There is no question that saving money for the unexpected and focusing on basic airworthiness is the prudent thing to do in preparation for your airplane’s first annual inspection. Logically, one should prepare for things like magneto overhauls, starter rebuilds, new engine mounts, and other critical yet unexciting repairs. Buying frivolous and unnecessary modifications makes no sense at all.
But for me, airplane ownership itself is somewhat frivolous and unnecessary. And after all, I’d be a safer pilot if I wasn’t distracted by the absence of cool things like tundra tires and STOL kits. These were some of the justifications I made to myself as I walked into my bank to make a four-figure withdrawal and drove two hours away to pick up my Craigslist find.
