Airplane Ownership

I have to second Mitch's recommendations (or rather, lack thereof). Your
first year of ownership can be pretty painful. Even if you don't have any
squawks (unlikely), you'll need nerves of steel to resist fixing things that
the previous owner didn't bother with. That being said, after the first
year or two things usually settle down and, as long as you fly a respectible
number of hours, the costs start to make more sense. However, as Mitch
says, it's very difficult to make it cheaper than renting.

I bought my plane just before starting my instrument rating. I flew enough
hours to make it competitive with renting, but I had a painful annual (not
at all unusual for your first year) and a few bits of random maintenance
which put me over the top. I had to cancel lessons at least two times due
to maintenance: one was a failed tach, the other was an alternator. I also
lost about two weeks upgrading the panel.

My advice, wait 'til you finish your PP-ASEL, decide what kind of flying you
think you'll be doing over the next five years, then choose an airplane
which fits that mission (or keep on renting).

best of luck,
mark

"Mitch" wrote in message
news:x5a5c.23277$m4.16123@okepread03...
I bought a plane with 13 hrs and 1 hr solo. My wife already had a Private
certificate at the time.

I wouldn't recommend it:
- The learning curve is steep.
- It will take more hours to get your license - fixing airplane problems -
flight checks.
- Mechanic shops will take all your money - especially if you are new to
the
business.
- It won't be cheaper than renting.
- insurance is higher for student pilots.

My plane had a good engine and airframe. So far I've upgraded radios
twice,
generator to Alternator, fuses to breakers,...

I was an hour drive from any rentals and I wanted to fly, so I paid the
extra cost.

Mitch



"Shirley" wrote in message
...
Anyone here buy their own airplane to do their training in before being
licensed? I am a glider pilot transitioning to power. Any
suggestions/recommendations, advice, cautions? Thanks in advance.