Selling my airplane

[Dan Luke]

I've decided to sell '87D (anyone interested can see it on
rec.aviation.marketplace).

Whether I'll buy another airplane is uncertain, but right now I'm doubtful.
There are just too many negatives associated with owning an airplane in the
Mobile area -- principally hangar and mechanic problems. Most likely I'll go
back to renting from the Flight School, as the local aero club doesn't have
anything more capable than Skyhawks.

For the most part, I've loved having my own airplane, but it looks like soon
I'll be faced with either parking it outdoors or paying $320/mo. for a T
hangar at Fairhope, neither of which is acceptable. Put that together with
the fact that I've been unable to find a mechanic I can really trust, and you
have a situation I just can't enjoy. The FBO monopoly around here keeps fuel
prices high, too, another aggravation.

You folks that have cheap fuel, good mechanics or good hangar deals count your
blessings.

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM

[Peter R.]

On 2/16/2007 9:34:07 AM, "Dan Luke" wrote:

> I've decided to sell '87D (anyone interested can see it on
> rec.aviation.marketplace).

And you just had the interior and exterior redone, no?

An active Angel Flight pilot you were, too. What a loss all the way around.
Sorry for that, Dan.

--
Peter

[Dan Luke]

"Peter R." wrote:

>> I've decided to sell '87D (anyone interested can see it on
>> rec.aviation.marketplace).

> And you just had the interior and exterior redone, no?

Yep. For some reason, I thought having a pretty airplane would make me feel
differently about things. Go figure.

>
> An active Angel Flight pilot you were, too.

I can still do AFs in a rental.


> What a loss all the way around.
> Sorry for that, Dan.

Yeah, it sucks. It's been coming for a year or so. The attitude towards
light GA around here really gets old after a while.

--
Dan
C-172RG at BFM

[xyzzy]

On Feb 16, 10:34 am, "Dan Luke" > wrote:
> I've decided to sell '87D (anyone interested can see it on
> rec.aviation.marketplace).
>
> Whether I'll buy another airplane is uncertain, but right now I'm doubtful.
> There are just too many negatives associated with owning an airplane in the
> Mobile area -- principally hangar and mechanic problems. Most likely I'll go
> back to renting from the Flight School, as the local aero club doesn't have
> anything more capable than Skyhawks.
>
> For the most part, I've loved having my own airplane, but it looks like soon
> I'll be faced with either parking it outdoors or paying $320/mo. for a T
> hangar at Fairhope, neither of which is acceptable. Put that together with
> the fact that I've been unable to find a mechanic I can really trust, and you
> have a situation I just can't enjoy. The FBO monopoly around here keeps fuel
> prices high, too, another aggravation.


Boy you really know how to make a sales pitch :)

[Dan Luke]

"xyzzy" wrote:

>> I've decided to sell '87D (anyone interested can see it on
>> rec.aviation.marketplace).
>>
>> Whether I'll buy another airplane is uncertain, but right now I'm
>> doubtful.
>> There are just too many negatives associated with owning an airplane in
>> the
>> Mobile area -- principally hangar and mechanic problems. Most likely I'll
>> go
>> back to renting from the Flight School, as the local aero club doesn't
>> have
>> anything more capable than Skyhawks.
>>
>> For the most part, I've loved having my own airplane, but it looks like
>> soon
>> I'll be faced with either parking it outdoors or paying $320/mo. for a T
>> hangar at Fairhope, neither of which is acceptable. Put that together
>> with
>> the fact that I've been unable to find a mechanic I can really trust, and
>> you
>> have a situation I just can't enjoy. The FBO monopoly around here keeps
>> fuel
>> prices high, too, another aggravation.
>
>
> Boy you really know how to make a sales pitch :)

Heh!

It's a great airplane. Mobile's just not a great place to be an airplane
owner.

