Any private pilots out here?

[pilot-werx]

For me, time is money an sitting around an airport waiting for the airlines became maddening..... That is why I bought my first plane. Since my business supports it and it makes me money with clients I would not be able o service without it (Canadian bush), I have slowly upgraded to my turbine beaver.... Yeah it only cruises at 150 knots but it beats driving and sure as heck beats delta.....

 

[Boeing]

Dennis, looks like you and I are about the same era. I was in the Marines and started taking the lessons in the base flying club. The aging c-150 was $8.00....I think an instructor was $6. That was '67. [After I got out and started MEL it was an AZTEC for $60 Since then I've been fortunate to have employers pay me to fly their very expensive planes......BE-100's, BE-99's, Falcons, 727's, L-1011's, DC-10's, 757's and now 767's. It's more fun now on the tractor..... But it's been a fun career.

 

[Dennisfly]

Boeing,

You're right. You can read the enthusiasm between the lines based on age and experience. Nothing at all wrong with youth or entusiasm. It's what makes us a great country. You and I are just past it a bit. It has been a great career, but I wouldn't recommend it to a young person given the current state of affairs.

 

[haroldy]

i have 180 on floats that i have had for 20 years and just fly for fun
not looking at the cost has been the greatest experience of a lifetime
I bought a mooney on spec 10 years ago, loved flying it ,but could not take care of 2 aircraft.Mooney was not very expensive considering performance
If you can afford it go ahead ,enjoy it ,thats what life is about..

 

[grsthegreat]

i have a friend that is a pilot for a regional carrier based out of Colorado. he hates his job. he keeps wining that they treat him like a child, and he thinks he can make more money working for home depot...hehe. he actually told me that.

 

[Boeing]

GRS, I've met and flown with a few...VERY FEW, like that. Most of us LOVE our jobs The industry does have a tendency to "take advantage" of the economy. When jobs are scarce they will be the first to threaten bankruptcy unless the crews take a 40% pay cut. (and we usually do) Also, they will furlough with a 10 day notice. The real problem is that most airlines are unionized and have a seniority system which means that you may be the most qualified guy around but if your company shuts down, (Braniff, Eastern, Pan Am, ATA, Pacific Southwest, Southern and many many more) then you will start over as a "probationary Co-pilot" making about $35,000. In that case you may very well make more at Home Depot. The upside is that if things go well and your company expands and gets newer equipment you may work 2 days a week and earn a really good salary. We do have to roll the dice every 6 months with a physical, EKG, FAA observed training (pass/fail) and just general luck as far as equipment failures and weather related accidents. It's not all rosy.
Take care and happy flying.:thumbsup:

 

[PILOON]

Well I have owned over a dozen aircraft from J-3 to C-182s and have an A&P ticket as well.
Owned a radio shop, was a FBO and for a short time a Cessna dealer.

All around the most cost effective aircraft to own IMHO is a Cessna 172.
Very rarely a SB or AWD to comply with.
Annuals are a piece of cake.
Best is any year with a Lycoming rather than a Conentintal as Lyc has higher TBO's.
Probably the lowest costing to buy would be an early square tail contintal powered bird.
Many minor things to consider. Avionics as an example. This can be costly to update and many older radios are just not cost effective to maintain plus often no longer legal to use.
My best advice I can offer from my years in that trade is to take a trusted A&P along for an inspection and have him verify AWD's and SB's B4 any commitment is made.
The rattiest old 172 might be the best deal over the best looking Cardinal RG.
Example; most AC with minimum King avionics will be far better than a factory IFR Cessna avionic equipped same model AC.
Lots of avionics are simple trash.

High wing like cessna eliminates lots of fuel related maintainance. (like pumps etc)
Keep clear of bladder tanks due to AWD's. Same for constant speed props (AWD's)
Cessna landing gear= one big blade spring, not oleos.
Anything RG will cost in maintainance (and insurance)

Hey, pick an AC and send me the specs and I'll advise U to the best I know.

 

[roaf3x]

It must be contagious to be flying planes and running some type of tractor.

I am always amazed by the number of "farmers" who are also pilots for a living.

In response to the original post- I think a flying club has become the only affordable way to still be flying.

I live in CT so a 172 here is still 130.00 an hour after you are deemed worthy.

It is becoming much like Europe and soon we will all be only allowed to mow the
grass at the airport.

Sad but true........

I love to get hoe from trips and use the Kubota.......

I hope the L3200 does not need a type!

Cheers,

RD

 

[roaf3x]

or spell check sorry !!

 

[grsthegreat]

or spell check sorry !!

don't you hate that...you think that its the 21st century....my computer keyboard should automatically correct my typing .....stupid Microsoft