My take on it.. 250 is CHEAP for the Houston area. Hooks is in my
opinion an EXCELLENT GA field with a restaurant, tower, daytime fuel
truck, 24 hour fuel pump access and several schools on field for a
decent sized instructor pool.

I am part of a partnership that is joining into an existing hangar lease
crosstown at EFD, and the small hangars are running $400/mo (but these
hold 2-3 small planes). At Clover/Pearland Regional the rent is running
$350 average for T-hangars that vary from all-metal to "metal sheeting
over wood frame" (boat shed quality)

I can't comment on West Houston or Weiser's prices..

That being said.. for a used midtime $65,000 archer with 75% financing
your 10 year note payment will be balpark $575-600 depending on
interest. $250/mo is cheap for hangar, if you can get it at that price.
I have not priced insurance, but count on $20-25/hr based on current
fuel costs ($200/mo for a 100 hr year), Engine reserve cost I have heard
people say $5-10/hr and that is probably an even broader range.. Direct
operating costs of $40 an hour would probably be very conservative (and
comes out to $320/mo for a 100 hr year).

So far, without insurance, you are looking at $1400/mo in rough
calculations. Are you considering sole ownership? A partnership? The
Houston Chronicle always seems to have a partnership or used a/c
available in the classifieds, section 201 I believe, right after the
trucks and before the boats.

I also want to say Woody Leskal, the developer/owner down at West
Houston has a business where he refurbs older commanche 250's and the
like, and sells 1/3rd share for $33,000. If you keep the plane at IWS he
will even offer to manage the plane/partnership for you (im sure for a
fee.. but it takes some of the hassle out of ownership).

Also, Myplane.com is supposedly offering fractional ownership in the
Houston area, but they have not responded to the single internet inquiry
I made of their local rep.

I apologize if this isn't quite what you are looking for (my numbers are
rough and estimated, not from personal experience)... I'm part of an
experimental build that we hope to have airborne by next summer that
will blow the socks off an Archer class aircraft. Building your own
isn't for everyone, but it may give you a lot more plane for your $$, if
its capable of suiting your needs and situation (family supportive, have
the time, etc).

Good luck, and if you to discuss this or anything else regarding Houston
area aviation issues further, you can reach me at doggtyredATyahooDOTcom.

Dave



Yeah_right wrote:

I really want to make a good decision on this so, I'm giving myself plenty
of time, two years, to get my ducks lined up. I've want either an Archer or
an Arrow with an IFR package.

I've started looking at and pricing hanger space at selected airports in the
Houston area where it'll be based. DWH prices it at $250 a month. Haven't
had a chance to look anywhere else as yet.

I guess what I'm looking for from the board is a breakdown on how much some
of you are paying for loans, insurance, tie-down and upkeep on planes with
similar packages.

Just some financial facts please. Other than the fun factor and the
knowledge that I'll have my own bird to fly whenever I please, I know the
cost of owning a plane is next to impossible to justify.

But I'm a recent empty nester, my source and income is stable, reliable, and
on the increase. I'm fairly young, late 30's, and feel lthat I've paid my
dues to my kid and now it's time I spoil myself.