--
Dan
C-172RG at BFM

[xyzzy]

On Feb 16, 1:01 pm, "Dan Luke" > wrote:
> "xyzzy" wrote:
> >> I've decided to sell '87D (anyone interested can see it on
> >> rec.aviation.marketplace).
>
> >> Whether I'll buy another airplane is uncertain, but right now I'm
> >> doubtful.
> >> There are just too many negatives associated with owning an airplane in
> >> the
> >> Mobile area -- principally hangar and mechanic problems. Most likely I'll
> >> go
> >> back to renting from the Flight School, as the local aero club doesn't
> >> have
> >> anything more capable than Skyhawks.
>
> >> For the most part, I've loved having my own airplane, but it looks like
> >> soon
> >> I'll be faced with either parking it outdoors or paying $320/mo. for a T
> >> hangar at Fairhope, neither of which is acceptable. Put that together
> >> with
> >> the fact that I've been unable to find a mechanic I can really trust, and
> >> you
> >> have a situation I just can't enjoy. The FBO monopoly around here keeps
> >> fuel
> >> prices high, too, another aggravation.
>
> > Boy you really know how to make a sales pitch :)
>
> Heh!
>
> It's a great airplane. Mobile's just not a great place to be an airplane
> owner.

Sorry to hear that.

I am a longtime club pilot and often have ownership aspirations.
However one factor against it is a steady drumbeat of emails and
magazine articles from AOPA talking about how bad things have the
potential to get (user fees, airport closings, etc.) if things break
the wrong way politically. I know they want to urge people to action
but in my case it has the opposite effect, making me more gun-shy
about making such a large financial commitment to ownership. I
wonder how many other people it has the same effect on. I have no
idea if it is as dire as AOPA claims but even if it gets half as bad
as they suggest...

I'm not saying this is the only thing stopping me, but it is something
to make an aspiring owner go hmmmmm, maybe I'll just keep renting
until all this stuff settles down.

[Bob Noel]

In article >,
"Dan Luke" > wrote:

[snip]
> For the most part, I've loved having my own airplane, but it looks like soon
> I'll be faced with either parking it outdoors or paying $320/mo. for a T
> hangar

man, I'd love to have a hangar at only $320/month.

Ma$$port raised the hangar rates to over $600/month!


> You folks that have cheap fuel, good mechanics or good hangar deals count
> your
> blessings.

amen

--
Bob Noel
Looking for a sig the
lawyers will hate

[nrp]

>I'd love to have a hangar at only $320/month.

I recently sold my 172M of 31 years. What you coast guys have to put
up with! You can rent my Shell Lake WI hangar (KSSQ) (single, new,
tight, solid, power door etc, and carpeted) for $90/month.

[Dan Luke]

"Bob Noel" wrote:

> only $320/month.
>
AAAAARRRGGHHH!

[Peter R.]

On 2/16/2007 4:07:40 PM, "nrp" wrote:

> You can rent my Shell Lake WI hangar (KSSQ) (single, new,
> tight, solid, power door etc, and carpeted) for $90/month.

Wow.... excuse me while I wipe the drool from my mouth.

I pay $260/month for a mice infested, drafty, manual door that won't close
completely in the winter, never gets plowed, 1960s tin relic in Syracuse, NY.
Well, OK, electricity is included.

--
Peter

[Jay Honeck]

> > You can rent my Shell Lake WI hangar (KSSQ) (single, new,
> > tight, solid, power door etc, and carpeted) for $90/month.
>
> Wow.... excuse me while I wipe the drool from my mouth.

We pay $112 per month for ours. Includes electricity. Go 50 miles
south, and they're just $45 per month, for one that's even nicer.

I can't for the life of me figure out what you guys see in the
coasts...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[B A R R Y]

On 16 Feb 2007 14:43:14 -0800, "Jay Honeck" >
wrote:

>I can't for the life of me figure out what you guys see in the
>coasts...

Scenery, theater, employment, schooling, great restaurants, clubs (the
night and hobby kind), the ocean, mountains, art galleries, rock &
roll, the symphony...

I can see a Broadway show, ON BROADWAY, eat kick-ass Italian food in
Boston with a view of the Old North Church, visit the Yale Art
Gallery, eat scallops and whale watch off Provincetown, and hike in
the Adirondacks near the 1980 Olympic site, see fireworks over the
Statue of Liberty, hear the BSO in Boston OR the Berkshires, or watch
WW1 planes in Rhinebeck, ride Bike New York on my bicycle. I can
drive 10 minutes and mountain bike in 24,000 acres, where I might not
see another person! I could even do several in the same weekend, on a
lark...

I can see the Giants, Rangers, Bruins, Jets, Devils, Mets, Red Sox,
Patriots, Yankees, Phillies, Knicks, Celtics, 76'ers, Nets, Eagles, or
Flyers, catch the Big East or Hockey East championship tournaments,
ans sleep in my own bed after the game.

