The two bit pilot.

[John Baker]

What is the least expensive single engine airplane to purchase, own, and operate?

Suppose you decided to make this passion of ours as cheap as you possibly can, but wanted to remain an aircraft owner. What kind of bird would you buy?

John

 

[tonycondon]

bowers flybabies can be had in airworthy condition for under 10K.

 

[CJones]

bowers flybabies can be had in airworthy condition for under 10K.

After hearing Tony and Matt's stories about their Flybaby trips, I would have to say that the Flybaby is a pretty 'affordable' way to own a plane.

 

[tonycondon]

i suspect pietenpols are in the same price range.

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

What is the least expensive single engine airplane to purchase, own, and operate?

Suppose you decided to make this passion of ours as cheap as you possibly can, but wanted to remain an aircraft owner. What kind of bird would you buy?

John

How many seats to you need?

Ignoring the ultralights for a moment...

Others have mentioned the Flybaby. Other single seat choices would be some of the "3/4 scale J3" like the Preceptor Pup.

Two seat examples would be the Avid Flyer and clones (Kitfox, Merlin GT (which I own), etc.) I liked the Precptor Ultra Pup as well - similar in price but tandem seating.

Then there is the glider thing...

 

[TangoWhiskey]

It's these, unless you want something you can ride in.

 

[dmccormack]

Aeronca Chief (Pre war).

Under 15k, 3-4 GPH (mogas), 65 hp can take two under 80 F, 85 any time.

The Post war used a different wing and is slower and uses more fuel.

Some parts are hard to find, but many can be owner fabricated (look it up).