A new private pilot, who had big dreams but not big money, was contemplating purchasing an older Mooney. He had limited mechanical skills and no concept of the potential cost of maintaining a complex airplane. He just liked the looks of the plane and its performance. Roger that. Many people buy their first aircraft for the same reasons. To his credit, he asked questions and ultimately decided not to purchase an airplane until he had a plan for maintaining it. Good decision.
When you own your own airplane, you get the priceless benefits of flying wherever you want to go, whenever you want to go, but you’re also responsible for the aircraft’s maintenance. Please don’t let that discourage you. In 40 years of flying, I’ve owned seven airplanes — four power planes and three gliders — and being solidly middle-class, I learned very quickly how to minimize my costs and maximize my fun. If you are well heeled and cost is less of a concern, don’t stop reading: Being directly involved in your airplane’s maintenance can contribute to safety, and why pay more just because you can? Here are some of the ways I’ve saved bundles of bucks on owning an airplane. Fasten your seat belts, and let’s fly through them.
