I need experienced advice and opinions. I work in the oilfield and drive approx 800+\- miles one way to work once a month . I am looking into getting my private pilot license, and I'm thinking my money would be better spent if I applied the 140$ an hour toward the purchase of my first plane instead of rent . I need a plane that will get me there and back with short field capability. It doesn't have to be a speed Demon to beat my 16 hour drive time , I would prefer dependability and control over speed . I have access to a 1400' grass strip near home in mississippi with covered hanger , but for the 14 days at work the plane will be exposed to the elements in New Mexico . Any recommendations for a starter plane would be greatly appreciated . If my thinking is way off base I take constructive criticism well

In all seriousness the main concern I'd have with an 800 mile commute would be weather. There would definitely be times where you'd have to hang at work for a few extra days waiting for things to clear up. As far as training goes, hard to beat a C-150 or Pacer/Tri-Pacer.

Well to be honest it would not be just for work , but that's what I had to tell the wife . Trips to grandmaws and the occasional weekend trip out of town would also factor in as well as just getting my feet off the ground . i was looking at the 150 but I'm a good size guy 6'1" 250 ish . I was afraid me the wife a makeup bag and a shaving kit would have it grunting off the ground not to mention if the daughter decides she likes fly as well .

In that case, pacer or tripacer would serve you well.

I would also consider a 172. I know pacers are great training planes, but you'd really have to sit in one and try it on. I know a few bigger guys that don't fit in them well alone, let alone with a passenger. A 172 would give you more room, longer range, and be more useful when your training is done.

I'd think a Tri-Pacer/Pacer, 172, or Cherokee would fit the bill. Speeds are pretty similar, similar economics. Be realistic about weather though... might still be some driving with any small plane.

800 miles is a long trip. I'd find longer strips on both ends and buy an old Mooney . They're fast, cheap, economical, and like volkswagons, big guys love them. I'd suggest getting real comfortable with flight folowing and flight watch too There will be surprises on long cross countries. Flying a slow plane sounds like a fun way to build time but if you need a 7 hour window instead of 4.5 to pull it off, it's usually even odds you won't get it.

800 road miles. How many direct in the air?

800 in a C150/170/172 or Pacer or old Cherokee is not a commute, it's 8 hours in the air moving, and three fuel stops.

++++++1 on a Mooney E or F, and then you're down to 5 hrs and change and one stop.

Gump

Let me add to what's been said that 1400' grass strips at low elevations are pretty doable for experienced pilots, but for newbies, it's a lot to ask, especially after flying all day to get home. At the other end, you'll be dealing with high elevations and high density altitudes. You didn't say where in NM, but all of NM is pretty high country. As good as 150s and Tripacers might be, they're a lot less usable in the high country in warm weather--or as we used to joke in Laramie, "they taxi fast in the summer".

On commuting between MS and NM, I agree that your biggest issues will be weather related. 800 miles in a 172 is a full day--I do it every year going to OSH and back. Although I have done it totally VFR successfully, it's a lot easier on an IFR flight plan, because often enough, I've run into IMC coming or going or both. In past years when my kids were small, we took our annual vacations via 182, and our 1100 mile trips every year for several years were VFR only once, going. We'd have been there an extra week if we couldn't have come back IFR. In those lengthy cross countries, it's not unusual to run into 3 or 4 weather systems, so planning becomes more difficult, with the real possibility of having to wait out weather overnight. Although in 42 years of flying, I've only had to wait overnight a handful of times, I've certainly had to delay leaving.

The fact is, no matter how we like to deny it, going places by small airplane is always problematic, usually because of weather, but often enough due to some mechanical issue. The old saw, "time to spare, go by air", is realistic.

On buying an airplane to learn in, while many people do successfully purchase an airplane to learn in, my own view is that renting is better, rather than beating your own airplane up as a student. While it may seem that the rental money is going down the drain, you won't have maintenance to contend with--maintenance and airplane ownership in general is expensive, plus hangar/tie down and insurance. Unless you go the experimental route, which will usually save some, you're stuck with high priced parts and professional maintenance--there is only a relatively small list of what a non-aircraft mechanic can do to a certificated airplane. If you do go experimental, and unless you build the airplane yourself, you'll still be paying a professional aircraft mechanic to maintain it, although there are more things you can do yourself, and some pieces and parts are less expensive. The bottom line here is that you really don't save a whole lot by owning rather than renting--and you have to fly a lot of hours per year to break even, due to the fixed expenses.