Tomorrow night, I'll get in a $30 scheduled limo and fly DIRECT to
Iceland for vacation. When I went to Rome, Barcelona, Zurich,
Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Anchorage, Honolulu, or Miami... I flew direct
as well.

Oh, why oh why do I put up with it? It ain't perfect, but it works
for me, even if I can't afford a hangar here. <G>

When I retire, I can sell my home and move to your neighborhood!

[Bob Noel]

In article >,
"Dan Luke" > wrote:

> "Bob Noel" wrote:
>
> > only $320/month.
> >
> AAAAARRRGGHHH!

sorry.

--
Bob Noel
Looking for a sig the
lawyers will hate

[Matt Whiting]

Jay Honeck wrote:

>>>You can rent my Shell Lake WI hangar (KSSQ) (single, new,
>>>tight, solid, power door etc, and carpeted) for $90/month.
>>
>>Wow.... excuse me while I wipe the drool from my mouth.
>
>
> We pay $112 per month for ours. Includes electricity. Go 50 miles
> south, and they're just $45 per month, for one that's even nicer.
>
> I can't for the life of me figure out what you guys see in the
> coasts...

Jobs.

Matt

[Peter R.]

On 2/16/2007 5:43:17 PM, "Jay Honeck" wrote:

> I can't for the life of me figure out what you guys see in the
> coasts...

If only life were so simple that hangar fees dictated where to live.

--
Peter

[Matt Barrow[_3_]]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>> > You can rent my Shell Lake WI hangar (KSSQ) (single, new,
>> > tight, solid, power door etc, and carpeted) for $90/month.
>>
>> Wow.... excuse me while I wipe the drool from my mouth.
>
> We pay $112 per month for ours. Includes electricity. Go 50 miles
> south, and they're just $45 per month, for one that's even nicer.
>
> I can't for the life of me figure out what you guys see in the
> coasts...

Water?

I'm a long way from the coast and I pay $375 a month for our Beech 36, and
we'll pay $475 if we upgrade to a turbine twin.

Matt Barrow

[Matt Barrow[_3_]]

"B A R R Y" > wrote in message
...
> On 16 Feb 2007 14:43:14 -0800, "Jay Honeck" >
> wrote:
>
>>I can't for the life of me figure out what you guys see in the
>>coasts...
>
> Scenery, theater, employment, schooling, great restaurants, clubs (the
> night and hobby kind), the ocean, mountains, art galleries, rock &
> roll, the symphony...
>
> I can see a Broadway show, ON BROADWAY, eat kick-ass Italian food in
> Boston with a view of the Old North Church, visit the Yale Art
> Gallery, eat scallops and whale watch off Provincetown, and hike in
> the Adirondacks near the 1980 Olympic site, see fireworks over the
> Statue of Liberty, hear the BSO in Boston OR the Berkshires, or watch
> WW1 planes in Rhinebeck, ride Bike New York on my bicycle. I can
> drive 10 minutes and mountain bike in 24,000 acres, where I might not
> see another person! I could even do several in the same weekend, on a
> lark...
>
> I can see the Giants, Rangers, Bruins, Jets, Devils, Mets, Red Sox,
> Patriots, Yankees, Phillies, Knicks, Celtics, 76'ers, Nets, Eagles, or
> Flyers, catch the Big East or Hockey East championship tournaments,
> ans sleep in my own bed after the game.
>
> Tomorrow night, I'll get in a $30 scheduled limo and fly DIRECT to
> Iceland for vacation. When I went to Rome, Barcelona, Zurich,
> Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Anchorage, Honolulu, or Miami... I flew direct
> as well.
>
> Oh, why oh why do I put up with it? It ain't perfect, but it works
> for me, even if I can't afford a hangar here. <G>

Whatever floats your boat. :~)

>
> When I retire, I can sell my home and move to your neighborhood!

Oh, so you'll come here and mess us up? :~(

[Matt Barrow[_3_]]

"Peter R." > wrote in message
...
> On 2/16/2007 5:43:17 PM, "Jay Honeck" wrote:
>
>> I can't for the life of me figure out what you guys see in the
>> coasts...
>
> If only life were so simple that hangar fees dictated where to live.
>

It's indicative of more fundamental issues, Peter.

