FINAL UPDATE:
I have ended up with a 1964 M20C. A bit sooner than I expected, but the aircraft fit my budget and was in excellent condition. Couple minor TLC squawks on the pre-buy, got them worked out with the seller, and closed the deal a couple weeks ago. I had it relocated to the airport my CFI operates from last week, and had my first flight in it with my CFI yesterday.
Very pleased and quite excited.
EDIT: Test-flew an M20C on Thursday. Waiting for my bank to greenlight my loan, then gonna have a pre-buy done on it.
EDIT2: My bank has failed me. Despite pulling a credit score of 765, and a credit report with zero delinquencies on three cards over the last ten years, they decided not to loan to me because I've never had a loan before... Nevermind that the loan would be secured against the plane, and is 3/4 the value of the plane, so the bank actually stands to make a profit of I default... Worthless pieces of ****. Soon as my Navy Federal account finishes opening, I'm going to close my Wells Fargo account. They just lost a lifetime customer.
Bit of background: I've just recently obtained my Sport certificate. I plan to go on to full Private Pilot and beyond, in fact I only need to wipe out a couple hours of night-training and hood-work to meet requirements for PP practical. Probably get that done in the next couple months, and look at buying something around January, after taxes come back.
I am looking ahead at the possibility of purchasing a plane for myself. For comparison, the bird I fly right now (renting) is a Tecnam P2002. I absolutely love the way it handles. My only real complaint about it is that it is slow.
Basic mission statement for the plane:
Based on my own research, and the feedback in this thread so far, I am liking the following:
I will update this post with my thoughts on some of the other AC mentioned when I have a chance to research them a bit.
First impression of Grumman Tiger: Might do, might do quite nicely indeed. need to research this one more.
I have ended up with a 1964 M20C. A bit sooner than I expected, but the aircraft fit my budget and was in excellent condition. Couple minor TLC squawks on the pre-buy, got them worked out with the seller, and closed the deal a couple weeks ago. I had it relocated to the airport my CFI operates from last week, and had my first flight in it with my CFI yesterday.
Very pleased and quite excited.
EDIT: Test-flew an M20C on Thursday. Waiting for my bank to greenlight my loan, then gonna have a pre-buy done on it.
EDIT2: My bank has failed me. Despite pulling a credit score of 765, and a credit report with zero delinquencies on three cards over the last ten years, they decided not to loan to me because I've never had a loan before... Nevermind that the loan would be secured against the plane, and is 3/4 the value of the plane, so the bank actually stands to make a profit of I default... Worthless pieces of ****. Soon as my Navy Federal account finishes opening, I'm going to close my Wells Fargo account. They just lost a lifetime customer.
Bit of background: I've just recently obtained my Sport certificate. I plan to go on to full Private Pilot and beyond, in fact I only need to wipe out a couple hours of night-training and hood-work to meet requirements for PP practical. Probably get that done in the next couple months, and look at buying something around January, after taxes come back.
I am looking ahead at the possibility of purchasing a plane for myself. For comparison, the bird I fly right now (renting) is a Tecnam P2002. I absolutely love the way it handles. My only real complaint about it is that it is slow.
Basic mission statement for the plane:
- carry myself and at least one passenger
- anywhere in the state of VA (KRIC or vicinity starting point) in ~90 minutes or less
- using no more fuel than my station wagon (25 MPG on highway) would to make the same two endpoints
- has light and responsive controls
- good pilot visibility towards lift-vector and into turns (high wings need not apply)
- Budget is $30-50k
- faster == better. ideal goal is 150 KTAS cruise
- ability to make IFR approaches, just in case
- up to four pax total capacity, just in case
- CS prop for higher efficiency
- Retracts: see CS prop
- solid initial climb rate so i can get out of places like BCB and CHO without worrying about mountains
- Fuel endurance of 3-4 hours + 30 min reserve is ideal
Based on my own research, and the feedback in this thread so far, I am liking the following:
- Van's RV-4 w/ hartzell prop
Pros:
- Fast cruise (seen reports of 170-180 KTAS. 3 miles a minute? yes please)
- Excellent climb
- (reportedly) light and extremely responsive handling
- fuel economy
- Centerline seating
- Stick
- LH throttle/engine/prop controls
Cons:
- Two pax only
- Fixed gear
- Typically sell at or above the upper boundary of my price range
- Taildragger - gotta find a CFI who can get me up to speed on that
Pros:
- Typical sale price is acceptably within my budget
- Cruise is good
- Fuel consumption is acceptable
- 4 pax
- retracts
- CS prop
- Climb rate could be better
- yoke
- off-center seating
I will update this post with my thoughts on some of the other AC mentioned when I have a chance to research them a bit.
First impression of Grumman Tiger: Might do, might do quite nicely indeed. need to research this one more.
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