Ok, so the max I am going to sink into an aircraft, is 27K. That's what's siting in my checking account right now, and all I plan to spend.
December 1st I am slated to close on a 1/6th share of a Cessna 182RG. 8 people want in, so it's not an ethical issue if I back out.
The cost of the share is $16,500, with a $2,400 a year annual cost, and a $20 an hour dry maintenance fee. This covers all expenses.
In a perfect world, I would own something like a Vans RV6, however I can not afford one.
I like that the 182 has a nice useful load, and that I can go all the way up to comercial license in it if I want to, but I have a very specific reason for getting a PPL. So my wife and I can go on trips, long or short, on the weekends.
If I fly 200 hours a year (I know that's estimating a little high), that's ~ $8,400 difference each year in fuel savings alone for something like an RV6. I can only assume that savings will grow, as gas prices are only going to go up.
I have seen other small 2 seater experimental's on the market within my price range. Here is a few examples:
http://www.barnstormers.com/classified_721374_Long+EZ.html
http://www.barnstormers.com/classified_719558_Sonex+w_+new+paint+and+O_H.html
Those aircraft will meet my mission better then a 182RG (the second one being a fair amount slower). However where I run into concerns, is being the single owner and having something fail. Also the cost of insurance, hanger fees, and all the fixed costs I incur myself.
However if I fly 200 hours a year, owning that outright, saves me $10,800 a year in membership fees and gas.
My gut feel is the 182RG is the smarter purchase, but for some reason, I keep thinking I might be making a mistake.
It's just a lot of money, so I want to make damn sure I make the right choice. What do you all think? Am I crazy for even questioning it?
December 1st I am slated to close on a 1/6th share of a Cessna 182RG. 8 people want in, so it's not an ethical issue if I back out.
The cost of the share is $16,500, with a $2,400 a year annual cost, and a $20 an hour dry maintenance fee. This covers all expenses.
In a perfect world, I would own something like a Vans RV6, however I can not afford one.
I like that the 182 has a nice useful load, and that I can go all the way up to comercial license in it if I want to, but I have a very specific reason for getting a PPL. So my wife and I can go on trips, long or short, on the weekends.
If I fly 200 hours a year (I know that's estimating a little high), that's ~ $8,400 difference each year in fuel savings alone for something like an RV6. I can only assume that savings will grow, as gas prices are only going to go up.
I have seen other small 2 seater experimental's on the market within my price range. Here is a few examples:
http://www.barnstormers.com/classified_721374_Long+EZ.html
http://www.barnstormers.com/classified_719558_Sonex+w_+new+paint+and+O_H.html
Those aircraft will meet my mission better then a 182RG (the second one being a fair amount slower). However where I run into concerns, is being the single owner and having something fail. Also the cost of insurance, hanger fees, and all the fixed costs I incur myself.
However if I fly 200 hours a year, owning that outright, saves me $10,800 a year in membership fees and gas.
My gut feel is the 182RG is the smarter purchase, but for some reason, I keep thinking I might be making a mistake.
It's just a lot of money, so I want to make damn sure I make the right choice. What do you all think? Am I crazy for even questioning it?
