"Larry D. Cosby" lcosby at knology dot net wrote in message
...
What are the real cost of operating a single engine airplane in today's
economy? I've rented planes over the years since I've been a licensed
pilot. (1976) . Would like to own my own, but wife says it cost too much
in maintenance costs to own our own. I'm thinking along the lines of a
Piper 180 of the mid to late 60's. A Cherokee 235 would be great for
hauling the family, but it burns a lot of fuel. 15-17 GPH. Would rather
stay below about 12 gallons an hour. Any ideas?

Unless you fly very often (and perhaps not even then) renting is the
cheapest way to fly. Like you, I would love to own an airplane, but I would
rather spend my flying dollars actually flying.

Vaughn