I don't disagree at all with the idea of a Mooney for traveling--much quicker--but I wouldn't recommend one as a trainer. They're not difficult to fly and frankly a lot of fun, but they're a whole lot less forgiving than 172s or PA28/160s.

Lots to think about, huh?

Cary

Mooney E F G. Super easy to fly, takes little getting used to at first, efficient, easy to maintain, no student would likely have an issue using it for training. The training will also get you past the insurance requirement by the time you solo I think, unless someone has better knowledge of that ball of wax.

As mentioned above, a lot of times, the vfr window has a lot to do with speed for a long trip. A fast plane won't get stuck where a slow poke is going to be catching up on his reading material somewhere along the way to wait out the weather.

The Mooney makes a nice IFR platform as well. People also say they are small...not so. I'm 6'8 and big and it is fine.

You know what they say,... If you have time to spare, go by air.

I'd look at a mid-60's IFR equipped V35. Maybe an "S" or a V35A... Would make an 8 hour trip in 172 more like 4.5 hours... As others have said, you can't go wrong with an older mooney either... You'll need it to be IFR equipped if you want it to be reliable (thinking weather).

Jim

First of all thanks for all the replies. Luckily time is one thing I do have . I work a 2 week on 2 week off schedule so planning around weather wouldn't be a huge issue . I have a little time in a 172 already more under the hood than in the air ,was trading a strong back for flight time at the local airport until the mech.-cfi's wife got in bad health . With that being said I know enough to know I don't know enough , but really enjoyed learning. I figure the process of training and buying a plane will take a couple of years . I just want to make sure the investment I make will suit my needs

What's your budget? A Cherokee 180 is a decent enough load hauler too and costs barely more than the 150hp models. Otherwise; my first airplane was a Mooney C model. There are some serious corrosion problems that can cost you dearly if you're not careful. You want to buy the airplane at the NM end not in Mississippi unless you know for sure that corrosion is not an issue. Make sure that your prospective Mooney is inspected by somebody who knows Mooneys really well. These guys right here really know the airplanes.

http://www.dugosh.com

As far as a budget goes I would like to stay in the 20's but can go as high as mid 30's if I just get really excited and jump in before thinking things through.

Straight tail 182 would be the best bang for your buck!

On your return flights back to NM, I would plan your routes wisely and know what airports have rental cars available incase you encounter weather or mechanical issues. And on your last day off (travel day back to NM), don't wait till the last minute to fly back. Leave first thing in the morning to give yourself plenty of cushion time! Trust me, I know!!

And find a co-worker along the route to help pay for fuel. If you want.

Maule?

Funny, after reading the "Read this before you post a 'which plane is right for me' thread" I delayed doing what you are doing but this thread confirms my suspicion that people enjoy offering advice and relaying their preferences, even if they are repetitive.

I'm reading with interest, even though my first plane requirements are a bit different.

A couple things to note, though. I've done enough research to know an airplane is rarely an economical alternative so pretty much anything except maybe a bad drug habit brought on my gambling. Cost-wise it is pretty hard to beat the airlines for travelling long distances quickly.

At ur budget id look real hard at a Pacer or 170A, ideally with the 0-320, good two seat plane at NM altitudes with large baggage area. At lower altitude you could take the whole family along.

You might be able to find a decent Maule, or early 182 in your price range as well, probly gonna be more $ than the Pacer or 170A though. Any one will satisfy the needs you've specified. Sitting in the NM sun can be hard on fabric, something to consider.

Unless you don't want a taildragger??? the 170A can be had for same or less than a 172, that's a no brainer 170's are way cooler and more fun IMO [emoji13]

Oh yeah, don't fall in love till it's yours, get a thorough pre-buy from a type specific knowledgable mechanic, be prepared to walk away every time!!! Good luck n have fun [emoji12]