Jim Carter wrote:
-----Original Message-----
From: Thomas Borchert ]
Posted At: Saturday, July 21, 2007 6:21 AM
Posted To: rec.aviation.owning
Conversation: Short list wanted - popular 4-seat single engine land
Subject: Short list wanted - popular 4-seat single engine land

Tuno,

...

Since when does "popular" equal "best"?

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)


I wondered when someone would point that out Thomas. Like "popularity
contests" the world over - rarely is the chosen contestant the best for
the role.

Vaughn has already pointed out step number one - define your mission

What Tuno listed...
1000 miles or less
Family of 4
- How big are the kids now?
- How long before you have to move up in size?
IFR capabilities
- Does this mean glass panel or steam gauges to
you?
Southwest states

What still needs to be defined...
What are the short or soft field requirements?
Really, how much load do you plan on carrying?
Any odd sized baggage requirements like skis?
High MEAs mean turbo and oxygen may be required
High wing or low wing (kids looking out the windows?)
What is the price range to purchase and to operate?
How many hours per year?
Are you going to take on a partner or two?
- Partners putting hours on the bird is a good thing
- it dilutes fixed costs
- it keeps the bird from sitting long times
alone
- it lowers buy-in costs
- Partnership can also be a bad thing with the wrong
partner(s)
What do other flyers in the family think?
- they don't have to be pilots; they may be passengers
- but only if they want to go in the bird.


I've been through this pretty much over the past year and have been
seriously looking for the past 4 or 5 months. I've definitely chosen a
bird for my needs and desires and not popularity. Once I find the Navion
I want, I'll have good short and soft field capability, good endurance
with up to 100 gal. of fuel, nice large panel for future needs, nice
roomy interior, good weight carrying capabilities, reasonable service
ceiling for the Eastern half of the US and Canada, reasonable speed, and
lots of engine options when its time for overhaul. Of course, these damn
things are all older than me and good ones are hard to find in my price
range.

Good luck on your search, and don't let popularity make your decision
for you. No matter what you end up with if it isn't something that meets
your needs and makes you happy, you will not use it much no matter how
popular it is.

Kindest regards,
Jim Carter

Politicians fear most an armed, educated electorate.


You can't go wrong with a good Navion :-). Decide if you want to spend
your money now or later and then make your choices. If you find one
with an upgraded engine (IO 520 or IO 550) it will cost significantly
more than one with the E series (205 or 225), but the work will have
been done for you. If you get a 205 or 225 plan on upgrading when the
engine quits or needs overhauling. We had a GO-435 that we bought for
$35,000 and it lasted for a number of years before going boom. We spent
a lot (didn't care to keep track) on the new engine, interior, paint,
panel, etc., but that much work didn't really HAVE to get done. It's a
great plane.

Margy