5 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Buying My First Airplane

Some aircraft ownership lessons are learned the hard way.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 11:11 AM ET

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As indicated by the flag, airplane ownership inevitably involves learning some lessons the hard way. [Courtesy: Jason McDowell]

Key Takeaways:

Homemade aircraft accessories can lack vital safety features, leading to costly operational errors and unexpected maintenance.
Investing in a quality engine monitor and utilizing a good mechanic to promptly fix minor annoyances significantly enhances safety and the ownership experience.
Don't tolerate inadequate checklists; customize or create effective ones to prevent critical pre-flight errors.
It's acceptable to fly on your own terms and pace, even if it means less adventurous trips or not flying as often as initially imagined.

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As someone who tends to spend several weeks analyzing the purchase of items as mundane as a toaster or blender, I like to think my purchases are relatively well-informed. So it’s a rare state of affairs for me to be caught off guard by a new purchase. Still, looking back on nearly three years of airplane ownership, I can identify a handful of things I wish I had known from the beginning.

1. Beware of homemade parts and accessories.

My airplane’s previous owner was a retired rocket engineer who had it for roughly 40 years. He spent his career working in various facets of aviation and aerospace. His work is literally aboard the Voyager space probes at this very moment.