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.
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.