Newly registered here but I'm a long-time reader. I've been flying in training for a couple years now and I'm closing in on completing the private certificate.
I'm entertaining the idea of buying a Cherokee to more conveniently stay current, make farther away weekend escapes (weather permitting), and to eventually expand into the world of IFR.
Understood that if you don't fly ___ hours per year it's cheaper to rent. But, I'll be looking at a no-frills 180 and wont be keeping it at a major field. I've consistently gotten the same info on what that combination should cost, and I'm comfortable with that being a bigger number than renting the trainer for all the other benefits that the trainer can't provide.
I've read the oft-cited Wanttaja book; it's got some great specifics and things to consider - I'm still left wondering though, in a practical sense, how does this really work? Potential planes are spread across the country; even if I limit it to the east coast that's a lot of travel for what could be a 10min look over if it's not as-advertised. How do you know who to even talk to at an unfamiliar field?
Right now, at least as far as the process goes, it seems like I don't even know what I don't know.
I'm entertaining the idea of buying a Cherokee to more conveniently stay current, make farther away weekend escapes (weather permitting), and to eventually expand into the world of IFR.
Understood that if you don't fly ___ hours per year it's cheaper to rent. But, I'll be looking at a no-frills 180 and wont be keeping it at a major field. I've consistently gotten the same info on what that combination should cost, and I'm comfortable with that being a bigger number than renting the trainer for all the other benefits that the trainer can't provide.
I've read the oft-cited Wanttaja book; it's got some great specifics and things to consider - I'm still left wondering though, in a practical sense, how does this really work? Potential planes are spread across the country; even if I limit it to the east coast that's a lot of travel for what could be a 10min look over if it's not as-advertised. How do you know who to even talk to at an unfamiliar field?
Right now, at least as far as the process goes, it seems like I don't even know what I don't know.
