Not saying it's impossible, just... buyer beware The general wisdom is if you can't fly more than 100 hours a year, you're wasting money.
My best friend's father owns a time-share with about 4 other pilots, and is basically able to use the plane at will. We went down to Fun 'n Sun this year and he was able to use it for several other occasions w/o conflict from the other pilots. He pays a low amount for upkeep a month + that of fuel when he uses it. He has read this thread and told me to recommend a time share. So for better or for worse, consider this.
My heartstrings still want a Guards red Cayman S...we'll have to see when the time comes.
if we're talking true dream plane, that'll only happen once I win the lottery (which of course is my destiny) would be a B-17...everytime I see one flying all I can think about is poetry in flight...I'm not sure how practical it would be...but if I were rich enough to own one, I wouldn't be too concerned about being practical, now would I?!?To those who responded with their "dream planes", thanks. Lots of neat stuff out there and honestly, that was what I wanted to see/get a feel of. My heartstrings still want a Guards red Cayman S...we'll have to see when the time comes.
if we're talking true dream plane, that'll only happen once I win the lottery (which of course is my destiny) would be a B-17...everytime I see one flying all I can think about is poetry in flight...I'm not sure how practical it would be...but if I were rich enough to own one, I wouldn't be too concerned about being practical, now would I?!?
This is probably a question asked elsewhere...but since you brought it up...
Its my understanding that sometime during advanced (usually) you are given the opportunity to apply and test for your commercial cert. Is this true? I would assume in addition to that you would reccomend a complex/high power rating, multi-engine rating...and then CFI? ATP??? Just wondering if you can elaborate I guess. Makes alot of sense and I never really thought about that before.
Unless I was rich, they only aircraft I would ever consider buying is citabria or aviat husky. They are cheap enough that they won't break the bank, and they are fun to fly. Aerobatic and cheap. Slow as hell though.
I would never buy a cessna, warrior, or anything like that.
1) you can rent POS's like that, and it'll be cheaper in the long run.
2)My camaro and my corvette both outperform a C172. If I'm gonna pay alot of money for a vehicle, it better outperfrom the average bear by a LARGE margin.
Buying a C172 for recreation is like buying a ford escort for racing. It's just stupid. Driver education courses use ford escorts, and FBO's rent out cessnas.
This is an ignorant statement. Its like saying "I would never buy a POS Harley Davidson or any cruiser motorcycle, because a 10 year old crotch rocket will run circles around it everyday of the week with half the displacement." Different style. Different strokes for different folks. Most people that buy a C172 or a warrior are looking to build time and experience. Some people just have no desire to do aerobatics, or be a fighter pilot, etc. Sure your corvette may "outperform" a C172, except for one thing... It can't FLY. Not to mention you can't drive a straight line from point A to point B cruising at 100 knots. Alot of people with your attitude are the ones who buy more than they are capable of handling and end up killing themselves. C172 is going to be cheap to insure, not true for alot of other higher performance aircraft. Look up insurance costs of a 45K C172 versus a 45K Pitts, and thats if you can even get the Pitts insured with your qualifications/hours. It can be over 10 times the amount. A C172 or a warrior may not be "cool" enough for you, but don't be a d!ck about it.