Howdy Gents,

I once started hours for my ticket, haven't quite completed it. Im looking at finishing up and buying a small aircraft for "backcountry" flying on the east coast. I don't get out to the midwest much, but it might happen, especially with a plane.

Anyhow, heres what I'm looking at. I would like to keep the aircraft price of purchase under $20,000. Preferably around 15. I've been looking at Aeronca, Luscombe, and Taylorcraft airplanes. Really I would like at least two seats up front, which eliminates some of the options I have. I live alone, but I have a small dog. Not sure the dog will come on adventures, but it might happen.

Looking to learn form ya'll what the best airplane would be given the east coast terrain. I wouldn't mind flying up the coast, to the northeast, and down south. Maybe even flying out into the midwest.

I'm not looking to bump my number up beyond 20k, not for my first plane. Im not looking for lots of options, I'm looking for one airplane. I'm quite certain I want a taildragger.

Biggest bang for you buck and not a taildragger might be a tripacer or cessna 150! You can buy those all day long within your price range and they are, or can be, great airplanes! The three you listed are super options as well but if you don’t want a tail dragger they would’nt work. Taildraggers can be pretty fun though...

Good Luck!

CW

Keep browsing Barnstormers as there are Taylotcrafts and Luscombes in your price range. Occassionally you'll find an Aeronca Chief in that price range also. Another plce to check is FB aviation market place. Welcome and Good Luck!!

Just noticed the comment about maybe a Tripacer. Ironically, I was at my local EAA meeting on Thursday evening and a friend mentioned he is selling his nic Tripacer for $21,500 but will take an offer on it since he is wanting to upgrade with a partner. I can forward you his info if truly interested.

One of the best investments I've ever made was paying $17k for my 1946 Cessna 140. It's a pretty stock set up w/ a C-85 and rag wings.
Over the last twelve years I've accrued over 1k hours and earned my private and 2 additional ratings in that plane. Insurance is surprisingly inexpensive for $25k hull coverage and maintenance wise its been really low cost & trouble free. I think they're worth a look if one pops up for sale in your neck of the woods.

Regards,
Ernie

I happen to have a soft spot for Taylorcrafts- mechanically and in terms of flight characteristics mine was ever-faithful, including a 120-hour round trip from Alaska to New England, and plenty of East Coast airspace. However the closer you get to population centers the more you might appreciate having an electrical system, which <$20K Taylorcrafts probably won’t. Sure you can use a handheld for a radio, but not having a transponder (soon ADS-B) can range from a nuisance to a deal-breaker for some flights you might want to make. Also, flying alone as you describe means hand-propping with no-one at the controls will be a standard practice. Perfectly manageable if approached thoughtfully, but you never know what unwelcome attention it might incur: https://pilot-protection-services.aopa. ... d-propping
Sure you can overcome these things, but anymore I think the nonelectric fleet is happiest in the right-hand lane or country roads of society. Out there, a non-electric Taylorcraft can be a joy.
-DP

Considering how much of your resources an airplane will lay claim to beyond the purchase price, it's important to have one that you love. Your heart needs to sing a little when you see your airplane parked on the ramp. If nosedraggers don't do it for you, then reject them out of hand. It doesn't have to make any logical sense...nothing else about owning an airplane does.

good luck

Howdy Gents,

I once started hours for my ticket, haven't quite completed it. Im looking at finishing up and buying a small aircraft for "backcountry" flying on the east coast. I don't get out to the midwest much, but it might happen, especially with a plane.

Anyhow, heres what I'm looking at. I would like to keep the aircraft price of purchase under $20,000. Preferably around 15. I've been looking at Aeronca, Luscombe, and Taylorcraft airplanes. Really I would like at least two seats up front, which eliminates some of the options I have. I live alone, but I have a small dog. Not sure the dog will come on adventures, but it might happen.

Looking to learn form ya'll what the best airplane would be given the east coast terrain. I wouldn't mind flying up the coast, to the northeast, and down south. Maybe even flying out into the midwest.

I'm not looking to bump my number up beyond 20k, not for my first plane. Im not looking for lots of options, I'm looking for one airplane. I'm quite certain I want a taildragger.

Why the repost ?

Yeah, odd repost....

About 7 years ago, I scored my first plane, a metallized Stinson 108-1 for 15k. Fading paint in some areas, 750 hours or so in the 150hp Franklin, mint, ten year old interior. And a 220hp fwf from a Maule on the side.

You'll pay more in fuel burn than the two seat options you listed, but you'll have plenty of space for a passenger,v your dog, and camping gear.

There's a nice looking Pacer on the Spokane Craigslist.... It's been there for a while so I'd bet he'd be tempted with a good offer.
John

If I were starting all over and had your budget, I’d find the best Cessna 150/152 I could find. Relatively inexpensive to maintain, insure, and keep outside if needed. Annuals aren’t bad, and parts are easy to find. Fido can ride along without tearing up fabric. Plus they have a modern good look with that swept tail. If you go the classic tube and fabric taildragger route it gets more complicated by a power of 2.