Not quite 10 years ago, I took the plunge into the abyss of airplane ownership. Having a civilian background in a general aviation environment, and possessing a pilot’s license for more than four decades, it seems that airplane ownership would have long ago been part of my repertoire. Finances, career focus, and other life interests had taken priority. Belonging to a South Florida flying club was the closest I had come. Sometimes, just the dream of ownership was more entertaining than reality.
Airplane Buying Tips
Key Takeaways:
- The author's first airplane, a Piper Cherokee Six, initially met family travel needs but proved financially unsustainable due to escalating maintenance costs, leading to its sale.
- Shifting from a high-maintenance family plane, the author sought a "fun" taildragger (Decathlon), but his wife's renewed interest in comfortable shared flights prompted another search.
- After a challenging selection process involving multiple inspections and disappointments, he finally acquired a Piper Arrow that, despite initial issues, now reliably fulfills their current mission for a comfortable two-person aircraft.
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