Curt Fennell wrote:
: Actually, I won't be carrying 4 big people. My family is two medium
: size adults and one 5 year old.

If you're not in the mountains, a Cherokee 140 would do that at least for a
few years until the 5 year old gets bigger. A 160 or even better yet a 180 would do
that just fine.

: Older is relative.... perusing the websites, most of the sub-$40k 4
: seaters I've seen close to my age, which is to say pre-1960.

I just don't see what everyone's infatuation with "newer" aircraft is. The
fact of the matter, with the exception of the planes made since the GA revitalization
act, ALL GA planes are old! Does it really matter if it's a '76 or a '66 model? I
don't think so... one's 30 years old, the other's 40 years old. The *condition* of
the plane is what's important. Granted, an older plane has been around longer and has
had more opportunites to be unloved, but really does not intrinsically affect it's
quality IMO.

Now, that said, there are some things to look out for in older planes.
Unusual models can be difficult to find parts for. Some had cantankerous instrument
layouts (e.g. pre-'69 Cherokees didn't have the standard T-layout and instruments are
sorta scattered everywhere). Older has more opportunity for corrosion.

-Cory

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* Cory Papenfuss, Ph.D., PPSEL-IA *
* Electrical Engineering *
* Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University *
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