![\__[Ô]__/](/community/data/avatars/m/12/12009.jpg?1457665956){kind=avatar}
\__[Ô]__/
Pre-takeoff checklist
A little different than the normal "plane for the mission" thread... The goal is a low operating cost plane for a college flying group. We want to get college students flying on a college student budget (i.e. very little money). $100/hr for a plane is prohibitive for most students. So we need an alternative to the typical trainer. I think we're probably looking at something experimental to meet our requirements. We are open to a 'fat ultralight' type LSA.
Our mission is introducing students to flying by providing a plane they can fly with an instructor at a relatively cheap price. Most will likely take a couple flights then move on to another activity. For those interested in learning more, we want to be able to train them for at least a light sport rating in the plane. Once they have a license, we want them to be able to take a friend flying locally and to nearby airports. Long cross countries (>100nm) aren't necessary.
Primary goals are safety and low operating cost. Speed, endurance, range, etc are secondary considerations.
Our purchasing budget is under $25K. Under $20K is MUCH better. We are very open to creative cost saving ideas. We're also a public university that can probably accept tax deductible donations which might open up some acquisition options.
Given our budget and the following criteria, do we have any good options?
must have:
good safety record
at least two seats with full dual controls
ability to carry two 190# people with reasonable amount of fuel
enclosed cockpit (helps convince people of safety)
low fuel usage (low hourly costs)
4 stroke engine
very strong preference:
engine starter (hand propping is probably going to get vetoed)
light sport eligible
runs on auto fuel
looks like a real plane (again, helps convince people of safety)
able to operate comfortably in cold temperature (i.e. midwest winter)
desirable:
simple maintenance
easy transition to something like a 172
equipped for night flying
Bonus points:
can be put on skis
Our mission is introducing students to flying by providing a plane they can fly with an instructor at a relatively cheap price. Most will likely take a couple flights then move on to another activity. For those interested in learning more, we want to be able to train them for at least a light sport rating in the plane. Once they have a license, we want them to be able to take a friend flying locally and to nearby airports. Long cross countries (>100nm) aren't necessary.
Primary goals are safety and low operating cost. Speed, endurance, range, etc are secondary considerations.
Our purchasing budget is under $25K. Under $20K is MUCH better. We are very open to creative cost saving ideas. We're also a public university that can probably accept tax deductible donations which might open up some acquisition options.
Given our budget and the following criteria, do we have any good options?
must have:
good safety record
at least two seats with full dual controls
ability to carry two 190# people with reasonable amount of fuel
enclosed cockpit (helps convince people of safety)
low fuel usage (low hourly costs)
4 stroke engine
very strong preference:
engine starter (hand propping is probably going to get vetoed)
light sport eligible
runs on auto fuel
looks like a real plane (again, helps convince people of safety)
able to operate comfortably in cold temperature (i.e. midwest winter)
desirable:
simple maintenance
easy transition to something like a 172
equipped for night flying
Bonus points:
can be put on skis
Last edited:
We may need the university to sign off on this and hand propping is going to be a tough sell.
