Brand New Guy with a (maybe) Stupid Question

Depends on how many hours you fly to amortize the fixed costs. It costs me way more to own my airplane than it would to rent, but, well, so what. I like my airplane.

You won't find many taildraggers available to rent, so you may just have to suck it up and buy one. You can explain to the wife that you just didn't have any other choice... :wink2:

Valid point. I've had boats, and they lose value so fast you can almost hear it. How about airplanes? Do they hold their value, drop or appreciate over time? I realize there are probably variables, but assuming I keep up the maintenance, and it's in the same condition at sale, as it was when I bought it...
 
Take a discovery flight before you think about going right into training. You'll either love it or hate it.


I would submit NOT to make your decision based on that first flight alone...your body will hate the sensation, your brain will hate the "fluidity" of the situation...flying is something that gets more and more enjoyable the more you do it.
 
I would submit NOT to make your decision based on that first flight alone...your body will hate the sensation, your brain will hate the "fluidity" of the situation...flying is something that gets more and more enjoyable the more you do it.

We had very different first flights, if thats how yours was.
 
...Question: If, after I get the PPL, do you suppose the cost would be less to rent (assuming a Piper Pacer) for a year, or buy and then resell? Assuming I was to fly the Piper 2-3 times a month...

It's pretty unlikely that you will find a PA-20 for rent anywhere. Places that do rent tailwheel aircraft usually have a Citabria of one sort or another. The cost comparison between buying and renting depends on how much you fly, more flying favors the ownership side. Also, if maintained properly there is very little, if any, depreciation on a 50 or 60 year old airplane so you can pretty much rely on getting your initial investment back when you sell it.
 
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