Good "In The Meantime" Airplanes?

[DevDad]

Sarah and I have been discussing the possibility of purchasing an airplane to fly right now, and taking our time with the project. Does anyone have any experience with this type of situation? I would like to find something in the $35-50K range, reasonable cruise speeds, and just an overall fun flier.

So, here's my question: For those of you who have purchased an airplane during or just before building your RV, what did you go for? Or, if you're an airplane ownership "pro", what's a good buy in that price range? 2 or 4 seats doesn't really matter, at this point.

Thanks!
Mike

[Geico266]

For that kinda of money you can buy a flyable, early slow build, RV-6 / 6A, have a ball flying it for a few years, sell it and get your all of your money back.

[Rivethead]

Better to rent IMHO. Lots of issues get taken care of by someone else and you can concentrate on building. Little of the upkeep can be done by you $$$$$ compaired to what you can do with a plane you build.

[DevDad]

Originally Posted by Geico266

For that kinda of money you can buy a flyable, early slow build, RV-6 / 6A, have a ball flying it for a few years, sell it and get your all of your money back.

I had considered this. I had also thought about getting a -4, and flying it for awhile before I even start my project.

The other option would be something like a Grumman or similar. From what I've seen recently, you can get a pretty nice airplane for <$40K, such as this one. I'd imagine that it's relatively simple to get right around what you paid for a $35Kish airplane.

Thoughts?

Mike

[cytoxin]

if you want to go and stay somewhere, the beach for instance plane on renting a minimum of 4 hrs a day.. and then only if its not already rented out.. the scheduling problems are a real pain... if i were gonna buy something for now it would be no less than a 172

[tonyjohnson]

While I am building my 8A I own and fly a 1942 Taylorcraft L2. You really cannot go anywhere in it, and it cruises at 80mph. The L2 stands for "land in 2 hours" because it only has that much endurance with reserve. It sure is fun to fly though.

I belong to a flying club where I rent other airplanes for instrument instruction and travel.

[cjensen]

Reasonable cruise speed, FUN, and seats don't matter...my FIRST choice if you're sticking with an 7A, would be a Grumman Lynx, Yankee/AA1/1A. Quick, fun, low fuel burn, two seats, and can be had for $25k or less.





'Course...you could always learn to fly a tailwheel...

[dreamtime]

Mike,

I've got two sets of preview plans (-8, and -9), have practiced driving rivets with an A&P cousin's tools, read everything I can about experimentals in general and RVs in particular, read this and other builder sites every day, and save my money. I've had to face the reality, though, that it's just not the right time in my career yet to start building. I'm close though.

In the meantime, I just don't like renting flight school trainers. The kids are grown and out of the house. We're basically debt free (except for the house and a college loan for one of the kids). My wife has her own job and we have a financial arrangement that works great for both of us. She more than supports my flying habit. I'm very, very lucky -- never really thought I'd be at this point in my life.

So I found a partner and we bought a nice 1974 Grumman Cheetah for $52,000. It takes more money than I wish it did even with a partner, but it's worth it to have our own plane to fly. The Cheetah is fun to fly, economical to operate, and cheap to insure. I would have bought a used RV, but my partner wanted a certified plane and I couldn't find an RV partnership that worked. On good days, if I squint, I can make myself believe our Grumman is an RV.

Another benefit is that I've come to realize that for me, when I do start building, it has to be about the building and not about getting myself a plane to fly. So I figure that having the Grumman to scratch the flying itch will allow me to take my time and enjoy the build process.

David

[Neal@F14]

Cherokee 140.

Cheap to buy, cheap to fly and maintain. Roomy and comfortable in the front two seats anyway... no rubbing shoulders necessary in the front seats. Rather quiet in the cabin too compared to other small aircraft, sound insulation is above average. Rear seats are only ok for kids or baggage, or the occasional 3rd adult sitting crossways ;-). The heater is powerful and will keep you toasty warm in the winter.

Easy forgiving flying characteristics, maybe too easy. Some say a Cherokee will dull your stick & rudder chops. I probably have to agree somewhat with that, but a Cherokee makes child's play out of gusty crosswind landings. Having 5+ hours worth of fuel capacity on board is great too, and (don't laugh too hard all you RV owners) cruising at 125-135 mph ain't all *that bad*
Especially with tunes from a portable music player piped thru my new PM3000 stereo intercom system.

I've actually owned mine twice. Sold it to pay off some credit card debt and planned on starting to build an RV-7. Bought it back with new paint and interior after the fellow I sold it to perished in a tragic crash of another aircraft. Thinking of selling it again so I can afford to resume my dream of building a -7 but am unsure I want to be without a plane right now.

[Jaypratt]

BUY a C 172 that you hope not to lose $ on when you sell.