Need Advice - What to check when renting a plane?

wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi All, as new licensed pilot I am looking else where for plane
rentals. As you know that the price is a great concern. For a C152 it
can be from $59/hr (wet) to $90/hr (wet). big differences.

My question is, when you first go to a FBO, what to check when seeing a
plane that you never flew on. How do I know that this plane is
maintained well?! Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Lo


Four things I would do:

Ask to see the maintenance logs for the aircraft in question.
Ask for phone numbers of others who frequently rent there.
Ask for the name and Phone number of the mechanic who does the FBOs
maintenance.
Search the NTSB website for the N number of the plane in question to try and
determine if there has ever been damage serious enough to warrant an NTSB
investigation.
Take one of their instructors or FBO management with you for a hop. Worry
if they hesitate or decline and start sweating...


I'm sure others will have some suggestions as well.