Sarina Houston, a blogger at Globalair.com, just posted an article that covers the most important questions to ask before buying your first airplane. Check it out here, then let us know what you think.
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The first question you need to ask yourself when thinking about buying a plane is, why would I pay so much for something that provides so little in return. Kinda like paying $100.00 for a cheese pizza. I like pizza. It tastes good and it fills my belly, but $100.00?? An airplane is not an investment. It is a divestment. At the end of the day you are going to lose a lot of time and money flying very slow. Now, if you have a big bank account, go for it!! If you really don’t have a lot of money to burn, there are many other exciting hobbies that require much less money to participate in.
Pretty much spot on . After your Budget , defining your Mission will help make your choice . Decide WHAT you want to DO with The Airplane BEFORE falling in Love with one . An open cockpit biplane might SEEM like the ultimate flying machine ..but it will limit the weather and when you CAN fly ! AND having your spouse on board with flying helps . Start early educating them, so it’s NOT a big surprise when you drop a Bombshell about your new found interest .
My wife and I have owned several airplanes and gliders over the years. Sarina has nailed it with this list. I like that budget is at the top of the list since it really has some impact on the other seven areas.
When asked for any comments from a first time airplane buyer (usually a low-time pilot) my first warning that it’s easy to buy an airplane, but it’s hard to own one.
Bought and sold my first airplane at 17. 400+ airplanes later,the basics are the same in purchasing an airplane.
As Sarina says, most important factor is budget; What can you really afford with all direct and indirect expenses every month. Airplanes are not cheap!
As to the airplane itself, education. Make a decision on what works best for you and then become completely knowledgeable about that particular models capabilities and cost factors. Know as much as possible about the types maintenance issues and of any specific airplanes background and history.
The most important thing in the purchase is the pre-buy. It MUST be accomplished by a mechanic/shop that knows the type of aircraft very well and can spot any significant (expensive) issues.