The Weiss Family wrote:
: A 172, cherk 180, etc.
: I'm trying to figure out how much renting I have to do before it becomes
: plausible to own.
: Any advice as to insurance, fixed and variable costs, etc.
: Thanks

As posted by a number of others, there are unquantifiable differences between
renting an owning. Someone said, "Renting is for 90 minute local flights and owning
is for trips." That's probably pretty close to accurate. If you never plan on taking
the plane more places than a quick 1-2 hour flight, renting starts make a lot of
sense. If you plan on taking it on longer trips, it's just not an option, from both
logistics and cost. For example, I flew my Cherokee from SW Virginia to SE Minnesota
over easter. Total, direct costs incurred by the 14 hour, ~1200 nm flight, $250
*round trip*. The rest of the costs are roughly fixed so it encourages flying. If it
were renting (and even possible to take such a trip), it'd be $1000 or more... much
more thought necessary to justify it.

My partners and I do things as inexpensively as possible on the plane. I do
the work under supervision of my A&P. Replace things as necessary, but mostly keep a
close eye on everything (maintainance-wise) all the time so if something goes you know
about it beforehand. If you don't do that, relatively minor expenses can add up
quickly due to incidental damage.

For me, owning means I forget about the fixed costs because I've already paid
for them, and just look at the direct costs of flying somewhere... roughly
$15-$20/hour on cargas. In the area bopping around at 45% power... $10-$15/hour.

-Cory
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