First Airplane Recommendations

freightflyer

freightflyer

Filing Flight Plan
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Jan 27, 2022
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freightflyer
Hey All,

Considering purchasing my first airplane. For my anticipated mission (mainly recreational with myself and 1-2 others) I think a 172/182 would be perfect but obviously the prices have gotten pretty crazy. I wanted to see what alternatives to these staples you might recommend. Also, any tips on finding good deals outside of the typical classified websites?

Thank you in advance and looking forward to getting more active with this great community.
 
Welcome to PoA!

Lots of alternatives in the 4 seat category. The Grumman AA5 and Socata TB10 are some of the overlooked favorites. Obviously the many flavors of cherokees. We love spending other people's money, so if you tell us some specifics about your mission, preferences, and budget we can help.

There's lots of threads about buying your first plane as well, so if you do a little searching you might get some ideas.

As far as sources outside the known websites, it's all about networking. If you are interested is a particular model, join a type club. Most makes and some popular models will have forums and Facebook groups dedicated to their owners. For example I own a Piper PA32, which are hard to find if you're looking to buy one right now. On our Facebook group at least once a week, someone will post that they're thinking about selling. These planes never make it to the classified websites.

Another idea is joining your local EAA chapter and getting to know pilots in your area. As you get to know more people you'll hear about planes that might be coming up for sale, especially if people know you're looking. A&P mechanics also are often the first to hear that a plane might be up for sale soon, or know of one that doesn't fly much.
 
Any four place single will be good for what you describe. The best one for you is the one that’s the easiest to buy; see who’s selling at your intended home drome.
 
Thanks for the replies. Ill expand a little on what I'm looking for.

Use:
Mainly recreational trips around Florida/Southeastern US.
Carrying myself plus 2 (Weight of people and bag(s) - 650lbs
Ideally would like to find a 172/182 but very open to suggestions (180hp ideally)

Budget:
Would be a cash buyer and looking to keep it under 75k, but IDEALLY would like to find something in the 30-40k range and be able to do a little cosmetic/panel work to my liking.
 
I agree they do look a lot cooler. I would certainly entertain a cherokee 180, but cant the Bonanzas be pretty maintenance intensive? The older 35s look reasonable but I was reading about there not being a ruddervator skin replacement. Is that the reason for the lower entry cost?
 
thito01 said:
You quoted a sell offer from late 2020 and almost a year ago in early 2021. The last 12 months is where the prices have gone 'more' crazy.
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The upward trend in prices was already underway.

That plane was purchased at that price in June of 2021. I know because I bought it.

There are good buys out there if you’re patient and diligent.
 
freightflyer said:
would like to find a 172
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Please please please consider another aero-plane for your personal use. Why buy an overpriced, clapped out trainer for way more money than some of the ones folks mentioned above? Please. (I probably sound like a broken record with this one, but) - Would you buy a grown-up bicycle with training wheels attached? Same goes for buying a 172.
 
freightflyer said:
Thanks for the replies. Ill expand a little on what I'm looking for.

Use:
Mainly recreational trips around Florida/Southeastern US.
Carrying myself plus 2 (Weight of people and bag(s) - 650lbs
Ideally would like to find a 172/182 but very open to suggestions (180hp ideally)

Budget:
Would be a cash buyer and looking to keep it under 75k, but IDEALLY would like to find something in the 30-40k range and be able to do a little cosmetic/panel work to my liking.
Click to expand...
For your mission, I would consider a C177 Cardinal. Much more roomy than a 172. But doubt you will find one in the $30k range these days.
 
Since I wanted to use it to travel, I wanted speed and efficiency…my first (and last) plane is a Mooney.
 
Any of the AA5 series will do. You will be extra happy with your choice when it is miserably hot outside when you have the canopy open and the big fan out front is sucking all that hot air out of the cabin. In Florida/ the Southeast that is most days. Plus it's a Grumman.
 
Pietenpol. If ya need 4 seats, get two! D’oh!

Disclaimer, a Piet was my first plane. Not biased, really.
 
Lachlan said:
Buy your last airplane first.
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The most useful advice I've heard since "buy low, sell high". :rolleyes:

The only way to accomplish it is to limit yourself to only owning one airplane your whole life, even if/when your mission, skill level, or budget changes.
 
Salty said:
The most useful advice I've heard since "buy low, sell high". :rolleyes:

The only way to accomplish it is to limit yourself to one airplane, even if/when your mission, skill level, or budget changes.
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I find that statement "buy your last airplane first" silly...Some people really hate buying and selling. I've always taken my time and done well...so I enjoy the process, and when the mission/skill/budget changed, the airplane changed too.
 
Country Flier said:
I find that statement "buy your last airplane first" silly...Some people really hate buying and selling. I've always taken my time and done well...so I enjoy the process, and when the mission/skill/budget changed, the airplane changed too.
Click to expand...

Since you’re new here, the “buy your last airplane first” idiocy is an old PoA nugget of “wisdom,” along with “Bonanza,” “low wing,” and “don’t buy a 172 because they’re only trainers.” Have a nice day.
 
My want is a 206 on amphibs.
But not going to rush it, this over priced market will be short lived is my guess. Then I can buy my next plane at a more reasonable price. Not my first plane, or second, and who knows if it will be my last.

In the future OP you may end up in a TBM, King Air, or Gulfstream, and possibly decide that owning isn't for you, and have no plane at all. Don't worry about having to decide what will be your last plane, and buy it first. Nobody that I know personally who owns, is still in their first plane. My first was a Warrior, that was sold to a first time owner, who sold it to a first time owner.
If I win $50,000,000 in the lottery next week, then my decision will come down to do I order a brand new Caravan, or Kodiak.
 
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