Hello Everyone,

I've saved and keep saving, so at least my budget is increasing, but I keep wallowing on what I need/want. I have considered everything from a J3 that was priced at 1/3 of my budget, to Mooney's and Debonair. I know someone will say it, just get a 182. Been looking at those too.
I have always loved Maules, if I found one that would work for me within my budget, I'd go buy it. Don't even care if it's a tricycle or taildragger. They both have their pro's and con's, the con of the taildragger is mostly the insurance, I have about 100 hours tailwheel, but not in a Maule.

My mission is vast. Since I went from 12 hours a day, 6 days a week of being in and around aviation to barely being around aviation for the last 3 years, and about 2 years since I have flown anything, I feel out of touch and know I am as rusty as a 1980's pickup truck in Ohio. Whatever I get, I plan on getting as much type specific training from someone who know the aircraft as I can afford.

My mission is also ever evolving. The thing I will do more than anything else is pull whatever I get out of my hangar and fly for an hour or 2 locally, sometimes with a friend. But that is not what I'm buying an airplane to do. My wife and I want to travel with it, we would really like to be able to fly south from North Central WA in the winter. We can make the time to be patient with weather, and be flexible in our destinations. I am not yet instrument rated, but intend to be. Recently we have fallen in love with Southern Mexico, not a short flight in a small aircraft, but broken up into 3 or 4 days if needed would be fine for us, lots to see and do along the way down there. We will probably buy a place there soon. I discovered a cool spot called Taema Airpark just North of Tulum, connected to Puerto Aventuras. We envision retiring there eventually. Right now, we could easily spend 3 months there in the winter and vacation rent it the rest of the year.

I do go on, but there's so few people to BS with about flying out at the airport since COVID-19 has scared everyone off from socializing. So I'll ramble on and you can scroll past if I bore you.

I am flexible, but like to strategize and plan things.

Plan 1. Buy a Pacer and build more hours and skills then sell it. Pro- cheap to buy, fly and insure. Con- It's an old cheap airplane and as a picky A&P, I'll spend as much time tinkering with it as I will flying it, and I really want to fly more than tinker.

Plan 2. Just get a 182. Pros- It will fit my missions pretty well. Cons- They seem to be appreciating in value disproportionately to their condition. They use more fuel at a lower speeds than other options in better condition at the same price.

Plan 3. Get a Mooney. Pro- Fast, fuel efficient, usually equipped with decent avionics in my price range, many examples have low time engines. They also have decent short field and high DA performance if kept light.
cons- I have not been PIC in a complex retractable aircraft, so there's a learning curve. I'm rusty at flying, and would need time to be comfortable with thinking ahead of the aircraft at higher speeds, and it is a PITA to get anything into the back of one, not being able to take the dogs is a deal breaker for my wife.

Plan 4. Buy anything that is cheap and has some life left in it, hope the renter in my hangar can sells her Baron, go halves on a Bonanza with her, buy an Experimental Cub kit and have the best of both worlds. Pros- having the best of both worlds Cons- Having to share an aircraft would complicate me leaving with it for 3 months every winter, but her and her husband have flown extensively in Mexico and Central America, maybe we bring no luggage and make lots of fuel stops and all go. Con's about building, right now it's time. I'm busy as hell with work and starting into some new projects that will expedite my retirement when they pay off. I don't know if I need that distraction, I'd want to be 100% all in of building the aircraft and go at it like a full time job.

I'll be impressed if anyone reads all my ramblings. I hung out with a former co-worker yesterday, a Medevac Heli pilot. We talked aviation for several hours while I was working on a non aviation project in my hangar. Felt good to do that, but he can't speak GA or fixed wing. We talked about issues with the AHRS in a Bell 407 possibly being caused by medical equipment.

If anyone wants an airplane BS session and free lunch in Lake Chelan, look me up.

David

Ain't nothing wrong with a 172 either. The 182 will obviously be the long distance time machine but you've mentioned a lot of different stuff you're thinking about.

akaviator wrote:Ain't nothing wrong with a 172 either. The 182 will obviously be the long distance time machine but you've mentioned a lot of different stuff you're thinking about.

I've only flown a 172 once, it was a total POS belonging to a flight club. I was working at Cub Crafters at the time and flying the employee flying clubs Sport Cub, as well as getting to fly various Carbon Cubs, so I was a bit jaded. Myself and another employee were considering joining the club to have access to a 4 place aircraft. The club loaned it to us for a day to see if we were interested, we ended up not being interested, but it was a total POS that I was sure my wife wouldn't climb into. Maybe I should drive to the nearest 172 for rent (50 miles) and get checked out in it. I've seen it some into Chelan a few times and it looks okay inside and out, and the school that owns it has a good reputation. Hey, that's an idea, maybe I should go get current again in it!

