The bottom is falling out - airplanes

[74-07]

I, like most people, especially retirees like me, are watching our 401Ks go down faster than a Tripacer with an engine out. I also see members here speculating about the future worth of our beloved RVs. I clearly remember in 2006, helping a friend find a hard-to-find 180 horse, constant speed, STC modified Cessna 172. We searched the U.S. only to find a real beauty practically within earshot of his hangar. He paid top dollar for it, invested in a new interior and avionics and enjoyed it thoroughly for two years. Then, the bottom fell out in 2008. Airplanes, like houses, the stock market and practically every other "investment" tanked. I silently worried about how my buddy was feeling about his purchase. We would meet monthly, after work at one of our hangars and drink beer and generally discuss the world situation. The subject of his Cessna purchase came up and I braced for his answer. He said, "Yeah, I have regrets. I just wish I'd bought an even nicer one." I was obviously surprised and he saw it in my face. He continued, "all those numbers on my statements provide me no enjoyment through these times but that airplane and, the time we spend enjoying the flying and each other's company is priceless."

This too shall pass. Enjoy those RVs even if you have to scale back flying a bit. Just having a beer with a buddy while looking at, talking about and admiring these works of art will make you go home feeling better.

We've always heard that airplanes aren't investments......maybe they are.

[charger81]

Spot on Rob!

[RV7Guy]

In the words of Dave Ramsey, "The only ones that get hurt are those who get off the roller coaster in the middle of the ride."

There will be some that will sell, no doubt and I think the market for planes will flatten out dramatically in the next few months.

I'm really curious as to how it will affect Oshkosh this year.

[wcalvert]

Back to the OP's point .. it's the joy of owning and flying your own plane, even if a little less today, it's still your refuge.

No matter the cost, the smile I get on every takeoff is truly priceless. A longtime dream come true.

Be well

[Jonnyb]

It’s how you look at something that determines it’s worth. The -8 I’m building is not an investment, I’m doing it because I love doing it. My home is not an investment to me, I live in it because I love living in it.
It’s people who see only the cost of something that really miss it’s worth.

[swift12]

I don’t care what my 7 is worth….I’m enjoying building it….can’t take the money with you….can create satisfaction, enjoyment and memories.

[DanH]

Originally Posted by swift12

I don’t care what my 7 is worth….I’m enjoying building it….can’t take the money with you….can create satisfaction, enjoyment and memories.

Yep.

I was finishing my -8 when the markets were tanked circa 2008~2010. If I had taken that $100K and bought in, I'd have an extra $500K today, but lost a million worth of friends.

Originally Posted by RV7Guy

I'm really curious as to how it will affect Oshkosh this year.

Ha! See you at the party!

[uk_figs]

Originally Posted by DanH

Yep.

I was finishing my -8 when the markets were tanked circa 2008~2010. If I had taken that $100K and bought in, I'd have an extra $500K today, but lost a million worth of friends.



Ha! See you at the party!

Same here, same timescale, and I smile each time I am with the -7. I have met so many good people since then that make the investment in time and money literally priceless.
Figs

[Skid]

Originally Posted by DanH

Yep.

I was finishing my -8 when the markets were tanked circa 2008~2010. If I had taken that $100K and bought in, I'd have an extra $500K today, but lost a million worth of friends.



Ha! See you at the party!

I’m with Dan on this. The enjoyment from building/flying my RV and the friends made along the way are priceless.

[plehrke]

Originally Posted by Skid

I’m with Dan on this. The enjoyment from building/flying my RV and the friends made along the way are priceless.

I think that is the very definition of Experimental- Amateur Built.