[Peter R.]

On 2/16/2007 8:16:13 PM, "Matt Barrow" wrote:

> It's indicative of more fundamental issues, Peter.

With aviation-related businesses, perhaps.

But my point was that there are certainly other priorities besides the cost
of aviation. Having my three boys grow up in the same city as their extended
family tops my list.

--
Peter

[[email protected]]

On Feb 16, 6:34 am, "Dan Luke" > wrote:
> I've decided to sell '87D (anyone interested can see it on
> rec.aviation.marketplace).
>
> Whether I'll buy another airplane is uncertain, but right now I'm doubtful.
> There are just too many negatives associated with owning an airplane in the
> Mobile area -- principally hangar and mechanic problems. Most likely I'll go
> back to renting from the Flight School, as the local aero club doesn't have
> anything more capable than Skyhawks.
>
> For the most part, I've loved having my own airplane, but it looks like soon
> I'll be faced with either parking it outdoors or paying $320/mo. for a T
> hangar at Fairhope, neither of which is acceptable. Put that together with
> the fact that I've been unable to find a mechanic I can really trust, and you
> have a situation I just can't enjoy. The FBO monopoly around here keeps fuel
> prices high, too, another aggravation.
>
> You folks that have cheap fuel, good mechanics or good hangar deals count your
> blessings.
>
> --
> Dan
> C172RG at BFM

Dan,

Sorry to hear of your predicament. I was sympathetic when I read
about your problem with the black oil after 2 hrs running time, and
your mechanic (whom you had trusted to keep the engine in good shape)
said it was not a problem. Trust me, I know from personal experience
just how bad some A&P's are (not to mention the dishonest ones). It is
actually a tribute to your personal ethics that you have decided to
sell rather than trust your life to someone that might get you killed.
I am lucky since I am an Aerospace Engineer and know pretty much what
is up with my plane (Cessna 177A), and the A&P's can't BS me. Many I
have dealt with have tried, believe me. Just last year, I had some
studs break that hold the #4 cylinder on the engine case. I noticed
something wrong and turned back shortly after takeoff (smart me). To
make a long story short, no damage had been done to the engine yet,
and I was able to fix it for less than $50 in parts (new studs). I did
the work myself and had my IA help me put it back together for about 4
hrs labor charge from him. When I showed my problem to the engine shop
here at the airport where I am based, he immediately said I had to
split the case, yada, yada, yada. About $20,000 in all by the time you
were ready go fly again. That was a year ago and just replacing the
studs has worked fine since the engine is running nicely ever since.
My IA lets me do annuals on the ramp with me doing all the work, and
charges a set fee of $200 for the inspection. Since I try and keep the
plane in airworthy shape, that is usually all that is needed.
If you check around, you can find a good A&P that will work with
you. It is worth it even if you have to fly a couple of hrs to get to
him for annuals or major service. Ask everyone you know about a good
mechanic that will let you work with him. You can eventually find one
if you try. There are good and honest ones (and some awful owners
too!) out there. You could also look at keeping the plane outside
(although, that close to the coast I wouldn't want to) since it is the
humid salt air that does the damage, and a hangar doesn't help with
that.
The Cutlass you have is a sweet plane. Good ones are hard to
find. If you feel you have to go the way of selling, then it shouldn't
be too hard to do.

Regards,
Bud

[Dan Luke]

"Jay Honeck" wrote:
>
> We pay $112 per month for ours. Includes electricity. Go 50 miles
> south, and they're just $45 per month, for one that's even nicer.
>
> I can't for the life of me figure out what you guys see in the
> coasts...

There is no excuse for hangars costing what they do around Mobile; it's got a
cost of living lower than Dubuque, IA.

There is, however, a *reason* hangars cost so much here: monopoly. One
company, with a suspiciously cozy relationship to the Mobile Airport
Authority, has controlled all the hangars and tiedowns at both municipal
airports for years. No new light aircraft hangars or shelters have been built
in decades. The ones destroyed by Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina were not
replaced. The company simply raised the rates on the surviving ones while
continuing to do zero maintenance. The roofs leak, debris litters the ramps,
weeds grow tall from the cracks. My shelter looks like some relic of the
Soviet Union. If I dared to complain, I might find my airplane pulled
outside.