I suppose if I did get a 172, I could possibly rent it out. 3 local guys I know of have gotten, or are working on their private licenses and have to make the 50 mile drive to fly. I may be able to encourage some others to start training in it and rebuild the community a bit at my airport. I feel alone out there. Everyone got old and moved away or died in the last couple years.

Not all Pacers are recreated equal. If you buy one that was recently and well rebuilt, there shouldn't be much that you need to tinker with. Also, at least your money would be in a plane, and if the market continues to go up, your airplane fund for future purchases will appreciate with it. The problem with Pacers is that there are too many STC's, and just because you don't have to tinker with it, doesn't mean you won't want to.

Quis wrote:Not all Pacers are recreated equal. If you buy one that was recently and well rebuilt, there shouldn't be much that you need to tinker with. Also, at least your money would be in a plane, and if the market continues to go up, your airplane fund for future purchases will appreciate with it. The problem with Pacers is that there are too many STC's, and just because you don't have to tinker with it, doesn't mean you won't want to.

Exactly. I flew one around for a summer in AK, and had a deal for hangar space and maintenance for time in another. Both tricycles. Every time I would see either airplane my mind would go straight to what it could be. I used to see nice Pacers all the time, should have bought one then (like 2 years ago) Now, I barely see any, and when I do, they sell the day they are listed.

Good rant! Yes, you are all over the map. A local pilot, we’ll call Bruce, recently sold his RV-4 and has been agonizing about what to buy. All the guys tell him to narrow the search. Cessna 172 Superhawk with the O-360 and constant speed prop would not be a terrible choice for you. Or Bruce. Mooneys. There are several at my field. These folks seemingly never fly for fun. Only to go long distance and when they get back from down south I get to hear how fast they went on so little fuel!

onthegas1 wrote:Good rant! Yes, you are all over the map. A local pilot, we’ll call Bruce, recently sold his RV-4 and has been agonizing about what to buy. All the guys tell him to narrow the search. Cessna 172 Superhawk with the O-360 and constant speed prop would not be a terrible choice for you. Or Bruce. Mooneys. There are several at my field. These folks seemingly never fly for fun. Only to go long distance and when they get back from down south I get to hear how fast they went on so little fuel!

I do like to rant!

Same with the few (maybe just one left) Mooney's, and Bonanzas, and all anything with 2 engines at my field. I see them get taxied over to the guy who does their annuals once a year, and maybe get flown twice a year. I wouldn't feel safe hauling my family or friends somewhere in an aircraft I put 10 hours a year in, and sitting idle isn't good for any machine. I think for me, I would want to fly less if every time I had the urge to fly I needed to check weather and flight plan for 200 miles out and back. Not that I don't do that anyways, but checking NOTAMS and looking at the sky is all that's really needed for some pattern work or a quick lap around the local scenic route.

Okay, looking at some 172's and calling Monday to schedule some time in one. I'm on my way to pick up a kid at the airport in Wenatchee I've been helping/mentoring on his path to professional aviation. He flown 1500 hours this year doing geo survey n a 172, he's picking up his car from beside my hangar and driving to Montana to get his Multi this week. I'll get to talk 172's with someone who's spent a bunch of time in a bunch of them!

I wouldnt buy anything with plans to sell it soon. At least if you have the plane you know you want to keep for 20+ years, its not so bad if you have to fix something. It would definitely be more painful if your fixing some missed AD etc when you know you only bought the plane to sell after your current.

Even with a more complex and more difficult airplane... If it is the right plane and fits the mission, just get it. You'll figure how to fly it. If the Mooney is too quick to keep up with, just fly pull back the power, and dial in your check lists. Youll be fine.

I took 10 years away from flying and just got back into it. Although there will definitely be a little rust, you'll be surprised at how quickly everything comes back. That info is still stored in your brain and muscles somewhere.
Goodluck.

There has been some nice 250 Comanche out there for sale. More room in them compared to a Mooney.

If your adding retractable undercarriage to the equation where would a 182 RG if into the performance curve. It may not be much of a "off strip" airplane but could likely handle an improved grass runway just fine.

I read your whole post.

What I would do in your position? Nothing.

At least not regarding immediate purchase of an airplane. I would instead find a CFII you like, deoxidize your VFR skills, then start working on the IFR ticket. Your eventual primary goal of flying places with your spouse will be easier, safer and less stressful with that IFR knowledge and training aboard.

