Buying a plane, but which one?

Question

Looking for some help in what sort of planes I should be looking at, essentially looking at probably a 4 seater, but perhaps 6 depending on pricing. A decent sized cargo area is preferable as it will be used occasionally for my business. Cruise of 125kt+ would be nice but isn't the foremost consideration.

Any ideas, a C172 probably isn't large or fast enough, some of the Mooney range looks interesting but I don't have a clue about other manufacturers offerings. It's obviously a big purchase and I want to examine all options first.

Answer 1

This is not an as easy a question to answer as it may appear!

First, you need to have a maximum price that you can afford in mind and whether you can pay cash or will need to finance a purchase.

Second you need to assess your altitude, weather and airfield requirements. If you're going to be flying out of high elevation airports during the summer (e.g. western US) you probably need a higher performance airplane that is possibly turbocharged. If the weather where you will be flying is often IFR or marginal VFR, then the airplane you buy should probably be well equipped for IFR flying, assuming you have an instrument rating.  If you'll be flying in and out of short fields, you'll need something with reasonable short-field performance.

Third, you need to estimate how often you'll need more than 4 seats or what size cargo area you might require for the items you wish to carry for your business. You might consider sticking with a smaller plane and renting on the occasions where you need more capacity (if such airplanes are available for rent where you live).

Fourth, you need to estimate the average distances you'll be flying. If you need long-range capability to avoid frequent fuel stops, that can be a big consideration. So can an autopilot to help you avoid fatigue.

Fifth, you should compare hourly costs (fuel consumption), maintenance costs, and insurance costs. The larger and more complex an airplane is, the higher the initial purchas price and all these costs will be, and it is not a linear relationship...it's exponential.  

Given the limited requirements that you have listed, I think that the Cessna 182 may be your best all around choice. In low-wing aircraft, the Piper Dakota is roughly equivalent. If you need more seats or a larger cargo area, then look at the Cessna 205 / 206 / 207 series or the Piper Cherokee Six series. A standard Cessna 172 is OK, but it is slower and isn't a true 4-seat airplane in that it won't carry 4 large adults, full fuel, and baggage with any sort of fuel range, plus at high density altitudes it is really only a two-person airplane if you hope to have any safety margin during the summer. A modified 172 with a higher horsepower engine might do the trick (the C-172XP is an example). The Mooney's are fast and efficient, but they have relatively small cabins, while Beechcraft are large and roomy but they are usually more expensive to operate.

Obviously there are lots of choices out there and for the uninitiated, buying an airplane is a very daunting process fraught with pitfalls. I suggest you buy a few books on airplane ownership and / or hire a consultant. In the long run the advice of a good consultant will pay huge dividends and can help you avoid making costly mistakes.

Answer 2

I would consider a C180

Answer 3

I went to school because I wanted the knowledge to build a plane. As a result, I learned that not only would I never build one, I will never own one.

Answer 4

One suggestion I got from a seasoned pilot is to look for something used in the Cessna 182 class. Basically something of a Cadillac of planes, which was probably used by lawyers or doctors. Buying used, those planes end up costing about as much as the cheaper 172, but because they were owned by upper-income types, they should have a lot less abuse in them. A lot of the 172 size planes have a history of being used for flight training, etc. The 182, being variable prop pitch, can also be configured to guzzle as little as 172, and can haul more cargo than you can fit into the baggage compartment (unless you're lugging lead)

Answer 5

Jaz, i suggest a Grob 102

roomy, excellent range, great visibility  and a whole lot cheaper than either the Cessnas (boring).

I think you should check this one out for sure.

Answer 6

John B said it best.  Your question alone indicates you are not a pilot.

Answer 7

A big purchase and you want to examine all options? And you are spending the time doing that on yahoo answers?

Answer 8

Sounds to me your best bet would be a C 182.  130 kt cruise and good payload.

Mooney's are nice and fast, limited payload.

If you can afford it, Cirrus SR20 or 22.  Expect to pay 200K plus.

Answer 9

Check the Conklin & De Decker website. Their database created in1984 compare's all aspects of aircraft ownership including range, speed, initial cost, resale value, and annual maintenance and operational costs.

http://www.conklindd.com/

Secondly purchasing an aircraft is uniquely different that purchasing a car.

You MUST look past the shiny paint!

I highly recommend you have a professional DAR or other independent maintenance representative analyze the aircraft and engine log books!

These permanent records are more important for determining value than paint by far!

You will want them to look for damage history, A.D. & S.B. compliance which is your responsibility as owner operator under FAR91.

I am interested in the jet fuel / Mercedes diesel engine powered aircraft such as the Diamond Aircraft. Very economical with great resale value!!

Epic Aviation also does a 172 diesel conversion as Cessna will soon offer, however the 172 conversions are very slow.

I also respect the crashworthiness and speed of the Mooney's.

You may also want to consider finding a partner to share the ownership experience with or researching a lease back situation as many aircraft often go underutilized which adds to some technical problems. A partner with an A&P / IA certificate is a good option because if your technician / inspector is flying in the same aircraft as you rest assured it is safe. They can also help absorb and defray maintenance costs.

Good luck in your endeavor, here is a link to trade a plane:

http://www.trade-a-plane.com/