sounds like either the 182 fixed gear.. or a Dakota or older Piper 235C or D

the kids will grow.. and out grow a 172

BT

"Bill" wrote in message
...
Hello

I am looking at a small airplane for recreational "Sunday afternoon
local area" flying and also for the once-a-month weekend 500 NM trip
to my hometown. I need to carry me, my wife, two kids, plus baggage
for said occupants. I also would like to own and airplane and not
rent. Done that, dont want to anymore. Would rather spend a little
more in the long run for "my own airplane" versus having to call ACME
FBO and trying to get on the schedule.

Flying will be done in dry climate, always day and VFR, and no
mountainous terrain.

I am an ATP/CFII with about 4000 hrs TT and maybe 2000 in a variety of
Cessna and Piper airplanes. Current 1st class, currently flying full
time.

I am looking at buying:

Cessna 172
Cessna 182
Piper Cherokee
Piper Dakota

My budget is about $50-75K or below ideally or $100K absolute max,
with the latter putting my wife in a Hyundai, ourselves eating at the
local soup kitchen, and living in an RV park.

I can do a 172 and my wife drive a Tahoe or I can buy a Mooney and we
will use the city bus system. Aren't airplanes great?

What is the "typical" budget needed, annually, to operate the above
airplanes in the manner I want to? Insurance? Fuel? Etc?

Any suggestions on specific year model, etc? Maybe other airplanes?

At some point I would like to teach my wife to fly and our kids to
fly. Bellanca Super Viking is unfortunately out of the question at
this point.

Thanks

Bill