I am still pondering whether to buy an airplane or continue renting.

Two other options: Flying club and partnership. These give you the
benefits of owning (access, no minimum charges, known maintanance, etc)
and help dilute the disadvantages and costs. You also get to know more
pilots.

Jose
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There are two kinds of people in the world. Those that just want to
know what button to push, and those that want to know what happens when
they push the button.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.