"Omega" wrote in message
news:wrsod.133446$HA.7798@attbi_s01...


: A lot of us can not afford the $100K+ aircraft. Even Taylor is a bit
too
: expensive at $54K. When can we expect to see something in the $15 to
25K
: range?
:
: I will note that I am seeing a lot of used aircraft in that range. I
: gather that the market is a bit depressed still.
:
:
: I gotta ask, what makes it so you cannot "afford it".
:
: What sort of up front, and monthly, budget for this activity do you
have,
: and how much flying fo you plan to do.

It is called a wife who says no damned way!

Face, most of us do not drive $50K+ cars. Yet that seems to be the
starting
point for aircraft. Under $25K is just more "sellable", so to speak.


Yes, but a 25,000 car costs more than a 50,000 airplane. Cars are
expendables, but planes are more like a house. In fact, you can likely
afford a small plane by going cheaper on cars, and eliminating other
hobbies.

The bottom line is that if you can afford to fly the plane based on what
they cost to own and operate, you can likely afford 50,000. If you cannot
afford what it costs to fly it regularly, you were better off renting or
sharing, or something else anyway.

I bought a new plane, and it hasn't really cost me that much more than if I
had been renting it. Mine was a lot more than 50k. Its much like any other
hobby, it costs to play the best, but you can play for less if you really
want to.

The following is not recommended for everyone:

You might want to point out to your wife the difference between needs and
wants. Then point out what you both bought because you and she wanted it,
rather than needed it. This includes almost everything (start with the big
things, and work down to the convenience foods, alcohol, and cigarettes).
It adds up fast. I wanted, and thought we should buy a house half as
valuable as the one we own that was closer to her workplace (I work out of
the house). She wanted one in this neighborhood. The costs of the taxes
and commute are more than double (I don't even count the interest and
principle). My aviation habit is less than this difference. Discussion
over.

In truth, I didn't need to have this discussion, because I am the tightwad
in the family. But whenever the discussion even moves in that direction, I
quickly chime in about how upset I am about how much money WE spend on "all
sorts of things". The female faction retreats without delay.