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM

[Matt Barrow[_3_]]

"Peter R." > wrote in message
...
> On 2/16/2007 8:16:13 PM, "Matt Barrow" wrote:
>
>> It's indicative of more fundamental issues, Peter.
>
> With aviation-related businesses, perhaps.
>
> But my point was that there are certainly other priorities besides the
> cost
> of aviation. Having my three boys grow up in the same city as their
> extended
> family tops my list.

Fine.

That's way down on _my_ list (YMMV).

In my (dysfunctional) family, I wanted my kids rather far away. :~)

We just moved after living in Montrose for eight years. It added 1 1/2 hours
to our time getting to/from clients and project sites, but they grew up in a
very livable small town.

Now my wife and I are getting "revenge"; as "empty nesters", we're moving
closer to where our kids moved.

Matt B.

[Jay Honeck]

> But my point was that there are certainly other priorities besides the cost
> of aviation. Having my three boys grow up in the same city as their extended
> family tops my list.

That *was* a downside of moving to Iowa, as our extended family lived
in Wisconsin, a 5.5 hour drive. Fortunately, it's only a 90 minute
flight, so (back when our parents were alive) we visited often.

My point is that with a good internet connection, UPS, and an
airplane, it is now easily possible to live in areas with low crime
and a low cost of living, while still enjoying the benefits of big
cities.

For example, we're flying the kids to St. Louis tomorrow, to hit the
museums, restaurants, etc. It could just as easily be Chicago, Kansas
City, or Minneapolis. With an airplane, you needn't be trapped in 240
minutes of rush-hour traffic every day.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> There is, however, a *reason* hangars cost so much here: monopoly. One
> company, with a suspiciously cozy relationship to the Mobile Airport
> Authority, has controlled all the hangars and tiedowns at both municipal
> airports for years. No new light aircraft hangars or shelters have been built
> in decades. The ones destroyed by Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina were not
> replaced. The company simply raised the rates on the surviving ones while
> continuing to do zero maintenance. The roofs leak, debris litters the ramps,
> weeds grow tall from the cracks. My shelter looks like some relic of the
> Soviet Union. If I dared to complain, I might find my airplane pulled
> outside.

Wow. And I thought Iowa City's government was corrupt!

Your situation makes our single-party rule (Democrats have held every
elected office in Johnson County since 1957) look like a PTA meeting.

Sorry to hear it, Dan. But there are plenty of great places to live
and own an airplane.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[B A R R Y]

On 17 Feb 2007 04:57:39 -0800, "Jay Honeck" >
wrote:

> With an airplane, you needn't be trapped in 240
>minutes of rush-hour traffic every day.

Just as one additional data point, I live in Connecticut and my
"commute" is 2 miles, my wife's is ~10. Neither includes interstate
highway travel, and hers goes through an area wooded enough to not
have cell phone service. Sometimes "the light" on my commute is red,
so I have to stop. <G> Her Jeep is 8 1/2 years old and has ~ 70k on
the clock.

As soon as the ice melts, I'll be back on the bike or walking.

I _know_ what your current commute is, so don't say it! =8^)

[Kevin Clarke]

Jay Honeck wrote:

>
> I can't for the life of me figure out what you guys see in the
> coasts...
> --


Well you can see the ocean for one thing... :^)

We pay $165 for a gang hanger (5 spots) @ KFIT, Fitchburg. Ma. Right now
there are 4 in the house so there is a slot open.

Sorry to hear about your selling Dan. I'm afraid to look at the actual
costs of flying. My cheap-ass errr, thrifty, New England values might
kick in.

KC

[Matt Whiting]

Jay Honeck wrote:

>>But my point was that there are certainly other priorities besides the cost
>>of aviation. Having my three boys grow up in the same city as their extended
>>family tops my list.
>
>
> That *was* a downside of moving to Iowa, as our extended family lived
> in Wisconsin, a 5.5 hour drive. Fortunately, it's only a 90 minute
> flight, so (back when our parents were alive) we visited often.
>
> My point is that with a good internet connection, UPS, and an
> airplane, it is now easily possible to live in areas with low crime
> and a low cost of living, while still enjoying the benefits of big
> cities.

