Re: What Used Plane For First Time Purchase?

About all the suggestions are good. I like a plane with long legs to give more options on fuel stops. You'd think it's easy to get fuel, but I wish I had a dollar for every time I've stopped at an airport and found fuel unavailable due to any number of reasons. Attendant went home early, pump is broken, we ran out, just got a delivery and it has to settle. I've heard them all.

The 172 had a mediocre engine from 1977-1980 known as the H model engine. The problems it had with its cam are reasonably well understood and preventable, as I understand it. These years make for good candidates for the 180 hp conversion. Many already have 50 gallon fuel capacity, which is desirable for the 180 hp engine.

I wouldn't get a pre-1968 172, when the engine was a Continental O-300. I think making TBO without cylinder work isn't as common in that engine.

The PowerFlow Systems exhaust mod seems to bolster climb performance and top speed a bit for the small Lycomings. You might consider that, if you have some dollars left over.

You might also mention where you fly to and from. Weather and terrain influence aircraft choice. I would like two doors or a sliding canopy, if there are four people to load and unload at every stop.

Finally, if I may broaden the topic and give a minor challenge, I'd question whether your premise is a good one. I know I wasn't up to 250-500 mile xc trips when I had so few hours as you, especially with the distractions and demands of family and children in the cockpit. Maybe you already have a plan for getting more experience before taking this valuable cargo with you. Or maybe you live in a part of the country where the weather and terrain are exceptionally benign. Or maybe you're just a lot better than I was. If I may suggest, go to the NTSB website and read as many relevant accident reports as you can to broaden your perspective.

This may be a bit conservative, but I might suggest having N hours in the logbook before venturing N miles from home with passengers. That is, log 300 hours before taking your family 300 nmi away. One could argue for a 2:3 ratio (200 hours for 300 nmi), but I think you get my intent. Your terrain, weather, schedule, airspace, currency and skills should influence this, but these are hard to quantify, so a simple rule has some benefits.

Good luck!

-John


CareBear wrote:
All:

I am still pondering whether to buy an airplane or continue renting. Renting presents a few problems: availability being the main one. I mentioned in a previous post that there was an opportunity to buy a 1980 Beech Sundowner but since then the owner decided not to sell (thanks B A R R Y for the write-up). Here are my thoughts on what I "think" I want to purchase should it be decided to go that route.

I would prefer a plane that had from 180 to 200hp (not ready for complex or retract yet). High wing or low wing doesn't really matter (I trained in a Cessna 152). I will be getting checked out in the Cessna 172 real soon. I plan on using the plane to get IFR certified and keep it 2-4 years.

Mission....I plan on making several local (less than 50nm) and at least 5 xc flights (from 100 to 500nm) per year. I will have the wife and a couple of grandchildren (small in size). Definitely need at least 4 seats. The more roomier the better.

I don't know what brand or model is the safest, best to buy, easiest to handle, less troublesome, etc. One guy told me to get a Cessna 172 only for the 1976 to 1979 models. He didn't offer an explanation as to why only these models. Another guy said get a Piper Warrior.

Frankly, I don't know what to get. As a new pilot (80-100hrs) I am not all familiar with the world of airplanes, so therefore I solicit your advice and opinions.

Almost forgot...would be willing to spend up to $70,000 on the right plane.

Thanks,

.