Flyfishingpilot
Pre-takeoff checklist
I've been looking to buy a plane for the past 3 months. As most recommend, I've defined my "mission", flying around the patch, a few x-country trips (under 600nm) here and there, flying to the Bahamas. 90% of the time, I'll fly alone. I'm 170, she's 105. We'll have about 50lb of luggage so we have a total weight 325, 350 at the most. I've trained on 172 so I'm used that the high wings. I also like looking down.
I've always favored the taildraggers, so at first I looked at 170B (no fabric). I really like the plane's look but the panel is usually basic and I don't care for the gauge lay-out (no six pack). Some of the ealier 172 have newer panel but the plain-vanilla look doesn't do much for me. Another plane that I like is the Varga, though I have concerns about spare parts, etc. Then I look at Cherokee 180 which seems to give you a lot of bang for your buck. Same with the C182...
The only true requirement is IFR so that I can get my ticket.
As you can tell, I'm all over the map. Not a single plane type has really been the "I want THAT!" and I've looked at just about every aircraft made. This buying process seems to be just like boats, It's all a compromise, and I have to decide what I can live with.
Sorry for the rant, it's just seems like the buying process confuses me more and more ....
Anyone else went through the same ordeal? What did you settle on?
I've always favored the taildraggers, so at first I looked at 170B (no fabric). I really like the plane's look but the panel is usually basic and I don't care for the gauge lay-out (no six pack). Some of the ealier 172 have newer panel but the plain-vanilla look doesn't do much for me. Another plane that I like is the Varga, though I have concerns about spare parts, etc. Then I look at Cherokee 180 which seems to give you a lot of bang for your buck. Same with the C182...
The only true requirement is IFR so that I can get my ticket.
As you can tell, I'm all over the map. Not a single plane type has really been the "I want THAT!" and I've looked at just about every aircraft made. This buying process seems to be just like boats, It's all a compromise, and I have to decide what I can live with.
Sorry for the rant, it's just seems like the buying process confuses me more and more ....
Anyone else went through the same ordeal? What did you settle on?
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