Big cities have benefits? Really?? :-)

I've visited and driven through the midwest many times by car and by
motorcycle. It was fun visiting the Living History farm in Des Moine,
Pioneer Village, and such, but to actually live in the midwest would
bore me to tears. Flat as far as the eye can see. I need mountains to
feel at home and give some visual variety when I'm driving around.

When my wife and I rode our motorcycle across Kansas many years ago, I
literally started to fall asleep! I didn't think that was possible on a
motorcycle, but I started nodding off and we had to pull over.
Booorrriinnngggg.


Matt

[Jay Honeck]

> I _know_ what your current commute is, so don't say it! =8^)

Actually, our home is about 12 minutes from the hotel. We don't live
at the inn, even though it would make perfect economic sense to do
so.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> I've visited and driven through the midwest many times by car and by
> motorcycle. It was fun visiting the Living History farm in Des Moine,
> Pioneer Village, and such, but to actually live in the midwest would
> bore me to tears. Flat as far as the eye can see. I need mountains to
> feel at home and give some visual variety when I'm driving around.

I've never been to either one. I don't find "real" Iowa very
interesting, either, which is why Iowa City is perfect for us. It's
full of wildly different ethnic groups, lots of great restaurants and
shopping, and near enough to the "party Germans" (in Amana) to make me
feel at home. (Being from the Milwaukee area, living in an area with
great beer and German food is important, if bad for me... :-)

25 miles outside of Iowa City is...just more corn. But I don't ever
see it...except from the air.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Matt Whiting]

Jay Honeck wrote:
>>I've visited and driven through the midwest many times by car and by
>>motorcycle. It was fun visiting the Living History farm in Des Moine,
>>Pioneer Village, and such, but to actually live in the midwest would
>>bore me to tears. Flat as far as the eye can see. I need mountains to
>>feel at home and give some visual variety when I'm driving around.
>
>
> I've never been to either one. I don't find "real" Iowa very
> interesting, either, which is why Iowa City is perfect for us. It's
> full of wildly different ethnic groups, lots of great restaurants and
> shopping, and near enough to the "party Germans" (in Amana) to make me
> feel at home. (Being from the Milwaukee area, living in an area with
> great beer and German food is important, if bad for me... :-)
>
> 25 miles outside of Iowa City is...just more corn. But I don't ever
> see it...except from the air.

I'm an outdoors and scenery person, not a museums and arts person, so
cities hold little appeal for me ... other than as places to visit now
and again to remind me of why I live in a very rural area! :-)

Matt

[B A R R Y]

On Fri, 16 Feb 2007 18:15:29 -0700, "Matt Barrow"
> wrote:
>Whatever floats your boat. :~)

A beautiful thing about the USA! <G>

>> When I retire, I can sell my home and move to your neighborhood!
>
>Oh, so you'll come here and mess us up? :~(
>

Never!

I've heard of a Bonanza pilot right in your neighborhood who builds
nice homes. <G>

[Doug Vetter]

Matt Whiting wrote:
> Jobs.

'Tis true.

The only reason why hangars are $45 out in Stixville is because the
average job pays $5/hr and the unemployment rate exceeds the national
average.

No offense to those that choose to live in the middle of the country,
but I'll take our $320 hangar rent and everything Barry said over being
un(der)employed.

-Doug

--
--------------------
Doug Vetter, ATP/CFI

http://www.dvatp.com
--------------------

[Matt Barrow[_3_]]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
ps.com...
>> There is, however, a *reason* hangars cost so much here: monopoly. One
>> company, with a suspiciously cozy relationship to the Mobile Airport
>> Authority, has controlled all the hangars and tiedowns at both municipal
>> airports for years. No new light aircraft hangars or shelters have been
>> built
>> in decades. The ones destroyed by Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina were not
>> replaced. The company simply raised the rates on the surviving ones
>> while
>> continuing to do zero maintenance. The roofs leak, debris litters the
>> ramps,
>> weeds grow tall from the cracks. My shelter looks like some relic of the
>> Soviet Union. If I dared to complain, I might find my airplane pulled
>> outside.
>
> Wow. And I thought Iowa City's government was corrupt!

"Government corruption" is redundant. Regardless of the party involved, the
lure of goodies and freebies is stronger than most peoples ethics and
faux-morals (NOTE: some of the most corrupt people in history were religious
fanatics and clergy).

