am
talking about one where you become a part owner in the airplane(s),
but the costs are spread across about 15 people per plane. For

We have several flying clubs on our field and they range in size from
3 to 15 members. As a personal opinion I see 15 members as far too
many for one aircraft, but about right for two.

example, I belonged to Flywell Flying Club at KANE for many years
where we owned 3 planes, a C172, C182RG, and a PA-181. This will allow
you to gain experience in another type of plane(s) at much less than
the cost of renting. After more experience in different planes, you

We found the cost per person with 3 members in the 180 to be less than
one third the cost of renting when we were all flying over 100 hours a
year, but when we dropped to about 75 we needed 5 members to keep the
price per hour about the same. Taking on the two new members did
create a jump in the insurance rates but not bad.

may be able to better determine if you want to buy outright and what
plane to buy (with its high expense) or continue with a flying club.

I found I could fly the Debonair, or older F-33 130 hours per year
cheaper than renting a 172 including ALL costs, not just the
variables. That included a progressive maintenance program, insurance,
hangar rent, fuel, oil, and annuals, but did not take into account
what I'd get back after selling the Deb. I had no paymens with
interest. When compairing to renting you have to use all costs, not
just the variable for a realistic comparrison.




Cary
CP-ASMEL/IA
N336TS (DA42)