I presume you are concerned about the cost of flying. One trick I
started after the Katrina aftershocks was to buy energy stocks. That
way, if fuel prices keep going up, many energy share prices will also
rise. If they fall, then you may be compensated with a fall in the
price of 100LL.

This scheme is not without flaws. You have to buy companies with proven
reserves instead of mainly refiners. There's always the concern about
nationalization and foreign corruption, so you need a diverse set of
companies. A couple of diverse possibilities are the ETF 'XLE' and
Vanguard's Energy fund.

Another approach would be to buy gasoline futures but that idea has more
flaws, in my opinion. Southwest Airlines has managed their fuel costs
somewhat this way, but eventually they will run out of low-cost hedges.

Another idea is to re-assess your insurance options. If you (and
others) have confidence in your skills, you might consider dropping the
hull component of your insurance, at least the in-motion part. I
probably wouldn't do this, however, if the airplane represents more than
5% of your net worth.

Finally, have you considered employment at the airport? You could do
anything from man the counter to wash planes. You would still be around
aviation and for each hour you worked, you could probably buy at least
one gallon of fuel!

Hope this helps.

-John T.


Ross wrote:
I am getting close to this event. I was wondering how those that have
already retired keep an airplane. I am fortunate that I have a
moderately priced hangar, reasonable (this is relative) fuel for my
area, and perform owner assisted annuals. But, I am concerned on keeping
the flying going and not feel that I have to let it sit more than I
should. I have always been the sole owner since I purchased it over 10
years ago. Thanks.