Even the Amereican Founders incredible efforts for a very limited government
died out when people both inside and outside the government found little or
no penalty for scamming the system.

(If it sounds like I'm a Libertarian/Anarchist, most assuredly I'm not).


> Your situation makes our single-party rule (Democrats have held every
> elected office in Johnson County since 1957) look like a PTA meeting.

My wife and I stopped attening PTA meetings ten or twelve years ago when
they were already screaming fest by the "T" side.

> Sorry to hear it, Dan. But there are plenty of great places to live
> and own an airplane.

Many (most?) of our ancestors moved 6,000 or more miles to find liberty, at
a time when it was hard, dangerous, and they could not really afford the
trip. Today, we won't move a few hundred and many won't even get off their
fat asses at all.

Of course, there is NO instance of a violent takeover in this country, so
just remember when these things are discussed, you're talking about your
beloved "friends and neighbors". These fine folks are called "voters".

[Matt Barrow[_3_]]

"B A R R Y" > wrote in message
...
> On 17 Feb 2007 04:57:39 -0800, "Jay Honeck" >
> wrote:
>
>> With an airplane, you needn't be trapped in 240
>>minutes of rush-hour traffic every day.
>
> Just as one additional data point, I live in Connecticut and my
> "commute" is 2 miles, my wife's is ~10. Neither includes interstate
> highway travel, and hers goes through an area wooded enough to not
> have cell phone service. Sometimes "the light" on my commute is red,
> so I have to stop. <G> Her Jeep is 8 1/2 years old and has ~ 70k on
> the clock.
>
> As soon as the ice melts, I'll be back on the bike or walking.
>
> I _know_ what your current commute is, so don't say it! =8^)

Ugh!! Mine varies -- either 40 feet, or 400 miles.

:~)

[Matt Barrow[_3_]]

"Doug Vetter" > wrote in message
...
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>> Jobs.
>
> 'Tis true.
>
> The only reason why hangars are $45 out in Stixville is because the
> average job pays $5/hr and the unemployment rate exceeds the national
> average.

Funny, I just left Montrose, CO where my hangar was $375 and the pay rates
around there were signigicantly below the national average.

>
> No offense to those that choose to live in the middle of the country, but
> I'll take our $320 hangar rent and everything Barry said over being
> un(der)employed.


Your grasp of economics and politics is a bit slim.

--
Matt Barrow
Performance Homes, LLC

[Matt Barrow[_3_]]

"B A R R Y" > wrote in message
...
> On Fri, 16 Feb 2007 18:15:29 -0700, "Matt Barrow"
> > wrote:
>>Whatever floats your boat. :~)
>
> A beautiful thing about the USA! <G>
>
>>> When I retire, I can sell my home and move to your neighborhood!
>>
>>Oh, so you'll come here and mess us up? :~(
>>
>
> Never!
>
> I've heard of a Bonanza pilot right in your neighborhood who builds
> nice homes. <G>

We've moved (being empty nesters now) , so you can go in screw up that last
place now! :~)

--
Matt Barrow
Performance Homes, LLC

[Jack Allison]

Bummer, sorry to hear you're selling Dan...especially after all the
effort you've put in to create the nicest 172RG I've ever seen. Still,
I can understand the economic side of things that can necessitate a
change. Sucks though.


--
Jack Allison
PP-ASEL-Instrument Airplane

"To become a Jedi knight, you must master a single force. To become
a private pilot you must strive to master four of them"
- Rod Machado

(Remove the obvious from address to reply via e-mail)

[Dan Luke]

"Jack Allison" wrote:

> Bummer, sorry to hear you're selling Dan...especially after all the effort
> you've put in to create the nicest 172RG I've ever seen. Still, I can
> understand the economic side of things that can necessitate a change. Sucks
> though.

I went out and flew the airplane this weekend. I felt like a traitor, like a
guy taking his wife out to dinner, knowing he was about to divorce her.

I didn't realize I'd gotten that sentimental about "Delta."

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM

[Darrel Toepfer]

"Dan Luke" > wrote:

> You folks that have cheap fuel, good mechanics or good hangar deals
> count your blessings.

We do every day... 3R7 ($660 a year, $35 hour labor, currently $3.90 but I
fly on mogas, currently $2.00)

Though I live on the approach to 16 @ 4R7. City council (4R7) just gave
approval to seek funding from the FAA for new jet hanger and 6 to 8 t-
hangers (currently $75 a month). Apparently they are paying 100% of the
costs, with no contributions from the state or locals...

