Way off topic

[Ross]

Ownership definitely has its merits, but the typical cost savings isn't seen until you fly around 100hrs a year.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Ross

Ownership definitely has its merits, but the typical cost savings isn't seen until you fly around 100hrs a year.

Again, depends entirely what plane you choose and how it is certified. A small Cessna or Piper might cost 30 to 40K to buy, and 2 or 3K per year for maintenance if no major repairs or parts required. But a high quality amateurbuilt like a Vans RV or a Murphy Rebel (like mine) costs next to nothing to maintain and parts are a lot cheaper, too. The initial costs may be higher for an amateurbuilt, but you get a much better plane (newer design and technology) so the total cost of ownership is less in the long run (incl appreciation) for what you get and what you can do with it.

For example, I have been flying my plane for 14 years now, and have not spent more than 2K over that time on parts and maintenance (excludes discretionary upgrades). And in my case, it is worth at least 30K more than I have put into it (incl discretionary upgrades).

Oh, and hangars also appreciate like real estate, so that cost can be very minimal as well. That cost or rental is very dependent on where you live.

100 hours a year is quite a bit actually for a non commercial pilot. Most fly 50 hours or less. But for sure, ownership can still be very cost effective at 50 hours and less. And if less than 25 hours, not sure anyone would even rent you a plane (would need more recurrent training).

Another option that is becoming more popular, too, is fractional ownership.

But your first challenge will be to get your PPL. It's good that you are not underestimating that effort. Too many do, and quit because of their very unrealistic expectations.

Best of luck.

[Dearth]

I have learned throughout the years never to underestimate anything because if you do expect heartache, spending more money than needed and way more paperwork than expected.

As far as flying goes I figure to get my license will spend around 7-11k and for now rental and want to get over a hundred hrs on my licence so if I rent elsewhere they aren't going to be so unwilling to rent but all that takes time and a lot of it looking earliest for licence maybe December if I pass everything then wonder what to do next

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Dearth

I have learned throughout the years never to underestimate anything because if you do expect heartache, spending more money than needed and way more paperwork than expected.

As far as flying goes I figure to get my license will spend around 7-11k and for now rental and want to get over a hundred hrs on my licence so if I rent elsewhere they aren't going to be so unwilling to rent but all that takes time and a lot of it looking earliest for licence maybe December if I pass everything then wonder what to do next

Getting your PPL by Dec may be a little optimistic, unless you are not working and have lots of time available. Most take 6 months or more (1 year is not unusual). Remember, you also have to schedule around weather (winds, low clouds, etc). I think the avg PPL takes 60+ hours and I know some that have taken over 100.

Despite what I said in my previous post, renting initially is good to start off with (I did that, too). It may take a while before you know what type of flying you will want to do (off airport, floats, $100 hamburger flights, etc.)

[Dearth]

Providing I have the money I can actually fly up to 6 days a week as I am a shift worker and I work 4 on and 4 off it is of course dependent on money, weather and plane availability plus the flight school here also trains for northern climates which means mountain flying and unplanned weather events from valley to valley not a lot of flying schools teach that

[Reef Pilot]

Well, good luck. Certainly lots to learn,... and that is a good part of the fun. The PPL is just the license to learn. After many years and hours, you will still be learning and expanding your own limits, and your plane's. I have over 1700 hours now (all non commercial) and most of that is floats and off airport here in the mountains. And I am still learning new things incl about my plane. And of course having great fun, with a great community of pilots and like minded people.

All the best!

[heliman206]

Awesome! It's well worth all the work and effort in the end. I just completed mine about 2 years ago at 71 hours and now working on the commercial. Personally I didn't think it was too bad and I did mine with a family of 5 and cutting back to a part time job while schooling.