I hope, in a few years time, to be an airplane owner. I'd like to start getting an idea of some of the models that might fit my mission.
There are two missions I want to fill with one plane: a good cross-country commuter for one, and a fun weekend plane for two.
I'd appreciate some suggestions!
For weekend flying:
Tandem seating is a must, I like being on the centerline and being able to see out both sides. I have a strong preference for low or mid-wing, and good visibility. Might try to get some instruction on formation flying. A taildragger would be fun.
For cross-country commuting:
I'm a sucker for clever engineering and doing a lot with a little. So, I'd prefer something with basic systems and materials that maintains sleek, predictable aerodynamics and good handling. Probably looking for a single-engine, fixed gear airplane, unless the retract mechanism is very light and simple.
Since I'll be commuting, I'd like a little speed (TAS of 140+ preferable) and a low operating cost per mile. A low-drag design, probably a taildragger, with a constant speed prop is probably in order.
For those long flights, I'd really like something with a simple but reliable autopilot.
It's not a requirement, but I'd kind of like a basic IFR panel. Not looking to shoot ILS to minimums every trip or play around with ice, but I wouldn't want to get held up by some benign cloud layers. I'm fine with either glass or steam gauges to achieve this.
I'd like some baggage capacity, maybe enough to fit two airline carry-on size bags. My cross-country will be solo, so I don't mind putting something in the passenger seat.
I'd like the plane to be ergonomic and comfortable to fly. Would prefer throttle that can be used from the armrest. I want something with a stick, I'm not yoking around. A side-stick would be really awesome, but I know that limits my options.
There are two missions I want to fill with one plane: a good cross-country commuter for one, and a fun weekend plane for two.
I'd appreciate some suggestions!
For weekend flying:
Tandem seating is a must, I like being on the centerline and being able to see out both sides. I have a strong preference for low or mid-wing, and good visibility. Might try to get some instruction on formation flying. A taildragger would be fun.
For cross-country commuting:
I'm a sucker for clever engineering and doing a lot with a little. So, I'd prefer something with basic systems and materials that maintains sleek, predictable aerodynamics and good handling. Probably looking for a single-engine, fixed gear airplane, unless the retract mechanism is very light and simple.
Since I'll be commuting, I'd like a little speed (TAS of 140+ preferable) and a low operating cost per mile. A low-drag design, probably a taildragger, with a constant speed prop is probably in order.
For those long flights, I'd really like something with a simple but reliable autopilot.
It's not a requirement, but I'd kind of like a basic IFR panel. Not looking to shoot ILS to minimums every trip or play around with ice, but I wouldn't want to get held up by some benign cloud layers. I'm fine with either glass or steam gauges to achieve this.
I'd like some baggage capacity, maybe enough to fit two airline carry-on size bags. My cross-country will be solo, so I don't mind putting something in the passenger seat.
I'd like the plane to be ergonomic and comfortable to fly. Would prefer throttle that can be used from the armrest. I want something with a stick, I'm not yoking around. A side-stick would be really awesome, but I know that limits my options.
