hey guys I have a 18k/year allowance for all aircraft expenses from a pension. it increases to adjust to inflation and it will last until I die. what would you guys get to fly occasionally 2 other people, hunt/camp STOL, float capable (not on floats just a idea if i get bored), and be capable of making a trip to colorado or louisiana from time to time. west texas guy here.

Admittedly, I am biased... A Citabria may fit your mission.

What price range do you have in mind for the purchase price?

Edit: I just noticed that you said two others, not two total, so I guess you'll need a 4 place.

cheaper the better, i like maules but i have no idea how much it would cost to keep and how much insurance would be for no time with tailwheel.

i have a cessna 150 at the moment and thats dirt cheap to keep. looking to just upgrade and have fun.

Straight tail 182.

Early 182, Cherokee 235. Cessna 205. 180 horse 172.

Cessna 180!!
(as per the tagline on my posts)

FWIW the first year of ownership of my 1953 C180 I flew about 110 hours and spent about $16,500. Damn, sure seems like a lot. But this included a lot of fixes & tweeks (large & small) getting everything squared away to my liking, a cylinder overhaul, and upgrading to a fresh 88" prop. Also insurance & hangar fees. The second year should be a lot less.

I believe you could do most any 4-place airplane for $18k/year, depending on how many hours you fly. I've kept records for my RV-9, flown an average of about 110 hours/year and have spent on average $12k/year for everything (fuel, upgrades, maintenance, insurance etc.). That average includes one year in which I had to rebuild the engine because of a cylinder failure (I paid a shop to do the complete rebuild because I didn't have the time). It helps a bit that I can do my own maintenance and annuals.

Just one data point.

Greg

Get a copy of "Aviators Bulletin" there's a number of adds for 182's and a 175 with 0-470 there from New Mexico area.

Im surprised i didnt get a

"Just get a maule" reply.

Thanks for all the replies, i have not looked at a c180 only due to the fact in where the hell do you get parts. Are they plentiful or will i have to scrounge around for them.

mpdan89 wrote:Im surprised i didnt get a

"Just get a maule" reply.

Thanks for all the replies, i have not looked at a c180 only due to the fact in where the hell do you get parts. Are they plentiful or will i have to scrounge around for them.

You should be able to insure a maule for $2,500/$100,000 with no tailwheel time. Will get lower as you get more experience.

180 will have more useful load, but commands a disproportionately higher purchase premium.

So, value goes to the Maule, capability to the 180. Pick your poison.

mpdan89 wrote:Im surprised i didnt get a

"Just get a maule" reply.

Give it a minute

I suggest a Maule, unless you are interested in building a plane, in which case a Bearhawk would be just what the doctor ordered

There you are, I trust BCP is living up to your expectations once again

Where at in West Texas?

Does your annual dollar amount include debt service from buying a plane? Or is Santa bringing you a plane and all you have to do is feed it?

Big difference in what keys that will put in your pocket.

Yes debt service to plane too. Santa claus has not been too kind to me for quite some time.

RWM wrote:Where at in West Texas?

Midland

mpdan89 wrote:

RWM wrote:Where at in West Texas?

Midland

I'm a Maule guy in Sterling City. Drop me a line if you ever want to come over and play.

A nice C170 would fit the mission and the budget pretty well it seems to me.

Sounds like you like Maules. I always say: go with what you like.
It seems silly to me to spend as much money as we do on our planes and go with something that doesn't excite you. Heaven knows if I wasn't bonkers excited about 180's it wouldn't make sense for me to own one. Luckily I am!