3R7 receives property rental income to the tune of $40k to $60k a month
(hotel, Waffle House, Wendy's, truckstop, bank, used car lot, etc.)...

[Darrel Toepfer]

"Peter R." > wrote:

> Wow.... excuse me while I wipe the drool from my mouth.
>
> I pay $260/month for a mice infested, drafty, manual door that won't
> close completely in the winter, never gets plowed, 1960s tin relic in
> Syracuse, NY. Well, OK, electricity is included.

Hehehe... I have 3mbit DSL connection in mine, powers free, and a webcam
pointed on the plane...

[Peter R.]

On 2/20/2007 11:09:44 AM, Darrel Toepfer wrote:

> Hehehe... I have 3mbit DSL connection in mine, powers free, and a webcam
> pointed on the plane...

That's pretty cool in a "techy" sort-of way, but in all seriousness what is a
camera pointed at your aircraft really telling you?

Yep, it's still there.

Yep, it's still there.

Yep, it's still there...

--
Peter

[Peter R.]

On 2/20/2007 11:00:48 AM, Darrel Toepfer wrote:

> We do every day... 3R7 ($660 a year, $35 hour labor, currently $3.90 but I
> fly on mogas, currently $2.00)

Where is this Shangra-La known as 3R7?

--
Peter

[Darrel Toepfer]

"Peter R." > wrote:

> On 2/20/2007 11:09:44 AM, Darrel Toepfer wrote:
>
>> Hehehe... I have 3mbit DSL connection in mine, powers free, and a
>> webcam pointed on the plane...
>
> That's pretty cool in a "techy" sort-of way, but in all seriousness
> what is a camera pointed at your aircraft really telling you?
>
> Yep, it's still there.
>
> Yep, it's still there.
>
> Yep, it's still there...

Bulb is still lit on the materials I don't want to freeze...

[Darrel Toepfer]

"Peter R." > wrote:
> On 2/20/2007 11:00:48 AM, Darrel Toepfer wrote:
>
>> We do every day... 3R7 ($660 a year, $35 hour labor, currently $3.90
>> but I fly on mogas, currently $2.00)
>
> Where is this Shangra-La known as 3R7?

Jennings, LA... Currently 13/31 is closed due to relighting and new
approach light installation. 8/26 is due for relighting next year with
approach lights being installed. Also has a grass strip 17/35. 2 fuel
providers, one self-serve and the other full service...

Also a ramp to access the Holiday Inn. Every year that site is host to a
good sized Stearman flyin. Last year they didn't allow public access to
the tie down area... Kinda bummed alot of people... Course if you taxi
over in your plane, they can't kick you out... ;-)

KOPL has been selling their 100ll for $3.19 ever since they got their
fuel system last year...

[Jay Honeck]

> KOPL has been selling their 100ll for $3.19 ever since they got their
> fuel system last year...

Damn. We paid $4.67 per gallon at Spirit of St. Louis (KSUS) this
morning. And the price was going up another dime as we left.

You guys that are stuck with rip-off FBOs like that have my deepest
sympathy. Thank God for mogas!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[john smith]

In article . com>,
"Jay Honeck" > wrote:

> You guys that are stuck with rip-off FBOs like that have my deepest
> sympathy. Thank God for mogas!

And just how do you support the FBO's at the airports you visit and
whose courtesy cars you freely use? ;-))

[Jay Honeck]

> And just how do you support the FBO's at the airports you visit and
> whose courtesy cars you freely use? ;-))

I always fill the courtesy car's tank -- and (on trips, like our
weekend flight to St. Louis) I have little choice but to top off
Atlas' tanks with that nasty ol' blue crap.

Trust me -- I buy more avgas annually than I want to, simply because
airports refuse to sell the fuel my engine prefers.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[C J Campbell]

On Fri, 16 Feb 2007 06:34:09 -0800, Dan Luke wrote
(in article >):

> I've decided to sell '87D (anyone interested can see it on
> rec.aviation.marketplace).

I know. I sold my planes off, too. Maybe a partnership might make it
worhwhile.

--
Waddling Eagle
World Famous Flight Instructor