Future operating costs - 7 vs 9

tysonb · #1 08-11-2006, 08:28 AM

This is pure speculation that is being fueled by the "panic" media. A what-if of sorts.

I've decided I want a 7 - it seems to be the best all around fit for my mission - fast, fun (yank 'n bank) w/some cross country mixed in.

With what appears to be the never ending rise in fuel costs, I have a nagging concern in the back of my mind that when I finish it the cost of avgas is gonna limit my flying. What if avgas shoots to 7~10$ a gallon? Will I be kicking myself for not building a 9 w/a 135hp? Or will I regret not building the 7 because of the limitations on the 9's airframe (no aero)? As my signature suggests, I've decided 7 - but every morning on the news there is the panic inducing "... fuel prices are on the rise, better top off the tanks..." I know most of it is blown WAY out of proportion and its the media making to stories more "gripping" but there is still that little voice in the back of my head "fuel prices are gonna kill you"

Comments and opinions greatly appreciated - this is probably along the lines of "tools sure are expensive"/"if you can't afford the tools you can't afford the plane" arguments. I can afford to operate it at todays costs, and I'm assuming I'll continue to move up at work and make more money, but I just don't know if my income is going to match my increased cost of flying.

Worst case I guess I could just sit in it making plane noises

Robert M · #2 08-11-2006, 08:48 AM

disclaimer.......I M H O.......

........you will most likely not see THAT much difference in the two aircraft cost wise. Get the plane you want and don't look back! This is a sport/hobby. I gotta believe that most of us do this for fun - you should look at your plane choice the same way.

Planes are expensive. Fuel price increases drive up the costs of everything regardless. If the cost of fuel puts a hamper on the flying you do in a -7 it will do the same for the -9.

I M H O

Low Pass · #3 08-11-2006, 09:13 AM

If you're wanting to keep things at 135hp or so fuel burn rates, then put a breakable wire stop or detent on your throttle and go with any plane you want.

tysonb · #4 08-11-2006, 09:17 AM

The detent on the throttle is a good idea...

I'm gonna go with the 7, I just needed reassurance that my conserns were unfounded... Seeing as this whole flying thing is totaly irrational anyway

cobra · #5 08-11-2006, 09:27 AM

The flying costs depend more on which motor you install than which model you pick- For the most part, except for hard acro, the two planes are so similiar that it does not matter. The longer wings on the 9 just make it a bit more efficient with smaller motors than the 7, but the differences are minimal- just compare the specs for the 160HP motors in each.

If you want to keep your future costs down, consider the alternative motors that can use mogas/ethanol if you desire.

Tandem46 · #6 08-11-2006, 09:28 AM

Tyson,

I have a very accurate fuel flow gage....when I feel like conserving, I just throttle back until I see something that makes me feel better. My -7 will true out between 120-125kts on 4.5-5 gal/hr. Go with the -7.

Dgamble · #7 08-11-2006, 09:38 AM

Fuel is the cheapest thing I put into my RV-6. By the time I've paid insurance, hangar, etc, that is.

grover · #8 08-11-2006, 10:17 AM

this is in the back of my head as well. what will avgas be next year? or next month? fortunately, the word "irrational" has already appeared, and those of us with enough disposable income to contemplate "hobby" aviation are better off than 98% of the rest of the world. to worry about the price of petrol at some indeterminate date is, indeed, irrational.

Paul Thomas · #9 08-11-2006, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobinbasford

Tyson,

I have a very accurate fuel flow gage....when I feel like conserving, I just throttle back until I see something that makes me feel better. My -7 will true out between 120-125kts on 4.5-5 gal/hr. Go with the -7.

Tobin,

What is you engine and prop combo?

Thanks,

Paul

tysonb · #10 08-11-2006, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobinbasford

Tyson,

I have a very accurate fuel flow gage....when I feel like conserving, I just throttle back until I see something that makes me feel better. My -7 will true out between 120-125kts on 4.5-5 gal/hr. Go with the -7.

Thats more what I needed to hear. I like the 3k~4k$ first hour method of thinking - the first hour charge is the fixed cost for the year. After that its just fuel

I can putter around for 5gph and wind it up when I wanna go (which i'm sure will be most of the time)