Submitted by prplrhd on January 28, 2009
Hopefully I am not overstepping any boundaries here as I am not a pilot(yet). However, I would truly appreciate your advice here on a unique opportunity. Eight years ago I started ground school in preparation for obtaining my private pilot's license. Shortly after I started, my mother passed away unexpectedly and from that point until now I've had the usual share of distractions that kept me from pursuing my license again. I have recently started shopping around for a good flight school or flying club nearby to take lessons (taking note of how much the prices have increased since 2000!) As luck would have it, I have the opportunity to acquire a 1969 Piper Cherokee 6 with about 8000 hours on it for what seems to be a very good price. The plane has suffered from neglect over the past 2 years or so. A mechanic says it needs an engine overhaul, new prop and various other repairs. The plane is owned by a company my retired father has a 1/3 interest in and is in the process of liquidating it's assets. Thus, I have perfect knowledge about the seller, the plane, the former owner and intentions so there is no risk here from that standpoint. I basically have two questions: 1) Is this a good plane for a beginner? Since I would be looking at spending several thousand on rental fees to get my license, does it make sense to learn in this plane instead? Is it a difficult plane for a beginner to learn? 2) What are your thoughts/experiences about purchasing a 40 year old plane with 8000 hours in need of some significant repairs? The former owner flew the plane often for business and recreational purposes primarily across the western US. Passengers only, no cargo. Looking on the open market, it appears I can acquire the plane ridiculously below the lowest asking prices I have seen. Family friends are pilots and retired mechanics so I will be able to get high quality advice on what should be repaired/replaced. The plane is getting a routine annual now, and will be flown to another airport for storage so it is safe to operate. What would you think is a reasonable amount to spend on repairing this plane? What concerns might you have about safety, reliability, longevity, etc? Is this just a harebrained idea from some wanna-be pilot? :D Again, apologies if this is a bit much to ask. I figure a forum like this of experts is the best place to get a set of honest opinions. Thanks for your time and patience, your honest responses are greatly appreciated.
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February 17, 2009
You can buy the plane but I would first learn in something a bit less complex. Getting insured for something like a Cherokee Six as a student pilot would be prohibitively expensive if not impossible. I bought a wrecked T-210 and rebuilt it. I had just recently got my high performance sign-off but the insurance just about killed me in cost. And that was in 1980. I am not saying you couldn't learn to fly in it but it might prove to be impossible to solo in it.
January 18, 2011
You need to start flying a very very basic aircraft, something that is slow, has very good handling characteristics and is not going to be a costly venture for you given the ever increasing cost associated with aviation ........................ Think about this, step back from it and take a deep breath ............................... The previous response is right on with the Insurance companies expectations, and they are something to be reckoned with.
February 12, 2011
It's a big step, that's for sure. I had a student of mine buy a Cherokee Six 300 and we got him his private license in it. His insurance required him to get, I believe, at least 20 hrs of dual instruction before he was covered to solo. Of course, this was back in about 1987. From what I remember, he had a few hours in a C172 before getting the Cherokee, but he progressed at about the same pace as my other students who were flying C152/172's. I'd check carefully with your insurance carrier before making a decision. That and have the airplane thoroughly checked out by a good A&P.
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