Quoted:Quoted:Quoted:
If it flies, floats, or fucks.....
... it's cheaper to rent.
Nope.
I own a 177RG and it's far cheaper to own. I've put 63 hours on it since July (5 full months). Lesssee. 63 x $200/HR (local wet rental rate for my type aircraft) = $12,600 (that's roughly 1/3 the cost of my aircraft!)
Yet, I burn and avg of 7 gal per hour at $3.44 per gal or roughly $1500 in gas.
Annuals are about $1000
Tie down is $55 per month
Tips to line guys (always a very good idea) $200 or less per year.
Repairs (who knows) but expect $2K.
Nope, not even close. It's way cheaper to own. And, the wonderful feeling of not having to go through the airport ANAL strip search is worth every fucking penny.
I recently flew from S. Florida to W. Tennessee, to St. Aug Florida, to Sav Georgia, to Cincinnati, Ohio, to Sav to S. FL. Total cost, a few hundred. Played it by ear, came and went as I wanted. It ROCKED! I picked up a new puppy in OH. She rode in the front seat (in a sound insulated crate). What could possibly be better?
Yes, I picked an aircraft with a fuel injected 4 cylinder engine (for economy) and with retractable gear, for some additional speed. I generally cruise at 143Kts or 160MPH at 8GPH long range cruise. Cruise descent gets the fuel burn down to 'bout 5GPH. Overall avg = 7GPH.
Here is the day I flew it home:
http://cujet.com/assets/images/DSCN3091_resize.jpgI've since overhauled the engine, landing gear and interior.
Suggestion: Cessna 182 with low time engine and prop.
Beautiful plane, I've always liked the Cardinals. For what it's worth my Mom (A&P) worked at Cessna for several years fixing problems on the new airplanes right off the production line. She got a lot of flying time in both 172s and 182s, and she says the 182 is twice the airplane the 172 is. If I ever buy a certificated production airplane I'll be looking hard at the 182s.