P51P28
Pre-takeoff checklist
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2019
- Messages
- 115
- Display Name
Display name:
ZD
Hi everyone. I'm looking to gain some perspective from outsiders on my current "dilemma".
So, I'm looking to position myself to buy out a Piper Warrior 151 from my father-in-law. This will be my first stab at being an aircraft owner w/o a partner. We've had the aircraft for about 10 years and it's been an absolute delight to fly. All of the maintenance has been done by myself and father-in-law (A&P - IA). We know the aircraft, where its been, and its fits my current/future mission perfectly. It has roughly 3800 hours on the airframe and about 500 hours on the engine. It was the airplane I got my PPL in. Its in fantastic shape for its age and has many years to go. The aircraft is based about 2 hours from where I live and I'm in line to secure a hangar here locally.
My immediate mission is very simple. Visit my parents (50 min flight), visit my in-laws (35 min flight), and local 100 hamburgers. Future wise, my wife and I would like to take it on some trips...maybe. Who knows.
Anyhow, we're always talking about possible upgrades for the Warrior. It has the basic six pack along with a VOR, a couple of older radios and a DME. Nothing fancy. Well, as life progresses, I have plans to get my instrument rating. We've discussed going the 430/530 route, IFD 440, etc. We've also thrown around the idea of getting a digital engine monitor, getting rid of the vacuum pump, upgrading the engine with Bold Warrior 180 STC to battle the summer humidity. List goes on.
Here is the "dilemma." Do I throw a bunch of money at our well loved Warrior or should I plan to upgrade to a different/more capable airplane? Perhaps an Archer? Having an extra 30 horsepower in the Warrior to gain some takeoff performance would be golden but is it worth the $25,000 price tag? Having a nice Avydyne IFD 440 would be nice but is it worth the $14,000 price tag to install in the Warrior? See where I'm going with this?
Do I buy the Warrior and eventually upgrade piece by piece when needed? Or do I plan for the Archer or something of the sort?
Sorry this was a bit long winded but any thoughts/opinions would be greatly appreciated.
So, I'm looking to position myself to buy out a Piper Warrior 151 from my father-in-law. This will be my first stab at being an aircraft owner w/o a partner. We've had the aircraft for about 10 years and it's been an absolute delight to fly. All of the maintenance has been done by myself and father-in-law (A&P - IA). We know the aircraft, where its been, and its fits my current/future mission perfectly. It has roughly 3800 hours on the airframe and about 500 hours on the engine. It was the airplane I got my PPL in. Its in fantastic shape for its age and has many years to go. The aircraft is based about 2 hours from where I live and I'm in line to secure a hangar here locally.
My immediate mission is very simple. Visit my parents (50 min flight), visit my in-laws (35 min flight), and local 100 hamburgers. Future wise, my wife and I would like to take it on some trips...maybe. Who knows.
Anyhow, we're always talking about possible upgrades for the Warrior. It has the basic six pack along with a VOR, a couple of older radios and a DME. Nothing fancy. Well, as life progresses, I have plans to get my instrument rating. We've discussed going the 430/530 route, IFD 440, etc. We've also thrown around the idea of getting a digital engine monitor, getting rid of the vacuum pump, upgrading the engine with Bold Warrior 180 STC to battle the summer humidity. List goes on.
Here is the "dilemma." Do I throw a bunch of money at our well loved Warrior or should I plan to upgrade to a different/more capable airplane? Perhaps an Archer? Having an extra 30 horsepower in the Warrior to gain some takeoff performance would be golden but is it worth the $25,000 price tag? Having a nice Avydyne IFD 440 would be nice but is it worth the $14,000 price tag to install in the Warrior? See where I'm going with this?
Do I buy the Warrior and eventually upgrade piece by piece when needed? Or do I plan for the Archer or something of the sort?
Sorry this was a bit long winded but any thoughts/opinions would be greatly appreciated.
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