I Want My Own Bird

Do yourself a favor, go talk to the new owner at High Tech aviation.

I flew into Hooks after more than a year when I met him. He has done the
hugest 180 on a FBO I have ever seen - from dust bunnies to busy bodies. I
don't know how long it took him, but the place is totally different.

Tell him what you are thinking about doing. He knows a lot about pipers, as
he owns a few. In the meantime, you can rent from him too. His insurance
will be much more, but since you will be nicer to your plane than his
renters, his maintenance costs will be a conservative figure for you. I
assume he gets the planes serviced at the hangar next to him, so you can
find out if that guy is a good AP.

And figure that you will pay much more for fuel when you are not at Hooks.
That place is dirt cheap (besides the resturaunt, that is why I stopped
there).

The posters so far have been about right for budgeting, especially the rainy
day fund.

Two years from now, it could all change.