On Sat, 3 Apr 2004 08:32:21 -0500, "Kyle Boatright"
wrote:

Hi Kyle,

1) Figure out what your "mission" is, then buy the airplane for that
mission.

Yes, that's the trickiest part! We know that we primarily want to
share the airplane for training purposes (i.e. our instrument ratings)
with the secondary goal being the freedom to go further away and for
longer stretches of time than our FBO allows. I think an IFR 172 fits
the first bill exactly right, but it doesn't fit the second objective
nearly as well.

Considering training expenses, a 100 nm rental-airplane leash may
quickly turn the $100 hamburger into sort of a $7,000 hamburger.

4) Find a good mechanic (get references) who is familiar with the aircraft
type you're looking at. Preferably this mechanic will be at your home
field. Explain to the mechanic that not only are you looking for an
airplane, you're looking for a mechanic. Have that mechanic do your
pre-purchase inspection.

We are very fortunate to have an ATP pilot friend who is also an A&P
willing to help us look at airplanes. Choosing a person who will
ultimately be our regular mechanic is something else, and is on the
list to do before we get serious about any particular airplane.

5) Buy the nicest (i.e. best equipped, properly maintained) airplane you
can afford. It'll be cheaper in the long run than upgrading an airplane
with a bad paint job, used up engine, or ancient avionics.

Excellent advice. Thank you very much!


--
Kay
Student Pilot
email: remove "ns" from "aviationns"









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