Finding a plane to learn in

They don't permit training in the Champ, just the 172.

:confused: That's interesting since primary ab initio training is what the Champ was designed to do. Oh well, too bad. If you figure 20 hrs a month, what does your total hourly cost come to?
 
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If the real mission to to traverse the Cascades year round, train in and rent the club 172 and fly it until you can afford a Seneca II. That's the minimum plane with that capability.

The guy you responded to isn't me ... I'm going to start with the club 172 at least, and then go from there.

I can't say how important winter Cascade traversals will be to me. I suspect possibly not so important. However, I believe there's a southern route (along the Columbia, I think) that adds time, but avoids much of the mountains. Not sure on that though.
 
The guy you responded to isn't me ... I'm going to start with the club 172 at least, and then go from there.

I can't say how important winter Cascade traversals will be to me. I suspect possibly not so important. However, I believe there's a southern route (along the Columbia, I think) that adds time, but avoids much of the mountains. Not sure on that though.

The Columbia River route will still likely have icing concerns much of the winter, but as long as you don't need to go IFR, it's not a problem.
 
:confused: That's interesting since primary ab initio training is what the Champ was designed to do. Oh well, too bad. If you figure 20 hrs a month, what does your total hourly cost come to?

Maybe I'll push on it a little then. You never know. I got the distinct impression they were thrilled to potentially have another member so they may be ok with it.

Monthly dues are around $80 (it fluctuates a little) so I'd guess flying 20 hrs a month will run me about $1,120 all-in, so $56/hr.
 
Maybe I'll push on it a little then. You never know. I got the distinct impression they were thrilled to potentially have another member so they may be ok with it.

Monthly dues are around $80 (it fluctuates a little) so I'd guess flying 20 hrs a month will run me about $1,120 all-in, so $56/hr.

Oh, $80 a month is wonderful. Yeah, see if you can start your training in the Champ. It forces you to learn to use the rudder correctly from the very beginning. THIS IS NOT DIFFICULT!!! If you start the first take off with a tailwheel, you'll never learn how to do it wrong. When you have to unlearn something to later learn it correctly, you spend 4 times the money and effort. That knowledge and primacy in training will serve you in every plane you ever get in even if they won't punish you for your sloppiness.

How big is the club? What is the potential of adding a Bonanza or Seneca to the fleet?
 
How big is the club? What is the potential of adding a Bonanza or Seneca to the fleet?

I think there's ten guys in the club.

Couldn't really say on the additional aircraft, but it's something worth keeping in mind as I get involved there.

There's still the Comanche 250 that my CFI owns ... he said he'd be willing to talk partnership after I get my ticket. It's not a six seater, but it's definitely a good plane for anything other than giant family trips. On paper it goes up to 20k ft from what I saw, but I don't know what real world ceilings are for it.
 
The Columbia River route will still likely have icing concerns much of the winter, but as long as you don't need to go IFR, it's not a problem.
Have you ever run the dales in the winter, when there is 3-4 hq different east to west? The Columbia river Gorge isn't known as the wind surfing capital for nothing.
 
I think there's ten guys in the club.

Couldn't really say on the additional aircraft, but it's something worth keeping in mind as I get involved there.

There's still the Comanche 250 that my CFI owns ... he said he'd be willing to talk partnership after I get my ticket. It's not a six seater, but it's definitely a good plane for anything other than giant family trips. On paper it goes up to 20k ft from what I saw, but I don't know what real world ceilings are for it.

PA24s are sweet machines, who cares about the ceiling, you wouldn't want to be that high anyways. I did a ton of piston flying in the PNW, really didn't crack 10k MSL, even crossing the Mt.s
 
I think there's ten guys in the club.

Couldn't really say on the additional aircraft, but it's something worth keeping in mind as I get involved there.

There's still the Comanche 250 that my CFI owns ... he said he'd be willing to talk partnership after I get my ticket. It's not a six seater, but it's definitely a good plane for anything other than giant family trips. On paper it goes up to 20k ft from what I saw, but I don't know what real world ceilings are for it.

I don't know how big your family is, but if you are filling 6 seats, you're eventually going to be in a 421, especially if you have girls. Pressurization and a potty.:lol:;)

Comanche is a fair plane.
 
Have you ever run the dales in the winter, when there is 3-4 hq different east to west? The Columbia river Gorge isn't known as the wind surfing capital for nothing.

No, I only worked the Columbia a summer season.
 
I don't know how big your family is, but if you are filling 6 seats, you're eventually going to be in a 421, especially if you have girls. Pressurization and a potty.:lol:;)

Comanche is a fair plane.

I have five kids. Two girls, three boys. Girls are 18 and 16, Boys are 15, 12, 9

18yr old will hopefully not be super relevant for the conversation much longer, since she'll move out before I buy a plane (knock on wood...)

Not sure how much the others will actually want to fly yet. Once I have my ticket, we'll see who likes to come with Dad and who prefers to stay on the ground.
 
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