Need Advice - What to check when renting a plane?

I was going to respond in detail to this,
then I saw that Jay Beckman had said pretty much everything that I was
going to say.

So - do everything that Jay said.
Then stop worrying and go fly.
FBO aircraft are not falling out of the sky every day.
Checkout instructors are not suicidal nuts who will fly planes held
together with adhesive tape.
You are not an A & E so you can't tell anyway - you have to trust or go
rent a car instead.
Or buy your own plane.

Don't overanalyze this.
Check the books,
Do a decent walkaround
and go fly.

That's my best advice

Tony

--

Tony Roberts
PP-ASEL
VFR OTT
Night
Cessna 172H C-GICE

In article .com,
wrote:

Hi All, as new licensed pilot I am looking else where for plane
rentals. As you know that the price is a great concern. For a C152 it
can be from $59/hr (wet) to $90/hr (wet). big differences.

My question is, when you first go to a FBO, what to check when seeing a
plane that you never flew on. How do I know that this plane is
maintained well?! Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Lo

("tony roberts" wrote)
Don't overanalyze this.
Check the books,
Do a decent walkaround and go fly.


Be polite, but be firm - IT'S YOUR MONEY.

"I would like to see the books, please." Then sit down for 30 minutes and
read them.

YOUR MONEY IS STILL IN YOUR POCKET.

"I would like to talk with three renters and three instructors, please."

YOUR MONEY IS STILL IN YOUR POCKET.

"I need to use the bathroom." No really, you probably have to go by now. g

I've always thought this advise had much merit, when "purchasing" a
($35,000) plane:

- Check out the owner's car. Open the trunk. Open the hood and check the
engine oil and fluid levels. Check out the glovebox for maintenance records.
Etc, etc. Chances are good that if the car is a mess, the plane has been
operated that way, too.

So yes, look over the operation.

Most importantly, look over THREE operations (on three different fields?)
Now, what are the differences. What did you like and dislike about each FBO,
etc.

Also, how about local Flying Clubs?

Call the aiport manager at three local airports. They will tell you what
Flying Clubs are on their field. Google. Some have websites, some do not.
BTW, where will you be flying out of? Someone here might have a
recommendation for you.

Good luck. Keep us posted...


Montblack