By the time you pass your check ride, you’ll be sharp as a tack and will have had time to more thoroughly flesh out your mission platform.

Enjoy the ride!

I am right there with you. The current aircraft market has me not diving in deep. I live in the mountains so it narrows things a bit more with a field elevation of 7700' .. It's been from a Rans S7/S20, Maules, Husky's, Scouts, 180/185, 182's and even 206's. The price bumps of aircraft has me even considering Carbon Cubs. At this point I will keep the hunt up but not letting the desire cloud my decision making realizing I don't 'need a plane' . Teaching a bit to keep 'current' if one can say sitting right seat teaching is currency, definitely mental/theory currency while doing IFR work.

I envy those who have a go fast plane and a cub.

IMO, you want a Maule and you won’t be happy with anything else so don’t buy anything else.

There is a sweet straight tail 182 on the Alaska Craigslist right now.

Nevermind I see it now. Nice plane!

whee wrote:IMO, you want a Maule and you won’t be happy with anything else so don’t buy anything else.

There is a sweet straight tail 182 on the Alaska Craigslist right now.

Not sure if this was in response to my post but yeah you are probably right on both instances

The BCP forum and the people on it are awesome! I love the responses to my queries.

As far as not buying an aircraft and getting my instrument rating, it's a little hard for me right now. There is only one instrument training A/C in my area, it's an 80 mile round trip, and has very limited availability and a long waiting list of people who started training and had to stop due to COVID-19 restrictions in our state. Also, the belief in our county is that we somehow pissed off the governor, and the additional restrictions and enforcement in Chelan County make any plans for something like one on one instruction hard. It may be a stop and go with weeks of waiting between instruction. I'm not wasting money on that, I am a deep dive get it done learner.

So, new plan. I am following the suggestion of the above commenter who recommended a 172, if I find one that will work. I talked to a few friends, and friends of friends last night at a little get together at our wives favorite winery. If the other few guys come through (and I'm sure they can afford it) I am seeking out an IFR 172 to partner with them in, or buy outright and sell some chunks of block time to defer my costs. Since I am an A&P and have an hangar/shop, I can maintain it. I was talking to AOPA about flying club formation pre-pandemic, and that got put on hold, especially after Les Smith retired at the beginning of new world we are suddenly living in. I am following up with his replacement soon and will decide if club, or rental suits us best.

There is a great CFII in the area, and also a UPS pilot who was instructing on his days off. There is also a kid I have been mentoring/helping start his career who has logged 1500 hours doing survey work in a 172 this year. He may get his CFI ticket to make some side money since his job is usually 2 weeks on, 2 off.

I want an aviation community at my airport, not having one is a good path to losing the airport someday. We need to replace the 80 year old who moved away or died with 40 to 60 year olds who have time and money, and hopefully will help create opportunities for the young ones with an interest.

Two of you said "If it's a Maule I want, nothing else will do, just get a Maule" That's what my wife says too, she is also currently the bread winner, I'm just her helper. She believes she will make enough this year to consider a factory new A/C, or at least one that was built in the last 10 years. It's hard for me to wrap my head around being able to afford that, but there is evidence that she may be right. She's already made more in 2021 than I took home as a lead mechanic for a medevac heli operation the last year I worked there.

I have learned to be flexible and resourceful in my 50 years of life. When life throws curves, I throttle trough them like a moto GP racer, or I make my own trail and cut through the switchbacks. If a plan sticks, I'll run with it. But I reserve the right to change or modify to suit the situation.

I like your last paragraph that’s what will get you into your airplane. The problem with your part of the state is there is a lot of wind and a tail wheel aircraft may keep you grounded for a few days at a time. On the other hand if you’re a tail wheel pilot you will not be satisfied with the 172 for very long. I fly my neighbors straight tail bushed out 59 172 that has a lot of cool mods but It’s still just another 172 and doesn’t do much for me. On the other hand I have a 49 170A model that puts a smile on my Face every time I fly it. It’s virtually the same airplane same engine same cruise speed but I just couldn’t see myself in a 172 I guess that’s why the last three airplanes I bought are all tail wheel airplanes.

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DavidB......in the business world I came from there was this adage.....Perfection is the executioner of Profitability.....or as the Marines say ...a good plan vigorously executed today beats a perfect plan tomorrow.....I’ve been through a Navion, 205, Pilatus P-3, Lance and now have a ‘56 182....I think I have it right for now...but accept that your missions will evolve ....you’re buying an airplane....not marrying one....there’s no stigma of failure if you sell it in a few years...good luck

Hi DavidB, sounds like your search may take you down the Maule road.
If so give me a call and at the least I can describe the 42 different models and what can be done with them.