Ok, so my wife and I are interesting in buying our first airplane.
Like lots of first-time owners, we're looking for low cost of
ownership. Our basic needs a

- radios and transponder (we're under the DC ADIZ)
- carry us two, our 35 lb dog, or an occasional passenger.
- ability to make 2-3 hour trips
- can be stored at a tie down as hangar costs are too high.

I want to go for an IFR one day, so an IFR certification is a very
good thing too if possible.

We're debating on fabric covered wings or metal. I've been told that
fabric wings shouldn't be outside. Then I've been told that with the
new synthetic fabrics and paints, that a tie down is perfectly fine.
If a fabic wing would work outside, I'd prefer that as I also
understand that the cost of ownership is lower.

Anyone have knowledge or experience here that would help?

-Malcolm Teas
JYO