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If you have no need to use the aircraft in a commercial role, experimentals are hard to beat. I have owned a variety of certified aircraft over the decades... a Champ, Citabria's, Scouts, 185s, a Viking, a C310... Most recently, I had a Grumman Tiger that I enjoyed a lot ('77 with orig...

Not to be argumentative but there were some pretty significant chemical and physical hurdles overcome in the Manhattan project. E.g., separating U235 from U238 in quantity, lensing/focusing shock waves with shaped explosives, etc. And done with early 1940's technology. But like you, I am...

On the other hand, pilot lost power at 800 ft and got it down with only minor injuries reported.

I agree. I think I will follow this advice. I'm in the same boat as the OP and have been waffling for a while. I have owned my RV for almost 3 years(150 hours) and really like the build quality and the engine. The panel is VFR only and dated. I have commercial/instrument and would like some...

What MauleSkinner said. I partnered with my brother on 6 aircraft over the decades. It worked quite well and we didn't have a written agreement. But if I were to do it again, I would want something in writing. Partnership definitely works to spread the fixed costs of ownership. And the...

Unfortunately, I think it is more likely that the ramp/landing fees go to the local FBO and our tax dollars- federal, state, county, and city... still pay for things like runway repair, lighting, instrument approaches, etc. To be honest, I would prefer NOT to have a fancy airport lounge with...

I agree. Nuclear energy should be a major component of our energy production infrastructure. You didn't even mention the biggest nuclear advantage: no carbon emissions. As you mention, breeder reactors can be very effective at reducing the amount of total nuclear waste, while producing power...

Yeah. Don't use instagram... :) Beautiful photo. That isn't your Beaver, by chance?

I disagree that STOL is stupid. It is just different than airport to airport flying. I grew up (and learned to fly) in Alaska. Moved to "the U.S." fairly recently (Colorado). In Alaska, many/most of the non-STOL aircraft we use in the lower 48 are just not that practical for most of the best...

Congratulations! That thing looks nice! Glad you got her home. I flew a Sundowner for a while years ago. Very solid aircraft. Comfortable cabin.

That is exciting! A 206 is pretty hard to beat. Truly amazing the load they will carry. Good luck. :)

Some partnerships work well... mine probably isn't a great example, but my twin brother talked me in to purchasing 50% of a Citabria with him. We were 17; he had just passed his PP checkride; I hadn't had a single lesson at the time. We co-owned aircraft, usually 2 at a time, for over 40...

I agree. The numbers are different today but PA-18s have always sold at a premium. I grew up and learned to fly in Alaska. I instructed folks in cubs and flew cubs owned by others. Always wanted one. They are just excellent bush planes on wheels, skis, or floats. But when I needed a small...

I have flown with Ryan Air and Grant Aviation many times. The Caravan is their primary workhorse for flights to smaller towns in Alaska. In recent years, Grant at least, has not allowed anyone in the copilot seat even with many passengers on standby. Interesting that the news reports seemed...

I picked up a 160hp RV9A (VFR panel) back in 2017. My home base is well above 7000 and I was looking for more high altitude performance than my Grumman Tiger. I have been very happy with the low maintenance costs, speed and economy. I have a fixed pitch cruise prop and see 150kts typical...

I agree with @Lindberg , as a beginner, there is too much to do at the last minute if you crab down final and switch to a slip in the flare. Until you are more comfortable, just keep the aircraft parallel with the runway using rudder, and keep it over the runway by lowering the upwind wing...

I think we all have different perspectives. That's why we discuss things. :) It's not so much the fee that bothered me (I have paid Atlantic's fees before, at KTEX), but the fact that I landed at a public airport that my tax dollars built and maintain, and a private company is charging me for...

Good arguments on both sides of this, I guess. But I definitely agree that private businesses(e.g. FBOs) should not be given full control of an entire publicly funded airport. I recently flew from Durango to Grand Junction with my son who was visiting. He wanted to do a quick landing at...

Yeah. Just saw a '79 model on Barnstormers with mid time engine and recent top overhaul for $129K....!? Whoa... The avionics were ok, but nothing spectacular. Hard to imagine it selling for anywhere near that. :)

For the OP's mission, based in the midwest, I agree that an older Grumman Tiger would probably work well. Low maintenance, reasonable economy and speed. I bought a '77 with mid-time engine and original (faded) paint 5 yrs ago for $30k. Sold it for $32k 2 yrs later. Not sure what the current...