Are You Flying a "Beater?"

"Jay Honeck" wrote
AvWeb is reporting that "an alarming number of aircraft" are in poor
mechanical condition.

Yes - the ones owned by people who really don't know enough to do
their own maintenance, but spend plenty and truly believe their
airplane is in great shape. Sound like anyone you know?

He's an otherwise "normal" individual, yet he seems to take
pleasure in running his engine way over TBO

You mean like Mike Busch?
http://www.avweb.com/news/columns/187037-1.html

and flying around on upholstery that has metal sticking through the mesh.

Since when is upholstery safety critical? Personally, I consider it
the last thing to worry about.

His panel is mostly non-functional

Does he fly IFR? If not, what does he need a panel for?

the paint is long gone, and all plastic parts are badly
cracked and chipped.

See above comment on upholstery.

The worst piece-of-junk planes I've ever seen for sale had new paint
and upholstery - with serious engine and airframe problems. The best
buys out there are planes with lousy paint and upholstery - but
otherwise in good condition. In fact, when you see a plane for sale
with new paint and upholstery, more than likely you're looking at a
polished turd.

With airplanes especially, you can't judge a book by its cover.

Michael